U.S. patent application number 12/380449 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-02 for wall mountable device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Helen of Troy Limited. Invention is credited to Scott Salmon, Mario A. Turchi.
Application Number | 20100219144 12/380449 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42666562 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100219144 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Salmon; Scott ; et
al. |
September 2, 2010 |
Wall mountable device
Abstract
A support mountable device is provided. The support mountable
device includes a rail and a bracket configured to be releasably
secured to the rail. The rail includes an upper portion, a lower
portion and a body extending between the upper and lower portions.
The body includes a support side and a bracket side. The upper
portion includes a ledge spaced a distance from the support when
the support side is placed against the support. The lower portion
includes a base wall and a front wall defining a channel. The front
wall includes with a retaining portion and a guiding portion.
Inventors: |
Salmon; Scott; (Tenafly,
NJ) ; Turchi; Mario A.; (Tenafly, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEYFARTH SHAW LLP
131 S. DEARBORN ST., SUITE 2400
CHICAGO
IL
60603-5803
US
|
Assignee: |
Helen of Troy Limited
|
Family ID: |
42666562 |
Appl. No.: |
12/380449 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/94.01 ;
248/235 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/067 20130101;
B25H 3/04 20130101; A47F 5/0846 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/94.01 ;
248/235 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08; A47B 96/06 20060101 A47B096/06 |
Claims
1. A support mountable device for holding one or more objects, the
device comprising: a rail, the rail having an upper portion, a
lower portion and a body extending between the upper and lower
portions, the body including a support side and a bracket side, the
upper portion including a ledge spaced a distance from the support
when the support side is placed against the support, the lower
portion including a base wall and a front wall defining a channel,
and the front wall including with a retaining portion and a guiding
portion; and a bracket configured to be releasably secured to the
rail, the bracket including a body, an arm and a holder, the body
having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end including an
upper wall and a rear wall defining an overhang cavity for
cooperating with the ledge, the arm extending along the body
towards lower end and including a hook portion and an actuator, the
actuator being configured to manipulate the arm between a retaining
position for cooperating with retaining portion to retain the
bracket on the rail and a releasing position permitting the bracket
to be removed from the rail, the holder coupled to and extending
outwardly away from the body.
2. The support mountable device of claim 1 further comprising
multiple brackets releasably secured to the rail.
3. The support mountable device of claim 1 wherein the rail
includes a length such that the ledge and the channel extend along
substantially the entire length.
4. The support mountable device of claim 3 wherein the bracket is
releasably slidable along the length.
5. The support mountable device of claim 4 wherein the hook portion
frictionally engages the retaining portion when in the retaining
position to frictionally resist sliding along the length.
6. The support mountable device of claim 1 further comprising at
least one alignment groove located on the bracket side for aligning
a fastener for securing the rail to the support.
7. The support mountable device of claim 1 further comprising at
least one mounting standoff.
8. The support mountable device of claim 1 wherein the hook portion
is generally J-shaped.
9. The support mountable device of claim 1 wherein the hook portion
includes a generally flat retaining surface.
10. The support mountable device of claim 1 further comprising a
deflection stop positioned to prevent the arm from moving beyond
the retaining position.
11. The support mountable device of claim 1 wherein the holder
includes an extended arm and that at least a portion of the
extended arm includes a scratch preventing outer surface.
12. The support mountable device of claim 1 wherein the holder is a
rotatable holder having a cam shaped surface.
13. The support mountable device of claim 12 wherein the rotatable
holder rotates along a plane in response to a object being forced
in a direction perpendicular to the plane.
14. A support mountable device for receiving one or more brackets,
the support mountable device comprising: a rail, the rail having an
upper portion, a lower portion and a body extending between the
upper and lower portions, the body including a support side and a
bracket side, the upper portion including a ledge spaced a distance
from the support when the support side is placed against the
support, the lower portion including a base wall and a front wall
defining a channel, and the front wall including with a retaining
portion and a guiding portion.
15. The support mountable device of claim 14 further comprising at
least one alignment groove located on the bracket side for aligning
a fastener for securing the rail to the support.
16. The support mountable device of claim 14 further comprising at
least one mounting standoff.
17. The support mountable device of claim 14 wherein the rail
includes a length such that the ledge and the channel extend along
substantially the entire length.
