U.S. patent application number 11/874608 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for hanger apparatus.
Invention is credited to Steven P. OLSON.
Application Number | 20080093519 11/874608 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39317021 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080093519 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OLSON; Steven P. |
April 24, 2008 |
HANGER APPARATUS
Abstract
A hanger apparatus for supporting items such as plants, wind
chimes, and the like mounts to a vertical post without marring the
post or making holes in the post. The hanger apparatus includes a
mounting assembly having first and second frictional lock members
that engage front and rear surfaces of the vertical post with an
interference fit to prevent the hanger apparatus from moving
downwardly. Extending from the mounting assembly is a cantilevered
arm having a hanger at its extended end to which the item is
suspended with clearance from the vertical post.
Inventors: |
OLSON; Steven P.; (Monroe,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF GREENWALD & VILLANUEVA. PC
2018 POWERS FERRY ROAD, SUITE 800
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
39317021 |
Appl. No.: |
11/874608 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60829933 |
Oct 18, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/218.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 29/1216 20130101;
A47F 5/08 20130101; A47G 7/045 20130101; A47F 5/0838 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/218.4 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/00 20060101
A47G029/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for mounting to at least one vertical post and
supporting an object, comprising: a mounting assembly having first
and second frictional lock members that engage front and rear
surfaces of the vertical post with an interference fit to prevent
the apparatus from moving downwardly; a cantilevered arm extending
from the mounting assembly and having an extended end; and a hanger
proximate the extended end of the cantilevered arm, wherein the
object is suspended from the hanger with clearance from the
vertical post, wherein the apparatus is secured to the vertical
post without making any holes in the vertical post.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising two spaced apart
extension arms, wherein the cantilevered arm extends between the
two spaced apart extension arms and wherein at least one transverse
brace secures the extension arms and the cantilevered arm together
for suspending the object therefrom.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the two spaced apart extension
arms extend beyond the front and rear surfaces of the vertical
post, the first frictional lock member is positioned at a lower
elevation than the second frictional lock member, and the first and
second frictional lock members are engaged by the two spaced apart
extension arms.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one vertical post
comprises two vertical posts and wherein the cantilevered arm
extends from a position between the two vertical posts and wherein
the first frictional lock member is positioned proximate a top side
of the cantilevered arm and the second frictional lock member is
positioned proximate a bottom side of the cantilevered arm thereby
creating a frictional lock of the apparatus to the vertical
posts.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cantilevered arm comprises
a support arm and two spaced apart brace arms, wherein the spaced
apart brace arms are positionable on opposing lateral sides of the
vertical post and wherein the first and second frictional lock
members are attached to the extension arms.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first frictional lock
member is removably attached to the extension arms.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cantilevered arm comprises
a threaded eyelet with a mounting end that extends through openings
in the frictional lock members for fastening in place.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hanger is a crook.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cantilevered arm is
substantially perpendicular to the vertical post.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cantilevered arm has a
substantially nonlinear shape.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hanger is a hook for
suspending the object therefrom.
12. A hanger apparatus for mounting to two adjacent vertical
members and for suspending an item therefrom, comprising: a
mounting assembly having front and rear frictional lock members
that engage front and rear surfaces of the two vertical members
with an interference fit to prevent the hanger apparatus from
moving downwardly, wherein the mounting assembly mounts to the two
vertical members without marring the two vertical members; an
extension and support assembly coupled to the mounting assembly,
wherein the extension and support assembly includes a pair of
extension arms extending from the mounting assembly, wherein the
extension arms are spaced apart; and a support arm extending from
the mounting assembly and between the spaced apart extension arms;
and a plurality of fasteners for securely connecting the front and
rear frictional lock members to the pair of extension arms, wherein
the front frictional lock member is positioned against the front
surface of the vertical members at a bottom side of the extension
arms and securely fastened thereto and wherein the rear frictional
lock member is positioned against the rear surface of the vertical
members at a top side of the extension arms and securely fastened
thereto, whereby the hanger apparatus is frictionally secured to
the vertical members.
13. The hanger apparatus of claim 12, wherein the support arm
further comprises a hook for securely suspending the item
therefrom.
14. The hanger apparatus of claim 12, wherein the two adjacent
vertical members include two adjacent and generally Y-shaped
extenders for mounting to a horizontal edge of a fence.
