Patent Grant
8342472
Exemplary embodiments are directed to hangers for supporting objects on a surface and, more particularly, to an adjustable wall hanger.
Conventional wall hangers exist in a wide array of designs ranging from a simple nails or screws to a robust hook system for supporting large, heavy objects. In general, a location for the object to hang on the wall is selected, the wall hanger installed, and the object supported from the wall hanger. Often times it is desirable to align the object with another object or with a feature on the wall. In such cases, it is necessary to accurately position the wall hanger. If out of position, the object will be out of alignment. If proper alignment is still desired, the wall hanger must be removed, the wall repaired, a new position selected, and the wall hanger re-installed. In certain instances, an object will be re-positioned several times before a desired final alignment is achieved.
An adjustable wall hanger includes a body including an outer edge that defines a web. An adjustment feature is formed in the web. The adjustment feature includes a plurality of adjustment zones that define a corresponding plurality of orientation positions for the body. The adjustable wall hanger being selectively positionable to support an object on a wall in one of the plurality of orientation positions.
A method of selectively adjustably supporting an object on a substrate includes mounting a support member relative to the substrate in a desired location, positioning a body of an adjustable wall hanger at the support member. The method further includes selectively arranging one of a plurality of adjustment zones formed in the body upon the support member to establish a desired orientation of the object.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the Figures:
Referring to
As best shown in
In the exemplary embodiment shown, adjustment feature 24 includes a plurality of adjustment zones 30-32 that define a corresponding plurality of distinct orientation positions 35-37 for body 10. As will be discussed more fully below, adjustment zones 30-32 are generally circular enabling body 10 to easily move into a selected one of the plurality of orientation positions 35-37. Of course while shown and described as being generally circular, adjustment zones 30-32 can take on a variety of forms. Adjustment zone 30 is connected or linked to adjustment zone 31 through a first connecting portion 40 having a first length. Similarly, adjustment zone 31 is linked to adjustment zone 32 through a second connecting portion 42 having a second length, and adjustment zone 32 is linked back to adjustment zone 30 through a third connecting portion 44, having a third length. Each of the first, second, and third connecting portions 40, 42, and 44 are generally linear, and the first, second, and third lengths are distinct thereby establishing the plurality of distinct orientation positions 35-37.
In further accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown, adjustable wall hanger 2 is configured to rest upon a pin or support member 49. Support member 49 includes a reduced diameter portion 52 configured to nest within adjustment zones 30-32 and a flange portion 54. A central bore 56 extends through flange portion 54 and reduced diameter portion 52. With this arrangement, an anchor (not shown) is installed into wall 6 and support member 49 is mounted by passing a fastener, such as a screw (also not shown), through central bore 56 to engage the anchor. Of course it should be understood that support member 49 can take on a variety of forms including both threaded and un-threaded fasteners and/or pins. Also, the particular method of mounting support member 49 to wall 6 is but one example and should not be considered to limit the scope of the claims.
Reference will now be made to
In the exemplary embodiment shown, adjustment feature 84 includes a plurality of adjustment zones 90-93 that define a corresponding plurality of distinct orientation positions 96-99 for body 70. In a manner similar to that described above, adjustment zones 90-93 are generally circular enabling body 70 to easily move into a selected one of the plurality of orientation positions 96-99. Of course while shown and described as being generally circular, adjustment zones 90-93 can take on a variety of forms. Adjustment zone 90 is connected or linked to adjustment zone 91 through a first connecting portion 106 having a first length. Similarly, adjustment zone 91 is linked to adjustment zone 92 through a second connecting portion 108 having a second length, adjustment zone 92 is linked to adjustment zone 93 through a third connecting portion 110, having a third length, and adjustment zone 93 is linked back to adjustment zone 90 through a fourth connecting portion 112, having a fourth length. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth connecting portions 106, 108, 110, and 112 are generally linear, and the first, second, third, and fourth lengths are distinct thereby establishing the plurality of distinct orientation positions 96-99.
In further accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown, adjustable wall hanger 68 is configured to rest upon a pin or support member 120. Support member 120 includes a reduced diameter portion 124 configured to nest within adjustment zones 90-93 and a flange portion 127. A central bore 130 extends through flange portion 127 and reduced diameter portion 124. In a manner similar to that described above, adjustable wall hanger 68 is mounted using a wall anchor (not shown) is installed into wall 6. Once installed, support member 120 is mounted to the anchor with a fastener such as a screw (also not shown). Of course it should be understood that support member 120 can take on a variety of forms including both threaded and un-threaded fasteners and/or pins. Also, the particular method of mounting support member 120 to wall 6 is but one example and should not be considered to limit the scope of the claims.
Reference will now be made to
In the exemplary embodiment shown, adjustment feature 158 includes a plurality of adjustment zones 164-171 that define a corresponding plurality of distinct orientation positions 176-183 for body 143. Adjustment zones 164-171 extend along a spiral-like path across web 154 and, in a manner similar to that described above, are generally circular enabling body 143 to easily move into a selected one of the plurality of orientation positions 176-183. Adjustment zones 164-171 are linked through a plurality of connecting portions 186-193 having varying lengths. In the exemplary embodiment shown, connecting portions 186-193 are generally angular surfaces that link adjustment zones 164-171. In a manner similar to that described above, adjustable wall hanger 140 is mounted using a support member (not shown).
Reference will now follow to
Finally it is to be understood while one or more embodiments have been shown and described, modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustrations and not limitation.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999961 | Colas | Aug 1911 | A |
| 1187787 | Seubert | Jun 1916 | A |
| 1959745 | Stout | May 1934 | A |
| 3330525 | Weinstein | Jul 1967 | A |
| D214590 | Corson | Jul 1969 | S |
| 3596392 | Vani | Aug 1971 | A |
| 4557457 | Cockfield et al. | Dec 1985 | A |
| 4572470 | Siffert | Feb 1986 | A |
| 4655351 | Walker | Apr 1987 | A |
| 4932146 | Long | Jun 1990 | A |
| 5100094 | Handwerger et al. | Mar 1992 | A |
| D337720 | Handwerger et al. | Jul 1993 | S |
| D341538 | Paul | Nov 1993 | S |
| D352233 | Le Gay | Nov 1994 | S |
| D441273 | O'Donnell et al. | May 2001 | S |
| 7654500 | Jump | Feb 2010 | B1 |
| 7913967 | Aleo | Mar 2011 | B1 |
| D637063 | Gaudron et al. | May 2011 | S |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20110192945 A1 | Aug 2011 | US |
