GB2558177A - Mounting assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A mounting assembly comprises a backing panel 2 having a plurality of sets of horizontally spaced mounting points 24. At least one pair of adjustable brackets 4 have first and second members 6, 8, at least one of the members being adjustably mounted on the mounting points 24 . Distal ends of the first and second members 6, 8 are provided with end faces parallel to one another with adjustment means for adjusting the horizontal position of the first and second members 6, 8 with respect to one another. A mounting structure is adapted to be secured to the backing panel 2.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Mounting assembly Abstract Title: A mounting assembly (57) A mounting assembly comprises a backing panel 2 having a plurality of sets of horizontally spaced mounting points 24. At least one pair of adjustable brackets 4 have first and second members 6, 8, at least one of the members being adjustably mounted on the mounting points 24 . Distal ends of the first and second members 6, 8 are provided with end faces parallel to one another with adjustment means for adjusting the horizontal position of the first and second members 6, 8 with respect to one another. A mounting structure is adapted to be secured to the backing panel 2.

This print incorporates corrections made under Section 117(1) of the Patents Act 1977.

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MOUNTING ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a mounting assembly for mounting a secondary structure to a primary structure, in particular a mounting assembly for supporting the secondary structure upon the primary structure.

It is sometimes desirable or necessary to mount a secondary structure onto a primary structure such as cabinet or case that is already installed in location. This extra structure may be required to support more equipment that cannot be accommodated in the primary structure or for some other reason needs to be kept apart from the contents of the primary structure.

The secondary structure could for example comprise a cabinet provided with its own access doors.

The primary structure could be used in an indoor environment or in external environments. Such cabinets are to be found on streets or roadsides, railway lines or other similar types of environment and frequently house electrical equipment. From time to time it is found necessary to increase the amount of equipment or provide additional functions. However, for a number of reasons it may not be possible or even desirable to accommodate such additional equipment in the original structure, so a second cabinet is mounted on the first cabinet.

A particular advantage of mounting the second cabinet or structure on the first is that there is no need to provide extra or new foundations to support the combined structure - so saving time and cost in installation.

Conventionally, the second structure or cabinet is mounted by securing means passing through an external wall of the first cabinet. However, it is not always desirable or safe to make holes in the external walls of the already installed cabinets. For example, where the existing installation including electrical apparatus, there is a danger that not only may the cabinet and electrical apparatus be damaged, but that damage to the electrical apparatus poses a health risk to the person installing the cabinet. Further, there is often a requirement that the electrical equipment in the existing structure is electrically isolated from its surroundings, in such instances making holes in the external walls of the already installed structure, is forbidden.

The present invention includes a method of mounting a secondary structure on a primary structure in a manner which does not require holes to be made in the external walls of the cabinet and so overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a mounting assembly comprises a backing panel having a plurality of sets of horizontally spaced mounting points; at least one pair of adjustable brackets having first and second members, at least one of the members being adjustably mounted on the mounting points, distal ends of the first and second members being provided with end faces parallel to one another, adjustment means for adjusting the horizontal position of the first and second members with respect to one another, and a mounting structure adapted to be secured to the backing panel.

Preferably, the mounting structure comprises a support panel, in which the backing panel is provided with upper and lower mounting means and the support panel is provided with a plurality of securing points and upper and lower securing means to cooperate with the upper and lower mounting means of the backing panel. More preferably, the upper mounting means comprises a tongue engaging a lip of the upper securing means.

Preferably, the distal ends of the first and second members extend to a rear of the backing panel.

Preferably, the adjustment means are located at proximal ends of the first and second members.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second members is provided with a slot to permit movement of said member with respect to the mounting point.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second members is mounted on a pair of mounting points and is provided with a pair of slots to permit movement of said member with respect to the pair of mounting points.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided in combination a primary structure having first and second parallel sides, a mounting assembly according to the first aspect of the invention in which the or each pair of adjustable brackets have been adjusted such that the first and second sides of the primary structure are clamped between the proximal ends of the first and second members at least one pair of adjustable brackets and a secondary structure mounted upon the mounting structure.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of mounting a secondary structure to a primary structure having first and second parallel sides utilising the mounting assembly of the first aspect of the invention comprises the steps of: locating the backing panel against a surface of the primary structure between the first and second parallel sides of the primary structure adjusting one or more sets of the first and second members such that the first and second sides of the primary structure are clamped between the distal ends of the first and second members and mounting the secondary structure to the mounting structure.