15. A hanger apparatus, comprising: a cantilevered arm; a mounting
assembly coupled to the cantilevered arm, wherein the mounting
assembly comprises first and second lock members, wherein the first
and second lock members each have a hole extending therethrough,
and wherein the mounting assembly mounts to two adjacent vertical
members having a gap therebetween, each vertical member having
front and rear surfaces; a first fastener for securing the
cantilevered arm to the first lock member; and a second fastener
for securing the cantilevered arm to the second lock member,
wherein the first lock member is positioned against the front
surfaces of the two vertical members, wherein the second lock
member is positioned against the rear surfaces of the two vertical
members and parallel to the first lock member such that the holes
align, and wherein the cantilevered arm extends through the holes
and is secured to the lock members with the first and second
fasteners.
16. The hanger apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cantilevered arm
has an extended end and a hook is located at the extended end
thereof for suspending an item therefrom.
17. The hanger apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cantilevered arm
has an extended end and an eye nut is located at the extended end
thereof for suspending an item therefrom.
18. A hanger apparatus for mounting to a single vertical post and
for supporting an item, comprising: an extension and support
assembly to which the item is coupled for support with clearance
from the vertical member, wherein the extension and support
assembly comprises a cantilevered platform for supporting an item
thereon and having first and second spaced apart extension arms,
each having an extended end; a transverse brace, wherein the
transverse brace is secured at the extended ends of the first and
second extension arms; and a support panel mounted on the first and
second extension arms; and a mounting assembly coupled to the
extension and support assembly, wherein the mounting assembly
includes front and rear frictional lock members that engage front
and rear surfaces of the vertical member with an interference fit
to prevent the hanger apparatus from moving downwardly, wherein the
hanger apparatus is secured to the vertical post without making any
holes in the vertical post.
19. A hanger apparatus for mounting to a vertical post having
front, rear, and lateral sides, comprising: a cantilevered support
arm; first and second extension arms, wherein the first and second
extension arms are coupled to the cantilevered support arm and
engage the lateral sides of the vertical post; and front and rear
frictional lock members, wherein the front and rear frictional lock
members engage front and rear surfaces of the vertical post and are
securely coupled to the extension arms to create an interference
fit around the vertical post to prevent the hanger apparatus from
moving downwardly, wherein the hanger apparatus is secured to the
vertical post without making any holes in the vertical post.
20. The hanger apparatus of claim 19, wherein the rear frictional
lock member is removably attached to the first and second extension
arms.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/829,933, filed Oct. 18,
2006, and incorporates the disclosure of the same herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a hanger
apparatus and in particular relates to a hanger apparatus that can
be secured to a structure without making any holes in the
structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is common for people to hang items such as potted plants,
birdhouses, and wind chimes outside their homes. Typically, a
conventional hanger apparatus is attached to a structure, such as a
wall, post or rail, usually with nails or screws. One form of a
conventional hanger apparatus includes a hook and/or basket for
mounting the item directly against the structure. Other forms of
conventional hangers include a cantilevered arm for suspending the
item a distance from the structure. One problem with the
conventional hanger apparatuses is that they require nails, screws,
threaded hooks or eyelets, or other fasteners to mount them to the
structure. Such attachment to the structure can weaken the
structure. Additionally, when the hanger apparatus is removed,
there remain unsightly holes in the structure.
[0004] Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for hanger
apparatus that can be mounted in place without causing fastener
holes in the structure to which it is mounted. It is to the
provision of such hanger apparatus that the present invention is
primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Advantageously, the present invention provides a hanger
apparatus for hanging items such as plants, wind chimes, bird
houses, etc. outside of one's home. The hanger apparatus includes a
support arm for supporting the item and a mounting assembly for
mounting the apparatus to one or more vertical members (such as
conventional rail pickets and posts commonly used in the
construction of homes and other buildings), without making any
holes in any of the vertical members. Thus, the present invention
provides a hanger apparatus that can be mounted in place without
causing fastener holes in the structure to which it is mounted.
[0006] In a first form, the present invention provides an apparatus
for mounting to at least one vertical post and supporting an object
(such as a plant, bird house, wind chimes, etc.) without making any
holes in the vertical post. The apparatus has a mounting assembly
having first and second frictional lock members that engage front
and rear surfaces of the vertical post with an interference fit to
prevent the apparatus from moving downwardly. The apparatus also
includes a cantilevered arm extending from the mounting assembly
and having a hanger at its extended end. Thus, the object can be
suspended from the hanger with clearance from the vertical post.
Preferably, the cantilevered arm extends from a position between
the vertical post and a second adjacent vertical post.
Additionally, the first frictional lock member can be positioned
proximate a top side of the cantilevered arm and the second
frictional lock member can be positioned proximate a bottom side of
the cantilevered arm, thereby creating a frictional lock of the
apparatus to the vertical posts.
[0007] A plurality of fasteners securely connect the front and rear
frictional lock members to a pair of extension arms such that the
first (or front) frictional lock member is positioned against the
front surface of the vertical members at a bottom side of the
extension arms and securely fastened thereto and the second (or
rear) frictional lock member is positioned against the rear surface
of the vertical members at a top side of the extension arms and
securely fastened thereto. Accordingly, the hanger apparatus is
frictionally secured to the vertical members without making holes
in the vertical members.
[0008] In another form, the present invention provides a hanger
apparatus having a pair of lock members, each of which has a hole
extending therethrough. The mounting assembly itself mounts to two
adjacent vertical members, each having front and rear surfaces by
positioning the first lock member against the front surfaces of the
two vertical members and second lock member against the rear
surfaces of the two vertical members and parallel to the first lock
member such that the holes align. The cantilevered arm extends
through the holes (and hence through the gap between adjacent
vertical members) of the lock members and is secured to the lock
members with the first and second fasteners. Preferably, the
cantilevered arm has a hook located at its extended end for
suspending an object therefrom.
[0009] In yet another form, an extension and support assembly
includes a cantilevered platform for supporting an item thereon.
The cantilevered platform includes first and second spaced apart
extension arms, each having an extended end, a transverse brace,
wherein the transverse brace is secured at the extended ends of the
first and second extension arms, and a support panel mounted on the
first and second extension arms.
[0010] In still yet another form, the hanger apparatus has first
and second extension arms, wherein the first and second extension
arms are coupled to the cantilevered support arm and engage the
lateral sides of the vertical post, and front and rear frictional
lock members securely coupled to the extension arms and engage
front and rear surfaces of the vertical post. Thus, the combination
of the extension arms and lock members create an interference fit
around the vertical post to prevent the hanger apparatus from
moving downwardly. Optionally, the rear frictional lock member is
removably attached to the first and second extension arms.
[0011] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures
and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of
the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following brief description of the
drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary
and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are
not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a top view of a hanger apparatus according to an
example embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the hanger apparatus of FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of a hanger apparatus according to a
second example embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of a hanger apparatus according to a
third example embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 6.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a top view of a hanger apparatus according to a
fourth example embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 8.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side view of a hanger apparatus according to a
fifth example embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a top view of the hanger apparatus of FIG.
10.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the hanger apparatus of FIG.
10.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a side view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 1
secured to a fence with an extender assembly according to an
example embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a front view of the hanger apparatus and extender
assembly of FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Generally described, the present invention provides a hanger
apparatus for supporting items such as plants, birdhouses, wind
chimes, wind catchers, flags, and even mailboxes. The hanger
apparatus has a mounting assembly and an extension and support
assembly. The mounting assembly is adapted for mounting to vertical
members such as conventional rail pickets and posts commonly used
in the construction of homes and other buildings, without making
any holes in any of the vertical members. The mounting assembly
includes frictional lock members that engage at least one of the
vertical members with an interference fit to prevent the hanger
apparatus from sliding or otherwise moving downwardly. The
extension and support assembly extends away from the vertical
members and provides a location for supporting one or more of the
items with clearance from the vertical members. Preferably, the
extension and support assembly includes a cantilevered arm or a
cantilevered platform. The one or more items can be supported by
hanging them in suspension or by resting them on top of the
extension and support assembly.
[0027] FIGS. 1-3 show a hanger apparatus 10 according to a first
example embodiment of the present invention. The hanger apparatus
10 is adapted for mounting to two adjacent but spaced apart pickets
12 and 14 of a railing such as that typically installed on a front
porch, a back porch, or stairs leading up to a porch of a building
structure such as a house. The hanger apparatus 10 includes two
extension arms 16 and 18 and a support or cantilevered arm 20 held
therebetween by two transverse braces 26 and 28. Preferably, the
two transverse braces 26 and 28 include one or more fasteners, such
as rods, nails, screws, rivets, or the like.
[0028] Preferably, the support arm 20 is substantially
perpendicular to the pickets 12 and 14. Also preferably, the
support arm 20 is a rod or beam that is substantially parallel to
the underlying surface (i.e., ground). Additionally, the support
arm 20 can be oriented at any angle relative to the pickets 12 and
14. In alternative embodiments, the support arm 20 can take any
form. For example, the support arm 20 can also be a curved arm,
rather than a substantially straight (or linear) beam as shown.
Thus, the arm 20 can include any of a variety of bends, curves, or
kinks and still be within the scope of the present invention. For
example, the arm 20 can be constructed in the shape of a leaf,
bird, animal, geometric shape, alpha-numeric character, etc.
[0029] Preferably, a conventional holder or hanger 30 is located at
the extended end of the support arm 20. The hanger 30 can be a
separate piece that is attached to the support arm. Alternatively,
the hanger 30 and the support arm 20 can be a single, unitary
piece. For example, the hanger 30 can include a hook, an eyelet, a
crook in the arm 20, a notch in the upper surface of the arm 20,
etc.
[0030] The extension arms 16 and 18 insert into the space between
the adjacent pickets 12 and 14, and two transverse frictional lock
members 32 and 34 are attached to the extension arms during
installation by fasteners 40-43 and 44-47. The frictional lock
members 32 and 34 are positioned on opposing front and rear sides
of the pickets 12 and 14 to contact and frictionally engage the
pickets to hold the hanger apparatus in place without penetrating
and degrading the pickets. Preferably, the frictional lock members
32 and 34 are positioned on vertically offset horizontal surfaces
of the extension arms 16 and 18 to provide a very tight
interference fit with little or no looseness or "play." For
example, in the depicted embodiment the front lock member 32 (at
the front sides of the pickets 12 and 14, with "front" being from
the viewpoint of the hung item) is positioned at bottom sides of
the extension arms 16 and 18 and secured thereto with fasteners
40-43. On the other hand, the rear lock member 34 (at the rear
sides of the pickets 12 and 14) is positioned at top sides of the
extension arms 16 and 18 and secured thereto with fasteners 44-47.
In this arrangement, the weight of the hung item tends to pivot
downwardly the extended end of the support arm 20. This pivotal
biasing of the hanger apparatus 10 causes compressive forces by the
upper lock member 34 against the rear sides of the pickets 12 and
14 and by the lower lock member 32 against the front sides of the
pickets. These compressive forces work to frictionally secure the
hanger apparatus 10 in place.
[0031] As mentioned, the mounting ends of the extension arms 16 and
18 (and a portion of the support arm 20, depending on the
particular railing) insert into the space between the adjacent
pickets 12 and 14. Therefore, the widths of the extension arms 16
and 18 and the support arm 20, as well as the lengths of the lock
members 32 and 34, are preferably selected based on typical picket
spacing of several inches. And the lengths of the extension arms 16
and 18 and the support arm 20 are selected to provide the desired
clearance from the railing. In a typical commercial embodiment, the
support arm 20 and the extension arms 16 and 18 are provided by
1''.times.2''.times.10'' wood members, the frictional lock members
32 and 34 are provided by 1''.times.2''.times.8'' wood members, the
transverse braces 26 and 28 and the fasteners 40 are provided by
conventional nails or screws, and the hanger 30 is provided by a
conventional screw-threaded hook. The hanger apparatus 10 so
constructed is well-suited for use with a range of picket sizes,
and works particularly well with 2''.times.2'' wood pickets. In
another typical commercial embodiment, the support arm 20, the
extension arms 16 and 18 and the frictional lock members 32 and 34
are provided by 1/2'' steel rods. Preferably, the steel rods are
powder-coated to prevent corrosion. This hanger apparatus so
constructed is also well-suited for use with a range of picket
sizes, and works particularly well with metal pickets. In such an
embodiment, preferably, there are prefabricated holes in the
extension arms, support arms, and frictional lock members for
receiving the fasteners 40-47.
[0032] To install and use the hanger apparatus 10, the assembled
extension and support arms 20, 22, and 24 are inserted into the
space between the pickets 12 and 14 and oriented at about ninety
degrees to the longitudinal axis of the pickets. Then the assembled
extension and support arms 20, 22, and 24 are held in place (e.g.,
by the installer or a helper) while the front and rear lock members
32 and 34 are installed in place with fasteners 40. At this point,
the hanger apparatus 10 may well stay in place by itself, but to be
safe it should still be held in place until after the item is hung
from the hanger 30. The vertical position of the hanger apparatus
10 can be adjusted by lifting the extended end of the support arm
20 to substantially release the frictional "lock," sliding the
hanger apparatus up or down to the desired location, and lowering
the support arm end to re-engage the frictional "lock."
[0033] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a hanger apparatus 110 according to a
second example embodiment of the present invention. The hanger
apparatus 110 is somewhat similar to the first example embodiment
of the hanger apparatus 10 described herein. The hanger apparatus
110 is adapted for mounting to two adjacent pickets 112 and 114 of
a railing or rail fence (wood or steel) such as that typically
installed on a front porch, a back porch, or stairs leading up to a
porch of a building structure such as a house. The hanger apparatus
110 includes an extension and support arm 11 6 that is preferably
in the form of a 1/2''.times.15'' steel rod with a crook 120 at the
extended end of the rod. Preferably, the crook 120 is adapted to
support various items suspended with cord, rope, or the like
therefrom. In an alternative embodiment, the hanger apparatus 110
includes an eye nut at the extended end of the rod for threading a
cord, rope, or the like therethrough. Those skilled in the art will
understand that such dimensions are exemplary, and rods having
various thicknesses and lengths are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0034] Similar to the first embodiment, the support arm 116 is a
substantially straight rod that is perpendicular to the pickets 112
and 114 and substantially parallel to the underlying surface (i.e.,
ground). However, in alternative embodiments, the support arm 20
can take any form such that it includes any of a variety of bends,
curves, or kinks and/or be oriented at any angle relative to the
pickets 112 and 114 and still be within the scope of the present
invention.
[0035] The frictional lock members 132 and 134 are positioned on
opposite sides of pickets 112 and 114 to contact and frictionally
engage the pickets to hold the hanger apparatus 110 in place
without penetrating and degrading the pickets. Preferably, the
frictional lock members 132 and 134 are constructed of aluminum or
another durable, yet lightweight material. Alternatively, the
frictional lock members 132 and 134 can be constructed of steel,
other metals, plastics, fiberglass, and composite materials. The
extension and support arm 116 extends through holes (or notches,
slots, or other openings) 128 and 130 in the lock members 132 and
134. The extension and support arm 116 is held in place by
conventional fasteners selected for use with the extension and
support arm, for example, a nut 136 and a wing nut 138. Preferably,
the end of the support arm 116 is threaded for receiving the nut
136 and wing nut 138. In a typical commercial embodiment, the
threaded portion is approximately three inches in length. However,
in alternative embodiments, the entire length of the rod 118 can be
threaded or only certain portions thereof can be threaded. To
attach the hanger apparatus 110, one simply positions the lock
members 132 and 134 on the front and back sides of two pickets 112
and 114 and parallel to each other, and inserts the threaded rod
116 through the aligned holes 128 and 130. The nut 136 can be
adjusted to provide enough threaded length of the rod 116, based on
the size of the pickets 112 and 114, to tighten the wing nut 138.
The wing nut 138 is then tightened until the hanger apparatus 110
is secure. Thus, an item can be suspended from the crook 120 by
threading a rope, cord, chain or the like through the eye nut and
suspending the item therefrom.
[0036] Notably, the first and second embodiments can be configured
to mount to a conventional shadow box fence without making any
holes or markings on the shadow box fence. Those skilled in the art
will understand how to adjust the dimensions of the apparatuses 10
and 110 to fit within the gaps between the boards of a conventional
shadowbox fence.
[0037] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a hanger apparatus 210 according to a
third example embodiment of the present invention. The hanger
apparatus 210 is similar to that of the first embodiment, but is
adapted for mounting on a post 214 that has nothing (e.g., mailbox
or privacy fence pickets) obstructing its top or upper sides. Thus,
the hanger apparatus 210 includes two extension arms 216 and 218
and a support arm 220 held therebetween by transverse braces 222
and 224, with a conventional hanger 230 at the extended end of the
support arm. Frictional lock members 232 and 234 are secured in
place by fasteners 236, 238 and 240, 242, and they function to
contact and frictionally engage the post 214 to hold the hanger
apparatus 210 in place without penetrating and degrading the post.
The support arm 220 is secured to the front frictional lock member
by a fastener 244. In this embodiment, however, the frictional lock
members 232 and 234 are positioned on opposite sides of the single
post 214. In use, the hanger apparatus 210 is placed over the top
of the post 214 and slid down the post to a desired vertical
position.
[0038] In the depicted embodiment, the hanger apparatus 210 is
constructed for mounting on a 4''.times.4'' post, with the
transverse braces 222 and 224 provided by 1/2''.times.6'' wood
dowels and the lock members 232 and 234 provided by
1''.times.2''.times.4'' wood members. For use with other sizes of
posts (e.g., 4''.times.6'', 6''.times.6'', or 6''.times.8''), the
hanger apparatus 210 can be provided in specific sizes with parts
sized for each post size. Alternatively, the hanger apparatus 210
can be provided with adjustably sizeable parts. For example, the
transverse braces and lock members may have oversized lengths that
can be cut down to size, discrete segments that can be broken away
by shearing, inserts for extending their lengths, or telescopic
segments that can be secured (e.g., a push-pin and series of
receiving holes) in multiple positions with different lengths.
[0039] Similar to the first two embodiments, the support arm 220 is
substantially straight, substantially perpendicular to the post
214, and substantially parallel to the underlying surface (i.e.,
ground). However, in alternative embodiments, the support arm 220
can take any form such that it includes any of a variety of bends,
curves, or kinks and still be within the scope of the present
invention and can be oriented at any angle relative to the post
214.
[0040] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a hanger apparatus 310 according to a
fourth example embodiment of the present invention. The hanger
apparatus 310 is substantially similar to that of the third
embodiment, but is adapted for mounting on a post 314 that has its
top or a side obstructed by a structure such as a roof or fence
pickets. Thus, the hanger apparatus 310 includes two extension arms
316 and 318 and a support arm 320 held therebetween by transverse
braces 322 and 324, with a conventional hanger 330 at the extended
end of the support arm. Frictional lock members 332 and 334 are
positioned on opposite sides of the post 214 to contact and
frictionally engage the post to hold the hanger apparatus 310 in
place without penetrating and degrading the post, with the front
lock member 334 secured in place by fasteners 340-344. In this
embodiment, however, the rear lock member 332 is provided by a
removable member, for example a dowel that is removably receivable
in aligned holes in the extension arms 316 and 318. In use, with
the rear lock member 332 removed, the hanger apparatus 310 is
placed in a desired vertical position with the front lock member
334 pressed against the post 314, and the rear lock member 332 is
installed to collar the post and secures the hanger apparatus in
place.
[0041] FIGS. 10-12 show a hanger apparatus 410 according to a fifth
example embodiment of the present invention. The hanger apparatus
410 is similar to that of the third embodiment, adapted for
mounting on a post 414 with its top and sides unobstructed (at
least initially, during installation), and adapted with a
shelf-like feature or cantilevered platform 411 onto which an item
such as a mailbox 415 (or a potted plant or other item) can be
placed and supported. Thus, the cantilevered platform 411 includes
two extension and support arms 416 and 418 and a transverse brace
420 therebetween at the extended end. Frictional lock members 432
and 434 are positioned on opposite sides of the post 414 and
secured in place by fasteners 440, 441, 442, and 443 to contact and
frictionally engage the post to hold the hanger apparatus 410 in
place without penetrating and degrading the post. The transverse
brace 420 is secured between the two extension support arms 426 and
428 by fasteners 444 and 445. In this embodiment, however, there is
no separate support arm (in addition to the extension arms).
Rather, the hanger apparatus 410 includes a support panel 450
mounted onto the extension and support arms 416 and 418, the
transverse brace 420, and the front lock member 434. In a typical
commercial embodiment, the support panel 450 is provided by a
1''.times.6''.times.17'' piece of pressure-treated wood and secured
in place by nails, screws, or other conventional fasteners. In
alternative embodiments, the support panel 450 can be provided by
sheet metal, plastic, composites, fiberglass, or the like. Thus,
the hanger apparatus 410 provides a more streamlined look for the
mailbox 415 on the post 414. Also, the hanger apparatus 410 is much
lighter than commercially available horizontal 4''.times.4''
members typically used for mounting the mailbox on, so the lighter
hanger apparatus will cause less warping of the vertical post.