18. A bracket for releasable attachment to a support mountable
rail, the bracket comprising: a body having an upper end and a
lower end, the upper end including an upper wall and a rear wall
defining an overhang cavity; an arm extending along the body
towards lower end, the arm including a hook portion and an
actuator, the actuator being configured to manipulate the arm
between a retaining position and a releasing position; and a holder
coupled to and extending outwardly away from the body.
19. The bracket of claim 18 wherein the hook portion is generally
J-shaped.
20. The bracket of claim 18 wherein the hook portion includes a
generally flat retaining surface.
21. The bracket of claim 18 further comprising a deflection stop
positioned to prevent the arm from moving beyond the retaining
position.
22. The bracket of claim 18 wherein the holder includes an extended
arm and that at least a portion of the extended arm includes a
scratch preventing outer surface.
23. The bracket of claim 18 wherein the holder is a rotatable
holder having a cam shaped surface.
24. The bracket of claim 23 wherein the rotatable holder rotates
along a plane in response to a object being forced in a direction
perpendicular to the plane.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to wall mounts, and in more
particular applications to wall mounts for receiving one or more
removable organizer components.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Storage and organization problems exist for many homes and
businesses. For example, work rooms, utility rooms, workshops,
garages and the like are often cluttered with various tools, toys
and other items. In this manner, peg boards and slotted walls have
been developed to organize the items by utilizing various forms of
brackets and hangers.
[0003] However, oftentimes these peg boards and slotted walls are
unattractive and include extra slots and holes that are unused.
Furthermore, the brackets and hangers are not always secured to the
supporting surface such that the brackets and hangers can become
easily dislodged when bumped or used.
[0004] Brackets and hangers have been developed to hold a variety
of items such as tools and cleaning equipment. In this manner, the
brackets include different forms of arms or attachments to hold
longer stick-like handles that have large end portions that can
rest against the arms. However, handles that do not have large end
portions, such as those found on typical brooms, are generally not
supported well by such hangers. Therefore, rotating attachments
have been developed to utilize gravity to help grasp the handle.
However, these rotating attachments generally require the user to
insert the handle with an upward force to open the rotating
attachment.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one form, a support mountable device for holding one or
more objects is provided. The support mountable device includes a
rail and a bracket configured to be releasably secured to the rail.
The rail includes an upper portion, a lower portion and a body
extending between the upper and lower portions. The body includes a
support side and a bracket side. The upper portion includes a ledge
spaced a distance from the support when the support side is placed
against the support. The lower portion includes a base wall and a
front wall defining a channel. The front wall includes with a
retaining portion and a guiding portion. The bracket includes a
body, an arm and a holder. The body has an upper end and a lower
end. The upper end includes an upper wall and a rear wall defining
an overhang cavity for cooperating with the ledge. The arm extends
along the body towards lower end and includes a hook portion and an
actuator. The actuator is configured to manipulate the arm between
a retaining position for cooperating with retaining portion to
retain the bracket on the rail and a releasing position permitting
the bracket to be removed from the rail. The holder is coupled to
and extending outwardly away from the body.
[0006] According to one form, a support mountable device is
provided. The support mountable device includes a rail. The rail
includes an upper portion, a lower portion and a body extending
between the upper and lower portions. The body includes a support
side and a bracket side. The upper portion includes a ledge spaced
a distance from the support when the support side is placed against
the support. The lower portion includes a base wall and a front
wall defining a channel. The front wall includes with a retaining
portion and a guiding portion.
[0007] In accordance with one form, a bracket for releasable
attachment to a support mountable rail is provided. The bracket
includes a body, an arm and a holder. The body has an upper end and
a lower end. The upper end includes an upper wall and a rear wall
defining an overhang cavity. The arm extends along the body towards
lower end and includes a hook portion and an actuator. The actuator
is configured to manipulate the arm between a retaining position
and a releasing position. The holder is coupled to and extends
outwardly away from the body.
[0008] In one form, the support mountable device further includes
multiple brackets releasably secured to the rail.
[0009] According to one form, the rail includes a length such that
the ledge and the channel extend along substantially the entire
length.
[0010] In accordance with one form, the bracket is releasably
slidable along the length.
[0011] In one form, the hook portion frictionally engages the
retaining portion when in the retaining position to frictionally
resist sliding along the length.
[0012] According to one form, the support mountable device further
includes at least one alignment groove located on the bracket side
for aligning a fastener for securing the rail to the support.
[0013] In accordance with one form, the support mountable device
further includes at least one mounting standoff.
[0014] In one form, the hook portion is generally J-shaped.
[0015] According to one form, the hook portion includes a generally
flat retaining surface.
[0016] In accordance with one form, the support mountable device
further includes a deflection stop positioned to prevent the arm
from moving beyond the retaining position.
[0017] In one form, the holder includes an extended arm and that at
least a portion of the extended arm includes a scratch preventing
outer surface.
[0018] According to one form, the holder is a rotatable holder
having a cam shaped surface.
[0019] In accordance with one form, the rotatable holder rotates
along a plane in response to a object being forced in a direction
perpendicular to the plane.
[0020] Other forms are also contemplated as understood by those
skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the
subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of
which, when considered in connection with the following
description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its
constructions and operation, and many of its advantages should be
readily understood and appreciated.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support mountable device
including a rail and a bracket;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a front view of the support mountable device of
FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a top view of the support mountable device of FIG.
1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view of the support mountable device of
FIG. 1,
[0026] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a rail;
[0027] FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of a portion of the rail
illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a front view of one form of a bracket adjacent a
rail;
[0029] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6A-6A of
FIG. 6;
[0030] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7A,B-7A,B
of FIG. 2 of a bracket being inserted onto a rail;
[0031] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a bracket after being
inserted onto a rail;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a top view of another form of a bracket;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a front view of the bracket of FIG. 8; and
[0034] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9A-9A of
FIG. 9 of a bracket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] One form of a support mountable device 20 is shown affixed
to a support 22, such as a wall, door or the like. The support
mountable device 20 includes a rail 24 and one or more brackets 26
configured to be releasably secured to the rail 24. As shown in
FIGS. 1-4, the support mountable device 20 includes three brackets
26. However, it should be understood that the support mountable
device 20 may include any number of brackets 26.
[0036] The support mountable device 20 can be mounted to a variety
of supports 22, as understood by those skilled in the art. For
example, the support mountable device may be affixed to walls,
doors and other suitable structures. Additionally, the support
mountable device 20 can be mounted at angles along the support
22.
[0037] The rail 24 includes an upper portion 30, a lower portion 32
and a body 34 extending between the upper portion 30 and lower
portion 32. The rail 24 has a height H and a length L as shown in
FIG. 5. The body 34 includes a support side 36 and a bracket side
38. The body 34 can take a variety of forms and generally the
support side 36 will face the support 22 while the bracket side 38
will generally face the bracket 26 when the bracket 26 is
installed.
[0038] The upper portion 30 includes a ledge 40 spaced a distance D
from the support 22 when the support side 36 is placed against the
support 22, as shown in FIG. 7A. The ledge 40 can take a variety of
forms as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, as
shown in FIG. 5, the ledge 40 is generally flat and can be oriented
to be substantially perpendicular to the support 22. However, the
ledge 40 can also be curved, hook-shaped and the like. Furthermore,
the ledge 40 may be oriented at a variety of angles relative to the
rail 24 as well as the support 22. Additionally, the ledge 40 may
define an optional ledge cavity 42. The function of the distance D
will be described in more detail below with reference to the
placement of the bracket 26 on the rail 24.
[0039] The lower portion 32 includes a base wall 44 and a front
wall 46. The lower portion 32, or more particularly, the base wall
44 and the front wall 46, define a channel 48. In one form, as
shown in FIG. 5, the base wall 44 is generally perpendicular to the
body 34 while the front wall 46 is generally perpendicular to the
base wall 44. Therefore, in one form, the body 34, base wall 44 and
front wall 46 form a generally U shape for the cavity 48. It should
be understood by those skilled in the art that the body 34, base
wall 44 and front wall 46 can have a variety of other shapes and
configurations.
[0040] As described above, the front wall 46 can take a variety of
shapes and orientations. The front wall 46 may also include a
retaining portion 50 and a guiding portion 52. One form of these
structures is shown in detail in FIG. 5. The shapes and orientation
of the retaining portion 50 and the guiding portion 52 may
similarly be modified as understood by those skilled in the art.
For example, the retaining portion 50 and the guiding portion may
combine to form a generally hook shaped structure. In one form, as
shown in FIG. 5, the retaining portion 50 is substantially flat and
extends generally perpendicular to the front wall 46. However, it
should be understood that the retaining portion 50 may also be
curved or take another shape and may be oriented at an angle or
otherwise oriented with respect to the front wall 46. Similarly,
the guiding portion 52 is substantially flat with a curved section
54. Again, the orientation, shape and configuration of these
structures can be modified as understood by those skilled in the
art.
[0041] The rail 24 may also include a number of other features and
structures. For example, the rail 24 may include one or more
alignment grooves 56. The alignment grooves 56 can be used to align
fasteners, such as screws (not shown) so that the user may drive
the fastener through the rail 24 and into the support 22.
Similarly, the rail 24 may include mounting holes (not shown) that
permit a user to insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, the
rail 24 may include one or more stand-offs (not shown). The
stand-offs can be a part of and/or affixed to the body 34 and
provide a positive connection to the support 22. For example, the
support 22 may not be perfectly flat and the stand-offs can be
utilized to provide a positive connection whereas a completely flat
rail 24 might wobble against an imperfect support 22.
[0042] Additionally, it should be understood that the structures
described above may be located at various positions along the rail
24 and/or may extend the entire length L of the rail. For example,
in one form, the ledge 40 and the channel 48 extend substantially
the entire length L. Similarly, the grooves 56 and stand-offs may
extend the entire length L. Moreover, the rail 24 may include
further structure such as end caps 60, 62 or other structure. The
end caps 60,62 may be permanently affixed to or removable from the
rail 24. The end caps 60, 62 can be used to prevent brackets 26
from sliding off the ends and to prevent the ends from snagging
items. Further, the rail 24 may be shaped such that the end caps
60, 62 can be flipped such that an end cap on the left hand side
can be flipped and used on the right hand side, as understood by
those skilled in the art.
[0043] The bracket 26 will now be discussed in more detail. The
bracket 26 includes a body 70 having an upper end 72 and a lower
end 74. The upper end 72 includes an upper wall 76 and a rear wall
78. The upper end 72, or more particularly, the upper wall 76 and
rear wall 78 define an overhang cavity 80. The upper wall 76 and
rear wall 78 may take a variety of shapes and orientations to
provide the overhang cavity 80 having a variety of shapes and
configurations. As shown in FIG. 7A, in one form, the body 70,
upper wall 76 and rear wall 78 form a generally U shape. However,
it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other
shapes are also contemplated. Furthermore, it should be understood
that the upper wall 76 and rear wall 78 are configured to fit over
the ledge 40. Additionally, the rear wall 78 and/or the ledge 40
may include additional structure, such as a hook or related
structure to help retain the rear wall 78 relative to the ledge
40.
[0044] The lower portion 74 may similarly take a variety of shapes
and orientations. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower
portion 74 is generally flat and includes flanges 79 which may be
used to provide rigidity. The bracket 26 may also include an arm 82
extending along the body 70 toward the lower portion 74. The arm 82
may interrupt and/or form a part of the lower portion 74, as shown
in FIG. 6. The arm 82 includes a hook portion 84 and an actuator
86.
[0045] The hook portion 84 may take a variety of shapes and
orientations. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the hook portion 84
is generally J-shaped. However, the hook portion 84 may also be
U-shaped or take other forms. In yet another form, as shown in
FIGS. 9 and 9A, the hook portion 84 takes a shape similar to the
front wall 46 having a guiding portion and a retaining portion.
Other forms are also contemplated.
[0046] The actuator 86 may take a variety of forms, such as a
button. The actuator 86 may be utilized to manipulate the arm 82
between a retaining position and a releasing position. In one form,
the actuator 86 includes a protrusion 87 which extends through an
opening 88 in the arm 82 as the actuator is slid onto the arm 82 in
the direction of arrow 89, though other configurations are also
contemplated. For example, instead of sliding onto the arm 82, the
actuator 86 may instead be snap fit onto the arm 82.
[0047] The arm 82 may be affixed to and/or form a part of the body
70. In one form, as shown in FIG. 6, the arm 82 includes gaps 90
located adjacent to and separating a portion of the body 70 from
the arm 82. The arm 82 is thus connected to the body 70 at an arm
base 92. The length and width of the gaps 90 may be modified as
desired. Therefore, in one form, the arm 82 adjacent the lower
portion 74 will be capable of movement relative to the lower
portion 74, such as for insertion and removal from the rail 24.
Further, the flanges 79 may be used to prevent the lower portion 74
from moving as the arm 82 is moved.
[0048] The bracket 26 may also include a holder 94. The holder 94
may take a variety of forms including, but not limited to, the
forms illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the holder may take the
form of multiple arms 96 to retain an object. Similarly, a single
arm 98 may be utilized. In yet another form, a rotating holder 100
may be utilized, such as to retain a stick-type handle or
object.
[0049] The rotating holder 100 is illustrated in more detail in
FIGS. 8, 9 and 9A. Generally, the rotating holder 100 operates by
grasping an object between the rotating holder 100 and a retaining
arm 102. Generally, the rotating holder 100 is biased towards a
closed position by a spring 104 about a pivot 105 wherein a small
gap 106 exists between the retaining arm 102 and the rotating
holder 100. The rotating holder 100 includes an arc-shape or cam
surface 108 extending at least partially along the rotating holder
100. As an object is brought into contact with the cam surface 108,
the shape of the cam surface 108 in combination with the shape of
the rotating member 100 will cause the rotating member 100 to
rotate. Specifically, as a stick 110 is manipulated in a direction
indicated by arrow 112, the rotating member 100 will rotate in a
direction indicated by arrows 114 and 116. Therefore, little and/or
no upward force is necessary to cause the rotating member 100 to
rotate.
[0050] After the stick 110 is inserted, the spring 104 will bias
the rotating member back towards a closed position. Additionally,
gravity will pull the stick 110 downwardly, thereby further causing
the rotating member 100 to rotate towards the closed position. The
stick 100 will be grasped between the rotating member 100 and the
retaining arm 102.
[0051] Furthermore, the rotating member 100 may include a grasping
material 118 on the rotating member 100 and/or on the retaining arm
102. The grasping material 118 may take a variety of forms, such as
a rubber or other polymer material or coating whereby the material
118 will enhance contact with the stick 110. Similarly, the other
forms of holders 94, such as arms 96,98 may also include grasping
materials 118 and/or scratch preventing materials. In one form, the
materials are coated onto the holders 84.
[0052] The bracket 26 may also include a deflection stop 120
positioned to prevent the arm 82 from moving beyond the retaining
position. Referring to FIG. 6, the deflection stop 120 may take a
variety of forms, such as by forming a part of the holder 94.
Alternatively, the deflection stop 120 may be an independent
component.
[0053] As indicated above, the bracket 26 is insertable and
removable from the rail 24. This operation is best understood with
reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. As shown in FIG. 7A, the bracket 26
is being inserted into the rail 24. The bracket 26 is being
manipulated downwardly, as shown by arrow 130 and the rear wall 78
will enter the space between the ledge 40 and the support 22. As
the hook portion 84 contacts the lower portion 32, or more
particularly, the guiding portion 52, the arm 82 will deflect, as
shown by the direction of arrow 132. Once the bracket 26 has been
manipulated downwardly far enough, the hook portion 84 will deflect
back, as shown by the direction of arrow 134, to the retaining
position. In this position, the hook portion 84 engages and/or is
sufficiently close to the retaining portion 50 to prevent the
bracket 26 from being bumped or accidentally removed from the rail
24.
[0054] It should be noted that the hook portion 84 can frictionally
engage the retaining portion 50 to prevent the bracket 26 from
sliding along the length L of the rail 24. In this manner, a user
will push the actuator 86 to disengage the hook portion 84 and
slide the bracket 26. Alternatively, the hook portion 84 does not
frictionally engage the retaining portion 50 such that the bracket
26 is free to slide along the rail 24 without pushing the
actuator.
[0055] To remove the bracket 26 from the rail 24, a user can push
the actuator 86 in a direction as indicated by arrow 136 to the
releasing position to disengage the hook portion 84 from the
retaining portion 50. Once disengaged, the bracket 26 may be
removed by lifting the bracket upwards in a direction indicated by
arrow 138.
[0056] It should be readily understood that the rail 24 and bracket
26 may be manufactured from a variety of materials. For example, in
one form, the rail 26 is manufactured from extruded metal while the
bracket is manufactured from plastic. However, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that any combination and
type of suitable materials may be chosen for the rail 24 and
bracket 26.
[0057] The matter set forth in the foregoing description and
accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and
not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown
and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
broader aspects of applicants' contribution. The actual scope of
the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following
claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior
art.
* * * * *