Patent Application
20090071924
The present disclosure generally relates to a bracket, and more particularly, to a mounting bracket for a container of sheet products
Brackets are known that support various articles. For example, bracket-type hangers have been used to position a dispensing-type tissue box for accessible use. However, these prior art brackets have generally limited the orientation in which the sheet product can be dispensed.
Accordingly, a continual need exists for mounting brackets for containers of sheet products that allows sheet products to be dispensed in multiple orientations.
Disclosed herein are mounting brackets for containers, particularly mounting brackets for containers of sheet products.
In one embodiment, a mounting bracket for a container, comprises a skeletal frame work of wires forming a structure configured to removably receive the container, the structure having a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, a second end wall, and a bottom wall; a first mounting means in physical communication with at least one of the first side wall or the second side wall; and a second mounting means in physical communication with at least one of the first end wall or the second end wall, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are generally perpendicular to the first end wall and the second end wall.
In one embodiment, a mounting bracket for a container, comprises a skeletal frame work of wires forming a structure configured to removably receive the container, the structure having a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, a second end wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall each have a first height that is equal, the first end wall has a second height greater than the first height, and the second end wall has a third height greater than the second height, and wherein at least one of the first end wall and the second wall comprises an inwardly projecting portion.
In one embodiment, a mounting bracket for a container, comprises a structure configured to removably receive the container, the structure having a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, a second end wall, and a bottom wall, wherein: the first side wall and the second side wall are generally perpendicular to the first end wall and the second end wall; the first side wall and the second side wall each have a first height that is equal, the first end wall has a second height greater than the first height, and the second end wall has a third height greater than the second height; and at least one of the first end wall and the second wall comprises an inwardly projecting portion.
The above described and other features are exemplified by the following Figures and detailed description.
Referring to the exemplary drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:
Disclosed herein is a mounting bracket. While the mounting bracket is described in relation to a container of sheet products, it is to be understood that this disclosure can also apply to containers of other products. The term “sheet products” is inclusive of natural and/or synthetic cloth or paper sheets. Further, sheet products can include both woven and non-woven articles. Examples of sheet products include, but are not limited to, wipers, napkins, tissues, and towels.
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 10 comprises a skeletal frame work of wires 14 forming a basket-like structure. More particularly, the wires 14 form side walls 16, a first end wall 18, a second end wall 19 and a bottom wall 20. It is to be understood that the terms “side”, “end” and “bottom” are used merely for ease in discussion, with the understanding that side walls 16, first end wall 18, second end wall 19 and bottom wall 20 can generically be referred to as walls and the orientation of the mounting bracket 10 is not limited by these terms. For example, depending on how the mounting bracket 10 is mounted to a surface, a “side” wall can become an “end” wall and the like. The walls 16, 18, 19 and 20 define a cavity 22 for removably receiving the container 12. The exact shape of the mounting bracket 10 can vary depending on the container 12 employed. For example, the mounting bracket 10 can be rectangular (as illustrated), circular, square, and the like. Additionally, it is noted that in some embodiments, sheets (not shown) of material can be used to form one or more of the walls.
While walls 16, 18, 19 and 20 can have the same height, there may be advantages of having end walls greater in height that the side walls. For example in one embodiment, side walls 16 each have the same height, H1, while the first end wall 18 has a height H2 and end wall 19 has a height H3. As illustrated, H1 is less than H2, which is less than H3. The difference in heights can advantageously allow various sized containers to be removably received in the mounting bracket 10.
In one embodiment, end wall 19 comprises an inwardly projecting portion 24. The inwardly projecting portion 24 aids in retaining the container 12 in the mounting bracket 10. For example, the inwardly projecting portion 24 of end wall 19 can cause frictional engagement of the container 12 with end walls 18 and 19.
The mounting bracket 10 can comprise a mounting means 26 disposed in physical communication with at least two different walls. More particularly, the mounting means are disposed on walls that are generally perpendicular to each other. For example, as illustrated, mounting means can be disposed in physical communication with bottom wall 20 and end wall 19. By having the mounting means 26 positioned perpendicular to each other a number of dispensing options are enabled. For example, the mounting bracket 10 may be secured to either or both vertical and horizontal surfaces. This is an improvement over many prior art brackets that only allow for only one mounting configuration. Various orientations of the mounting bracket 10 with a container of sheet products are illustrated in
In one embodiment, the mounting means 26 comprises a mounting plate 28. The mounting plate 28 can be affixed to a surface by any suitable means such as glue, nails, screws, rivets, magnetic attachments, staples, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like. For example, in one embodiment, the mounting plate 28 optionally comprises at least one mounting hole 30 to accommodate screws or other suitable retainers (not shown) for securing the mounting bracket 10 to a surface.
The mounting bracket 10 can be molded as a single piece or could be formed as a plurality of pieces that are adhered (e.g., welded, glued, etc.) together for example. Suitable materials for the mounting bracket 10 include, but are not limited to, metals and plastics. Suitable plastics include a thermoplastic material, such as one that includes at least one of the following resins: acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins; polyacrylic resins; polycarbonate resins; polystyrene resins; and styrene-acrylic copolymer resins.
In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 10 is formed from a plurality of metal wires that are bent and formed together (e.g., by welding) to from a basket-like structure. The metal wires may be coated (e.g., zinc coated) or uncoated. When metal is employed, coating the metal can advantageously reduce corrosion. The gauge of the metal wire may vary depending on the desired application depending on, for example, the weight of the container 12, the environment in which the mounting bracket 10 is to be used (e.g., an office building versus a manufacturing facility), and the like. In one embodiment, the metal wire comprises 3 gauge steel wire.
In operation, the mounting bracket 10 provides a manner of affixing the container 12 to a vertical or horizontal surface (e.g., a wall, ceiling, and workbench) such that, when affixed the mounting bracket 10 allows hands-free dispensing from the container 12 of sheet products. In other words, a user need only pull the sheet product from the container 12 without having to touch or hold the container 12 itself.
Advantageously, the mounting bracket 10 is a relatively simple device that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture. The bracket additionally allows for multiple dispensing orientations, as well as providing flexibility in the containers shape and sizes that may be used.
While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