[0042] FIGS. 13 and 14 show an attachment assembly 500 for the
hanger apparatus 10 for attachment to a horizontal edge of a fence,
such as a privacy fence 501, according to an example embodiment of
the present invention. The attachment assembly 500 includes a pair
of generally Y-shaped extenders 502 and 504. Each extender has a
pair of legs 506 and 508 and a post 510 extending therebetween.
Together the legs 506, 508 and post 510 define a generally U-shaped
yoke 512 for mounting over an upper horizontal edge of the fence.
Preferably, the legs 506, 508 and post 510 are coupled together
with a plurality of fasteners, such as nails or screws. However,
those skilled in the art will understand that other conventional
fasteners and fastening techniques can be employed and be within
the scope of the present invention.
[0043] Thus, the extender assembly 500 provides a pair of generally
upright and spaced apart structures to which the hanger apparatus
10 can mount. The user can mount the extenders 502 and 504 by
engaging the upper edge of the fence with the U-shaped yokes 512
and spacing the extenders apart at an appropriate distance. The
extension arms 16 and 18 insert into the space between the adjacent
extenders 502 and 504. The frictional lock members 32 and 34 are
positioned on opposing front and rear sides of the extenders 502
and 504 to contact and frictionally engage the extenders to hold
the hanger apparatus in place without penetrating and degrading the
fence. Preferably, the frictional lock members 32 and 34 are
positioned on vertically offset horizontal surfaces of the
extension arms 16 and 18 to provide a very tight interference fit
with little or no looseness or "play." For example, in the depicted
embodiment the front lock member 32 (at the front sides of the
extenders 502 and 504, with "front" being from the viewpoint of the
hung item) is positioned at bottom sides of the extension arms 16
and 18 and secured thereto with fasteners. On the other hand, the
rear lock member 34 (at the rear sides of the extenders 502 and
504) is positioned at top sides of the extension arms 16 and 18 and
secured thereto with fasteners. In this arrangement, the weight of
the hung item tends to pivot downwardly the extended end of the
support arm 20. This pivotal biasing of the hanger apparatus 10
causes compressive forces by the upper lock member 34 against the
rear sides of the extender posts 510 and by the lower lock member
32 against the extender legs 508. These compressive forces work to
frictionally secure the hanger apparatus 10 in place and over the
fence without making any holes in the fence.
[0044] In a typical commercial embodiment, the legs 506, 508 are
provided by wood members that are approximately 3/4'' wide,
approximately 4'' long, and approximately 2'' thick. The post 519
is provided by a wood member that is approximately 3/4'' wide,
27/8'' long, and 2'' thick. Thus, when so constructed, each
extender is approximately 43/4'' long and 21/4'' wide. Preferably,
when constructed, the post 510 extends approximately 3/4'' above
the upper edges of the legs 506, 508. However, those skilled in the
art will understand that such dimensions are exemplary and that
other shapes and sizes of the members can be employed as well.
Additionally, the extenders can be constructed of other suitable
materials, including but not limited to, plastics, aluminum, steel,
fiberglass, and composite materials.
[0045] In alternative embodiments, other materials, quantities, and
sizes of parts can be used to construct any of the hanger apparatus
described herein. For example, instead of wood or steel members,
other materials such as plastic, fiberglass, or composites can be
used. Also, some of the components described herein as separate
pieces can be fabricated as unitary pieces, such as the extension
and support arms with the transverse braces. In addition, the
configuration of the fifth embodiment can be used for hanging two
or another number of items in suspension, without the support panel
if so desired. Furthermore, the configuration of the third and
fourth embodiments can be modified with the support arm having a
larger width for providing a tight fit against the extension
members, and tapered narrower towards its extended end. Moreover,
the upper-and-lower-lock-member configuration of the first
embodiment can be incorporated into the post-collared configuration
of the other embodiments.
[0046] It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to
the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described
and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example
only. Thus, the terminology is intended to be broadly construed and
is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. For
example, as used in the specification including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "one" include the plural,
the term "or" means "and/or," and reference to a particular
numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, any methods
described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of
steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless
expressly stated otherwise herein.
[0047] While the invention has been shown and described in
exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the following claims.
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