VANITY ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A vanity assembly includes at least one vertically extending bracket having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall. A plurality of horizontally extending rails are coupled to the bracket, with the rails disposed forwardly of the rear surface of the bracket. A plurality of clips are coupled to the plurality of rails. In various embodiments, components such as front panels may be coupled to the clips. Other components such as front aprons and end panels may be coupled to the brackets. Locks may be provided to secure at least one of the front panels to the assembly. Various systems and methods of assembly and use are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a vanity assembly, and in particular to a wall mounted vanity assembly.

BACKGROUND

Restroom vanities in commercial spaces are often designed to meet ADA requirements. Restroom vanities are usually built of wood composite construction such as plywood or particle board, or from metal brackets with panels attached to said brackets. In the case of wood composite construction said vanities are generally expensive to make, and are usually constricted by the nature of, and inherent weakness of, the materials used. In both cases front access panels are typically attached to hide the plumbing, and are typically made removable for accessing said plumbing. In the case of metal brackets, attaching multiple panels on a predetermined layout is difficult, if not impossible, as the spacing of wall studs and plumbing dictates the location of brackets. Removing front panels for access to plumbing is usually through removing screws or other mechanical fasteners.

Some currently marketed brackets provide for attachment of panels directly to said brackets, as shown for example in U.S. D796,302 S, assigned to A & M Hardware Inc. Such brackets require attachment points at only the bracket, or are designed for those skilled in the art to build a structure of their own design using said brackets as a base as in the case of Rakks EH-1818-LV Vanity Support.

Often additional support is required due to the weight of, and rigidity required for, stone countertops. This additional support is obtained through the addition of L-shaped brackets, coupled to the framing of the structural wall, and protruding through the outer surface of said wall. After finishing and painting the restroom vanity is installed in such a way as to incorporate these supports. These additional supports are typically called “in-wall” supports, or “surface-mount” supports by those skilled in the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be considered to be a limitation on those claims.

In one aspect, one embodiment of a vanity assembly includes a plurality of vertically extending brackets having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall. A plurality of vertically spaced and horizontally extending rails are coupled to said brackets. A plurality of panel clips are coupled to said rails.

In another aspect, one embodiment of a vanity assembly includes a plurality of steel supports protruding perpendicular and horizontally from the wall, and a vertically extending bracket coupled to said steel supports at the forward most part of said steel support. A plurality of vertically spaced and horizontally extending rails are coupled to said brackets. A plurality of panel clips are coupled to said rails. In this embodiment said steel supports are typically installed prior to the outer surface of the structural wall being installed and finished.

In yet another aspect, one embodiment of a vanity assembly includes at least one vertically extending bracket having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall, and at least one steel support protruding perpendicular and horizontally from the wall with a vertically extending bracket having a side surface adapted to engage said steel support at the forward most part of said steel support. A plurality of vertically spaced and horizontally extending rails are coupled to said brackets. A plurality of panel clips are coupled to said rails.

In yet another aspect, one embodiment of a vanity assembly includes at least one vertically extending bracket having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall, and one vertically extending bracket adapted to engage a vertically extending surface perpendicular to aforementioned wall. A plurality of vertically spaced and horizontally extending rails are coupled to said brackets. A plurality of panel clips are coupled to said rails.

In yet another aspect, one embodiment of a vanity assembly includes two vertically extending brackets having a surface adapted to engage a vertical wall or vertical surface parallel to said brackets. A plurality of vertically spaced and horizontally extending rails are coupled to the brackets. A plurality of panel clips are coupled to the rails.

The various aspects and vanity assembly embodiments, and methods for the use thereof, provide significant advantages over other vanity assemblies. The clips allow for easy removal of the front panel allowing access to the plumbing behind said front panel. The rails are easily removable as well, allowing access to said plumbing behind said rails.

This present invention provides for each clip to be individually adjusted at any point along the rail. This allows for a plurality of front panels to be mounted at various intervals along the rails independent of the horizontal spacing of the brackets.

This present invention provides for cam locks or deadbolt locks inserted through the front panel and engaging the bracket at the rail aperture creating a secured front panel.

This present invention does not depend on stud locations for panel placement, thereby making it possible for unlimited panel configurations.

