US20070215772A1 - Gravity aided connector - Google Patents
Gravity aided connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070215772A1 US20070215772A1 US11/688,725 US68872507A US2007215772A1 US 20070215772 A1 US20070215772 A1 US 20070215772A1 US 68872507 A US68872507 A US 68872507A US 2007215772 A1 US2007215772 A1 US 2007215772A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- slot
- bolt
- fixed surface
- open end
- connector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 title abstract description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011343 solid material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B37/00—Nuts or like thread-engaging members
- F16B37/04—Devices for fastening nuts to surfaces, e.g. sheets, plates
- F16B37/045—Devices for fastening nuts to surfaces, e.g. sheets, plates specially adapted for fastening in channels, e.g. sliding bolts, channel nuts
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B35/00—Screw-bolts; Stay-bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws
- F16B35/04—Screw-bolts; Stay-bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws with specially-shaped head or shaft in order to fix the bolt on or in an object
- F16B35/06—Specially-shaped heads
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for hanging objects from a fixed surface.
- the present invention is directed to an apparatus for hanging an object from a fixed surface comprising:
- the open end of the slot that received the bolt attached to the fixed surface is at the end of the body closest to the ground and wherein the open end of the other longitudinal slot is at the end of the body that is furthest away from the ground.
- each slot is inclined towards the central axis of the connector from the open end to the closed end.
- the portion of the head of the bolt immediately adjacent to its attachment point to the shaft is cylindrical in shape having a shoulder facing the shaft, the cylindrical shape extending for a distance away from the shaft and then flaring to a wider diameter equal to or less than the width of the lower edge of the cavity.
- the bolt comprises a wedge shaped flange having a central passage for receiving a setscrew.
- the invention comprises an apparatus for hanging an object from a fixed surface comprising:
- the invention comprises a method of hanging an object from a fixed surface comprising the steps of:
- the invention comprises a method of hanging an object from a fixed surface comprising the steps of:
- FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a connector of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side view in section of a connector of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side view in section of a bolt of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of a bolt of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a connector attached to a bolt in a fixed surface of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a top view of a connector attached to bolt in an object of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic depiction of a bolt of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a top view of a bolt of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a side view in section of a bolt of one embodiment of the present invention.
- the apparatus ( 10 ) comprises a connector body ( 26 ) and at least two bolts ( 30 ).
- the connector body ( 26 ) has a first end ( 12 ) and a second end ( 14 ) and a central longitudinal axis (A).
- the connector body ( 26 ) defines at least two faces ( 15 ) and has at least two longitudinal slots ( 16 ).
- the slots ( 16 ) are elongated longitudinally and have an open end ( 22 ) at one end of the connector body ( 26 ) and an enclosed end ( 24 ) proximate to the other end of the connector body ( 26 ).
- vertical shall mean an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the horizon and shall also mean the direction between the first and second ends of the connector body ( 26 ).
- the connector apparatus of the invention may be used to hang objects from any vertical or angled surface.
- horizontal is of course transverse to the vertical direction.
- the slots ( 16 ) are cavities recessed into the faces ( 15 ) of the connector body ( 26 ).
- the inside corner ( 20 ) of the cavity ( 28 ) has a width greater than or equal to the diameter of the head of the bolts ( 34 ).
- the outside edge ( 18 ) of the cavity ( 28 ) has a width less than the diameter of the head of the bolt ( 34 ). Accordingly the cavity ( 28 ) is wedge shaped in the horizontal plane, as depicted in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 with the outer edge of the cavity ( 18 ) forming a retaining lip that retains the bolt ( 30 ) when it is inserted into the slot ( 16 ) as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- a wedge shaped cavity may be created such that it matches the shape of the bolt head ( 34 ) also as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 .
