Deck Framing Device

Abstract

A deck framing device relates to a clamp-based system that can be safely implemented without risk of damaging rails, banisters, or other such existing mounting structures. A set of clamps allows the apparatus to mount securely and removably atop a deck, especially the railing of a deck. The clamps may be adjustable to accommodate for different widths of railings or supports. A vertical post extends upwards from around each of the clamps. These vertical posts are connected by horizontal beams that are optimized for the support of various items, including, but not limited to, curtains, ornamental lighting fixtures, blankets, and more. In many versions, the horizontal beams may expand telescopically to allow for customizable length adjustment or may be cut down to an appropriate size and fit into hinged supports extending from the top portions of the vertical posts. Various threaded fasteners ensure that customization is both convenient and intuitive.

Claims

1. A deck framing device comprising: at least one hanger assembly; at least one post adapter; at least one clamp; the at least one hanger assembly comprising at least one vertical post and a hanger beam; the at least one post adapter comprising a post receiver; the at least one clamp comprising a clamp socket, a clamp shaft, a first clamping panel, a second clamping panel, and a fastening mechanism; the at least one vertical post comprising a first post end, a second post end, and at least one hanger adapter; the hanger beam being telescopically mounted onto the at least one hanger adapter; the at least one hanger adapter being hingedly mounted to the first post end; the second post end being threadably connected to the post receiver; the at least one clamp being connected to the at least one post adapter, opposite the second post end; the clamp socket being terminally connected perpendicular to the first clamping panel; the clamp shaft being terminally connected perpendicular to the second clamping panel; the clamp socket being telescopically aligned with the clamp shaft; the first clamping panel being positioned offset from the second clamping panel by a clamping distance; and the fastening mechanism being operatively integrated into the at least one clamp, wherein the fastening mechanism is used to adjust the clamping distance.

2. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the fastening mechanism comprising a fastening pin and a fastening opening; the fastening opening axially traversing through the clamp socket and the clamp shaft; the fastening pin being positioned within the fastening opening; and the fastening pin being threadably engaged to the fastening opening.

3. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the at least one clamp being a first clamp and a second clamp; the at least one post adapter further comprising a corner plate; the corner plate comprising a first plate end and a second plate end; the first clamp being perpendicularly positioned to the second clamp; the post receiver being integrated into the corner plate; the first plate end being connected perpendicular to the second plate end; the first plate end being connected atop the first clamp; and the second plate end being connected atop the second clamp.

4. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 3 comprising: the at least one post adapter further comprising a post support; and the post support being connected to the corner plate, opposite the post receiver.

5. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the second post end comprising a clamp-fastening protrusion; the clamp-fastening protrusion being terminally connected to the at least one vertical post; the clamp-fastening protrusion being positioned within the post receiver; and the clamp-fastening protrusion being threadably engaged to the post receiver.

6. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the hanger beam comprising a first hanger end and a second hanger end; and the first hanger end being telescopically engaged to the second hanger end.

7. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the at least one hanger adapter comprising a proximal hanger adapter end and a distal hanger adapter end; the proximal hanger adapter end being hingedly mounted to the first post end; and the distal hanger adapter end being telescopically engaged to the hanger beam.

8. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 7 comprising: a hinge opening; a hinge pin; the hinge opening traversing through the proximal hanger adapter end; the hinge opening traversing into the first post end; and the hinge pin being positioned within the hinge opening.

9. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 7 comprising: at least one hanger opening; at least one hanger pin; the at least one hanger opening traversing through the distal hanger adapter end and the hanger beam; and the at least one hanger pin being positioned within the at least one hanger opening.