This present invention allows for flat-pack shipping to the jobsite and reduced installation times.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a front and left perspective view of one embodiment of vanity assembly with one front panel removed, one panel in front place, one end panel removed but in close proximity, one front apron removed but in close proximity, and a countertop with sink removed but in close proximity.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vanity assembly with all panels and countertop/sink removed.

FIG. 3 is a front and left perspective view of a left hand configuration of a bracket.

FIG. 4 is a front and left perspective view of a right hand configuration of a bracket.

FIG. 5 is a rear and left perspective view of a right hand configuration of a bracket.

FIG. 6 is a rear and left perspective view of a clip.

FIG. 7 is a front and left perspective enlarged and partial view of a right hand configuration of a bracket.

FIG. 8 is a rear and left perspective enlarged and partial view of a right hand configuration of a bracket and a rail coupled to the said bracket.

FIG. 9 is a front and left perspective enlarged and partial view of a left hand configuration of a bracket with rails coupled to said bracket and clips coupled to said rails.

FIG. 10 is a rear and left perspective view of a front panel with two clips coupled to said front panel.

FIG. 11 is a front and left perspective view of another embodiment of a bracket configured to be coupled to a square steel support, and said square steel support.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket coupled to a wall and two rails coupled to said bracket and a front panel with a clip removed but in close proximity to the bracket and rail assembly, and a front apron removed but in close proximity to said bracket.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket coupled to a wall and two rails coupled to said bracket and a clip coupled to said rails, and a front panel coupled to said clip, and a front apron coupled to said bracket.

FIG. 14 is a left perspective enlarged and partial view of a right hand configuration of a bracket and a rail coupled to said bracket and a front panel and clip assembly coupled to said rail and a cam lock mounted through said front panel with said cam lock engaged in the locking position with said bracket.

FIG. 15 is a front and left perspective view of another embodiment of a vanity assembly with all panels, countertop, and sink removed, and with yet another embodiment of a bracket coupled to an in-wall square tube bracket.

FIG. 16 is a front and left perspective view of another embodiment of a vanity assembly with one front panel, countertop, and sink removed but in close proximity, and one front panel with clips coupled to the bracket/rail assembly. This embodiment shows a bracket with a rear surface adapted to engage a rear wall, and a bracket with a side surface adapted to engage a parallel surface, such as an adjacent cabinet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As used herein, the term “plurality”, as used herein, means two or more. The term “coupled” means connected to or engaged with whether directly or indirectly, for example with an intervening member, and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent.

As used herein, the terms “rear”, “rearward”, or “rearwardly” refer to a location towards a wall, while the terms “front”, “forward”, or “forwardly” refer to a location away from the wall. Thus, the phrase “extending forwardly” refers to something going away from the wall, while the phrase “extending rearwardly” refers to something going toward the wall.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, brackets are shown mounted to a structural wall 1, defined as any architectural wall, whether permanent or temporary, or configured in a portable environment such as a mobile vehicle. In one embodiment, the wall is configured with interior studs or frame members and a substrate, such as drywall or wall board, applied thereto. The wall has an outer surface, which is typically finished with paint, wall paper or other covering.

Brackets:

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of brackets 5, 6, 7, are secured to the wall 1, for example with anchors or fasteners engaging the interior frame of the wall. In one embodiment, a plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending brackets 5, 6, 7 are provided, although it should be understood that a single bracket or more than three brackets may be used. In one embodiment, the brackets 5, 6, 7, are positioned about 32½″ about the floor. It should be understood that other heights, and horizontal spacing between said brackets may also be suitable.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 12 and 13, in one embodiment, each bracket has a rear surface 27 that engages the outer surface of the wall 1. Holes 42 are provided for screws or other anchors to secure said bracket to wall 1.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8, and in one embodiment, a bracket is formed by bending or welding to create flanges 25, thereby increasing the face width 18 of the bracket, and in turn allowing for an aperture 19 to be formed. Said aperture allows for a rail 8, 9, to be coupled to said bracket. A series of small holes 22 allows for fastening of said bracket to parallel surfaces such as structural walls, adjacent cabinets, or end panels, and larger pass-through holes 21 which are aligned with said small holes 22 allow for attachment from either left or right sides of said bracket, regardless of the handing of said bracket. Holes 23 at the face of said bracket allow for fastening of panels. Holes may be configured in other shapes besides round allowing for various coupling methods. The forwardmost surface 17 of said bracket allows for a front apron 13 to be coupled to said bracket by screws or other fasteners.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and in one embodiment, a bracket may be formed by bending or welding metal in a left-hand or right-hand configuration. The center is removed creating an irregular hole 20 allowing for plumbing to travel through the entire assembly. Tabs 35 are created at the forwardmost part of the aperture 19 assisting in the coupling of rails 8, and 9.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 15, 16, and in one embodiment, a bracket 46 is formed to couple to a support bracket 36 protruding from a structural wall 1, or to couple to a parallel surface, such as an adjacent cabinet 45 or structural wall running perpendicular to the rear structural wall 1.