- the cavity ( 28 ) may further comprise a rectangular groove ( 40 ) situated inside the inside corner ( 20 ) of the cavity as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- the slots ( 16 ) are tapered such that the inside corner ( 20 ) of the cavity is deeper at the enclosed end of the slot ( 24 ) and the distance between the inside edge ( 20 ) and the outside edge ( 18 ) is greater at the enclosed end ( 24 ). This creates a thicker retaining lip at the enclosed end ( 24 ). This results in the bolt ( 30 ) being drawn towards the center of the connector body ( 26 ) as it moves from the open end ( 22 ) to the closed end ( 24 ). This in turn draws the connector body ( 26 ) closer to the fixed surface ( 32 ), and the object being hung ( 35 ).
- the dimensions of the connector body ( 26 ) and the bolts ( 30 ) are such that a face of the connector ( 15 ) contacts the fixed surface ( 32 ) when the connector body ( 26 ), bolt ( 30 ) and the fixed surface ( 32 ) are assembled together. Relatively tight contact between the connector body ( 26 ) and the fixed surface ( 32 ) contributes to the stability of the assembly.
- the cavity ( 28 ) may also have a recess ( 23 ) proximate to the open end ( 24 ) for receiving a locking pin (not shown) that can be inserted once the bolt head ( 34 ) has moved in to the slot ( 16 ), thereby preventing the bolt head ( 34 ) from slipping out of the slot ( 16 ).
- the connector bodies ( 26 ) may be used to suspend more than one object if there are more than two faces with slots ( 16 ).
- the shape of the connector body ( 26 ) and the orientation of the slots ( 16 ) can be varied depending on the desired relative position of the suspended objects and the fixed surface ( 32 ) to each together after they have been connected. If the connector body ( 26 ) is square in cross-section and has four slots ( 16 ) (not shown in the Figures) then obviously it may be used to suspend an object in an orientation that is either parallel to the fixed surface ( 32 ) as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , or in an orientation that is perpendicular to and extends away from the vertical surface ( 32 ).
- the dimensions or shape, or both, of the connector body ( 26 ) may be altered for aesthetic or practical reasons.
- the connector body may have any number of faces and slots, which dictates how many objects may be suspended there from.
- the object to be suspended may comprise a variety of things including, without limitation, shelving or panels.
- the connector system described herein may also be used to connect stone furniture panels.
- the fixed surface ( 32 ) may be a wall, a fixture, or furniture and may comprise any solid material. The nature of the fixed surface ( 32 ) and the object is not limiting of the claimed invention.
- the bolt head ( 34 ) may comprise a cylindrical portion ( 34 A) and a wedge portion ( 34 B).
- the cylindrical portion is cylindrical in shape immediately adjacent to the attachment point to the elongate shaft ( 36 ) and accordingly has a shoulder ( 37 ) which rests against the object upon installation.
- the length of this cylindrical portion may be varied to match the depth of the slots in the connector body ( 26 ).
- the wedge portion ( 34 B) has an increasing diameter which fits within and is retained by the slots described above. If the bolt head ( 34 ) is circular when view head-on, which is not necessarily the case, the wedge portion will of course be conical. If the bolt head is square when viewed head-on, the wedge portion will be pyramidal. This shape of the bolt head may be varied to any shape that matches the corresponding slot in the connector body.
- the bolt may comprise of a wedge shaped flange ( 50 ) having central passage ( 52 ) and a setscrew, the setscrew thus acting as the elongate shaft of the bolt when it passes through the central passage ( 52 ).
- the head of the setscrew can be recessed into a cavity in the bolt head face ( 54 ).
- the connector bodies ( 26 ) and bolts ( 30 ) may be constructed from wood, plastic or metal or such other materials as are suitable and as would be selected by one skilled in the art.
- a bolt ( 30 ) is inserted into the fixed surface ( 32 ) as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the bolt head ( 34 ) shoulder is set against the fixed surface ( 32 ).
- the connector body ( 26 ) is then orientated vertically so that its first end ( 12 ) is in a position that is furthest from the ground and the second end ( 14 ) is in a position that is closest to the ground.