10. A deck framing device comprising: at least one hanger assembly; at least one post adapter; at least one clamp; the at least one hanger assembly comprising at least one vertical post and a hanger beam; the at least one post adapter comprising a post receiver; the at least one clamp comprising a clamp socket, a clamp shaft, a first clamping panel, a second clamping panel, and a fastening mechanism; the at least one vertical post comprising a first post end, a second post end, and at least one hanger adapter; the fastening mechanism comprising a fastening pin and a fastening opening; the hanger beam comprising a first hanger end and a second hanger end; the hanger beam being telescopically mounted onto the at least one hanger adapter; the at least one hanger adapter being hingedly mounted to the first post end; the second post end being threadably connected to the post receiver; the at least one clamp being connected to the at least one post adapter, opposite the second post end; the clamp socket being terminally connected perpendicular to the first clamping panel; the clamp shaft being terminally connected perpendicular to the second clamping panel; the clamp socket being telescopically aligned with the clamp shaft; the first clamping panel being positioned offset from the second clamping panel by a clamping distance; the fastening mechanism being operatively integrated into the at least one clamp, wherein the fastening mechanism is used to adjust the clamping distance; the fastening opening axially traversing through the clamp socket and the clamp shaft; the fastening pin being positioned within the fastening opening; the fastening pin being threadably engaged to the fastening opening; and the first hanger end being telescopically engaged to the second hanger end.

11. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 10 comprising: the at least one clamp being a first clamp and a second clamp; the at least one post adapter further comprising a corner plate; the corner plate comprising a first plate end and a second plate end; the first clamp being perpendicularly positioned to the second clamp; the post receiver being integrated into the corner plate; the first plate end being connected perpendicular to the second plate end; the first plate end being connected atop the first clamp; and the second plate end being connected atop the second clamp.

12. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 11 comprising: the at least one post adapter further comprising a post support; and the post support being connected to the corner plate, opposite the post receiver.

13. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 10 comprising: the second post end comprising a clamp-fastening protrusion; the clamp-fastening protrusion being terminally connected to the at least one vertical post; the clamp-fastening protrusion being positioned within the post receiver; and the clamp-fastening protrusion being threadably engaged to the post receiver.

14. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 10 comprising: the at least one hanger adapter comprising a proximal hanger adapter end and a distal hanger adapter end; the proximal hanger adapter end being hingedly mounted to the first post end; and the distal hanger adapter end being telescopically engaged to the hanger beam.

15. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 15 comprising: a hinge opening; a hinge pin; the hinge opening traversing through the proximal hanger adapter end; the hinge opening traversing into the first post end; and the hinge pin being positioned within the hinge opening.

16. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 15 comprising: at least one hanger opening; at least one hanger pin; the at least one hanger opening traversing through the distal hanger adapter end and the hanger beam; and the at least one hanger pin being positioned within the at least one hanger opening.

17. A deck framing device comprising: at least one hanger assembly; at least one post adapter; at least one clamp; the at least one hanger assembly comprising at least one vertical post and a hanger beam; the at least one post adapter comprising a post receiver; the at least one clamp comprising a clamp socket, a clamp shaft, a first clamping panel, a second clamping panel, and a fastening mechanism; the at least one vertical post comprising a first post end, a second post end, and at least one hanger adapter; the fastening mechanism comprising a fastening pin and a fastening opening; the hanger beam comprising a first hanger end and a second hanger end; the hanger beam being telescopically mounted onto the at least one hanger adapter; the at least one hanger adapter being hingedly mounted to the first post end; the second post end being threadably connected to the post receiver; the at least one clamp being connected to the at least one post adapter, opposite the second post end; the clamp socket being terminally connected perpendicular to the first clamping panel; the clamp shaft being terminally connected perpendicular to the second clamping panel; the clamp socket being telescopically aligned with the clamp shaft; the first clamping panel being positioned offset from the second clamping panel by a clamping distance; the fastening mechanism being operatively integrated into the at least one clamp, wherein the fastening mechanism is used to adjust the clamping distance; the fastening opening axially traversing through the clamp socket and the clamp shaft; the fastening pin being positioned within the fastening opening; the fastening pin being threadably engaged to the fastening opening; and the first hanger end being telescopically engaged to the second hanger end.

18. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 17 comprising: the at least one clamp being a first clamp and a second clamp; the at least one post adapter further comprising a corner plate and a post support; the corner plate comprising a first plate end and a second plate end; the first clamp being perpendicularly positioned to the second clamp; the post receiver being integrated into the corner plate; the first plate end being connected perpendicular to the second plate end; the first plate end being connected atop the first clamp; the second plate end being connected atop the second clamp; and the post support being connected to the corner plate, opposite the post receiver.

19. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 17 comprising: the second post end comprising a clamp-fastening protrusion; the clamp-fastening protrusion being terminally connected to the at least one vertical post; the clamp-fastening protrusion being positioned within the post receiver; and the clamp-fastening protrusion being threadably engaged to the post receiver.

20. The deck framing device as claimed in claim 17 comprising: a hinge opening; a hinge pin; at least one hanger opening; at least one hanger pin; the at least one hanger adapter comprising a proximal hanger adapter end and a distal hanger adapter end; the proximal hanger adapter end being hingedly mounted to the first post end; the distal hanger adapter end being telescopically engaged to the hanger beam; the hinge opening traversing through the proximal hanger adapter end; the hinge opening traversing into the first post end; the hinge pin being positioned within the hinge opening; the at least one hanger opening traversing through the distal hanger adapter end and the hanger beam; and the at least one hanger pin being positioned within the at least one hanger opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a front-left perspective view of the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a sectional view about line 3-3 in FIG. 2 of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a corner plate of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a clamp of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a front schematic view of a clamp and vertical post of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0013] The present invention is a deck framing device that is used to support items, especially a curtain, in position atop the railing of an outdoor deck, thus allowing for improved deck privacy or other deck enhancements. The present invention is also configured to be constructed without employing fasteners and adhesives that could potentially damage the railing or other existing support structures. The present invention comprises at least one hanger assembly 1, at least one post adapter 12, and at least one clamp 18, as shown in FIG. 1. The at least one hanger assembly 1 is a set of generally rigid extruded segments that join to provide a convenient and stable support for the various items that a user may wish to hang or support outside. The at least one post adapter 12 is a unit that allows for connection of the at least one hanger assembly 1 to the at least one clamp 18 in various configurations. The at least one clamp 18 is a generally C-shaped connector that allows for secure, non-damaging attachment of the present invention to a deck railing.

[0014] The general configuration of the aforementioned components allows the present invention to efficiently and effectively deploy a stable, convenient, non-invasive, and adjustable curtain support around an outdoor deck. The at least one hanger assembly 1 may comprise at least one vertical post 2 and a hanger beam 9, as shown in FIG. 2. The at least one vertical post 2 is a rigid pole or rod that allows for support of the hanger beam 9 above the at least one clamp 18. The hanger beam 9 is a generally rigid, preferably hollow pole or rod that allows for the connection of various items or hanging devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the hanger beam 9 may include a plurality of item-mounting features. The plurality of item-mounting features may relate to notches, hooks, holes, or other such features distributed across the hanger beam 9 that may facilitate the connection of a curtain, string lights, decorations, and more to the hanger beam 9. The at least one post adapter 12 may comprise a post receiver 13. The post receiver 13 is an opening through which the at least one vertical post 2 may be connected or mounted. The at least one clamp 18 may comprise a clamp socket 20, a clamp shaft 22, a first clamping panel 19, a second clamping panel 21, and a fastening mechanism 23. The clamp socket 20 is a rigid, generally hollow protrusion of the at least one clamp 18 that allows for connection with the opposing clamp shaft 22. The clamp shaft 22 is a rigid protrusion which allows for appropriate connection to the clamp socket 20. The first clamping panel 19 is a generally flat rigid unit capable of distributing compressive forces from the fastening mechanism 23 upon an adjacent surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the first clamping panel 19 may comprise a first wrapping panel. The first wrapping panel is a rigid protrusion extending perpendicular to the first clamping panel 19 which may secure beneath a railing in order to further support the present invention in place atop a railing. Similarly, the second clamping panel 21 is a generally flat rigid unit capable of distributing compressive forces from the fastening mechanism 23 upon an adjacent surface, in conjunction with the first clamping panel 19. In an exemplary embodiment, the second clamping panel 21 may comprise a second wrapping panel. The second wrapping panel is a rigid protrusion extending perpendicular to the second clamping panel 21 which may secure beneath a railing in order to further support the present invention in place atop a railing. The fastening mechanism 23 is a system by which force may be applied, preferably manually, to the first clamping panel 19 and the second clamping panel 21. The at least one vertical post 2 may comprise a first post end 3, a second post end 4, and at least one hanger adapter 6. The first post end 3 is the portion of the at least one vertical post 2 that, in the preferred usage of the present invention, is oriented generally away from the at least one clamp 18. The second post end 4 is the portion of the at least one vertical post 2 that, in the preferred usage of the present invention, is oriented generally proximal to the at least one clamp 18. The at least one hanger adapter 6 is a rigid segment that enables attachment of the hanger beam 9 to the at least one vertical post 2.

