Posted on August 10, 2022
Roper Rhodes worked with Abel + Imray to patent their innovative Secure-Fix Quick Release technology.
Press release from Roper Rhodes.
The humble toilet seat has seen little innovation over the last few years and none to address the aggravation of fitting quick-release seats which require dexterity and a keen eye to get the hinges positioned in exactly the right place for correct alignment. The process can add precious minutes to the end of a bathroom fit out. Roper Rhodes have addressed this issue with the launch of the Secure-Fix QR anchor design.
Efficient and simple installation
Having designed and fitted numerous WC seats, motivation for the technology came from within the Roper Rhodes design team. It was obvious that existing methods for WC installation were time-consuming, unreliable, and lacking in general, so sanitaryware designer Alex Greenough worked to create a solution- Secure-Fix QR.
The Secure-Fix QR fixing system is a unique, fully adjustable hinge technology which keeps the WC seat firmly in place at all times with the use of a choice of overlapping, yet discrete, fitting holes within each hinge anchor. An easy-to-use fitting template that keeps the anchor pins in place and separated by the correct distance during installation ensures the perfect WC seat fit.
As well as significantly speeding up and simplifying the installation process, this new system also removes the chances of post-installation movement so installers can fit and forget.
A patented technology
Roper Rhodes succeeded in obtaining a granted UK patent for the Secure-Fix QR. Following a rigorous examination by the UK Intellectual Property Office in Newport, the patent was granted on 9 March 2022 under patent number GB2586519B. Any third party making in the UK, selling in the UK and/or importing into the UK a quick-release toilet seat with hinge anchors having overlapping fixing holes like those of the Secure-Fix QR system (whether or not the system also incorporates the fitting template) will infringe that patent, unless they have a suitable licence from Roper Rhodes.
Abel + Imray a European firm of patent attorneys and trademark attorneys, and members both of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA), helped Roper Rhodes with preparing the patent application and securing the grant. In addition to obtaining valuable monopoly rights, and preventing others from utilizing the concept, the patent will allow Roper Rhodes to take advantage of the tax benefits provided by the UK patent box scheme.
An inventive step forward
Jim Pearson, the patent attorney at Abel + Imray who helped secure the patent (and member of CIPA) had the following to say,
The Secure-Fix QR fixing system does not involve complicated technology and might be considered as a relatively simple invention. However, the UK patent system is set up to allow companies to protect elegant, yet innovative, solutions such as these. A patent will be granted provided that it can be shown that the claimed invention has an inventive step (not necessarily an inventive leap) over what is disclosed in the public domain. Patents are not just the domain of the big tech companies protecting highly complex hardware and software but can also be used to great effect in protecting relatively simply mechanical and engineering solutions, including the likes of the humble toilet seat!
Rob Shean, Head of Product Development at Roper Rhodes added,
Having our Secure-Fix QR system patented is quite a defining moment for the design team and for the company overall and is a testament to our continuous investment into design vitality and product innovation. Abel + Imray were a great partner in guiding us through the process.
The Secure-Fix QR system is integrated into the Elite, Juno, and Neutron WC seat designs, as well as the brand’s traditional WC offering, and is available to retailers to order via the Roper Rhodes sales team.
About Roper Rhodes:
Roper Rhodes Ltd is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of bathroom furniture and bathroom products. Over forty years of experience goes into creating each and every one of our products. Functional, stylish and seamlessly put together, our range incorporates contemporary and classic designs. Our development programme ensures we are continually updating our product range to reflect changes in style and the needs of the user.
Designed by us, tailored by you.