- the face ( 15 ) of the connector body ( 26 ) having the slot ( 16 ) with the open end ( 22 ) at the second end of the body ( 14 ) is positioned flush against the fixed surface ( 32 ) above the bolt head ( 34 ) secured in the fixed surface ( 32 ) and the connector body ( 26 ) is then moved downwards towards the ground causing the bolt head ( 34 ) to move up the slot ( 16 ). Because the slot ( 16 ) is tapered inward toward the central axis of the connector body ( 26 ), the fixed surface ( 32 ) and connector body ( 26 ) are drawn together until they contact or until the bolt head ( 34 ) reaches the enclosed end ( 24 ) of the slot ( 16 ).
- FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the connector ( 26 ) attached to the bolt ( 30 ) in the fixed surface ( 32 ).
- a bolt ( 30 ) is then inserted in the object ( 35 ) that requires hanging.
- the bolt head ( 34 ) protruding from the object ( 35 ) is then positioned above the first end ( 12 ) of the connector body ( 26 ), and in particular over the open end ( 22 ) of one of the slots ( 16 ) in one of the other faces of the connector body ( 26 ). It will be understood that the other slots which have their open ends at the first end of the connector will be facing upwards.
- the object ( 35 ) is then moved downwards so that the bolt head ( 34 ) descends into the slot ( 16 ).
- FIG. 6 shows a top view of the connector body ( 26 ) attached to the bolt head ( 34 ) that is attached to the object ( 35 ).
- the top of the connector body ( 26 ) may have a threaded hole ( 13 ) to facilitate its removal with a threaded rod (not shown).
Abstract
The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for hanging an object from a fixed surface. Fixed bolts insert into tapered slots connecting the fixed surface with the object. Gravity and the weight of the object ensure that the connector stays firmly attached to the fixed surface.
Description
- This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/767,341 filed on Mar. 20, 2006 entitled “Gravity Aided Connector”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for hanging objects from a fixed surface.
- Systems for suspending objects from a fixed surface are generally complex and difficult to install. There is a need in the art for a simple and yet sturdy suspension system that is easy to install and remove.
- The present invention is directed to an apparatus for hanging an object from a fixed surface comprising:
-
- (a) a connector comprising a body having central longitudinal axis and at least two faces, wherein each face defines a longitudinal slot, each slot having an open end and an enclosed end, and each slot having a transverse profile comprising a retaining lip, whereby the open end of the slot on one face is at an opposite end of the body than the open end of the slot on the other face; and
- (b) at least two bolts, each such bolt having an elongate shaft for attachment and a head comprising a shape matching the transverse profile of the slots, such that the head may be inserted into the open end of a slot, moved longitudinally within the slot and is retained within the slot by the lip.
- In one embodiment, following installation, the open end of the slot that received the bolt attached to the fixed surface is at the end of the body closest to the ground and wherein the open end of the other longitudinal slot is at the end of the body that is furthest away from the ground.
- In another embodiment, each slot is inclined towards the central axis of the connector from the open end to the closed end. In one embodiment, the portion of the head of the bolt immediately adjacent to its attachment point to the shaft is cylindrical in shape having a shoulder facing the shaft, the cylindrical shape extending for a distance away from the shaft and then flaring to a wider diameter equal to or less than the width of the lower edge of the cavity. In an embodiment, the bolt comprises a wedge shaped flange having a central passage for receiving a setscrew.
- In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises an apparatus for hanging an object from a fixed surface comprising:
-
- (a) a connector comprising a body having a first end and second end, a central longitudinal axis, and a substantially quadrilateral cross-section, whereby at least two faces define a longitudinal slot, each slot having an open end and an enclosed end, and each slot having a transverse profile comprising a retaining lip, whereby the open end of the longitudinal slot on at least one face is at the second end of the body and the open ends of the longitudinal slots on the other face is at the first end of the body; and
- (b) at least two bolts, each bolt having an elongate shaft for attachment and a head comprising a shape matching the transverse profile of the slots, such that the head may be inserted into the open end of a slot, moved longitudinally within the slot and is retained within the slot by the lip; whereby one bolt is attached to the fixed surface and at least one bolt is attached to the object that is being suspended; and
- whereby the slot on the one face that has an open end at the first end of the body is the slot that receives the bolt attached to the fixed surface.
