Patent Application
20220042535
The UMBRELLA ANCHORING SYSTEM is a mechanical device for various fields of technology to be enumerated later in this document.
The UMBRELLA ANCHORING SYSTEM has never been used or available publicly, sold, patented, or included in any publication. I, James E Martorelli, am the sole inventor Provisional Patent: Jul. 2, 2019 APP. NOS. 62/869/796. Patent Search: Legal Zoom 63030528.
There was a problem for installers when wallpapering a ceiling. How can one support a whole roll of wallpaper overhead while using two hands to install? How can that weight be transfered to another location quickly and safely?
The problem with the anchoring of attachments into a hollow back surfaces (HBS), like a ceiling, is that the anchor may secure an attachment but is unable to be removed, relocated and reused. Few, if any, fasteners and anchors are able to quickly move and re-anchor in another location in hollow back surfaces (HBS), such as drywall or pegboard walls and ceilings, while holding attachments.
The solution that has been adopted, generally, for securing or suspending attachments from HBS have been a two part system featuring an anchoring portion with a conventional fastening member, like a screw or bolt. Plastic anchors often break, disintegrate after one use. There are others that, after passing through an entry hole in the HBS, expand a portion of the anchoring member or deform it so as to provide a truss-like arrangement preventing its passing back through said entry hole. A toggle bolt may be strong enough to hold an attachment yet, when moved, the anchoring part disappears behind the hollow surface and must be replaced. Typical such fastening members are described in the patent art, exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,295,734. 3,431,813. 4,009,634. and 4,500,238 among others. In pegboard walls, the most common anchor moves quickly and supports weight but is useless for ceilings. U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,128 Massey
Though there are numerous hollow wall anchors and fasteners known, there is still a need for one that satisfies the shortcomings of the above mentioned problems specifically, being movable, multi-directional and dual functioning, namely, to secure attachments to a hollow backed surface (HBS), and suspend attachments from a hollow back surface (HBS), keeping the ability to quickly transfer the attachments and re-anchor them in another location. That need was expressed in Provisional Patent: Jul. 2, 2019 No. 62/869/796.
The determination of the material used for the tube, and thus its ribs, depends on its purpose. Factors like strength, speed of release, springback properties, and surface friction must be considered.
The UAS will suspend an attachment from an entry hole in a HBS. When a threaded rod or machine screw is rotated into the GUIDE, down through the ribs and through the SLIDE, an attachment that is equipped with a post of the same thread size, such as a hook, can be suspended from an HBS. The GUIDE of the UAS starting the penetration into the entry hole of the HBS and the SLIDE stopping entry of the UAS into the entry hole of the HBS.
The UAS will also secure attachments to an HBS when a threaded rod, or screw, is inserted into the SLIDE, down through the tube ribs and removably secured into the GUIDE. Attachments can be placed along the shaft, on the distal end or in front of the screw head, as well as between the SLIDE section of the UAS and the outside surface of he HBS.
The GUIDE section is drawn toward the SLIDE section slowly by rotating the threaded rod through the GUIDE section or quickly by sliding the SLIDE section up the shaft toward the GUIDE section leaving an elongated shaft and the screw head. Attachments can be placed along said shaft, between the screw head and the SLIDE. To secure them, draw them together by rotating the screw head into the GUIDE.
Inside the entry hole, the tube ribs will collapse radially with respect to the screw shaft axis when the GUIDE moves lineally toward to the SLIDE creating the umbrella like ANCHOR section having a larger diameter than the entry hole prevent passage back.
To remove, the UAS is closed or flattened by moving the SLIDE and the GUIDE away from each other, flattening the umbrella ANCHOR section and allowing the UAS passage back through the entry hole.
Besides being movable and able to both suspend and secure attachments, the UAS has the advantage of staying on the screw shaft when its being removed and relocated.
Surface damage is also minimized since the UAS works lineally by compressing attachments together along the screw shaft.
