FR3139145A1 - Shower holder with effortless sliding adjustment - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a shower support (11) for supporting a shower head (1) with height adjustment on a shower rail (2), said shower support comprising in particular a flange (110) having an opening adapted for sliding along the shower bar (2), as well as a locking mechanism adapted to block or release this sliding. The locking mechanism includes a lever (13) coupled to a pressing element. The shower support is remarkable in that the lever is configurable between three positions: a neutral position placing the pressing element in a clamping position which blocks sliding, a raised position and a lowered position placing the pressing element in a position release which respectively allows sliding up or down; the neutral position being interposed between the raised position and the lowered position. Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

Shower bracket with effortless sliding adjustment

The invention relates to a shower support used to hold a shower head.

It relates more particularly to a shower support adjustable by sliding over all or part of the height of a vertical shower bar fixed to a wall.

The invention finds a preferred, and non-limiting, application in the field of sanitary articles for bathrooms.

As is known, shower brackets include a flange that works with a shower bar and is secured to a gripping element, most often in the form of a clamp, used to hold a shower head. To adapt to different user behaviors or sizes, the flange is generally adjustable in height by sliding on the shower bar.

Various solutions are proposed in the literature so that tightening/loosening of the flange can be implemented for its sliding and height adjustment on the shower bar.

In document FR2364641, the flange is tightened to the shower bar using a rotating handle forming a screw. While this mechanism is simple and practical, the question remains of the strength of the person who will screw the handle. An elderly person or a child may not fully screw the handle, implying that there is a risk that when using it, the shower support could slide back down the shower bar.

Documents FR2377184 and FR3103715 each propose a mechanism for tightening/loosening the flange based on the use of a push button, which can be activated in rotation or translation. To slide the shower support along the bar and adjust its height, the operating principle of these two mechanisms consists of pressing the push button while simultaneously raising or lowering the shower support. These mechanisms are certainly simpler and more practical than the one described above, and are more suitable for any type of user. However, and as indicated, two actions must be performed simultaneously (pressing the push button and manipulating the shower support) to achieve sliding, which in practice requires the use of both hands with a first hand pressing the push button and a second hand grasping the shower support to raise or lower it simultaneously.

The invention aims to address the problem of implementing effortless sliding of a shower support along a shower bar in order to adjust its height, by means of a shower support comprising a tightening/loosening mechanism, hereinafter called a locking mechanism, which is as ergonomic and easy to handle as possible.

An aim of the invention is to have a shower support which can be easily slid with an ergonomic action on the part of the user.

Another object of the invention is that the shower holder can be easily mounted/installed on the shower bar, and advantageously at low cost.

Thus, the invention provides a shower support for a shower head support with height adjustment on a shower bar, said shower support comprising at least:
- a flange with an opening suitable for sliding along the shower bar,
- a gripping element secured to the flange and adapted to receive and hold the shower head,
- a locking mechanism adapted to block/release the sliding of the flange along the shower bar, said locking mechanism comprising a lever coupled to a pressing element for moving said pressing element between a tightening position blocking the sliding, and a loosening position releasing the sliding,
the shower holder being characterized in that the locking mechanism is configurable between three configurations:
- a neutral configuration for which the lever is in a neutral position such that the pressing element is in its clamping position;
- a high configuration for which the lever is in a raised position such that the pressing element is in its released position allowing upward sliding; and
- a low configuration for which the lever is in a lowered position such that the pressing element is in its released position allowing downward sliding;
said neutral position being interposed between the raised position and the lowered position.

Thus, by raising or lowering the lever of the shower holder's locking mechanism, the user configures the locking mechanism into one of its three possible configurations, such as:
- when in its high or low configuration, the pressing element of the locking mechanism is released from the shower bar and the flange of the shower support can slide along the latter; and

- when in its neutral configuration, the pressure element tightens the shower bar and the flange is blocked/fixed at a certain height.

An advantage of the invention is that the lever is designed so that its actuation does not require gripping. Thus, the user does not need to grasp the lever to configure it in its high or low configuration. By exerting pressure on the top (respectively the bottom) of the lever, the user configures it in its low configuration (respectively its high configuration). By continuing to exert pressure on the lever, the user slides the flange along the shower bar, without the user needing to simultaneously manipulate/grasp the flange to raise or lower it.

This is why the neutral configuration is inserted between the high configuration and the low configuration.