Preferably, a quantity of adhesive is provided between a rear of backing panel and the surface of the primary structure between the first and second parallel sides prior to location of the backing panel with respect to the primary structure.

Preferably the mounting structure is located with respect to the backing plate after locating the backing panel against a surface of the primary structure between the first and second parallel sides of the primary structure.

Alternatively the mounting structure is securely located with respect to the backing panel prior to locating the backing panel against a surface of the primary structure between the first and second parallel sides of the primary structure.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, in relation to the attached Figures, in which

Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded view of components of a secondary structure including a mounting assembly in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a primary structure to which a mounting structure in accordance with the present invention has been secured;

Figure 2A shows an enlarged detail of Figure 2;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a backing panel for use in the present invention; Figure 3A shows a side view of the backing panel of Figure 3A;

Figure 4A shows a perspective view of a first bracket member for use in the present invention;

Figure 4B shows a section through the bracket of Figure 4A;

Figure 4C shows a side view of the bracket of Figure 4A;

Figure 4D shows an end view of the bracket of Figure 4A;

Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a second bracket member for use in the present invention;

Figure 5B shows a section through the bracket of Figure 5A;

Figure 5C shows a side view of the bracket of Figure 5A;

Figure 5D shows an end view of the bracket of Figure 5A;

Figure 6A shows a perspective view of a support plate for use in the present invention; Figure 6B shows a side view of the support plate of Figure 6A; and Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a primary structure to which a mounting structure in accordance with the present invention has been secured together with a secondary structure for securing to the mounting structure.

Referring first to Figures 1, 2 and 2A, there can be seen components of a mounting assembly in accordance with the present invention together with a secondary structure 20 (Figure 1) and a primary structure 10 (Figures 2, 2A).

The mounting assembly comprises a backing panel 2 (shown in more detail in Figures 3A and 3B), at least one pair of adjustable brackets 4 having first and second members 6,8 (shown in more detail in Figures 4A to 4D and 5A to 5D respectively), adjustment means for adjusting the horizontal position of the first and second members 6,8 with respect to one another; and a support plate 12 (shown in more detail in Figures 6A and 6B).

The backing panel 2 comprises a generally planar major surface having a front face 22. In the illustrated embodiment the major surface is planar. In alternative embodiments, the backing panel 2 may be shaped to conform to the primary structure to which it is to be secured. The major surface is provided with plurality of sets of horizontally spaced mounting points 24. In the illustrated embodiment three sets of mounting points 24 are shown. Greater or fewer sets may be provided. In the illustrated embodiments, each set of horizontally spaced mounting points 24 comprises four such mounting points. At least two such mounting points 24 are required, more may be provided. In the illustrated embodiments the mounting points 24 are provided in the form of screw threaded studs extending from the front face 22 of the backing panel. It will be understood that other forms of mounting point may be used.

A number of through bores 27 may optionally be provided in the major surface of the backing panel 2.

An upper region of the backing panel 2 is provided with an upper mounting means 26. In the illustrated embodiment this extends across the top of the of the backing panel and comprises a forwardly extending portion 28 extending at one end from the top of the backing panel and extending at the other end with an upwardly extending flange 30. The forwardly extending portion 28 is optionally provided with a number of through bores 32.

A lower region of the backing panel is provided with a lower mounting means 34. In the illustrated embodiment this extends across the bottom of the of the backing panel 2 and comprises a forwardly extending flange 36 extending from the bottom of the backing panel 2. The flange 36 is optionally provided with a number of through bores 38.

As may be seen from Figure 1 at least one pair of adjustable brackets 4 having first and second members 6,8 are provided. A first bracket member 6 is shown in Figures 4A to 4D.

