Technical Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a system for concealed reservoir systems with level adjustment, alignment, and leg positioning functions.

State of the Art of the Invention

The concealed reservoir configurations to which the toilets are connected have frame that differ according to the type of application. The wall has been raised to some extent using various building materials up to a certain level in installation applications where the concealed reservoir is completely embedded in the building wall. In other words, a space in the form of a wall niche where the reservoir system can be placed was prepared on the wall. The niche on the wall is approximately prepared according to the installation connection dimensions that the concealed reservoir system (CC) will provide for the toilet. The lightweight frame (3) concealed reservoir system (CC) is installed within this space by making all level and alignment adjustments. Afterwards, all spaces are filled with concrete mortar and the reservoir system (CC) is completely embedded in the wall.

There is no need to use a carrier/support leg (2) for these reservoir configurations placed inside the wall.

However, there are requests from the field to be able to install without creating an elevation where the reservoir system will sit at the bottom of the space prepared for the concealed reservoir on the wall in some field applications.

Support legs (2), which are generally made of galvanized iron sheet material and generally reinforced by making "U" shaped bends, are added to the concealed reservoir configurations within the wall in response to these demands. The support legs (2) added to the system enable the system to be positioned and aligned at a certain height within the wall without an elevation in which the concealed reservoir system can be placed in the space prepared in the wall.

The toilet connection dimensions determined by the standards must be provided according to the level of the finished floor (FF) during the installation of the reservoir. Fasteners, waste water, and clean water installation connections are provided by the reservoir system and comply with the measurement ranges determined by the standards for the installation of the toilet. The support legs added to the reservoir system are used to adjust these connections to a certain height according to level of the finished floor.

Connecting the support legs (2) added to the system on the toilet installation studs (F) is seen as a practical solution by the reservoir manufacturers in the applications of the known state of the art. There are approximately slot-shaped spaces on the support legs. Toilet installation studs (F) pass through the slot-shaped spaces of the support legs. The level adjustment of the concealed reservoir can be done thanks to the sliding positions of the legs. The installation and fixation of the support legs is carried out using installation elements such as nuts and washers.

However, this form of application brings with it some disadvantages:

- Increased wall plaster thickness: The minimum plaster thickness of the reservoir system installation application under normal conditions has been predetermined by the manufacturer. When the support legs (2) are installed on the studs (F), the wall plaster layer thickness increases equally after placing the reservoir system into the wall when the support leg (2), nut and washer thicknesses are added on the front surface of the concealed reservoir frame. The increase in the manufacturer’s predetermined minimum plaster thickness due to leg installation leads to a contradictory situation. The amount of consumables of the building application materials increases while the support legs are provided to assist the installation. - Loss of stud (F) height adjustment possibility: The toilet installation studs (F) of the reservoir system are screw threaded parts and are connected to a corresponding part (usually a nut) on the frame of the reservoir system. It is possible to adjust the length of the screw step by turning the studs. The length adjustment size of the stud is determined based on the characteristics of the connection system in which the toilet to be integrated into the system is housed. The connection of the support legs to the studs using nuts and washers eliminates the possibility of adjusting the length of the studs (F) after all the construction applications such as wall plaster and wall coating are completed. Because the rotation of the threaded studs around their respective axes is prevented by the fact that the support leg installation is rigid a nut connection. If the stud length is longer than necessary, it must be cut to bring it to the proper size. It is a greater problem that the stud length is shorter than the connection system on the toilet, and an additional repair time and additional costs may arise for the solution.

- Need for assistance in level adjustment and alignment: Concealed reservoir systems are generally lightweight and are technical products that only one employee can easily install. The nut adjustment and connection of the support legs require the assistance of a second employee while adjusting the reservoir system height and level. Adjustment and installation is possible without a second employee, but the work of the applying employee is more difficult and requires a longer installation time.

Examples of systems involved in the ordinary state of the art are patent/utility model applications EP1659229, DE20214759 (Ul), and 2016/10735.