Rails:

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, 9, 12, and 13, and in one embodiment, a plurality of rails 8, 9, are coupled to the brackets 5, 6, 7. The rails are disposed forwardly of the rear surface 27 of the brackets and the outer surface of the structural wall 1. The rails are formed in one embodiment as an elongated angle 8, 9, for example L-shaped, although it should be understood that rails may be formed and/or cut to various custom made shapes, for example a flat bar. Other shapes may also be suitable. In addition, separate rail modules can be mounted end-to-end to form an elongated rail.

Referring to FIG. 15, and in one embodiment, a plurality of rails 8, 9, are coupled to the brackets 5, 38, and 6. The rails are formed in one embodiment as an elongated angle 8, 9, for example L-shaped, although it should be understood that rails may be formed and/or cut to various custom made shapes, for example a flat bar. Other shapes may also be suitable. In addition, separate rail modules can be mounted end-to-end to form an elongated rail.

Referring to FIG. 16, and in one embodiment, a plurality of rails 8, 9, are coupled to the brackets 5, and 38. The rails are formed in one embodiment as an elongated angle 8, 9, for example L-shaped, although it should be understood that rails may be formed and/or cut to various custom made shapes, for example a flat bar. Other shapes may also be suitable. In addition, separate rail modules can be mounted end-to-end to form an elongated rail.

Panel Clips:

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, and in one embodiment, a clip 10 is formed as a stamped and bent steel shape creating a hook 36, and a slot 37, configured to couple to a rail 8, 9, although it should be understood that said clips may be formed and/or cut to various custom made shapes and may couple to said rails in other methods.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 9, 12, 13, 15, and 16, and in one embodiment, a plurality of clips 10 are coupled to rails 8, 9. Said clips are disposed forwardly of said rails, and the outer surface of the structural wall 1.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, in one embodiment a front panel 12 is coupled to the clip 10 through holes 38 in said clip 10 into the front panel 12. Said clip is disposed rearwardly of said front panel, and the outer surface of the structural wall 1.

Front Panel:

Referring to FIGS. 1, 6, 10, 12, 13, and 16, and in one embodiment, a front panel 12 is coupled to clips 10 with screws or other fasteners. Panel and clip assembly are then coupled to rails 8, 9. Said front panel is disposed forwardly of said clips and said rails.

Front Apron:

Referring to FIGS. 1, 12, and 13, and in one embodiment, a front apron 13 is able to be coupled to brackets with screws or other fasteners. Said front apron is disposed forwardly of said brackets, and the outer surface of the structural wall 1.

End Panel:

Referring to FIGS. 1, and 16, and in one embodiment, an end panel 14 is able to be coupled to the distal end of a vanity assembly by screws or other anchors through holes in the bracket.

Assembly:

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7, 12, 13, and 14, and in one embodiment, during assembly, as noted above, at least one or more brackets 5, 6, 7, are securely fixed to a structural wall 1. A plurality of rails 8, 9, are coupled to said brackets at aperture 19 configured to receive said rails 8, 9, with said rails being positioned to receive clips 10 previously assembled to panel 12 according to a predetermined layout or plan. Small notches 30 prevent said rails from rotating freely within said aperture 19. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, three brackets 5, 6, 7 are coupled by a pair of rails 8, 9. Clips 10 are coupled to front panel 12. Said clips 10 are then coupled to said rails 8, 9. A lock 34 is inserted through said front panel 12 and the bolt of said lock engages the aperture 19 of said bracket. The front apron 13 is coupled to the most forwardly surface 17 of the bracket by screws or other anchors through holes 23. The end panel 14 is coupled to the distal end of the vanity assembly by screws or other anchors through holes in the bracket. A countertop 3 and sink 4 may be coupled to the top surface of said brackets.