- In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a method of hanging an object from a fixed surface comprising the steps of:
-
- (a) attaching a bolt having a head with an enlarged portion into the fixed surface;
- (b) attaching a bolt having a head with an enlarged portion into the object;
- (c) connecting the bolt in the fixed surface and the bolt in the object together by means of a connector body having a central longitudinal axis and at least two faces, wherein each face defines a longitudinal slot, each slot having an open end and an enclosed end, and each slot having a transverse profile comprising a lip, whereby the enlarged portion of a bolt head may slide longitudinally within a slot but is retained by the lip and whereby the open end of the longitudinal slot on one face is at an opposite end of the body than the other longitudinal slots on the other faces.
- In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a method of hanging an object from a fixed surface comprising the steps of:
-
- (a) attaching a bolt to the fixed surface;
- (b) attaching a bolt to the object to be hung;
- (c) orientating the connector vertically so that the second end of the body is closest to the ground;
- (d) placing the face of the connector having the slot with the open end at the second end of the body immediately above the bolt attached to the fixed surface, and then moving the connector down towards the ground so that the bolt attached to the fixed surface slides up into said slot; and
- (e) placing the bolt attached to the object immediately above any of the other slots and then moving the object down towards the ground so the bolt attached to the object slides down into said slot.
- The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a connector of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a side view in section of a connector of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a side view in section of a bolt of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a top view of a bolt of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a connector attached to a bolt in a fixed surface of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a top view of a connector attached to bolt in an object of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic depiction of a bolt of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a top view of a bolt of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a side view in section of a bolt of one embodiment of the present invention. - When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings. To the extent that the following description is of a specific embodiment or a particular use of the invention, it is intended to be illustrative only, and not limiting of the claimed invention. The following description is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that are included in the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
- The apparatus (10) according to the Figures comprises a connector body (26) and at least two bolts (30). The connector body (26) has a first end (12) and a second end (14) and a central longitudinal axis (A). The connector body (26) defines at least two faces (15) and has at least two longitudinal slots (16). The slots (16) are elongated longitudinally and have an open end (22) at one end of the connector body (26) and an enclosed end (24) proximate to the other end of the connector body (26). As used herein, the term “vertical” shall mean an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the horizon and shall also mean the direction between the first and second ends of the connector body (26). The connector apparatus of the invention may be used to hang objects from any vertical or angled surface. The term “horizontal” is of course transverse to the vertical direction.
- The slots (16) are cavities recessed into the faces (15) of the connector body (26). The inside corner (20) of the cavity (28) has a width greater than or equal to the diameter of the head of the bolts (34). The outside edge (18) of the cavity (28) has a width less than the diameter of the head of the bolt (34). Accordingly the cavity (28) is wedge shaped in the horizontal plane, as depicted in
FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 with the outer edge of the cavity (18) forming a retaining lip that retains the bolt (30) when it is inserted into the slot (16) as depicted inFIGS. 5 and 6 . A wedge shaped cavity may be created such that it matches the shape of the bolt head (34) also as shown inFIGS. 1, 5 and 6. The cavity (28) may further comprise a rectangular groove (40) situated inside the inside corner (20) of the cavity as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 . - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the slots (16) are tapered such that the inside corner (20) of the cavity is deeper at the enclosed end of the slot (24) and the distance between the inside edge (20) and the outside edge (18) is greater at the enclosed end (24). This creates a thicker retaining lip at the enclosed end (24). This results in the bolt (30) being drawn towards the center of the connector body (26) as it moves from the open end (22) to the closed end (24). This in turn draws the connector body (26) closer to the fixed surface (32), and the object being hung (35). Preferably, the dimensions of the connector body (26) and the bolts (30) are such that a face of the connector (15) contacts the fixed surface (32) when the connector body (26), bolt (30) and the fixed surface (32) are assembled together. Relatively tight contact between the connector body (26) and the fixed surface (32) contributes to the stability of the assembly. The cavity (28) may also have a recess (23) proximate to the open end (24) for receiving a locking pin (not shown) that can be inserted once the bolt head (34) has moved in to the slot (16), thereby preventing the bolt head (34) from slipping out of the slot (16). - The connector bodies (26) may be used to suspend more than one object if there are more than two faces with slots (16). The shape of the connector body (26) and the orientation of the slots (16) can be varied depending on the desired relative position of the suspended objects and the fixed surface (32) to each together after they have been connected. If the connector body (26) is square in cross-section and has four slots (16) (not shown in the Figures) then obviously it may be used to suspend an object in an orientation that is either parallel to the fixed surface (32) as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 , or in an orientation that is perpendicular to and extends away from the vertical surface (32). - The dimensions or shape, or both, of the connector body (26) may be altered for aesthetic or practical reasons. The connector body may have any number of faces and slots, which dictates how many objects may be suspended there from.