The first bracket member 6 comprises a generally elongate potion 42 having a fowardly directed flange 46 at a first end and a rearwardly directed flange 50 at a second end. At least one elongate opening 44 is provided in the generally elongate portion 42. In the illustrated embodiments two such openings are provided. Reinforcement webs 48 are preferably provided at the upper and lower regions of the bracket member 6 adjacent the forwardly directed flange 46 at the second end of the bracket member 6. The reinforcement webs 48 may be secured by any suitable means, for example by welding. A through opening 52 is provided in the forwardly directed flange 46. The through opening is optionally provided with a screw thread.

A second bracket member 8 is shown in Figures 5A to 5D. The second bracket member is broadly similar in construction to the first bracket member and comprises a generally elongate potion 54 having a forwardly directed flange 58 at a first end and a rearwardly directed flange 60 at a second end. At least one elongate opening 56 is provided in the generally elongate portion 54. In the illustrated embodiments two such openings are provided. Reinforcement webs 62 are preferably provided at the upper and lower regions of the bracket member 8 adjacent the forwardly directed flange 58 at the second end of the bracket member 8. Again, the reinforcement webs 62 may be secured by any suitable means, for example by welding. A through opening (not shown) is provided in the forwardly directed flange 58. The through opening is optionally provided with a screw thread. However, for the second bracket member 8 a nut 66 having a screw threaded bore 64 is secured to the forwardly directed flange 58 in alignment with the opening. The nut 66 may be secured in position by any suitable means, for example by welding.

A mounting structure for use in the present invention in the form of a support plate 12 is shown in Figures 6A and 6B. The support plate 12 comprises a generally planar major surface 70. The major surface 70 of the support plate 12 is provided with a number of openings 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings define a three horizontal webs 74,76,78 (upper, lower and intermediate) and three vertical webs 80,82,84 (left, right and central).

The major surface 70 is conveniently provided with a number of through bores 86. The through bores may optionally be provided with a screw thread.

An upper region of the support plate 12 is provided with an upper securing means 88. In the illustrated embodiment this extends across the top of the of the support plate 12 and comprises a rearwardly extending portion 90 extending at one end from the top of the support plate and extending at the other end with a downwardly extending flange 92. The flange 92 is optionally provided with a number of through bores 94.

A lower region of the support plate 12 is provided with a lower securing means 96. In the illustrated embodiment this extends across the bottom of the of the support plate and comprises a rearwardly extending flange 98 extending from the bottom of the support plate 12. The flange is preferably provided with a number threaded bushes 99. Alternatively, other elements such as studs or rivets may be provided

The support plate 12 further comprises rearwardly directed right and left hand side flanges 100,102. The side flanges 100,102 extend substantially along the sides of the support plate 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the side flanges 100,102 extend from adjacent the lower region of the support plate 12 to short of the upper securing means 88 provided at the upper region of the support plate 12. It can be seen that in the illustrated embodiment a vertical gap is provided between the rearwardly extending flange 98 extending from the bottom of the support plate and the side flanges 100,102.

A second embodiment of a mounting structure and backing plate for use in the present invention are illustrated in Figure 2A. Like reference numerals are used for like parts. It can be seen that the backing plate 2 of Figure 2A comprises a generally planar portion with a single set of four horizontally spaced mounting points 24. Again, the mounting points 24 are provided in the form of screw threaded studs extending from the front face of the backing plate 2. It will be understood that other forms of mounting point may be used. A single set of first and second bracket members 6,8 are mounted on the mounting points as described below.

The mounting structure comprises upper and lower mounting elements 110,112. These mounting elements are shown by way of example, other mounting elements may be provided for. The mounting elements 110,112 may be secured to the backing plate 2 in any suitable manner, for example by welding.

The lower mounting element 110 is generally C shaped having left and right hand flanges 120,122 extending forwardly of a central portion 124. Each of the flanges 120,122 is provided with a through bore through which a threaded fastener 126,128 may be secured.

The upper mounting element 112 comprises a generally C shaped first part having left and right hand flanges 130,132 extending forwardly of a central portion 134. Each of the flanges 130,132 is provided with a through bore through which a threaded fastener 136,138 may be secured. The first part of the upper mounting element also comprises one or more horizontally spaced mounting points 140 (two are shown in the illustrated embodiment). The mounting points preferably take the form of screw threaded studs. The upper mounting element 112 further comprises a second part 142 mounted on the mounting points 140. The second part of the upper mounting element 112 comprises a generally vertical central region bounded at the upper and lower edges by generally horizontal webs, each of the webs being provided at a free end with a generally vertical flange. The generally vertical region is provided with openings allowing mounting of the second part of the upper mounting element on the mounting points 140 of the first part. The second part is conveniently secured in place by the use of screw threaded nuts.