Another advantage over other fasteners and anchors may be in manufacturing and marketing. The part and material options are versatile expanding ideas for design, strength, springback, transfer speed and other purposes.
Inside the entry hole, the tube ribs will collapse radially with respect to the screw shaft axis when the GUIDE moves lineally toward to the SLIDE creating the umbrella like ANCHOR section having a larger diameter than the entry hole prevent passage back.
To remove, the UAS is closed or flattened by moving the SLIDE and the GUIDE away from each other, flattening the umbrella ANCHOR section and allowing the UAS passage back through the entry hole.
Besides being movable and able to both suspend and secure attachments, the UAS has the advantage of staying on the screw shaft when its being removed and relocated.
Surface damage is also minimized since the UAS works lineally by compressing attachments together along the screw shaft.
Another advantage over other fasteners and anchors may be in manufacturing and marketing. The part and material options are versatile expanding ideas for design, strength, springback, transfer speed and other purposes.
The component parts each have a place and function as shown in
The UAS of
Second, the GUIDE (10) of the UAS is made by permanently affixing a rivet nut(4) into the top end of the tube(3c). The GUIDE (10) becomes the track for the threads of a screw (5) or threaded rod. The GUIDE (10) is the spearhead that starts the penetration of the UAS into the entry hole(15) of the HBS(13).
From
Last, the ANCHOR tube(3b) of the UAS is made by slicing longitudinally through the exterior surface of the tube(3)'s midsection in a number of places between the tube(3a) and the tube(3c) with a into hollow center forming The ANCHOR tube(3b) comprised of tube ribs(7) shown in
The tube(3) material determines springback potential, entry hole size, and relative strength of the splash(14) to support weight as seen in
From
In
Another advantage of the UAS is the possibilites for the aesthetic design when considering washer and tube material. Color, shape, texture. among other features can make the UAS a more functional and attractive feature.
The UAS can be attached to any length of screw(5) or threaded rod that has distal end(6) threads appropriate for the GUIDE(10) track. The screw(5) can be totally or partially threaded for other designs and functions, like hooks.
In the SECURE MODE of
Looking at
The material of the rivet nut(4) can also be important since its dimensions will determine diameter of the entry hole(15). When manufacturing and engineering design possibilities are explored, factors, like tube(3) dimensions, conductivity for electrical connections or protection from damage when the UAS is driven into a surface making its own entry hole(15), may open other ways the UAS can be adapted into other fields.
The SLIDE (9) has as its main function to be the stopping point when the UAS penetrates through the entry hole(15) into the HBS(13). In conjunction with GUIDE (10), the SLIDE(9) determines the location on the screw head(8), its screw shaft(5), or distal end(6) where an attachment will be placed as seen in
The SLIDE(9) moves up and down the screw(5) shaft. The more friction the SLIDE(9) presents on the shaft, the more likely it is to stay at a certain location. There are times when an clamp or stopper(16) is necessary to facilitate some friction on the screw shaft for locating purposes as in
The material choices for the tube(3a) and the SLIDE(9) as well as the number and location of the tube ribs (7), determine friction and stopping points along the screw shaft(5). For instance, a rubber shoulder washer has more friction on the shaft than a nylon shoulder washer. The unsliced portion of the tube(3a) has friction properties of its own and can itself substitute for the shoulder sleeve washer(1) by using a different tube(3) material or changing the location for the washer(2).
The length of tube(3a) between the SLIDE(9) and the beginning slices of the tube ribs(7) should be suitable to accomodate the distance (D), in
The UAS can be used as either a fastener for attachments, SECURE MODE, into an HBS(13) or as an anchor of attachments, SUSPEND MODE, from an HBS(13).
This depends into which side of the GUIDE(10) the fastener or anchor, in this case a machine screw(5), enters first, as seen in
These two entrance choices leave options for placement of attachments.