- The object to be suspended may comprise a variety of things including, without limitation, shelving or panels. The connector system described herein may also be used to connect stone furniture panels. The fixed surface (32) may be a wall, a fixture, or furniture and may comprise any solid material. The nature of the fixed surface (32) and the object is not limiting of the claimed invention.
- As depicted in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , the bolt head (34) may comprise a cylindrical portion (34A) and a wedge portion (34B). The cylindrical portion is cylindrical in shape immediately adjacent to the attachment point to the elongate shaft (36) and accordingly has a shoulder (37) which rests against the object upon installation. The length of this cylindrical portion may be varied to match the depth of the slots in the connector body (26). The wedge portion (34B) has an increasing diameter which fits within and is retained by the slots described above. If the bolt head (34) is circular when view head-on, which is not necessarily the case, the wedge portion will of course be conical. If the bolt head is square when viewed head-on, the wedge portion will be pyramidal. This shape of the bolt head may be varied to any shape that matches the corresponding slot in the connector body. - As shown in
FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the bolt may comprise of a wedge shaped flange (50) having central passage (52) and a setscrew, the setscrew thus acting as the elongate shaft of the bolt when it passes through the central passage (52). The head of the setscrew can be recessed into a cavity in the bolt head face (54). When the bolt head (34) is inserted into a slot (16) in the connector body (26), the setscrew is physically prevented from exiting the bolt head (34) by the connector body (26). Therefore, this configuration may be preferred for angled attachments or for attachments that will be subject to vibration. - The connector bodies (26) and bolts (30) may be constructed from wood, plastic or metal or such other materials as are suitable and as would be selected by one skilled in the art.
- The use and operation of the apparatus (10) will now be described with reference to the Figures. A bolt (30) is inserted into the fixed surface (32) as shown in
FIG. 3 . The bolt head (34) shoulder is set against the fixed surface (32). The connector body (26) is then orientated vertically so that its first end (12) is in a position that is furthest from the ground and the second end (14) is in a position that is closest to the ground. The face (15) of the connector body (26) having the slot (16) with the open end (22) at the second end of the body (14) is positioned flush against the fixed surface (32) above the bolt head (34) secured in the fixed surface (32) and the connector body (26) is then moved downwards towards the ground causing the bolt head (34) to move up the slot (16). Because the slot (16) is tapered inward toward the central axis of the connector body (26), the fixed surface (32) and connector body (26) are drawn together until they contact or until the bolt head (34) reaches the enclosed end (24) of the slot (16). The enclosed end of the slot (24) prevents the connector body (26) from sliding off the bolt head (34) and gravity prevents the connector body (26) from working itself loose.FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the connector (26) attached to the bolt (30) in the fixed surface (32). - A bolt (30) is then inserted in the object (35) that requires hanging. The bolt head (34) protruding from the object (35) is then positioned above the first end (12) of the connector body (26), and in particular over the open end (22) of one of the slots (16) in one of the other faces of the connector body (26). It will be understood that the other slots which have their open ends at the first end of the connector will be facing upwards. The object (35) is then moved downwards so that the bolt head (34) descends into the slot (16). Because the slot (16) is tapered inward toward the central axis of the connector body, the object and connector body are drawn together until they contact or until the bolt head (34) reaches the enclosed end of the slot (16). Gravity will hold the bolt head (34) in the slot however, to further secure the bolt head protruding from the object, a pin may be inserted into the cavity above the bolt head thereby securing the bolt head in the slot (16). It will be understood that gravity and the weight of the object will push the connector body (26) down onto the bolt (30) attached to the fixed surface (32) thereby locking it in place.