Use of the mounting assembly in accordance with the present assembly will now be described first in relation to securing a secondary structure in the form of a cabinet 20 to a primary structure 10 having first and second parallel sides 14,16 extending away from an intermediate surface 18.

The backing panel 2 is first located in position against the intermediate surface 16, for example by hand. It has been found useful to supplement this step by having adhesive between a rear of the backing panel 2 and the intermediate surface 18.

For each set of horizontal mounting points 24 one of a first and second bracket member pair 6,8 is located over the left hand mounting point(s) and the other of one of the first and second bracket member pair 6,8 is located over the right hand mounting point(s). In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 2A, a first bracket member 6 is located on the right hand mounting points, while a second bracket member 8 is located on the left hand mounting points. The first and second bracket members 6,8 are mounted so that the forwardly extending ends 46,58 are adjacent.

It can be seen that the elongate openings 44,56 allow passage of the mounting points 24 and for the first and second bracket members 6,8 to be moved horizontally with respect to the mounting points 24 and each other. Usefully the first and second bracket members 6,8 may be located in position over the mounting points 24 prior to location of the backing panel 2 against the primary structure 10. Further, the first and second bracket members 6,8 can be retained on the mounting points prior to location of the backing panel against the primary structure, for example by screwing nuts 25 on the free ends of the mounting points. Other means of retaining the first and second bracket members 6,8 may be utilised.

It will be seen that the rearwardly extending ends 50,60 of the first and second bracket members 6,8 extend behind the backing panel 2 and understood that with the backing panel 2 against the intermediate surface 18 the rearwardly extending ends 50,60 extend to the sides of the first and second parallel sides 14,16 of the primary structure 10. In order to draw the first and second bracket members 6,8 toward one another an adjustment means in the form of a bolt 40 having a head and a threaded shaft is introduced between the proximal forward facing ends 46,58 of the first and second bracket members 6,8. A free end of the bolt shaft is introduced though the opening 52 in the second end of the first bracket member 6 and through the opening in the second end of the second bracket member 8 to engage the bore 64 of nut 66 and by tightening of the bolt 40 with the nut 66 draw the first and second bracket members 6,8 together. As the first and second bracket members 6,8 are drawn together the first ends 50,60 of the first and second bracket members 6,8 will approach and then clamp against the first and second parallel sides 14,16 of the primary structure 10.

Any other suitable adjustment means may be used.

This process is repeated as needed until all of the pairs of adjustable brackets 4 are clamped to the first and second parallel sides 14,16 of the primary structure 10. In this way the backing panel 2 is secured to the primary structure 10.

The support plate 12 may be incorporated into a secondary structure 20 prior to location on the backing panel 2 or have a secondary structure 20 secured thereto once the support plate 12 is secured to the backing panel 2.

The support plate 12 is secured to the backing panel 2 by engagement of the respective upper securing means 88 and upper mounting means 26. The upper securing means 88 is hooked over the upstanding flange 30 of the upper mounting means 26 and the lower securing means 96 sits on top of the forward facing flange 36 of the lower mounting means 34. In other words, a tongue in the form of upstanding flange 30 is retained within a lip formed by the rearwardly extending portion 90 and flange 92 of the upper securing means 80. Preferably bores of the threaded bushings 99 are aligned with the through bores 38 allowing the use of a threaded fattener to locate the lower securing means and the lower mounting means with respect to one another.

In a less preferred alternative embodiment frictional engagement between the lower flange of the backing panel and the lower flange of the support plate may serve to locate the lower securing means and the lower mounting means with respect to one another.

Preferably the side flanges of the support plate extend to cover the clamps to obscure the rear of the brackets, thereby avoiding tampering.

It can be seen that with the support plate 12 in position, the upper, intermediate and lower webs 74,76,78 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 are formed so as to prevent access to the pairs of adjustable brackets 4. In this embodiment, prior to fitting of the support plate 76 to the backing panel 2 headed fasteners 104 such as bolts are passed from the rear of the support plate 12 in order to secure mounting means 106 to the front of the support plate. With the support plate 12 in position, the heads of these fasteners 104 are retained between the backing panel 2 and the support plate 12.