Patent application EP 1659229 refers to a plumbing element installation leg having a supportable leg member connected to a hollow section. A clamping element is fixed at the opposite end of the hollow profile to the leg member for easy installation of the hollow frame according to the description of the application.

It is understood that the application TR 2016/10735 is related to the concealed reservoir frame leg system used in the carrier frames of concealed reservoirs and wall-hung toilets.

Problems Aimed To Be Solved By The Invention The invention (Al, A2) aims to eliminate the disadvantages of the known state of the art applications in supporting a concealed reservoir system (CC) suitable for in-wall installation with the legs (2):

- It is aimed to prevent the increase of wall plaster thickness thanks to the integration of the support legs (2) into the concealed reservoir system (CC) in appropriate positions.

- It is aimed to prevent the toilet installation deviations (F) from losing their height adjustment function after the installation of the support leg (2).

- The invention (Al, A2) aims to create a braking resistance that allows easy level adjustment during installation and to eliminate the fixing requirement by using the screw/bolt. The installation can be completed easily and in a short time without the need for the assistance of another employee in this way.

The invention (Al, A2) also aims to ensure that the connection position (Al or A2) of the support leg (2) can be easily changed, considering the possible different forms and uses of the wastewater installation pipe (P).

Figure 1 - Concealed reservoir system overview (Al connection position), perspective

Figure 2 - Concealed reservoir system overview (Al connection position), side view

Figure 3 - Concealed reservoir system overview (A2 connection position), perspective

Figure 4 - Concealed reservoir system overview (A2 connection position), side view

Figure 5 - Support leg bracket, perspective

Figure 6 - Support leg bracket, perspective

Figure 7 - Support leg bracket, section

Figure 8 - Support leg and bracket relationship, section

Figure 9 - Concealed reservoir frame, perspective, and detail view

Figure 10- Concealed reservoir frame support leg and bracket connection region, perspective detailed view

Figure 11- Al connection position of support leg and bracket with frame, perspective detailed view Figure 12- A2 connection position of support leg and bracket with frame, perspective detailed view

CC - Concealed reservoir system

F- Toilet installation studs

P - Wastewater installation pipe

M - Wall connection apparatus

S - Filler space

Al - Connection position where the support leg passes through the frame

A2 - Connection position where the support leg passes in front of the frame

1 - Support leg bracket

1.1. Installation extensions

1.2. Support leg passage space

1.3. Brake effect extension

1.3.1. Brake effect region

1.3.2. Contact pressure determination connection

1.4. Bracket internal space

2 - Support leg

2.1. Support leg ground extension

3 - Concealed reservoir frame

3.1. Bracket installation region

3.1. Al. Bracket connection spaces for the transition position of the support leg through the frame

3.1.A2. Bracket connection spaces for the passage position of the support leg in front of the frame

3.2. Support leg passage space through the frame

3.3. Frame wall connection extensions of the Invention The invention covers a system that allows easy level, alignment, and position adjustment of a concealed reservoir system (CC) configuration prepared for light frame-in-wall installation by using support legs (2) that step on the ground and options for use in different positions (Al, A2).

Hereinabove - as summarized in the explanations about the known state of the art, it is preferred that the support legs (2) are connected to the toilet installation studs (F) via nuts in order to make the level and alignment settings of the system in the light frame concealed reservoir applications. In fact, the support legs (2) do not have the duties and functions such as carrying the possible loads distributed to the system and wall and providing structural strength after the installation of the toilet is completed. The concealed reservoir system (CC) is embedded in the wall with concrete mortar and all loads are distributed to the carrier wall.

The basic function of the support legs (2) helps the employee who perform the application during the installation application until the level and alignment settings are made.

The actual connection relationship of the concealed reservoir system (CC) with the wall is realized through the wall connection extensions (3.3) and wall connection apparatus (M) of the frame after the level adjustment and alignment are completed. The reservoir is firmly installed onto the wall using bolts and dowels selected in accordance with the structure. Afterwards, all the spaces in the system and the wall are filled with concrete mortar. The wall connection extensions (3.3) of the frame are shown in the -closed- form in which the frame is produced and packaged within the scope of this document. The wall connection extensions (3.3) of the frame are opened by bending 90° sideways and made ready for installation before installation.