When using the UAS in the SECURE MODE, the first option, placement A in
The second option, position B in
The third option, the placement C shown in
Here is how to make the Umbrella Anchoring System (UAS) using the dimensions of the parts described on
To make the SLIDE (9), permanently glue the shoulder sleeve washer (1) into the washer(2) and into the bottom of the tube(3a). This is best done while all three are on the screw/shaft (5).
The washer(2) is wedged between the shoulder sleeve washer (1) and the tube(3a) bottom rim to prevent the washer(2) from moving lineally up the exterior surface of the tube(3) (as seen in the UAS design variation of
To make the GUIDE(10), insert the screw(5) into the SLIDE(9), through the ANCHOR (tube 3b) and attach the rivet nut(4) to the threaded screw distal end (6) and permanently glue the rivet nut(4) to the inner circumference of the top of the tube(3c). The screw (5) can be removed from the UAS at this point, but for the next operation leave it threaded into the GUIDE(10).
The UAS tube(3) unit is divided into three sections (1) the bottom tube(3a) (2) the midsection tube(3b), and (3) the tube(3c). In the midsection, tube(3b) comprises tube ribs(7) which are 2-4 parallel longitudinal cuts, slicing through the exterior surface of the tube(3b) so that the knife blade reaches to the hollow center and the knife point is stopped by the screw/shaft (3) fully engaged through the tube(3) hollow center. This creates the tube ribs(7) which collapse and flatten, like an umbrella, when the SLIDE(9) moves up and down along the screw/shaft(5).
Test all the parts by pushing the SLIDE(9) up and down the screw/shaft(5), making sure the tube ribs(7) open and close the umbrella anchor properly. Test the GUIDE(10) track thoroughly by rotating the screw(5) through the rivet nut(4) and lubricate if necessary.
The UAS can also be made by using less than the five parts shown in
First, by changing the washer(2) location as in
Second, the shoulder sleeve washer does not have to slide freely along the screw shaft, but by choosing a different material, such as rubber or neoprene for their friction properties, the washer(2) can be eliminated.
The UAS can also unify the SLIDE(9), TUBE(3), and the GUIDE(10) by having them engineered and manufactured as one piece.
A specific machine screw(S) is technically part of the UAS, but since it is a fastener separate from the anchoring sections of parts 9,10 and 7, it too can change but not be eliminated. The two parts do work together to perform the anchoring and fastening requirements, the screw(S), rod or shaft being an activator for umbrella anchoring splash(14)
The flexible, cylindrical tube(3) can be rubber, vinyl or other materials and can vary to accomodate friction and springback capabilities. These are necessary traits when determining removal and transfer speeds from entry hole(15) to entry hole(15), as in a wallpaper carriage on a ceiling in the example mentioned previously. Provisional Patent: Jul. 2, 2019 APP. Nos. 62/869/796.
The length of the screw(5) can be changed and thus the length of the tube(3).
The machine #6-32 thread size is arbitrary as long as all other parts and dimensions are appropriate and proportional. With engineering and manufacturing refinements, a hard, conical point can also be attached to the threaded rod(5) on either the screwhead(8) or distal end (6) so that the UAS can be driven, like a nail, or shot with an air compressor into the HBS(13) to facilitate the making its own entry hole(15).
When used in the SUSPEND MODE, the screw-head(8) can be eliminated or measured to be equal or less than the diameter of the tube in order to penetrate into an entry hole(15).
However, when in the SECURE MODE, a larger diameter screw head(8) can be used for securing an attachment to a HBS(13). In this case, the screw head(8) can hold attachments along the screw/shaft(5) by compressing them together as the screw(5) rotates into the GUIDE(10) and toward the SLIDE(9). The larger diameter screwhead(8) helps securing attachments that need the larger screw head diameter, such as a wire on a picture frame, for safety, strength or reliability.
The number of parallel longitudinal slices through the exterior surface of the tube(3) to make the tube ribs(7) can change, as well as the distance between cuts. This operation will affect the friction of the tube(3) along the screw/shaft(5) as well as the speed that the tube ribs(7) springback.
