Suction cup device

{
  "publication_number": "EP0836680A1",
  "country": "EP",
  "kind": "A1",
  "title": "Suction cup device",
  "abstract": "A suction cup device for gravitationally attaching objects to a smooth or polished surface, particularly on a grave. Said device for attaching objects (1) to a smooth or polished surface (2) combines a suction cup (3) having a sleeve and a fastening and locking means (4), with an object into the underside of which the suction cup and the suction cup sleeve (5) may be inserted by means of a bore (6) communicating with a substantially flattened concave recess (7) for housing said suction cup, the resulting assembly being gravitationally attached to a desired surface and secured thereto. Said device is generally suitable for attaching objects to a smooth or polished surface.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A device for attaching a heavy object to a smooth, flat surface, the device having at least one sucker (3) and an object (1) to be attached having at least one concave cavity (7) provided underneath the object (1) to be attached and of a shape matching the flattened shape of the sucker (3) and an orifice (6) passing through the object (1) from the concave cavity (7) to the opposing face; said sucker (3) being provided with a hollow sleeve and being inserted in the concave cavity (7) whilst the sleeve (5) is inserted in the orifice (6) provided in the object (1), characterised in that said sucker has joining means (4) for joining the object (1) to the sucker (3), an air-tight seal between the sucker (3) and the object (1) being produced by compressing the sleeve (5) of the sucker (3) in the orifice (6) of the object (1) by the use of joining means (4) locked by a locking and unlocking key (10); the unit comprising object-sucker-joining means (1, 3, 4) being attached to the flat surface (2) on the one hand by gravity when this unit is laid on the flat surface (2), air being expelled from the sucker (3), and on the other hand by the compression of the sleeve (5).",
    "2. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the object-sucker joining means consist of a threaded socket (8) placed in the sleeve (5) of the sucker (3), a flanged bolt (9) being placed in the socket which can be locked by means of the key (10).",
    "3. A device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the neck of the sleeve (5) of the sucker (3) has a sealing ring (11) providing a water-tight seal.",
    "4. A device as claimed in claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the sucker (3) is provided with an insulating membrane (13) to prevent any contact between the object (1) and the flat surface (2).",
    "5. A device as claimed in claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the key (10) enabling locking and unlocking is specific to each object (1)."
  ],
  "cpc": [
    "F16B 47/00"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "F16B 47/00"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "CHARPIN DOMINIQUE LOUIS"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "CHARPIN DOMINIQUE LOUIS"
  ],
  "filing_date": "1996-02-27",
  "publication_date": "1998-04-22",
  "priority_date": "1995-02-28",
  "application_number": "EP-96904909-A",
  "family_id": "26231796"
}