The support legs (2) are connected to the toilet installation studs (F) on the frame and are connected to the floor of the building with appropriate bolts and dowels in the applications of the known state of the art. However, the support legs (2) are not load-bearing components and help to make the level adjustment and alignment during the wall installation of the reservoir.

In-wall concealed reservoir configurations are installed and applied in a pre-prepared space within the wall. However, support legs (2) are needed to keep the system standing in the appropriate position in the space within the wall and to prepare it for installation when it is not preferred to prepare an elevation where the concealed reservoir system (CC) is to be placed in the wall.

The invention is a system developed by considering the actual use requirements of the support legs (2). The object is to ensure that the concealed reservoir system (CC), the frame wall connection extensions (3.3) and the wall connection apparatus (M), which are the relevant parts, can remain at a certain level and alignment until the bolt-dowel connection is made rigidly to the wall. In fact, it is not necessary to integrate the support legs (2) with a tight mechanical connection on the system.

The connection position (Al) through which the support leg passes through the frame and the connection position (A2) through which the support leg passes in front of the frame cover the support leg bracket (1) and the associated application forms that enable the level and alignment adjustment to be made quite easily by carrying the total weight of the concealed reservoir system (CC).

The invention’s concealed reservoir system (CC), in its most basic form, allows the support legs (2) added to the concealed reservoir system (CC) to be connected by being associated with the concealed reservoir frame (3) without being associated with the toilet installation studs (F) and the level adjustment to be made thanks to the sliding positions of the support legs (2) in this sense.

For this purpose, the concealed reservoir system (CC), which is the subject of the application, in its most basic form, includes the following;

• support legs (2) associated directly with the concealed reservoir frame (3),

• the support leg bracket (1), in a pre-set brake system structure, with at least one support leg passage space (1.2) through which the support leg (2) can be passed in its structure in order to ensure the movement of the support leg (2) in the axis of the concealed reservoir frame (3). The support leg bracket (1) is essentially a pre-set brake system. The support leg (2) is passed through a support leg passage space (1.2) suitable for the bending form (Figure 7, Figure 8).

The support leg bracket (1) accommodates a brake effect extension (1.3) positioned in a specific region of the support leg passage space (1.2) through which the support leg (2) passes.

The support leg bracket (1) is formed in a volume of approximately a rectangular prism in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Different shapes (cylindrical, hexagonal section, etc.) can be considered in accordance with the form of the support leg (2).

The support leg bracket (1) is made of plastic material (PP, PA, etc.) and and in the form of a single piece in the preferred embodiment of the invention. The brake effect extension (1.3) flexes to create a high contact pressure and frictional resistance on the support leg bracket (1) before the plastic structure reaches the permanent deformation limit. The contact pressure increases in the brake effect region (1.3.1) near the end of the stretching brake effect extension (1.3) and limits the forward and backward movements of the support leg (2) in the support leg bracket (1) to a certain extent (Figure 8).

The support leg bracket (2) and the support leg bracket (1) groups (the connection position (Al) through which the support leg passes through the frame or the connection position (A2) through which the support leg passes in front of the frame), which are preferably integrated in the concealed reservoir system (CC) in two positions (Figure 1, Figure 3), have the brake resistance to bear the total weight of the concealed reservoir system (CC). The brake effect extension (1.3) of the bracket will allow limited movements of the support leg (2) when a force large enough to overcome the brake resistance provided by the support leg brackets (1) to the support legs (2) is applied.

The concealed reservoir system (CC) can remain at the level where it is released on the support legs (2) thanks to the brake resistance provided by the support leg brackets (1). The employee performing the application will be able to adjust the level and alignment of the system by moving the concealed reservoir body up or down by pressing the support leg floor extensions (2.1) used in the installation of the support legs to the ground at the same time. The force exerted by the employee overcomes the brake resistance on the support leg (2) of the brake effect extension (1.3).