More specifically, when the lever is in its neutral position and the shower flange is at a given height along the shower bar:
- the user lifts the lever to its raised position if he wishes to mount the flange. By lifting the lever and holding it in this position, the user configures the locking mechanism to its high configuration and slides the flange up the shower bar.

- the user lowers the lever to its lowered position if he wishes to lower the flange. By lowering the lever and holding it in this position, the user configures the locking mechanism to its low configuration and slides the flange towards the base of the shower bar.

Such a design achieves the desired goals of practicality and ergonomics: the clamp is adjustable in height simply by exerting pressure on the lever; and the action is ergonomic because it follows a reflection of the user such as: if he wants to raise or lower the clamp, he raises or lowers the lever, and if he wants to stop raising or lowering the clamp, he stops touching/operating the lever.

Advantageously, the invention is perfectly suited to elderly users, who may suffer from osteoarthritis, or even those who have had their preferred hand amputated.

According to a feature of the invention, the pressing element is deployed into the opening of the flange in the tightening position, and the pressing element is retracted out of the opening of the flange in the loosening position.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises at least one elastic return member urging the lever towards its neutral position.

To lock the shower flange at a new height, the user stops raising or lowering the lever, which then automatically returns to the neutral position under the effect of the elastic return member(s).

Advantageously, and thanks to such an elastic return member, the lever automatically returns to its neutral position and the flange is blocked at a given height of the shower bar as soon as the user stops raising or lowering the lever, thus meaning that the user himself does not have to raise the lever, if the lever is in its lowered position, or lower it, if it is in its raised position, to return it to its neutral position. The automatic return of the lever to its neutral position is therefore facilitated by the presence of the at least one elastic return member.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a cam-follower system coupling the lever to the pressing element.

Such a cam-follower system is particularly advantageous for providing all three configurations, the lever movements being converted by the cam-follower system into movements of the pressing element, with a certain up/down symmetry because the lifting of the lever and the lowering of the lever from the neutral position both provide an unlocking or loosening movement of the pressing element.

Advantageously, the cam-follower system ergonomically materializes the user's action such as:
- when the latter lifts the lever, that is to say makes it rotate in an upward direction relative to its neutral position, the pressure element loosens and the flange slides, that is to say translates, upwards along the shower bar.
- when the latter lowers the lever, that is to say makes it rotate in a lowering direction relative to its neutral position, the pressure element loosens and the flange slides, that is to say translates, downwards along the shower bar.

When the user releases the lever, the at least one elastic return member automatically returns the lever to its neutral position by rotating it in the opposite direction to the direction of raising or lowering.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the cam-follower system comprises:
- a cam secured to a shaft rotatably mounted on the flange along an axis of rotation, said shaft being rotationally secured to the lever, and
- a follower element integral with the pressure element;
wherein the cam and the follower element are in contact along a given cam surface to provide the three configurations of the locking mechanism.

In other words, the lever is coupled to a rotatably mounted shaft integral with the cam of the cam-follower system. It is this shaft that allows the lever to be manipulated in rotation, along its axis of rotation, in the direction of raising or lowering.

The pressing element, which allows the locking mechanism to be tightened or loosened, collaborates with the follower element of the cam-follower system. As a non-limiting example, the pressing element and the follower element are made in one piece, to form a single piece.

The rotation of the lever induces a rotation of the shaft and therefore of the cam with which it is secured. The rotation of the cam causes a rotation of the cam surface serving as contact between the cam and the follower element. The rotation of the cam surface causes a movement of the follower element which is reflected: on the pressing element, which is configured either in its clamping position or in its unclamping position; and by extension on the locking mechanism which is configured in one of its three possible configurations.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the cam surface has three distinct support zones:
- a neutral support zone associated with the neutral position of the lever, the follower element being in contact on said neutral support zone in the neutral configuration, said neutral support zone being located radially at a given clamping distance from the axis of rotation;
- a high support zone associated with the raised position of the lever, the follower element being in contact on said high support zone in the high configuration, said high support zone being located radially at a given loosening distance from the axis of rotation, said loosening distance being different from the tightening distance; and
- a low support zone associated with the lowered position of the lever, the follower element being in contact on said low support zone in the low configuration, said low support zone being located radially at the given release distance from the axis of rotation;
in which:
- lifting the lever from its neutral position to its raised position pivots the lever, the shaft and the cam in a first direction of rotation about the axis of rotation leading to the follower element passing from a contact on the neutral support zone to a contact on the high support zone; and
- lowering the lever from its neutral position to its lowered position causes the shaft and the cam to pivot in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, around the axis of rotation, causing the follower element to move from contact on the neutral support zone to contact on the low support zone.