The UAS solves two deficiencies of other hollow back surface fasteners and anchors. First the UAS can secure, suspend, pull or carry weight in the form of attachments on any hollow backed surface HBS(13) in any direction with little damage to the surface. Second the UAS is movable and reusable and can quickly and safely transfer the weight to another location. Here is how the UAS works.
As seen in
With the tube ribs(7) flat, the GUIDE(10) fully penetrates into the HBS entry hole(15) or pegboard hole, while the SLIDE(9) stops the inward progress when it abutts to the outside surface(11) as in
The ANCHOR tube(3b) is now in the hollow space(12) where the collapse of the tube ribs(7) will create the umbrella ANCHOR's splash(14) as seen in
To make this umbrella ANCHOR splash(14) requires the flat tube ribs(7) to bend flexibly and collapse. Any resistance is called the springback force.
When collapsing the tube ribs(7), either pull the screwhead(8) lineally through the SLIDE(9) or rotate the screwhead(8) into the GUIDE (10) until it is tight and secure. The motion to collapse can be paused at a desired location on the screw shaft where an attachment can be stationed with clamps or stoppers(16) that limit or set parameters on potential springback.
By pulling the screwhead(8) or rotating the screwhead(5), the SLIDE(9) is drawn lineally along the screw(5) shaft closer to the GUIDE(10) thereby collapsing the tube ribs(7) of the umbrella ANCHOR creating the splash(14), which is a platform of tube ribs whose diameter is larger than the hole it entered.
In the SECURE MODE, relocate the UAS and its attachments, by removing the screwhead(8) from the UAS and pull the flexible UAS from the entry hole(15) in the HBS(13).
In the SUSPEND MODE to relocate the UAS and its attachments, push the distal screw end(6) and attachments toward the SLIDE(9). This will collapse the tube ribs(7) making the splash(14) of the UAS removably flat.
An example of a UAS attachment, transfer and reanchor is the wallpaper carriage associated with the Provisional Patent 62/869,796. The handle of that invention is based in U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,485, which has been marketed as the Border Hold-up. In this example, the handle of the border surface attachable tool is adapted with a female threaded post to accept the threads of the distal screw end(6) of the UAS. The handle supports carriage that will carry an entire roll of wallpaper. The handle can anchor the carriage from one small entry hole(15) in the ceiling, letting the installer use two hands to work, and then be relocated into another entry hole(15).
The physics behind the Umbrella Anchoring System UAS is such that it could have uses in other fields of technology. To anchor, pull, support, hold, secure or suspend a weight in any direction reliably and safely makes the UAS very versatile. Moreover, it is quick to remove, reanchor and reuse.
The UAS can pull objects together, separate objects into determined distances or spaces, hold objects, pick up objects, connect objects, even clamp. Many fields of technology could benefit from the addition of these qualities in such a simple anchor
Of course, there are advantages with good engineering, design and manufacturing. Developing the multitude of combinations of materials, sizes, shapes and textures that the few parts comprise make the UAS open to a large variety of compatible attachments and useful ideas benefitting others. With a little imagination fields like architecture, building and construction, design and decorating, aerospace, automotive, nautical, medicine, agriculture, electrical, sports, theater, crafts, woodworking, physical sciences, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, industrial engineering, mountain climbing and others may find an unsolved need met or a new application discovered using the UAS.
Therefore, an Umbrella Anchoring System may someday anchor a boat in a dock, make electrical connections, pull skin or muscle tissue together, help rock climbers. In construction, the UAS technology may pull walls or floors together, clamp laminated layers, anchor astronaut tethers. In architecture, the Umbrella Anchoring System can open up areas of design and engineering where structural strength with current technology won't work. The Umbrella Anchoring System may someday be adapted to pull dents out of cars, suspend and relocate lights, anchor plant hooks into ceilings, create pegboard ceilings for garages and closet, and, of course, the reason it was first invented, to hold wallpapers on ceilings so the installers hands are free.