[0015] The secure arrangement of the hanger beam 9 above the at least one clamp 18 allows for easy hanging of a curtain and other such objects. The hanger beam 9 may be telescopically mounted onto the at least one hanger adapter 6, as shown in FIG. 3. This arrangement allows the hanger beam 9 to slide into position relative to the at least one hanger adapter 6, preferably between adjacent posts of the at least one vertical post 2. The at least one hanger adapter 6 may be hingedly mounted to the first post end 3. In this way, the at least one hanger adapter 6 may pivot in order to adjust to the position of the hanger beam 9. The second post end 4 may be threadably connected to the post receiver 13. Thus, the at least one vertical post 2 is securely positioned relative to the at least one post adapter 12. The at least one clamp 18 may be connected to the at least one post adapter 12, opposite the second post end 4. This arrangement allows the at least one clamp 18 to secure the at least one vertical post 2 in place through the at least one post adapter 12. The clamp socket 20 may be terminally connected perpendicular to the first clamping panel 19. The first clamping panel 19 may thus press against adjacent objects and transfer the corresponding mechanical energy through the clamp socket 20. Similarly, the clamp shaft 22 may be terminally connected perpendicular to the second clamping panel 21. The second clamping panel 21 may thus press against adjacent objects and transfer the corresponding mechanical energy through the clamp shaft 22. The clamp socket 20 may be telescopically aligned with the clamp shaft 22. In this way, the clamp shaft 22 may slide into and out of the clamp socket 20 while adjusting the fastening mechanism 23. The first clamping panel 19 may be positioned offset from the second clamping panel 21 by a clamping distance 30. This arrangement allows modification of the clamping distance 30 to affect the tightness with which the at least one clamp 18 secures to a railing. The fastening mechanism 23 may be operatively integrated into the at least one clamp 18, wherein the fastening mechanism 23 is used to adjust the clamping distance 30. Thus, the fastening mechanism 23 may interact with the clamp socket 20 and the clamp shaft 22 in order to allow the user to intuitively adjust the tightness of the at least one clamp 18 against a deck rail.

[0016] The fastening mechanism 23 must be capable of tightening in order to adjust the clamping distance 30 to be equal to a width of the deck rail. To enable this, the fastening mechanism 23 may comprise a fastening pin 24 and a fastening opening 25, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The fastening pin 24 relates to a rigid elongated segment with a handle that facilitates grasping, moving, and turning the elongated segment. The fastening opening 25 is a cut through which the fastening pin 24 may secure. The fastening opening 25 may axially traverse through the clamp socket 20 and the clamp shaft 22. In this way, the fastening pin 24 may in turn traverse through the clamp socket 20 and the clamp shaft 22. The fastening pin 24 may be positioned within the fastening opening 25. This arrangement positions the fastening pin 24 appropriately for interaction within the fastening opening 25. The fastening pin 24 may be threadably engaged to the fastening opening 25. Thus, the fastening pin 24 may affect the position of the clamp socket 20 relative to the clamp shaft 22.

[0017] Often, a user may wish to mount a curtain around a corner of a railing. To allow for this, the at least one clamp 18 may be a first clamp and a second clamp. The first clamp may be mounted atop a portion of the rail adjacent to a corner, while the second clamp may be mounted atop the rail on the opposite portion of the corner. The at least one post adapter 12 may further comprise a corner plate 14, as shown in FIG. 4. The corner plate 14 is a generally flat panel which allows for support of the at least one vertical post 2 above the corner of a deck railing. The corner plate 14 may comprise a first plate end 15 and a second plate end 16. The first plate end 15 is an extended segment of the corner plate 14. Similarly, the second plate end 16 is an extended segment of the corner plate 14, opposite the first plate end 15. The first clamp may be perpendicularly positioned to the second clamp. This arrangement allows the first clamp and the second clamp to be positioned appropriately for connection to the corner plate 14. The post receiver 13 may be integrated into the corner plate 14. This arrangement allows the at least one vertical post 2 to rest directly over the corner of the deck rail, thereby optimizing potential usage of deck space. The first plate end 15 may be connected perpendicular to the second plate end 16. In this way, the corner plate 14 may extend over the corner of the deck rail. The first plate end 15 may be connected atop the first clamp. Similarly, the second plate end 16 may be connected atop the second clamp. This arrangement allows the corner plate 14 to secure appropriately atop the corner of a deck rail.

[0018] The corner plate 14 may benefit from the inclusion of components that improve the support of the at least one vertical post 2. To provide for this, the at least one post adapter 12 may further comprise a post support 17, as shown in FIG. 2. The post support 17 is a generally rigid structure that prevents bending of the corner plate 14 under the pressure from the at least one vertical post 2. The post support 17 may be connected to the corner plate 14, opposite the post receiver 13. In this way, the post support 17 is appropriately positioned to provide additional structural support for the corner plate 14 during use. In an exemplary embodiment, the post receiver 13 may traverse into the post support 17. This arrangement provides further mechanical stability, reducing potential fatigue damage due to the at least one vertical post 2 bending or shifting during use.

[0019] The at least one vertical post 2 may benefit from more secure connection to the post receiver 13. To account for this, the second post end 4 may comprise a clamp-fastening protrusion 5, as shown in FIG. 6. The clamp-fastening protrusion 5 is a generally rigid, elongated connector that allows the second post end 4 to better connect to the post receiver 13. The clamp-fastening protrusion 5 may be terminally connected to the at least one vertical post 2. This arrangement positions the clamp-fastening protrusion 5 appropriately along the at least one vertical post 2 to allow for connection to the post receiver 13. The clamp-fastening protrusion 5 may be positioned within the post receiver 13. Thus, the clamp-fastening protrusion 5 may be positioned to allow for more secure connection of the at least one vertical post 2 to the post receiver 13. In addition, the clamp-fastening protrusion 5 may be threadably engaged to the post receiver 13. This arrangement ensures that the at least one vertical post 2 is securely fastened to the post receiver 13 during use.

[0020] The user may wish for the ability to adjust the length of the hanger beam 9 in order to fit the hanger beam 9 between adjacent posts of the at least one vertical post 2. To account for this, the hanger beam 9 may comprise a first hanger end 10 and a second hanger end 11, as shown in FIG. 2. The first hanger end 10 is the portion of the hanger beam 9 separate from the second hanger end 11 that connects to the at least one hanger adapter 6 of a first vertical post of the at least one vertical post 2. Similarly, the second hanger end 11 is the portion of the hanger beam 9 separate from the first hanger end 10 that connects to the at least one hanger adapter 6 of a second vertical post of the at least one vertical post 2. The first hanger end 10 may be telescopically engaged to the second hanger end 11. In this way, the first hanger end 10 may slide along the length of the second hanger end 11 in order to ensure that the appropriate length of the hanger beam 9 is achieved. In an exemplary embodiment, the hanger beam 9 may further comprise a hanger adjustment mechanism. The hanger adjustment mechanism may be a system of holes, slots, pins, fasteners, and other such common components capable of locking or securing the position of the first hanger end 10 relative to the second hanger end 11, thus preventing undesirable and unpredictable sliding or changing of the length of the hanger beam 9 during use.

[0021] The at least one hanger adapter 6 must be capable of providing a secure connection to both the at least one vertical post 2 and the hanger beam 9. To this end, the at least one hanger adapter 6 may comprise a proximal hanger adapter end 7 and a distal hanger adapter end 8, as shown in FIG. 3. The proximal hanger adapter end 7 is the portion of the at least one hanger adapter 6 that is generally positioned near the at least one vertical post 2. The distal hanger adapter end 8 is the portion of the at least one hanger adapter 6 that is generally positioned away from the at least one vertical post 2. The proximal hanger adapter end 7 may be hingedly mounted to the first post end 3. This arrangement results in appropriate hinged connection of the at least one hanger adapter 6 to the at least one vertical post 2. The distal hanger adapter end 8 may be telescopically engaged to the hanger beam 9. Thus, the at least one hanger adapter 6 may swing to slidably engage with the hanger beam 9 appropriately, allowing for supported suspension of the hanger beam 9 between adjacent vertical posts of the at least one vertical post 2.

[0022] The proximal hanger adapter end 7 must be connected to the first post end 3 such that the at least one hanger adapter 6 may pivot relative to the first post end 3. To enable this, the present invention may further comprise a hinge opening 26 and a hinge pin 27, as shown in FIG. 3. The hinge opening 26 is a generally circle-profiled cut that allows for appropriate connection and adjustment of the hinge pin 27. The hinge pin 27 is an elongated, rigid unit connected to a handle that allows for easy and intuitive installation and tightening of the connection between the proximal hanger adapter end 7 and the first post end 3. The hinge opening 26 may traverse through the proximal hanger adapter end 7. In this way, the hinge opening 26 allows for the hinge pin 27 to connect appropriately to the at least one hanger adapter 6. In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge opening 26 may traverse through two adapters of the at least one hanger adapter 6. This arrangement allows both of the adapters of the at least one hanger adapter 6 to pivot independently from each other relative to the at least one vertical post 2. The hinge opening 26 may traverse into the first post end 3. Thus, the hinge pin 27 may secure appropriately to the first post end 3. In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge pin 27 may be threadably connected to the portion of the hinge opening 26 which traverses into the first post end 3, thereby securing the hinge pin 27 in place during use. The hinge pin 27 may be positioned within the hinge opening 26. In this way, the hinge pin 27 may pivotably connect the proximal hanger adapter end 7 to the first post end 3.

[0023] A user of the present invention may wish to secure the hanger beam 9 in place relative to the distal hanger adapter end 8. To accommodate for this, the present invention may further comprise at least one hanger opening 28 and at least one hanger pin 29, as shown in FIG. 3. The at least one hanger opening 28 is a generally circle-profiled cut that allows for appropriate connection of a corresponding pin from the at least one hanger pin 29. The at least one hanger pin 29 is an elongated, rigid unit connected to a handle that allows for easy and intuitive installation and tightening of the connection between the distal hanger adapter end 8 and the hanger beam 9. The at least one hanger opening 28 may traverse through the distal hanger adapter end 8 and the hanger beam 9. This arrangement allows the at least one hanger pin 29 to secure through both the at least one hanger adapter 6 and the hanger beam 9. The at least one hanger pin 29 may be positioned within the at least one hanger opening 28. In this way, the at least one hanger pin 29 may slide into position to secure the distal hanger adapter end 8 to the hanger beam 9.

[0024] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.