FIG. 6 shows a top view of the connector body (26) attached to the bolt head (34) that is attached to the object (35). - The top of the connector body (26) may have a threaded hole (13) to facilitate its removal with a threaded rod (not shown).
- As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the invention claimed herein.
Claims (9)
1. An apparatus for hanging an object from a fixed surface comprising:
(a) a connector comprising a body having central longitudinal axis and at least two faces, wherein each face defines a longitudinal slot, each slot having an open end and an enclosed end, and each slot having a transverse profile comprising a retaining lip, whereby the open end of the slot on one face is at an opposite end of the body than the open end of the slots on the other faces; and
(b) at least two bolts, each such bolt having an elongate shaft for attachment and a head comprising a shape matching the transverse profile of the slots, such that the head may be inserted into the open end of a slot, moved longitudinally within the slot and is retained within the slot by the retaining lip.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein following installation, the open end of the slot that received the bolt attached to the fixed surface is at the end of the body closest to the ground and wherein the open end of the other slot is at the end of the body that is furthest away from the ground.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each slot is inclined towards the central axis of the connector from the open end to the closed end.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the portion of the head of the bolt immediately adjacent to its attachment point to the elongate shaft is cylindrical in shape having a shoulder facing the shaft, the cylindrical shape extending for a distance away from the elongate shaft and then flaring to a wider diameter equal to or less than the width of an inside corner of the cavity.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bolt comprises a wedge shaped flange having a central passage for receiving a setscrew.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connector comprises four faces each defining a slot wherein the four faces are substantially perpendicular to each other.
7. An apparatus for hanging an object from a fixed surface comprising:
(a) a connector comprising a body having a first end and second end, a central longitudinal axis, and a substantially quadrilateral cross-section, whereby at least two faces define a longitudinal slot, each slot having an open end and an enclosed end, and each slot having a transverse profile comprising a retaining lip, whereby the open end of the longitudinal slot on at least one face is at the second end of the body and the open ends of the longitudinal slots on the other face is at the first end of the body; and
(b) at least two bolts, each bolt having an elongate shaft for attachment and a head comprising a shape matching the transverse profile of the slots, such that the head may be inserted into the open end of a slot, moved longitudinally within the slot and is retained within the slot by the retaining lip; and
whereby the slot on the one face that has an open end at the first end of the body is the slot that receives the bolt attached to the fixed surface.
8. A method of hanging an object from a fixed surface comprising the steps of:
(a) attaching a bolt having a head with an enlarged portion into the fixed surface;
(b) attaching a bolt having a head with an enlarged portion into the object; and
(c) connecting the bolt in the fixed surface and the bolt in the object together by means of a connector body having a central longitudinal axis and at least two faces, wherein each face defines a longitudinal slot, each slot having an open end and an enclosed end, and each slot having a transverse profile comprising a lip, whereby the enlarged portion of a bolt head may slide longitudinally within a slot but is retained by the lip and whereby the open end of the longitudinal slot on one face is at an opposite end of the body than the other longitudinal slots on the other faces.