Referring to FIG. 15, and in another embodiment, during assembly, as noted above, a plurality of brackets 5, 6, are securely fixed to the structural wall 1, and another embodiment of a bracket 46 is secured to an in-wall support 36 protruding from the rear structural wall 1. A plurality of rails 8, 9 are then coupled to the brackets 5, 6, 38, at aperture 19 configured to receive said rails 8, 9, with the rails being positioned to receive the clips 10 assembled to the front panels 12 according to a predetermined layout or plan. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, two brackets 5, 6, are secured to the structural wall 1, for example with anchors or fasteners engaging the interior frame of said wall, and one bracket 46 is secured to an in-wall support 36 protruding from the surface of the structural wall 1. A plurality of rails 8, 9, are coupled at aperture 19 configured to receive the rails 8, 9. Clips 10 are coupled to said rails 8, 9. All panels have been removed in this example for clarity.

Referring to FIG. 16, and in one embodiment, during assembly, as noted above, a bracket 46 with a side surface adapted to engage a parallel surface is securely fixed to an adjacent cabinet at one end, and a bracket 5 with a rear surface adapted to engage a rear wall is securely fixed to a structural wall 1. A plurality of rails 8, 9, are then coupled to said brackets at aperture 19 configured to receive said rails 8, 9, with the rails being positioned to receive the clips 10 previously assembled to panel 12 according to a predetermined layout or plan. Small notches 30 prevent said rails from rotating freely within said aperture 19. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, a bracket 46 and a bracket 5 are coupled by a pair of rails 8, 9, with clips 10 coupled to panel 12. The clips 10 are coupled to both rails 8, 9. A lock 34 is inserted through said panel 12 and the bolt of said lock engages the opening 19 of a bracket 5. The end panel 14 is then coupled to the distal end of the vanity assembly by screws or other anchors through holes in the bracket. A countertop 3 and sink 4 may be coupled to the top surface of said brackets.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A vanity system comprising:

a vertically extending bracket having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall;

a horizontally extending rail coupled to said bracket; and

a clip coupled to said rail.

2. The vanity system of claim 1 wherein said bracket is formed to couple to said rail.

3. The vanity system of claim 1 wherein said bracket is formed to engage in-wall or surface-mount supports perpendicular to the wall.

4. The vanity system of claim 1 wherein said bracket is formed to engage the bolt of a lock.

5. The vanity system of claim 1 wherein said clip is infinitely adjustable along a length of said rail.

6. The vanity system of claim 1 wherein said rail is made of wood.

7. The vanity system of claim 1 wherein said rail is made of plastic.

8. A vanity system comprising:

a vertically extending bracket having a side surface adapted to engage a surface parallel to said bracket;

a horizontally extending rail coupled to said bracket; and

a clip coupled to said rail.

9. The vanity system of claim 8 wherein said bracket is formed to couple to said rail.

10. The vanity system of claim 8 wherein said bracket is formed to engage in-wall or surface-mount supports perpendicular to the wall.

11. The vanity system of claim 8 wherein said bracket is formed to engage the bolt of a lock.

12. The vanity system of claim 8 wherein said clip is infinitely adjustable along a length of said rail.

13. The vanity system of claim 8 wherein said rail is made of wood.

14. The vanity system of claim 8 wherein said rail is made of plastic.

15. A vanity system comprising:

a vertically extending bracket having a side surface adapted to engage a surface parallel to said bracket;

a vertically extending bracket having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall;

a horizontally extending rail coupled to said bracket; and

a clip coupled to said rail.

16. The vanity system of claim 15 wherein said brackets are formed to engage said rail.

17. The vanity system of claim 15 wherein said brackets are formed to engage in-wall or surface-mount supports perpendicular to the wall.

18. The vanity system of claim 15 wherein said brackets are formed to engage the bolt of a lock.

19. The vanity system of claim 15 wherein said clip is infinitely adjustable along a length of said rail.

20. The vanity system of claim 15 wherein said rail is made of wood.