The brake resistance is provided by the contact pressure determination connections (1.3.2), which also provide the connection of the brake effect extension (1.3) in the internal space (1.4) of the bracket to the body structure of the bracket. It is possible for the brake effect to take place up to a certain upper limit of load with the structural features of the contact pressure determination connections (1.3.2) formed perpendicular to the brake effect extension (1.3).

The invention enables the integration of the group formed by the support leg bracket (1) and the support leg (2) into the concealed reservoir frame (3) in different positions:

The installation positions of the support legs (2) with an approximately "U" shaped bend and the concealed reservoir frame (3), both the connection position (Al) through which the support leg passes through the frame and the connection position (A2) through which the support leg passes in front of the frame are enabled. The installation extensions (1.1) of the support leg bracket (1) body provide the connection relationship with the bracket installation regions (3.1), which are preferably formed symmetrically on both sides of the frame.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, in the bracket installation region (3.1) of the concealed reservoir frame (3), there are both the bracket connection spaces (3.1. Al) for the transition position of the support leg through the frame and the bracket connection spaces (3.1.A2) for the transition position of the support leg in front of the the frame for the connection position (Al) through which the support leg passes through the frame and the connection position (A2) through which the support leg passes in front of the frame. These connection spaces (3.1.A2) are in the form of slots whose area geometry changes, where the bracket installation extensions (1.1) can be fixed with the click- fit connection. The fixation is completed when the installation extensions (1.1) of the bracket are passed through the part where the area of the bracket connection spaces (3.1. Al) for the passage position of the support leg through the frame and the bracket connection spaces (3.1.A2) for the passage position of the support leg in front of the frame is wide. The measurement tolerances of the connection relationship between the installation extensions (1.1) of the bracket and the sheet- metal material thickness of the concealed reservoir frame (3) prevent the spontaneous deterioration of the fixing relationship in the connection and provide sufficient tightness and rigidity.

Figure 11 and Figure 12 show the cases where the installations in the connection position (Al) through which the support leg passes through the frame and the connection position (A2) through which the support leg passes in front of the frame are realized.

Connection position (Al) through which the support leg passes through the frame (Figure 1, 2, 11):

The support leg (2) enters the filler space (S) volume of the concealed reservoir system and remains within the wall space volume prepared in accordance with the thickness of the concealed reservoir system (CC) structure in the connection position (Al). The support legs (2) do not form an additional thickness in front of the concealed reservoir frame (3) and allow the plaster thickness of the construction application to be applied to the optimum extent in this way.

The connection position (Al) through which the support leg passes through the frame is preferred for the connection of the support leg (2) in applications where the wastewater installation pipe (P) is to be integrated into the building installation in a vertical position to the ground plane. It should be possible to pass behind the support leg (2) in the applications where the wastewater installation pipe (P) will be integrated into the building installation in a approximately horizontal position according to the ground plane. A wastewater installation pipe (P) is represented, which can be connected approximately horizontally to the installation in Figure 2: Normally, the wastewater installation pipe (P) passes behind the support legs (2) in an approximately horizontal position.

When there is a need for approximately horizontal positioning of the wastewater installation pipe (P), but if the building installation is not fully formed in accordance with the concealed reservoir configuration or if it is necessary to use a physically different size of wastewater pipe according to the existing building installation needs, an application may not be possible for the wastewater installation pipe (P) to pass behind the support legs (2) connected in the connection position (Al) through which the support leg passes. The support legs (2) are placed in the connection position (A2) through which the support leg passes in front of the frame and the application is completed smoothly in this case.

The installation extensions (1.1) of the bracket are connected with the bracket connection spaces (3.1. Al) for the transition position of the support leg through the frame of the concealed reservoir frame (3) in the connection position (Al) through which the support leg passes through the frame (Figure 11). A support leg passage space through the frame (3.2) has been created for the support leg (2) in the frame for allowing the support leg (2) to pass into the filler space (S). The support leg passage space through the frame (3.2) is shaped in accordance with the cross-sectional geometry of the support leg (2).