9. A method of hanging an object from a fixed surface using the apparatus of claim 7 comprising the steps of:
(a) attaching a bolt to the fixed surface;
(b) attaching a bolt to the object to be hung;
(c) orientating the connector vertically so that the second end of the body is closest to the ground;
(d) placing the face of the connector having the slot with the open end at the second end of the body immediately above the bolt attached to the fixed surface, and then moving the connector down towards the ground so that the bolt attached to the fixed surface slides up into said slot; and
(e) placing the bolt attached to the object immediately above any of the other slots and then moving the object down towards the ground so the bolt attached to the object slides down into said slot.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/688,725 US20070215772A1 (en) | 2006-03-20 | 2007-03-20 | Gravity aided connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US76734106P | 2006-03-20 | 2006-03-20 | |
US11/688,725 US20070215772A1 (en) | 2006-03-20 | 2007-03-20 | Gravity aided connector |
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US20070215772A1 true US20070215772A1 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
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US11/688,725 Abandoned US20070215772A1 (en) | 2006-03-20 | 2007-03-20 | Gravity aided connector |
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Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100019110A1 (en) * | 2008-07-24 | 2010-01-28 | Shepley Kenneth J | Magnetic mounting apparatus |
NL1036873C2 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2010-10-19 | Martin Hoegg | THEATER COUPLING SYSTEM. |
DE102011120118A1 (en) * | 2011-11-08 | 2013-05-08 | Gustav Bohrenkämper | Fitting for connecting parallel and spaced apart planks i.e. timber planks, at sub-structure, has holding element whose side pieces and adjacent sides are perpendicular to each other or deviate from each other |
EP3249243A1 (en) * | 2016-05-23 | 2017-11-29 | Harris Corporation | Breakaway retention device |
WO2020219262A1 (en) * | 2019-04-24 | 2020-10-29 | ToolQuest, LLC | Fixturing system for woodworking |
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US2792263A (en) * | 1955-09-20 | 1957-05-14 | Victoria Nalezyty | Leading paddle |
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US3402954A (en) * | 1964-12-10 | 1968-09-24 | Simon Hans | Device for fastening bodies in the shape of square prisms and provided at opposite side faces respectively with grooves and ridges on a plate or the like |
US3451158A (en) * | 1965-10-14 | 1969-06-24 | Artur Fischer | Toy construction kit with selective rotatable and non-rotatable connection of components |
US3547472A (en) * | 1968-06-07 | 1970-12-15 | Ernest W Ehrman | Connector means and like elements for juncture purposes |
US4044497A (en) * | 1974-12-04 | 1977-08-30 | Modulo S.A. | Kit with male and female elements having deformable gripping means |
US4408812A (en) * | 1979-04-17 | 1983-10-11 | John Krautwurst | Dismountable furniture |
US4556337A (en) * | 1983-03-07 | 1985-12-03 | Framelock International Pty. Limited | Connector for framing system |
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US5564703A (en) * | 1995-10-23 | 1996-10-15 | Mcguire; Mark A. | Block and pin puzzle toy |
US6237298B1 (en) * | 1999-06-16 | 2001-05-29 | Geometrica, Inc. | Aluminum connector hub for a steel tube |
US6659677B1 (en) * | 2000-10-26 | 2003-12-09 | Masco Corporation | Panel connector |
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Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100019110A1 (en) * | 2008-07-24 | 2010-01-28 | Shepley Kenneth J | Magnetic mounting apparatus |
US20120153103A1 (en) * | 2008-07-24 | 2012-06-21 | Shepley Kenneth J | Magnetic mounting apparatus |
US8215605B1 (en) * | 2008-07-24 | 2012-07-10 | Shepley Kenneth J | Magnetic mounting apparatus |
NL1036873C2 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2010-10-19 | Martin Hoegg | THEATER COUPLING SYSTEM. |
DE102011120118A1 (en) * | 2011-11-08 | 2013-05-08 | Gustav Bohrenkämper | Fitting for connecting parallel and spaced apart planks i.e. timber planks, at sub-structure, has holding element whose side pieces and adjacent sides are perpendicular to each other or deviate from each other |
DE102011120118B4 (en) * | 2011-11-08 | 2014-07-03 | Gustav Bohrenkämper | fitting |
EP3249243A1 (en) * | 2016-05-23 | 2017-11-29 | Harris Corporation | Breakaway retention device |
US10527078B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2020-01-07 | Harris Global Communications, Inc | Breakaway retention device |
WO2020219262A1 (en) * | 2019-04-24 | 2020-10-29 | ToolQuest, LLC | Fixturing system for woodworking |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |