U.S. patent application number 17/678157 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-15 for bump resistant hanger for hanging objects on a wall.
The applicant listed for this patent is THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.. Invention is credited to Nalinikanth GARIKAPATI, Dale G. MALOTT, Jonathan P. TANGER.
Application Number | 20220287482 17/678157 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006319912 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220287482 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MALOTT; Dale G. ; et
al. |
September 15, 2022 |
BUMP RESISTANT HANGER FOR HANGING OBJECTS ON A WALL
Abstract
An apparatus for supporting an object on a wall includes a
bracket including a first end segment, a second end segment and an
intermediate hang segment running laterally between the first end
segment and the second end segment. The intermediate hang segment
includes an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the lower edge
includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth and a plurality
of upwardly extending recesses, wherein the teeth and recesses
together define a laterally running hang zone of the intermediate
hang segment. The bracket further includes a first side segment
extending downward at a first side of the hang zone and a second
side segment extending downward at a second side of the hang zone,
wherein the first side segment and the second side segment are
configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket relative to
a wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone.
Inventors: |
MALOTT; Dale G.; (Chandler,
AZ) ; TANGER; Jonathan P.; (Plantation, FL) ;
GARIKAPATI; Nalinikanth; (Phoenix, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC. |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006319912 |
Appl. No.: |
17/678157 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63160295 |
Mar 12, 2021 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 1/162 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/16 20060101
A47G001/16 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for supporting an object on a wall, comprising: a
bracket including a first end segment, a second end segment and an
intermediate hang segment running laterally between the first end
segment and the second end segment, wherein the intermediate hang
segment includes an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the lower
edge includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth and a
plurality of upwardly extending recesses, wherein the teeth and
recesses together define a laterally running hang zone of the
intermediate hang segment, wherein the bracket further includes a
first side segment extending downward at a first side of the hang
zone and a second side segment extending downward at a second side
of the hang zone, wherein the first side segment and the second
side segment are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the
bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the hang
zone.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a first
lower segment running laterally from the first side segment and
spaced below a lateral portion of the hang zone, wherein the first
lower segment is configured for limiting upward shifting of the
bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the lateral
portion of the hang zone.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein bracket includes a second
lower segment running laterally from the second side segment and
spaced below a second lateral portion of the hang zone, wherein the
second lower segment is configured for limiting upward shifting of
the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the
second lateral portion of the hang zone.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first lower segment has a
free end and the second lower segment has a free end, wherein the
free end of the first lower segment is spaced laterally from the
free end of the second lower segment to provide an upwardly running
wall mount structure entry channel to the hang zone.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first lower segment
includes a lower edge that angles upwardly toward the wall mount
structure entry channel for guiding a wall mount structure into the
wall mount structure entry channel.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second lower segment
includes a lower edge that angles upwardly toward the wall mount
structure entry channel for guiding a wall mount structure into the
wall mount structure entry channel.
7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the hang zone has a lateral
length, wherein a width of the wall mount structure entry channel
is no more than sixty percent of the lateral length.
8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the hang zone has a lateral
length, wherein a width of the wall mount structure entry channel
is no more than thirty percent.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a lower
segment running laterally below the hang zone, wherein the lower
segment is configured for limiting upward shifting of the bracket
relative to a wall mount structure engaged with a lateral portion
of the hang zone that is aligned vertically above the lower
segment.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the lower segment includes a
free end, and the bracket includes a wall mount structure entry
channel to the hang zone, wherein the wall mount structure entry
channel is adjacent the free end.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the hang zone has a lateral
length, wherein a width of the wall mount structure entry channel
is no more than thirty percent of the lateral length.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes at least
one lower segment running laterally below the hang zone to define a
lateral bracket slot below the hang zone, wherein the at least one
lower segment is configured for limiting upward shifting of the
bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with a lateral
portion of the hang zone that is aligned vertically above the at
least one lower segment.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the bracket defines an
upwardly running wall mount structure entry channel to the lateral
bracket slot.
14. An apparatus for supporting an object on a wall, comprising: a
bracket defining a lateral hang slot having an upper edge, wherein
the upper edge of the lateral hang slot includes a plurality of
downwardly extending teeth and a plurality of upwardly extending
recesses, wherein the lateral hang slot includes a lower edge
running along at least part of a lateral length of the lateral hang
slot, wherein a lateral length of the lower edge is at least forty
percent of the lateral length of the lateral hang slot.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the lateral length of the
lower edge is at least sixty percent of the lateral length of the
lateral hang slot.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the lower edge of the hang
slot includes a gap therein that defines a wall mount structure
entry channel.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the lateral length of the
lower edge, excluding a width of the wall mount structure entry
channel, is at least seventy percent of the lateral length of the
lateral hang slot.
18. An apparatus for supporting an object on a wall, comprising: a
bracket including a hang segment running laterally, wherein the
hang segment includes an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the
lower edge includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth and a
plurality of upwardly extending recesses, wherein the teeth and
recesses together define a laterally running hang zone of the hang
segment, wherein the bracket further includes a first side segment
extending downward at a first side of the hang zone and a second
side segment extending downward at a second side of the hang zone,
wherein the first side segment and the second side segment are
configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket relative to
a wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bracket includes at
least one lower segment running laterally below the hang zone to
define a lateral bracket slot below the hang zone, wherein the at
least one lower segment is configured for limiting upward shifting
of the bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with a
lateral portion of the hang zone that is aligned vertically above
the at least one lower segment.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the bracket defines an
upwardly running wall mount structure entry channel to the lateral
bracket slot.
21. An apparatus for supporting an object on a wall, comprising: a
bracket including: a mount portion comprising first mount segment
and a second mount segment having respective mount surfaces that
lie in a common plane; a hang portion comprising a first end
segment, a second end segment and an intermediate hang segment
running laterally between the first end segment and the second end
segment, wherein the intermediate hang segment includes an upper
edge and a lower edge for engaging on a wall mount structure and
defining a laterally running hang zone, a first side segment
extending downward at a first side of the hang zone and a second
side segment extending downward at a second side of the hang zone,
wherein the first side segment and the second side segment are
configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket relative to
a wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone; a first
extension segment running from the first mount segment to the hang
portion, and a second extension segment running from the second
mount segment to the hang portion, so as to space the intermediate
segment of the hang portion away from the common plane.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The application relates generally to devices operable to
hang an object on a wall and, more specifically, devices for
hanging objects, such a pictures, on a wall in a secure but level
adjustable manner.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Homeowners regularly decorate the walls of interior rooms of
their homes. Paintings and pictures are typically framed works of
art with the former many times being applied to a canvas or similar
item. Various types of hanging devices are known, including
sawtooth hangers. A typical sawtooth hanger includes an elongated
metal bracket with a central hang section between two end sections
used for mounting to the picture or other object. The central hang
section has a lower edge defined by a plurality of teeth. Each end
section includes an opening through which a fastener (e.g., screw
or nail) can be placed to secure the bracket to the object to be
hung.
[0003] The typical sawtooth hanger allows for some level
adjustability of the object that is hung (e.g., by varying the
sawtooth recess that engages with a wall mounted fastener).
However, if the object is bumped vertically upward, the sawtooth
may disengage from the head of the fastener. If the object is moved
to far to the left or right relative to the wall mounted fastener
(e.g., by bumping or during attempt to move and level the object on
the wall), the sawtooth may be disengaged from the head of the wall
mounted fastener.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a sawtooth type hanging
apparatus that addresses one or more of the foregoing
limitations.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect, an apparatus for supporting an object on a
wall includes a bracket including a first end segment, a second end
segment and an intermediate hang segment running laterally between
the first end segment and the second end segment. The intermediate
hang segment includes an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the
lower edge includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth and a
plurality of upwardly extending recesses, wherein the teeth and
recesses together define a laterally running hang zone of the
intermediate hang segment. The bracket further includes a first
side segment extending downward at a first side of the hang zone
and a second side segment extending downward at a second side of
the hang zone, wherein the first side segment and the second side
segment are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket
relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone.
[0006] In another aspect, an apparatus for supporting an object on
a wall includes a bracket defining a lateral hang slot having an
upper edge, wherein the upper edge of the lateral hang slot
includes a plurality of downwardly extending teeth and a plurality
of upwardly extending recesses, wherein the lateral hang slot
includes a lower edge running along at least part of a lateral
length of the lateral hang slot, and wherein a lateral length of
the lower edge is at least forty percent of the lateral length of
the lateral hang slot.
[0007] In another aspect, an apparatus for supporting an object on
a wall includes a bracket including a hang segment running
laterally, wherein the hang segment includes an upper edge and a
lower edge. The lower edge includes a plurality of downwardly
extending teeth and a plurality of upwardly extending recesses,
wherein the teeth and recesses together define a laterally running
hang zone of the hang segment. The bracket further includes a first
side segment extending downward at a first side of the hang zone
and a second side segment extending downward at a second side of
the hang zone, wherein the first side segment and the second side
segment are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket
relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the hang zone.