Connection position (A2) through which the support leg passes in front of the frame (Figure 3, 4, 12):

It will be recommended to make the connections of the support leg (2) in the connection position (Al) where the support leg passes through the frame in the normal installation applications of the concealed reservoir system (CC) supported by the connection position (Al) where the support leg passes through the frame and the connection position (A2) where the support leg passes in front of the frame. However, - as outlined above - when a possible situation is encountered that it is not possible to use the connection position (Al) through which the support leg passes through the frame in terms of the installation connection, it should be connected in the connection position (A2) through which the support leg passes in front of the frame.

The installation extensions (1.1) of the bracket are connected with the bracket connection spaces (3.1.A2) for the passage position of the support leg in front of the frame in the connection position (A2) where the support leg passes in front of the frame (Figure 12). The support leg (2) is positioned in front of the concealed reservoir frame (3) as in the known state of the art applications. However, since installation elements such as nuts and washers are not used, they do not cause additional increase in plaster thickness. There is a "minimum measure of plaster thickness" proposed by concealed reservoir systems for building applications, which is actually related to the connections of the actuator mechanisms. The support legs (2) and the support leg brackets (1) connected in the connection position (A2) through which the support leg passes in front of the frame are sized to remain within this limit.

When any of the connection positions (Al) through which the support leg passes through the frame or the connection positions (A2) through which the support leg passes in front of the frame is preferred; the employee performing the installation application can make the level of the concealed reservoir system (CC) according to the standard installation connection dimensions and alignment settings such as parallelism/perpendicularity by pressing on the floor extensions (2.1) of the support legs alone and quite easily.

When the concealed reservoir system (CC) is released by making level and alignment adjustments, it remains on the support legs and in the position in which it is left. This is the expected result of the braking effect provided by the support leg brackets (1). The rigid installation of the concealed reservoir structure elements and bolted-doweled rigid installation should be carried out through the frame wall connection extensions (3.3) and the wall connection apparatus (M). The support legs complete their task by facilitating the installation preparation when the concealed reservoir system (CC) is connected to the wall.

Thanks to the connection position (Al) through which the support leg, passes through the frame and the connection position (A2) through which the support leg passes in front of the frame applications, which are in the scope of the invention, and contrary to the known state of the art applications; when the building applications such as plaster and wall coating are completed, the toilet installation studs (F) are free to adjust the length.

Alternative ways of carrying out the invention:

The support leg brackets (1) may be applied in the same bracket region (3.1) in the inner part of the frame, but also in a way that they can be connected internally with the side surfaces of the frame in an alternative application of the connection position (Al) through which the support leg of the invention passes through the frame. A different mechanical connection form can be preferred as an alternative to the connection relationship of the support leg bracket (1) and the concealed reservoir frame (3) in alternative embodiments of the invention:

- Performing screw/bolt/bolt-nut joints,

- Making pin/ring joints,

- Using a second fixing part that can create a connection and fixation relationship such as click- fit or snap-fit with some parts (such as installation extensions (1.1)) of the support leg bracket (1) that can be extended by passing through the concealed reservoir frame (3) can be considered. The support leg bracket (1) can be connected to the system not directly with the concealed reservoir frame (3), but with a second associated part in this case.

It may be preferred in an alternative embodiment of the invention that the bracket connection spaces (3.1. Al) for the transition position of the support leg through the frame in the bracket installation region (3.1) of the frame and the bracket connection spaces (3.1.A2) for the transition position of the support leg in front of the frame and the support leg passage space through the frame (3.2) may be formed on an adapter part made of plastic or metal material that is connected to the frame. The bracket (1) will have an installation relationship with this adapter part. Different connection positions of the support leg bracket (1), namely the connection position (Al) through which the support leg passes through the frame and the connection position (A2) through which the support leg passes in front of the frame will be provided by the adapter part.

The body structure of the support leg bracket (1) may be produced with a non-plastic material (for example, a metal alloy) and may be added to the bracket by being made of a plastic or metal material in such a way that it can serve as the brake effect extension (1.3) in an alternative embodiment of the invention.