AU2017204888A1 - Wall Hanger - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A hanger which can be releasably secured in a gap in a wall to support items therefrom, the hanger comprising: a substantially U-shaped member comprising two engaging portions and a joining portion, the joining portion connecting the engaging portions; a spreading member located between the engaging portions; a screw engaging with the spreading member and the joining portion; and a support member for supporting items from the hanger; wherein rotation of the screw in a first direction moves the spreading member away from the joining portion such that the engaging portions move apart from one another and are forced against inner surfaces of the gap to releasably secure the fastener within the gap in the wall. Figure 1 Figure 1

Description

Wall Hanger Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a fastener that can be releasably secured in a mortar gap between bricks or in a gap in a wall or ceiling from which items can be supported.

Background Art [0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Wall hangers are commonly used in or around houses and commercial and industrial buildings, to hang or support a large variety of different items from walls, ceilings, beams, and other building surfaces. These items can include: picture frames, mirrors, towels, keys, clothing and accessories, lighting, hoses, power cables, tools, sporting equipment and bicycles, amongst many others.

[0004] Many different types of hangers are available and include, amongst others, adhesive-backed removable plastic and metal hooks which can avoid damage to a wall to which they are attached; nail hangers which are hammered into plasterboard, brick or wood surfaces; screw hangers which screw into a plastic or wooden plug set into a wall; racks and hooks bolted onto walls; and hangers that rely on gravity to hang items off ledges, bricks or over beams.

[0005] A suitable hanger is usually selected for supporting an item based on such factors as: the surface to which it will be attached, whether that surface can be modified or defaced in any way, the weight of the item to be supported, cost of the hanger, and the availability of tools required to attach the hanger. For example, adhesive-backed plastic and metal hanging hooks are now commonly used indoors for lighter items and even moderately heavy items such as framed pictures, as they can be moved easily and, if used correctly, will not leave a mark on painted walls and require no tools to be attached. However, adhesive-backed hanging hooks cannot support heavier items such as hoses, power cables, sporting goods, and bicycles which will usually be suspended from a hook or rack which is screwed or preferably bolted to a wall or other sufficiently strong support.

[0006] A problem arises when attempting to identify a suitable hanger to support a heavier item that can be well secured to an exposed brick wall, but which will not require the wall to be repaired when the hanger is removed. In this respect, leased buildings will often exclude damage or modifications to exposed brick walls in the terms of the lease since they are very difficult to repair back to their previous condition. Likewise, many owners will also not want to damage or deface exposed brick walls with screw or bolt holes to maintain the aesthetics of their building for when the hooks or racks are removed. However, adhesive backed hangers do not secure sufficiently to the surface of bricks to support heavy items. Glue and other strong adhesives are difficult to remove, can stain brickwork, and do not support heavy items including bicycles; and gravity brick hangers are not sufficiently secured to the wall meaning items hung off them may easily fall off the brickwork and be damaged or injure a person if bumped.

[0007] The present invention attempts to address, at least in part, the above described problem.

Summary of the Invention [0008] The present invention provides a hanger comprising: - a substantially U-shaped member comprising two engaging portions and a joining portion, the joining portion connecting the engaging portions; - a spreading member located between the engaging portions; - a screw engaging with the spreading member and the joining portion; and - a support member for supporting items from the hanger. wherein rotation of the screw in a first direction moves the spreading member away from the joining portion such that the engaging portions move apart from one another.

[0009] The hanger can preferably be releasably secured in a gap in a wall to support items therefrom, when the engaging portions move apart from one another and are forced against inner surfaces of the gap to releasably secure the fastener within the gap. Items can preferably be hung from the support member when the hanger is releasably secured within a gap. More preferably, the gap is a mortar gap between bricks in a brick wall.

[0010] The U-shaped member may comprise a variety of one or more different materials. In a preferred embodiment, the U-shaped member is formed from a resilient sheet of metal. Preferably, the engaging portions are substantially planar. The joining portion is also preferably planar. More preferably, the engaging portions are resiliently biased toward each other. The U-shaped member is preferably in a configuration resembling a spring clip that is commonly referred to as a ‘clam clip’ for securing sheets of paper.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the screw head is located within an aperture in the joining portion enabling rotational movement of the screw relative to the U-shaped member.

[0012] The screw head preferably comprises a flange and portions of the flange on either side of the screw head are preferably located within an aperture on each engaging portion preventing the screw from disengaging from the U-shaped member. The aperture is preferably a slot-shaped aperture located adjacent where the joining means and engaging means connect, and preferably is located on the engaging means.

[0013] The screw head preferably contains a screwdriver slot for turning the screw. The screwdriver slot preferably accommodates a flat-head screwdriver for turning the screw.

[0014] The support member may comprise a variety of different forms, materials and configurations. The support member may comprise a portion of the joining portion. For example, the support member may comprise a deformation, aperture, cut, slot, extension, member, platform, or hook, amongst others, from which items may be supported from the hanger. The support member may comprises part or all of one face of the joining portion. For example, one or more items may be attached to the support member and may include, in a non-limiting example, the attachment of a camera or light(s) to the support member by adhesive, double sided tape, or another known method.

[0015] In one embodiment, one or more support members are permanently or releasably attached to the joining member. The support member preferably comprises a form suitable for hanging or supporting items therefrom. In this respect, the support member may comprise a hook, loop, extension, amongst other examples. Alternatively, the support member may provide a surface, platform, or holder on which items may be supported. Some non-limiting examples include a flat ledge, bowl, a holder or frame for an item including a plant pot, cup, bird feeder, plate, sign, amongst other examples. The support member may comprise two or more parts, one of which may be removable from the other, and/or the hanger.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the screw comprises an internal thread accessible through the screw head, and the support member comprises a screw thread that can be releasably screwed into the internal thread of the screw. Thus, the support member is releasably attached to the screw which supports the support member when the hanger is in use. Therefore, the support member can be unscrewed and separated from the internal thread of the screw before the screw is turned to secure or remove the hanger from a gap, before rescrewing the screw thread of the support member back into the internal thread of the screw. Separation of the support member from the screw can also enable access to the screwdriver slot to turn the screw.

[0017] The spreading member may comprise a variety of forms, materials, and configurations which can act to move the engaging portions apart from one another when the screw is turned in the first direction. In a preferred embodiment, the spreading member comprises a metal bar. The metal bar preferably comprises a screw hole with an internal thread for accepting the screw. Preferably, the metal bar is the form of a trapezoidal prism (also known as a trapezium prism), and more preferably an isosceles trapezoidal prism. The trapezoidal prism preferably comprises a cross section having a first side with a taller face than an opposing second side, wherein the first side faces the joining portion, and the second side faces the opening of the U-shaped member. The benefit of the second side with a shorter face facing the opening of the U-shaped member is that it enables the engaging portions to bias towards each other when the spreading member is adjacent the joining portion in an unsecured configuration, making it easier to insert the hanger into a gap, wherein the opening of the U-shaped member is inserted first into the gap.

[0018] In securing the hanger in a gap, at least a portion of each engaging portion on the exterior of the U-shaped member (i.e. not within the U-shape) contacts an inner and opposing surface within the gap, and the spreading member forces the engaging portions against those surfaces. To assist maintaining the contact between the engaging portions to those inner surfaces when the hanger is secured in a gap, at least a portion of the engaging portions preferably comprise one or more deformities to improve the frictional hold, and or grip of the engaging portions to the inner surfaces of the gap. The one or more deformities may comprise a variety of forms. Preferably, the deformities comprise studs or perforations. The deformities may also comprise a lip or flange along one or more edges of the engagement portions, the lip or flange for contacting a surface within the gap. In an alternative embodiment, a grip pad or another means to assist frictional contact or grip is attached to at least a portion of the exterior surface of each engaging portion. The grip pad may comprise foam or another similar material and be attached to the engaging portion with adhesive. The engaging portions may comprise one or more holes or another modification to assist attachment of grip pads to the engaging portions.

[0019] The invention further provides a method for hanging an item from a wall using a hanger as described herein, the method comprising: - inserting the hanger into a gap in a wall with the joining portion facing away from the wall; - turning the screw in the first direction therein moving the spreading member away from the joining portion such that the engaging portions move apart from one another and are forced against inner surfaces of the gap to releasably secure the fastener within the gap.

[0020] The method for hanging an item from a wall using a hanger as described herein, preferably comprises the further step of: - screwing the support member into an internal thread in the screw from which items can be supported.

[0021] The invention further provides a method of removing a hanger as described herein from a gap in a wall or other surface, and preferably a mortar gap between two bricks, wherein the hanger is removed from the gap by turning the screw in a direction opposite to the first direction, therein moving the spreading member toward the joining portion such that the engaging portions move toward one another releasing the force against inner surfaces of the gap such that the hanger can be removed from the gap.

[0022] The invention further provides a method of manufacturing a hanger as described herein.

Brief Description of Drawings [0023] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1. illustrations showing (A) a front perspective view; and (B) a front exploded perspective view, of a preferred embodiment of a hanger according to the invention.

Figure 2. illustrations showing (A) a front view; (B) a top view; and (C) a rear view, of a preferred embodiment of a hanger according to the invention.

Figure 3. illustrations showing (A) a side view; and (B) an exploded side view, of a preferred embodiment of a hanger according to the invention.

Figure 4. illustrations showing (A) a perspective view; and (B) a side view, of a preferred embodiment of a hanger in a secured configuration according to the invention.

Figure 5. illustrations showing (A) a perspective view; and (B) a side view, of an alternative preferred embodiment of a hanger according to the invention.

Figure 6. illustrations showing (A) a side view; and (B) an exploded perspective side view, of a further alternative embodiment of a hanger according to the invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments [0024] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.

[0025] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, compositions and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0026] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0027] Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

[0028] Features of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the following preferred embodiments.

[0029] A preferred embodiment of a wall hanger according to the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 4. The hanger comprises a substantially U-shaped member 10 comprising two engaging portions 12 forming the ‘arms’ of the ‘U-shape”, and a joining portion 14 forming the ‘base’ of the ‘U-shape’, the joining portion 14 connecting the engaging portions 12 along two joining edges 16. The U-shaped member 10 is constructed from flat steel and is in a form similar to a ‘clam clip’ for securing sheets of paper, with the engaging portions 12 resiliently biased towards one another.

[0030] A spreading bar 30 of metal is located between the engaging portions 12 and does not protrude beyond the side boundaries 18 of the U-shaped member 10. The spreading bar 30 has the configuration of an isosceles trapezoidal prism having a first surface 32 with a greater surface area and a taller face than a second surface 34 which is substantially parallel to the first surface 32, wherein the first surface 32 faces the joining portion 14, and the second surface 34 faces the opening of the U-shaped member 10. The sloped sides 35 in the isosceles trapezoidal prism of the spreading bar 30 as a result of the unequal first surface 32 and second surface 34 accommodates the resilient biasing of the engaging portions 12 as is shown in Figure 1A.

[0031] A screw 50 engages with an internal thread 36 in an aperture 38 in the spreading bar 30. The screw 50 comprises a screw head 52 and the screw head 52 engages with the joining portion 14 wherein a portion of the screw head 52 passes through a round aperture 20 in the joining member 14. The screw head 52 comprises a flange 54, a portion of the flange 54 retained in a slot 22 adjacent the round aperture 20 at each of the two joining edges 16, which maintains engagement between screw head 52 and U-shaped member 10 and enables rotational movement of the screw 50 relative to the U-shaped member 10. The screw head 52 comprises a groove 56 for turning the screw 50 with, for example, a flat-head screwdriver.

[0032] Figure 3A shows the hanger in an unsecured configuration with the spreading bar 30 in a first position adjacent the joining portion 14. Biasing of the engaging portions 12 towards each other is limited due to the position of the spreading portion 30. In this unsecured configuration, the hanger may be inserted into a gap in which it is to be secured.

[0033] Turning the screw 50 in a first direction moves the spreading bar 30 from the first position in a direction away from the joining portion 14 and to the opening of the U-shaped member 10 at a second position, as shown in Figure 4. The first surface 32 of the spreading bar 30 being wider than the second surface 34, forces the resiliently biased engaging portions 12 further apart with increasing distance of the spreading bar 30 from the joining portion 14, until the engaging portions 12 are substantially parallel to each other when the spreading bar 30 is at the second position. The hanger is now in a secured configuration. Turning the screw 50 in an opposite direction to the first direction moves the spreading bar 30 from the second position in a direction away from the opening of the U-shaped member 10 and towards the joining portion 14 and the first position and secured configuration.

[0034] Thus, a hanger according to the invention may be releasably secured in, for example, a mortar gap in a wall between bricks, by: inserting the hanger in an unsecured configuration into the gap; turning the screw in the first direction to move the spreading bar from the first position to the second position, and the hanger into the secured configuration; wherein the engaging portions are forced by the spreading bar against surfaces in the gap to secure the hanger within the gap.

[0035] Alternatively, the hanger may be released from the gap by: turning the screw in an opposite direction to the first direction to move the spreading bar from the second position to the first position, and the hanger into the unsecured configuration; remove the unsecured hanger from the gap.

[0036] A support member in the form of a hex head screw 70 engages with an internal thread 58 within the screw 50 through the screw head 52. Only a portion of the hex head screw 70 engages with the screw 50 thereby providing a projection or hanging point extending from the joining portion 14 of the U-shaped member 10 from which one or more items may be supported when the hanger is in use and releasably secured in a gap, for example, a mortar gap between bricks, in a wall. The hex head screw 70 may be removed from the screw 50 to provide access to the groove 56 in the screw head 52 so that the screw 50 can be turned using a screwdriver.