[0008] In a further aspect, an apparatus for supporting an object
on a wall, comprising a bracket including: a mount portion
comprising first mount segment and a second mount segment having
respective mount surfaces that lie in a common plane; a hang
portion comprising a first end segment, a second end segment and an
intermediate hang segment running laterally between the first end
segment and the second end segment, wherein the intermediate hang
segment includes an upper edge and a lower edge for engaging on a
wall mount structure and defining a laterally running hang zone, a
first side segment extending downward at a first side of the hang
zone and a second side segment extending downward at a second side
of the hang zone, wherein the first side segment and the second
side segment are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the
bracket relative to a wall mount structure engaged with the hang
zone; and a first extension segment running from the first mount
segment to the hang portion, and a second extension segment running
from the second mount segment to the hang portion, so as to space
the intermediate segment of the hang portion away from the common
plane.
[0009] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,
objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and
drawings, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is front perspective view of a hang bracket;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the bracket;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the bracket'
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the bracket;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the bracket mounted to a
picture frame and supported on a fastener extending from a
wall;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 7 shows another bracket configuration;
[0017] FIG. 8 shows another bracket configuration;
[0018] FIG. 9 shows another bracket configuration;
[0019] FIGS. 10A and 10B show another bracket configuration with
exemplary fasteners;
[0020] FIG. 11 shows another bracket configuration with a hook;
and
[0021] FIGS. 12A and 12B show another possible hook useable with
the brackets.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, one embodiment of a sawtooth-type
apparatus 10 for supporting an object on a wall takes the form of a
bracket 12 with opposite lateral end segments 14 and 16 and an
intermediate hang segment 18 running laterally between the end
segments. Here, the end segments 14 and 16 are each L-shaped (in
top plan view), with respective mount segments 14a and 16a and
respective extension segments 14b and 16b. Each mount segment 14a
and 16a includes a respective opening 14c and 16c through which a
fastener 17 can be passed to engage the bracket onto an object to
be mounted (e.g., onto a rear surface of one rail or leg 22 of a
picture frame per FIGS. 5 and 6). The mount segments 14a and 16a
lie in a common plane for such mounting purpose, and the
intermediate segment 18 is offset from that common plane so as to
space the intermediate segment 18 away from the frame leg 22,
creating a space 24 that can receive part of a wall mount
structure, such as the head 26a of a fastener 26 that protrudes
from a wall 28.
[0023] The intermediate hang segment 18 includes an upper edge 30
and a lower edge 32, wherein the lower edge 32 includes a plurality
of downwardly extending teeth 34 and a plurality of upwardly
extending recesses 36. The teeth and recesses together define a
laterally running hang zone of 38 the intermediate hang segment. It
is recognized that the exact configuration of the teeth and
recesses could vary, such as angular, curved or squared. The
bracket further includes opposite side segments 40 and 42 extending
downward at respective sides of the hang zone 38. These side
segments 40 and 42 extend downward a sufficient extent such that
they are configured for limiting lateral shifting of the bracket 12
relative to a fastener or other wall mount structure engaged with
the hang zone 38. The side segments 40 and 42 present an obstacle
to excessive lateral shifting because, as the bracket moves
laterally, the fastener will eventually contact the edge of the
side segment and prevent further lateral shifting of the
bracket.
[0024] The bracket 12 also includes a lower segment 50 running
laterally from the side segment 40 and spaced below a lateral
portion 52 of the hang zone 38, such that the lower segment 50 is
configured for limiting upward shifting of the bracket 12 relative
to fastener or other wall mount structure engaged with the lateral
portion 52 of the hang zone. The lower segment 50 presents an
obstacle to excessive upward shifting because, as the bracket moves
vertically, the fastener engaged in lateral portion 52 will
eventually contact the upper edge 53 of the lower segment 50 and
prevent further vertical shifting of the bracket 12. The bracket 12
also includes a lower segment 54 running laterally from the side
segment 42 and spaced below a lateral portion 56 of the hang zone
38, such that the lower segment 54 is configured for limiting
upward shifting of the bracket 12 relative to fastener or other
wall mount structure engaged with the lateral portion 56 of the
hang zone. The lower segment 54 presents an obstacle to excessive
upward shifting because, as the bracket moves vertically, the
fastener engaged in lateral portion 56 will eventually contact the
upper edge 55 of the lower segment 54 and prevent further vertical
shifting of the bracket 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the
lower segments 50 and 54 are arranged in a common plane with the
intermediate hang segment 18, embodiments with a depthwise offset
between the lower segments 50, 54 and the intermediate hang segment
18 are contemplated and, in such embodiments, the lower segments
50, 54 would still be considered to be below the hang zone 38.
[0025] Each lower segment 50 and 54 has a respective free end 60
and 62. The free ends 60 and 62 are spaced laterally from each
other to provide an upwardly running fastener/wall mount structure
entry channel 64 up into the hang zone 38. Each lower segment 50
and 54 includes a respective lower edge 66 and 68 that angles
upwardly toward the channel 64 for guiding a fastener or other wall
mount structure into the wall mount structure entry channel (e.g.,
as the bracket is moved downwardly onto the fastener or other wall
mount structure).