In other words, and in connection with the previous point, the cam surface of the cam has three distinct support zones on which the follower element rests depending on the position of the lever.

When the lever is in its neutral position, the cam surface presses on a first support zone called the neutral support zone, located radially at a given clamping distance from the axis of rotation, such as the pressing element, which is integral with the follower element, either in its clamping position and the locking mechanism or in its neutral configuration.

When the lever is actuated by the user in rotation by being raised or lowered from its neutral position, the cam surface also pivots, about the axis of rotation, in a first or second direction of rotation corresponding to the direction of raising or lowering. The follower element then presses on a support zone different from the neutral support zone corresponding to a high support zone, if the lever is raised, or a low support zone, if the lever is lowered. In both cases, the support exerted by the follower element on these two support zones causes a positioning of the presser element in its release position, with the locking mechanism configuring itself in either its high or low configuration. The high and low support zones are located radially at the same distance from the axis of rotation, which is equal to a release distance.

When the user releases the lever, depending on whether it was raised or lowered, the cam surface pivots in the opposite direction causing the follower element to press again on the neutral support zone.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the follower element is movable in translation, integrally with the presser element, along a transverse axis, for example orthogonal to the axis of rotation.

In other words, when the lever moves from its neutral position to its raised or lowered position, the pivoting of the cam surface in the first or second direction of rotation induces a translation of the follower element in a first direction of translation along a transverse axis, causing it to press on the upper support zone or the lower support zone. Since the presser element is integral with the follower element, the presser element, which was in its clamping position, also undergoes the same translational movement, causing it to move into its unclamping position; it therefore no longer clamps the shower bar and the flange can slide along the latter.

When the lever returns to its neutral position, whether it has been raised or lowered, the pivoting of the cam surface in the opposite direction induces a translation of the follower element in a second translation direction opposite to the first translation direction, which will finally come to bear on the neutral support zone. The presser element also translates in this second translation direction, causing it to pass into its clamping position; it again clamps the shower bar with the flange fixed thereon at a given height.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the follower element forms a cassette provided with an orifice crossed by the shaft and the cam, so that the follower element has a rear wall against which the cam is in contact with the follower element, said cam thus being interposed between the rear wall and the pressing element along the transverse axis.

In other words, since the cam is in contact with the rear wall of the follower element, the pivoting of the cam/cam surface induces a translation of the rear wall of the cassette, and therefore of the entire cassette, in the first direction or the second direction of translation depending on the context; this including the pressure element which is included in the cassette, and which is arranged opposite the rear wall.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the tightening distance is less than the loosening distance.

The clamping distance is less than the loosening distance to allow translational movement in the first translational direction of the follower element/rear wall of the cassette, and thus move the pressure element from its clamping position to its loosening position.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the cam has a substantially rectangular section with two opposite longitudinal faces and two opposite lateral faces, the longitudinal faces defining a length and the lateral faces defining a width which is less than the length, and in which the neutral support zone of the cam corresponds to one of the two longitudinal faces, called the rear longitudinal face.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the high support zone and the low support zone of the cam surface correspond to two opposite corners connecting the rear longitudinal face to the two respective lateral faces.

In other words, the rear wall of the cassette is supported, when the lever is in the neutral position, against the rear longitudinal face of the cam which is substantially rectangular, i.e. comparable to a straight block. When the cam/cam surface pivots, in the first or second direction of rotation following the lifting (respectively the lowering) of the lever, the upper corner (respectively the lower corner) of the rear lateral face of the cam exerts a thrust on the upper part (respectively the lower part) of the rear wall of the cassette. It is these thrusts which cause a translation of the rear wall of the cassette, and therefore of the pressing element and of the entire cassette, in the first direction of translation.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the at least one elastic return member bears between the cam and the pressing element, while bearing on the other of the two longitudinal faces, called the front longitudinal face, of the cam, such that the at least one elastic return member is:
- in a resting configuration in the neutral position of the lever, and
- in a compressed configuration in the raised position and the lowered position of the lever.

Thus, when the user raises or lowers the lever from its neutral position, the cam, including its front longitudinal face, pivots. The cam remains pivoting as long as the user holds the lever. In this state, the cam then exerts a force on the at least one elastic return member which has the effect of compressing it.

When the user releases the lever, the cam no longer exerts force on the at least one elastic return member, which then returns to its rest configuration. As it rests on the front longitudinal face of the cam, the at least one elastic return member causes the cam, which rotates in the opposite direction to that of its previous pivoting, to return to its rest configuration.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the pressing element supports at least one support pad made of an elastomer or non-slip material.

Advantageously, the at least one support pad prevents the flange from sliding along the shower bar, even when the pressure element is in its clamping position.

According to a feature of the invention, the flange comprises a first flange element supporting the gripping element, and a second flange element detachably assembled on the first flange element and supporting the locking mechanism.

Advantageously, the flange is made up of two flange elements which fit together so that installing the flange on the shower bar is as simple, practical and ergonomic as possible.

The two flange elements are also shaped so that when working together, they form an opening through which the shower bar can pass.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the first flange element has an arch provided with two facing branches, and the second flange element is assembled between said two branches.

In a particular embodiment, to allow collaboration between the two flange elements, the first flange element has on each of its branches a coupling element, male or female, while the second flange element has on two of its facing walls two complementary coupling elements, female or male, in order to cooperate by complementarity of shape with the two coupling elements.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description below, of a non-limiting example of implementation, made with reference to the appended figures in which:

is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the shower holder, with its flange clamped at a certain height of the shower bar (the locking mechanism being in its neutral position), and the gripping element holding the shower head;

brings together two schematic perspective and exploded profile views, left profile and right profile, of the flange according to the first embodiment; the flange being in its views completely disassembled in order to illustrate all of the elements constituting it;

groups together schematic top views of the flange according to the first embodiment, each illustrating a configuration of the locking mechanism: the neutral configuration at the top left (with the lever in its neutral position); the high configuration at the top right (with the lever in its raised position); and the low configuration at the bottom (with the lever in its lowered position);

groups together two schematic profile views of the flange according to the first embodiment with the locking mechanism in its neutral configuration; the schematic profile view on the right, shown along the transverse section axis AA also indicated , showing in particular the cassette which contains the cam of substantially rectangular section and which is in contact with the follower element at the level of the neutral support zone, which neutral support zone corresponds to the rear longitudinal face of the cam, causing the pressing element to be in its clamping position;

groups together schematic profile views of the flange according to the first embodiment with the locking mechanism in its high configuration (top profile views) and in its low configuration (bottom profile view); the schematic profile view at the top right, respectively at the bottom right, shown along the transverse cutting axis BB, respectively the transverse cutting axis CC, also indicated , showing in particular the cassette which contains the cam in contact with the follower element at the level of the high neutral support zone, respectively the low neutral support zone, which high support zone, respectively low neutral support zone, corresponds to a corner connecting the rear longitudinal face of the cam to one of its lateral faces causing the presser element to be in its release position;

is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the shower bracket, with the flange clamped at a height of the shower bar (the locking mechanism being in its neutral position), and the gripping element holding the shower head;

groups together two schematic perspective views of the profile, left profile and right profile, of the flange according to the second embodiment; the flange being in its views completely disassembled in order to illustrate all of the elements constituting it;

groups together schematic top views of the flange according to the second embodiment, each illustrating a configuration of the locking mechanism: the neutral configuration at the top left (with the lever in its neutral position); the high configuration at the top right (with the lever in its raised position); and the low configuration at the bottom (with the lever in its lowered position);

groups together two schematic profile views of the flange according to the second embodiment with the locking mechanism in its neutral configuration; the schematic profile view on the right, shown along the transverse section axis DD also indicated , showing in particular the cassette which contains the cam of substantially rectangular section and which is in contact with the follower element at the level of the neutral support zone, which neutral support zone corresponds to the rear longitudinal face of the cam, causing the pressing element to be in its clamping position;

groups together schematic profile views of the flange according to the first embodiment with the locking mechanism in its high configuration (top profile views) and in its low configuration (bottom profile view); the schematic profile view at the top right, respectively at the bottom right, shown along the transverse cutting axis EE, respectively the transverse cutting axis FF, also indicated , showing in particular the cassette which contains the cam in contact with the follower element at the level of the high neutral support zone, respectively the low neutral support zone, which high support zone, respectively low neutral support zone, corresponds to a corner connecting the rear longitudinal face of the cam to one of its lateral faces, causing the pressing element to be in its release position.

[Detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention]

The shower support of the invention is manufacturable according to several embodiments, including a first embodiment of the shower support with the reference “11” illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, and a second embodiment of the shower support with the reference “21” illustrated in Figures 6 to 10.

In both embodiments, the shower support 11, 12 comprises: - a flange 110, 2100 having an opening suitable for sliding along a shower bar 2; and
- a gripping element 12, 22 secured to the flange 110, 2100 and adapted to receive and hold the shower head 1.

More specifically, the difference between these two embodiments relates to the design of the flange 110, 210. Thus, Figures 1 to 5, respectively Figures 6 to 10, refer to the flange 110, respectively the flange 210, designed and manufactured according to the first embodiment, respectively the second embodiment, among several possible ones.

In reference to the , 2, 6 and 7, the flange 110, 210 comprises two elements which can be assembled in a detachable manner, namely:
- a first flange element 111, 211 supporting the gripping element 12, 22, and
- a second flange element 112, 212 supporting a locking mechanism which comprises a cam-follower system for coupling a lever 13, 23 with a pressing element 141, 241 which intervenes in the tightening and loosening of the flange 110, 210 around the shower bar 2 for its maintenance or its sliding on the latter.

The first flange element 111, 211 has an arch provided with two facing branches, and the second flange element 112, 212 is assembled between said two branches.

The first flange element 111, 211 and the second flange element 112, 212 are shaped so that when in cooperation they form the opening through which the shower bar 2 can pass.

The cam follower system includes:
- a cam 16, 26 secured to a shaft 160, 260 rotatably mounted on the flange 110, 210 and arranged in the center thereof; the cam 16, 26 being in the embodiments presented of substantially rectangular shape and comparable to a straight block;
- a follower element 142, 242, which is integral with the pressure element 141, 241 and collaborates with it.

Non-limitingly, in the embodiments presented, the pressing element 141, 241 and the follower element 142, 242 are made in one piece, and correspond respectively to the front wall and the rear wall 143, 243 of a cassette 14, 24 (therefore meaning that the pressing element 141, 241 and the follower element 142, 242 are arranged opposite each other).

In the first embodiment, two of the facing side faces of the second flange element 112 each have an opening, one of the roles of which is to allow the insertion, inside, of the cassette 14. The front face of the second flange element 112 has two side-by-side openings coinciding with the location of support pads 9 supported by the pressing element 141 to prevent any sliding of the flange 110 along the shower bar 2, even when the pressing element 141 is resting on the latter and the flange 110 is tightened around it.

The openings in the two side faces of the second flange element 112 are shaped so that the rotatably mounted shaft 160 can laterally pass through both the second flange element 112 and the cassette 14, with the cam 16 disposed inside the cassette 14. The cam 16 is then interposed between the rear wall 143 and the pressing element 141, and is also in contact with the follower element 142 along a cam surface S which will be further specified later.

Each of the two branches of the first flange element 111 also comprises two orifices 113 such that they coincide with the openings of the lateral faces of the second flange element 112 and are shaped to hold one and the other of the two ends of the shaft 160 thus rotatably mounted in these two orifices 113.

As illustrated in the , the gripping element 12 and the lever 13, which has the shape of a handle, are both mounted in alignment with the two orifices 113. One of the two ends of the rotatably mounted shaft 160 is coupled to the lever 13, thus allowing the lever 13 to be manipulated in rotation about an axis of rotation R and thus to be raised or lowered to drive the shaft 160 and therefore the cam 16 in rotation.

In the second embodiment, with reference to the , the lever 23, which has the shape of a switch, is made up of two lever portions 230 of the same size, each having an outer end intended to be manipulated by the user, and an inner end having the shape of an L and provided with an orifice. When the two lever portions 23 are associated, the two inner ends form a U-shaped cavity whose width is shaped to adapt to the rear face of the cassette 24. Thus, the cassette 24 is inserted by its rear face into said U-shaped cavity.

As in the first embodiment, two of the facing side faces of the cassette 24 have an opening so that the rotatably mounted shaft 260 can pass laterally through the cassette 24, with the cam 26 positioned inside the cassette 24. The cam 26 is then interposed between the rear wall 243 and the pressing element 241, and is also in contact with the follower element 242 (corresponding here to the inside of the rear wall 243) along a cam surface S which will be further specified later.

Each of the orifices presented by the two lever portions 230 are shaped to collaborate, once the shaft 260 and the cam 26 are positioned in the cassette 24 and the rear face of this cam 26 is fitted into the U-shaped cavity formed by the two lever portions 230, with one of the two ends of the shaft 260 thus rotatably mounted in the flange 210. The rotatably mounted shaft 260 is then coupled with the lever 23 for rotational manipulation of the lever 23 and thus of the cam 26 along an axis of rotation R similarly to the first embodiment of the invention.

The second flange element 212 is also constituted by two symmetrical and geometrically identical portions of second flange element 213 having an external face and an internal face. The internal faces each have a U shape such that when the two internal faces of the two portions of second flange element 213 are brought together and associated, these internal faces delimit a cavity whose height corresponds to the height of the cassette 24; and the width corresponds to the width of the cassette 24 combined with the two portions of lever 13. Thus, the assembly formed by the lever 23, the rotatably mounted shaft 260 and the cassette 24 is held inside this cavity between the internal faces of these two portions of second flange element 213.

The first flange element 211 in this second embodiment also has the shape of an arch with two facing branches. The gripping element 22 is fixed on the external face of the rounding of the arch. Each of the two branches has an orifice shaped to collaborate with a complementary projection 214 that each of the two external faces of the two portions of the second flange element 213 has, thus allowing the two portions of the second flange element 212 to be held and collaborated, and therefore the assembly formed by the lever 23, the rotatably mounted shaft 260 and the cassette 24.

Finally, the front face of the cassette 24 has two openings arranged one above the other to coincide with the location of support pads 9 provided on the front wall of the cassette 24 which, as a reminder, forms the pressing element 241.

Regardless of the embodiment, by default, when the lever 13, 23 is not manipulated by the user, more precisely when the user does not exert pressure on it, the lever 13, 23 is in a horizontal neutral position. Inside the cassette 14, 24 is arranged at least one elastic return member 5 (two in the first embodiment, and one in the second embodiment) which is a compression spring and one of the ends of which comes to bear on one of the two longitudinal faces of the cam 16, 26 called the front longitudinal face; the other end of the spring 5 being in contact with the internal face of the front wall of the cassette 14, 24 (see Figures 4 and 5 for the first embodiment, and Figures 9 and 10 for the second embodiment), that is to say in contact with the pressing element 141, 241.

When the lever 13, 23 is in its neutral position, the at least one return member 5 is a configuration called the rest configuration. When the user presses on the top or bottom of the lever 13, 23 to raise or lower it, the lever 13, 23 pivots the rotatably mounted shaft 160, 260 in a direction of rotation: a first direction of rotation R1 during lifting; or a second direction of rotation R2 opposite the first direction of rotation R1 during lowering. In both cases, following the pivoting of the shaft 160, 260, the cam 16, 26 compresses the spring 5 (which is then in a compressed configuration). Then, when the user stops exerting his support, the cam 16, 26 no longer exerts force on the spring 5 which returns to its rest configuration and pivots the rotatably mounted shaft 160, 260 in a direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation R1 or to the second direction of rotation R2, automatically and without the slightest effort returning the lever 13, 23 to its neutral position.

In the following description, the operating principle of the locking mechanism of the shower support 11, 21 allowing the sliding or holding of the flange 110, 210 along the shower bar 2 is now explained.

The locking mechanism of the invention is configurable between three configurations:
- a neutral configuration CM for which the lever 13, 23 is in its neutral position, with the pressing element 141, 241 which is in its clamping position by being deployed in the opening of the flange 110, 210 causing the latter to be held at a fixed height on the shower bar 2;
- a high configuration CH when the user exerts pressure under the lever 13, 23; the lever 13, 23 thus passing from its neutral position to a raised position with a pivoting of the shaft 160, 260 in the first direction of rotation R1. The pressing element 141, 241 is then in a release position by being retracted out of the opening of the flange 110, 210; allowing an upward sliding of the flange 110, 210 along the shower bar 2;
- a high configuration CL when the user presses on the lever 13, 23; the lever 13, 23 thus passing from its neutral position to a lowered position with a pivoting of the shaft 160, 260 in the second direction of rotation R2. The pressing element 141, 241 is then in its release position, allowing the flange 110, 210 to slide downwards along the shower bar 2.

The three configurations are provided by the cam-follower system, which converts the movements of the lever 13, 23 into movements of the pressing element 141, 241.

As previously specified, the cam 16, 26 and the follower element 142, 242 are in contact via a cam surface S. The rotation of the lever 13, 23 induces a rotation of the shaft 160, 260 and therefore of the cam 16, 26 with which it is integral. The rotation of the cam 16, 26 causes a rotation of the cam surface S. The rotation of the cam surface S causes a translational movement in a translational direction of the follower element 142, 242, and consequently of the cassette 14, 24, along a transverse axis T, which is for example and in the embodiments presented orthogonal to the rotational axis R. The presser element 141, 241 corresponding to the front wall of the cassette 14, 24, it also moves in translation in the same translational direction to configure itself in its clamping position or in its unclamping position. By extension, the translational movement of the follower element 142, 242 is reflected on the locking mechanism which is configured in one of the three configurations mentioned above.

Referring to Figures 4, 5, 9 and 10, the cam surface S has different support zones depending on the configuration in which the locking mechanism is located: a neutral support zone ZM for the neutral configuration CM, a high support zone ZH for the high configuration CH, and a low support zone ZL for the low configuration CL.

The neutral support zone ZM for which the cam 16, 26 and the follower element 142, 242 are in contact corresponds to the rear longitudinal face of the cam 16, 26, which is located at a clamping distance ds from the axis of rotation R.

The high support zone ZH and the low support zone ZL correspond to two opposite corners connecting the rear longitudinal face of the cam 16, 26 to one of its two lateral faces. Thus, when the shaft 160, 260 and the cam surface S come to pivot in the first direction of rotation R1 during the lifting of the lever 13, 23 or in the second direction of rotation R2 following its lowering:
- one of the two corners of the rear lateral face of the cam 16, 26 exerts a thrust on the upper part or on the upper part of the rear wall 143, 243 of the cassette 14, 24, and therefore of the follower element 142, 242, inducing a translational movement, along the transverse axis T, in a first translational direction of the cassette 14, 24 in its entirety. In fact, these thrusts induce, still in the first translational direction, a translation of the pressing element 141, 241 which is positioned in its release position;
- the at least one elastic return member 5 passes from its rest configuration to its compressed configuration.

The high support zone ZH and the low support zone ZL are located radially at the same distance from the axis of rotation, which is equal to a release distance df.

The loosening distance df is greater than the clamping distance ds to allow the translational movement in the first translational direction of the follower element 142, 242, and thus to move the presser element 141, 241 from its clamping position to its loosening position, releasing the flange 110, 210 which can slide along the shower bar 2.

When the user no longer exerts pressure on the lever 13, 23, and as explained above, the cam 16, 26 no longer exerts force on the at least one elastic return member 5 which returns to its rest configuration. The shaft 160, 260 and the cam surface S then pivot in a direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation R1 or to the second direction of rotation R2, with the follower element passing from a contact on the high support zone ZH or the low support zone ZL to a contact on the neutral support zone ZM. This change of contact induces a translational movement of the follower element 142, 242, and therefore of the cassette 14, 24, following a second translational movement opposite in terms of direction to the first translational direction. The second translational movement has the effect of returning the pressing element 141, 241 to its clamping position, finally maintaining the flange 110, 210 at a fixed height of the shower bar 2.

Claims (14)

Shower holder (11, 21) for a support of a shower head (1) with height adjustment on a shower bar (2), said shower holder (11, 21) comprising at least:
- a flange (110, 210) having an opening suitable for sliding along the shower bar (2),
- a gripping element (12, 22) secured to the flange (110, 210) and adapted to receive and hold the shower head (1),
- a locking mechanism adapted to block/release the sliding of the flange (110, 210) along the shower bar (2), said locking mechanism comprising a lever (13, 23) coupled to a pressing element (141, 241) for moving said pressing element (141, 241) between a tightening position blocking the sliding, and a loosening position releasing the sliding,
the shower holder (11, 21) being characterized in that the locking mechanism is configurable between three configurations:
- a neutral configuration (CM) for which the lever (13, 23) is in a neutral position such that the pressing element (141, 241) is in its clamping position;
- a high configuration (CH) for which the lever (13, 23) is in a raised position such that the pressing element (141, 241) is in its released position allowing upward sliding; and
- a low configuration (CL) for which the lever (13, 23) is in a lowered position such that the pressing element (141, 241) is in its released position allowing downward sliding;
said neutral position being interposed between the raised position and the lowered position. Shower support (11, 21) according to claim 1, in which the locking mechanism comprises at least one elastic return member (5) urging the lever (13, 23) towards its neutral position. Shower holder (11, 21) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a cam-follower system coupling the lever (13, 23) to the pressing element (141, 241). Shower support (11, 21) according to claim 3, in which the cam-follower system comprises:
- a cam (16, 26) secured to a shaft (160, 260) rotatably mounted on the flange (110, 210) along an axis of rotation (R), said shaft (160, 260) being rotationally secured to the lever (13, 23), and
- a follower element (142, 242) integral with the presser element (141, 241);
wherein the cam (16, 26) and the follower element (142, 242) are in contact along a given cam surface (S) in order to provide the three configurations of the locking mechanism. Shower support (11, 21) according to claim 4, in which the cam surface (S) has three distinct support zones:
- a neutral support zone (ZM) associated with the neutral position of the lever (13, 23), the follower element (142, 242) being in contact on said neutral support zone (ZM) in the neutral configuration (CM), said neutral support zone (ZM) being located radially at a given clamping distance (ds) from the axis of rotation (R);
- a high support zone (ZH) associated with the raised position of the lever (13, 23), the follower element (142, 242) being in contact on said high support zone (ZH) in the high configuration (CH), said high support zone (ZH) being located radially at a given loosening distance (df) from the axis of rotation (R), said loosening distance (df) being different from the tightening distance (ds); and
- a low support zone (ZL) associated with the lowered position of the lever (13, 23), the follower element (142, 242) being in contact on said low support zone (ZL) in the low configuration (CL), said low support zone (ZL) being located radially at the given release distance (df) from the axis of rotation (R);
in which:
- lifting the lever (13, 23) from its neutral position to its raised position pivots the lever (13, 23), the shaft (160, 260) and the cam (16, 26) in a first direction of rotation (R1) about the axis of rotation (R) leading to the follower element (142, 242) passing from a contact on the neutral support zone (ZM) to a contact on the high support zone (ZH); and
- a lowering of the lever (13, 23) from its neutral position to its lowered position causes the shaft (160, 260) and the cam (16, 26) to pivot in a second direction of rotation (R2), opposite to the first direction of rotation (R1), around the axis of rotation (R) leading to the follower element (142, 242) passing from a contact on the neutral support zone (ZM) to a contact on the low support zone (ZL). Shower support (11, 21) according to claim 4 or 5, in which the follower element (142, 242) is movable in translation, integrally with the presser element (141, 241), along a transverse axis (T), for example orthogonal to the axis of rotation (R). Shower support (11, 21) according to claim 6, in which the follower element forms a cassette (14, 24) provided with an orifice crossed by the shaft and the cam (16, 26), so that the follower element (142, 242) has a rear wall (143, 243) against which the cam (16, 26) is in contact with the follower element (142, 242), said cam (16, 26) thus being interposed between the rear wall (143, 243) and the pressing element (141, 241) along the transverse axis (T). Shower bracket (11, 21) according to claims 5 and 7, wherein the clamping distance (ds) is less than the loosening distance (df). Shower support (11, 21) according to claim 8, in which the cam (16, 26) has a substantially rectangular section with two opposite longitudinal faces and two opposite lateral faces, the longitudinal faces defining a length and the lateral faces defining a width which is less than the length, and in which the neutral support zone (ZM) of the cam surface (S) corresponds to one of the two longitudinal faces, called the rear longitudinal face. Shower support (11, 21) according to claim 9, wherein the high support zone (ZH) and the low support zone (ZL) of the cam surface (S) correspond to two opposite corners connecting the rear longitudinal face to the two respective lateral faces. Shower support (11, 21) according to claim 2 in combination with claim 9 or 10, in which the at least one elastic return member (5) bears between the cam (16, 26) and the pressing element (141, 241), while bearing on the other of the two longitudinal faces, called the front longitudinal face, of the cam (16, 26), so that the at least one elastic return member (5) is:
- in a rest configuration in the neutral position of the lever (13, 23), and
- in a compressed configuration in the raised position and the lowered position of the lever (13, 23). Shower support (11, 21) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pressing element (141, 241) supports at least one support pad (9) made of an elastomeric or non-slip material. A shower bracket (11, 21) according to any preceding claim, wherein the flange (110, 210) comprises a first flange member (111, 211) supporting the gripping member (12, 22), and a second flange member (112, 212) releasably assembled to the first flange member (111, 211) and supporting the locking mechanism. Shower support (11, 21) according to claim 13, in which the first flange element (111, 211) has an arch provided with two facing branches, and the second flange element (112, 212) is assembled between said two branches.