[0037] The engaging portions 12 of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 4 comprise a friction pad 24 attached to the exterior surface of each engaging portion 12 to assist grip against the surfaces of the gap in which the hanger is releasably secured.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment of the wall hanger according to the invention, there are a number of flat-topped, gripping studs 26 rising from a portion of the outside of each engaging portion 12 as shown in Figure 5. These studs 26 replace the need for the friction pad 24 of the previous embodiment to grip surfaces within a gap in which the hanger is releasably secured. The studs 26 are preferably created from deforming the metal of the engaging portions 12.

Alternatively, studs 26 may be attached by various means to the engaging portions 26.

[0039] Figure 6 shows a further preferred embodiment of the invention similar to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, but also comprises an engaging portion flange 19 at the end of each engaging portion 12 opposite the end connecting to the joining member 14. The engaging portion flanges 19 are bent at approximately 90 degrees to the engaging portions 12 in a direction away from the U-shape to assist in contacting and securing to bricks in a mortar gap or the gap in another surface. The flange 54 of the screw head 52 was also made wider than the flange 54 shown in Figures 1 to 4, to minimise movement of the flange 54 within the slot 22.

[0040] In testing a herein described embodiment of the hanger of the invention, the inventor was able to support his entire body weight as well as other heavy objects from a rope hung from the support member of the hanger that was secured in the mortar gap between exposed bricks in the wall of a building. Once secured, the hanger remained in place. No damage to the bricks or mortar was visible after removal of the hanger from the wall.

Claims (20)

1. The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows

   1. A hanger comprising: - a substantially U-shaped member comprising two engaging portions and a joining portion, the joining portion connecting the engaging portions; - a spreading member located between the engaging portions; - a screw engaging with the spreading member and the joining portion; and - a support member for supporting items from the hanger; wherein rotation of the screw in a first direction moves the spreading member away from the joining portion such that the engaging portions move apart from one another.
2. 2. A hanger according to claim 1, which can be releasably secured in a gap in a wall to support items therefrom, when the engaging portions move apart from one another and are forced against inner surfaces of the gap to releasably secure the fastener within the gap.
3. 3. A hanger according to claim 2, wherein items can be hung or supported from the support member when the hanger is releasably secured within a gap.
4. 4. A hanger according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the gap is a mortar gap between bricks in a brick wall.
5. 5. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the U-shaped member is formed from a resilient sheet of metal.
6. 6. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging portions are substantially planar.
7. 7. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging portions are resiliently biased toward each other.
8. 8. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the screw head is located within an aperture in the joining portion enabling rotational movement of the screw relative to the U-shaped member.
9. 9. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein portions of a flange on the screw head are located within an aperture on each engaging portion preventing the screw from disengaging from the U-shaped member.
10. 10. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screw contains a screwdriver slot for turning the screw.
11. 11. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screw comprises an internal thread and the support member comprises a screw thread that can be releasably screwed into the internal thread.
12. 12. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spreading member comprises a metal bar, the metal bar comprising a screw hole with an internal thread for accepting the screw.
13. 13. A hanger according to claim 12, wherein the metal bar has the shape of a trapezoidal prism.
14. 14. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging portions have an edge and along at least a portion of the edge is a flange or lip.
15. 15. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a friction pad is attached to an exterior portion of each engaging portion to assist gripping of the engaging portions to the surfaces of the gap.
16. 16. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the engaging portions that contacts the inner surfaces of the gap comprise deformities to assist gripping of the engaging portions to the surfaces of the gap.
17. 17. A hanger according to claim 16, wherein the deformities comprise studs, perforations, and/or flanges at edges of the engaging portions.
18. 18. A method for hanging an item from a wall using a hanger according to any of claims 1 to 17, the method comprising: - inserting the hanger into a gap in a wall with the joining portion facing away from the wall; - turning the screw in the first direction therein moving the spreading member away from the joining portion such that the engaging portions move apart from one another and are forced against inner surfaces of the gap to releasably secure the fastener within the gap; - hanging an item from the support member.
19. 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the hanger is removed from the gap by turning the screw in a direction opposite to the first direction, therein moving the spreading member toward the joining portion such that the engaging portions move toward one another releasing the force against inner surfaces of the gap such that the hanger can be removed from the gap.
20. 20. A method of manufacturing a hanger according to any one of claims 1 to 17.