[0026] The hang zone has a lateral length L38. In the illustrated
embodiment, a width W of the slot 64 is no more than thirty percent
of the lateral length L38 of the hang zone (e.g., no more than
twenty-five percent of the lateral length). This relative dimension
provides for good vertical bump resistance across a majority of the
lateral hang zone. However, variations are possible, such as the
width W of the slot 64 being as much 50-55% of the lateral length
of the lateral hang zone.
[0027] The intermediate segment 18, side segments 40 and 42 and
lower segments 50 and 52 together surround and define a lateral
bracket slot 70, where the lower edge of intermediate segment 18
forms the upper edge of the slot 70 and the upper edges 53 and 55
of the lower segments 50 and 52 form the lower edge of the slot 70.
In the illustrated embodiment, a combined lateral length (L53+L55)
of the lower edges (excluding the width of the channel 64) is at
least sixty percent of the lateral length L38 of the lateral hang
slot 70. Again, this relative dimension provides for good vertical
bump resistance across a majority of the lateral hang zone or slot.
However, embodiments in which the combined lateral length of the
lower edges (excluding the width of the channel 64) is smaller are
possible, such as where the width of the channel makes up as much
as 50-55% of the lateral length of the lateral hang slot. Thus, a
combined lateral length (L53+L55) of the lower edges (excluding the
width of the channel 64) may be at least forty percent or
forty-five of the lateral length L38 of the lateral hang slot
70.
[0028] In embodiments, a height H70 of the slot 70 is sized to
prevent the head of a fastener from being pulled out of the slot
(e.g., in a downward direction on the page in FIG. 5). Stated
differently, a diameter of the head of the fastener used with the
hang bracket can be larger than the height H&0 of the slot for
such purpose. For example, where #8 screw is used, the height H70
may be made smaller than 0.262 inches or, where a #6 screw is used,
the height H70 may be made smaller than 0.312 inches. The same
relative sizing could be applied to the width W of the entry
channel (e.g., where #8 screw is used, the height H70 may be made
smaller than 0.262 inches or, where a #6 screw is used, the height
H70 may be made smaller than 0.312 inches). A kit may be packaged
together for sale, by including in the package a bracket 12 and a
fastener 26 (or fasteners) with head diameter larger than the
bracket slot height. The kit could also include fasteners 17 for
securing the bracket to an item to be hung.
[0029] Thus, the described bracket 12 advantageously provides a
sawtooth hang bracket that is resistant to disengagement from a
fastener due to vertical shifting and/or lateral shifting if the
object to which the bracket is attached is bumped. Other bracket
configurations to achieve this advantage are also possible.
[0030] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary bracket 12' in which the upper
portion of the slot 70' is defined by an intermediate segment 18'
similar to segment 18 above, but the bottom of the slot 70' is
defined almost entirely by a single lateral segment 50', causing
the entry channel 64' to be located toward one lateral end of the
slot 70'. Again, the width of the entry channel 64' may be no more
than 30% (e.g., no more than 25%) of the lateral length of the hang
zone 38'. A length of the lower edge of the slot 70' (excluding the
width of the channel 64') is at least forty percent, such as at
least sixty percent, of the lateral length of the lateral hang slot
70'.
[0031] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary bracket 12'' that is intended to
engage the underside of the picture frame rail or leg 22'', rather
than the rear side.
[0032] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary bracket 12''' in which the entry
channel 64' is bounded at its lower side by a loop section 80 that
defines a space 82 large enough to receive the head of a
fastener.
[0033] FIGS. 10A and 10B show another bracket 12'''' with different
types of possible fasteners, including a double-headed nail 90, a
screw 92 and a double headed screw 94.
[0034] FIG. 11 shows another bracket 12-5 engageable with the hook
portion 96 of a wall anchor as the wall mount structure.
[0035] FIGS. 12A and 12B show an alternative wall hook 75 that
could be used with the various sawtooth style brackets.
[0036] It is to be clearly understood that the above description is
intended by way of illustration and example only, is not intended
to be taken by way of limitation, and that other changes and
modifications are possible. For example, brackets that do not
include the lower lateral segments (e.g., without 50 and 54) are
also possible. The number of teeth and recesses could vary from
that illustrated in the embodiments (e.g., the teeth and recesses
do not have to extend across the entire lateral length of the
channel. Embodiments in which no teeth or recesses are present are
also possible. A mountable object formed by an object surface
(e.g., 22) and any apparatus described above is also disclosed.
* * * * *