Patent Application
20110101187
The present invention generally relates to holders, and more specifically, to an artwork holder with multiple mountings.
Typical art mounting methods using the same bracket allow only one or two mounting methods to the wall or glass.
As can be seen, there is a need for a holder for artwork with more than two mountings.
In one aspect of the present invention, a bracket for mounting on a surface and retaining a line includes: a projecting threaded boss having a center axis and a diameter, a first bore through the center axis, and a slot through the diameter adapted to retain the line; a support base having a second bore that is aligned with the first bore; a threaded end cap that threads onto the threaded boss adapted to retain the line on the threaded boss, the end cap having a third bore that is aligned with the first and second bores; and an attachment mechanism adapted to mount the bracket on the surface.
In another aspect of the present invention, a system for retaining an item utilizing a surface includes: a clip having a clip aperture, the clip adapted to retain the item; a line to pass through the clip aperture, the line having a first end and a second end; a first bracket having a first attachment mechanism to secure the first bracket to the surface, a first threaded projection with a first slot adapted to retain the first end of the line, and a first knob adapted to screw onto the first threaded projection and secure the line to the first threaded projection; and a second bracket having a second attachment mechanism to secure the second bracket to the surface, a second threaded projection with a second slot adapted to retain the second end of the line, and a second knob adapted to screw onto the second threaded projection and secure the line to the second threaded projection; wherein the first bracket and second bracket cooperate to attach the system to the surface and support the line so that the line retains the clip and the clip retains the item.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for retaining an item utilizing a surface, including: retaining the item with a clip; passing a line through an aperture of the clip; securing a first end of the line with a first bracket having a first threaded projection with a first slot to retain the first end of the line, and a first knob adapted to screw onto the first threaded projection and secure the line to the first threaded projection; securing a second end of the line with a second bracket having a second threaded projection with a second slot to retain the second end of the line, and a second knob adapted to screw onto the second threaded projection and secure the line to the second threaded projection; and mounting the first and second brackets to the surface; thereby retaining the item utilizing the surface
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention generally displays artwork using two wall brackets, clips and a line to which the clips are fastened
An embodiment of the present invention may include four different mounting options using the same bracket. In an embodiment, brackets may be mounted to the wall or glass using suction cups, screws, screws into a drywall anchor or adhesive tape. Nylon line may be run between two brackets and secured with knobs. The line may be cut to length using scissors. Clips may be secured to the line through holes in the clips.
An embodiment of a mounting bracket may include three plastic parts: the base that attaches to the wall or glass, the tension knob that secures the nylon line, and the bracket cover, which is decorative. Embodiments of each art clip may include three parts: two halves and a spring. The line that the art clips attach to may be nylon. An embodiment may include equipment for four methods of attachment of the brackets, such as two #10×2 inch screws, two draw wall anchors, two adhesive pads and two suction cups.
In an embodiment, two brackets are attached to the wall or glass up to 10 ft across using one of four options: screw in to wall stud, screw in to drywall anchor, suction cup or adhesive foam tape. After brackets are attached art clips are threaded on to the nylon line through the spring assembly hole in the clip. The nylon line is then placed into a slot on each bracket and secured with a tension knob. The line is stretched between the two brackets and cut to length using scissors. A decorative bracket cover is then snapped over the bracket.
In an embodiment, the brackets are secured using adhesive foam tape, screw to stud (such as a wood stud), screw to drywall anchor or suction cup to provide a base for attachment of the nylon line with art clips attached. The clips allow lightweight artwork to be hung from each clip.
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To make an embodiment, the wall mounting bracket, tension knob, decorative bracket cover and two halves or the art clips may be made from injection molded plastic. The spring that is attached to the art clips may be made from steel. The line that the art clips attach may be made from nylon.
To reconfigure an embodiment, the brackets may be attached to multiple surfaces using four attachment methods. They can be attached to glass, woodwork or smooth wall using the suction cups. Brackets can be attached to a smooth or rough surface using adhesive foam tape. Brackets can attach to a wall stud using a screw. Brackets can be attached to wallboard or drywall using a drywall anchor. An embodiment may include components for all four attachment methods with the product.
Embodiments may be used to display art, printed photography, paper, lightweight frames, lists and light weight curtains. Embodiments could be used as a drying device for photography, clothes or fruit.
An embodiment of the present invention includes an art holder system from which one can attach hanging pieces of art. It includes a pair of wall-mounted brackets with a line strung between the brackets. An embodiment provides multiple manners of attachment to a wall while maintaining a line attached to the bracket. The bracket may include a projecting threaded boss or tube that includes a bore or aperture through its center axis and a slot through the diameter of the threaded boss for retaining the line. The bracket also includes a support base with a second bore that is aligned with the first bore. A threaded end cap may be threaded onto the threaded boss for retaining the line onto the threaded boss. The end cap may also include a bore that is aligned with the first and second bores. In embodiments that include options for nailing, screwing, or anchoring a bracket onto a wall, the nail, screw or anchor may be passed through the bores and secured to the wall. Other embodiments may use a double-sided adhesive or a suction cup to stick the bracket support base to the wall.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