With the secondary structure of the cabinet in place, it may be desirable to provide to provide cabling to the cabinet. In such a case, the cabling must be shrouded to protect against tampering. The present invention may also be used to secure secondary structure such as this beneath the cabinet.

As illustrated in Figures 2, 2A and 7 the second embodiment of the mounting structure and backing plate are secured against the intermediate surface 16 in a similar manner to the first embodiment, in that the backing panel 2 is first located in position against the intermediate surface 16, and then by tightening the adjustment means in the form of the bolt 40, the first ends 50,60 of the first and second bracket members 6,8 are drawn together to clamp against the first and second parallel sides 14,16 of the primary structure 10 to secure the backing plate against the primary structure 10. A secondary structure in the form of a surround 21 in position, for example by use of the threaded fasteners 126,128,136,128 of the upper and lower mounting elements 110,112.

In a less preferred embodiment (not shown) one of the first and second members 6,8 may be fixed in relationship to the backing panel 2, with the other of the first and second members 6,8 being adjustable to adjust the relative horizontal position of the first and second members 6,8.

In an alternative, less preferred embodiment (not shown) at least one intermediate member is provided on the backing panel 2 between the first and second members 6,8, such that each of the first and second members 6,8 are adjusted with respect to the intermediate member to draw the distal ends 50,60 of the first and second members 6,8 together.

Claims (13)

1 A mounting assembly comprising a backing panel having a plurality of sets of horizontally spaced mounting points; at least one pair of adjustable brackets having first and second members, at least one of the members being adjustably mounted on the mounting points, distal ends of the first and second members being provided with end faces parallel to one another, adjustment means for adjusting the horizontal position of the first and second members with respect to one another, and a mounting structure adapted to be secured to the backing panel.

2 A mounting assembly according to claim 1, in which the mounting structure comprises a support panel, in which the backing panel is provided with upper and lower mounting means and the support panel is provided with a plurality of securing points and upper and lower securing means to cooperate with the upper and lower mounting means of the backing panel.

3 A mounting assembly according to claim 2 in which the upper mounting means comprises a tongue engaging a lip of the upper securing means.

4 A mounting assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the distal ends of the first and second members extend to a rear of the backing panel.

5 A mounting assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, in which the adjustment means are located at proximal ends of the first and second members.

6 A mounting assembly according to any of claims 1 to 5, in which at least one of the first and second members is provided with a slot to permit movement of said member with respect to the mounting point.

7 A mounting assembly according to any of claims 1 to 6, in which at least one of the first and second members is mounted on a pair of mounting points and is provided with a pair of slots to permit movement of said member with respect to the pair of mounting points.

8 In combination a primary structure having first and second parallel sides, a mounting assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7 in which the or each pair of adjustable brackets have been adjusted such that the first and second sides of the primary structure are clamped between the proximal ends of the first and second members at least one pair of adjustable brackets and a secondary structure mounted upon the mounting structure.

9 A method of mounting a secondary structure to a primary structure having first and second parallel sides utilising a mounting assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7 comprising the steps of:

locating the backing panel against a surface of the primary structure between the first and second parallel sides of the primary structure adjusting one or more sets of the first and second members such that the first and second sides of the primary structure are clamped between the distal ends of the first and second members and mounting the secondary structure to the mounting structure.

10 A method according to claim 9, in which a quantity of adhesive is provided between a rear of backing panel and the surface of the primary structure between the first and second parallel sides prior to location of the backing panel with respect to the primary structure.

11 A method according to claim 9 or claim 10, in which the mounting structure is located with respect to the backing plate after locating the backing panel against a surface of the primary structure between the first and second parallel sides of the primary structure.

12 A method according to claim 9 or claim 10, in which the mounting structure is securely located with respect to the backing panel prior to locating the backing panel against a surface of the primary structure between the first and second parallel sides of the primary structure.

13 A mounting assembly substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying Figures.

Intellectual

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Office

Application No: GB1611528.9 Examiner: Peter Macey