Anchoring device and method for installation

Abstract

A system and method for creating an anchoring device that attaches between two nearby surfaces that may be oriented at different angles to each other about a vertical axis is described. The anchoring device includes a first and second support base that are fastened to a support surface, and a cross member that extends between the support bases and is pivotable about a vertical axis with respect to the support bases. The cross member may be adjustable in length. The anchoring device can be used to support an end of a plank to make a platform. The other end of the plank may be supported by a second anchoring device or another support surface.

Claims

1. An anchoring device for use in assembling a load-bearing platform to be supported by one or more substantially vertical walls, the anchoring device comprising: a cross member adjustable in length and having a first and a second end, each end having a substantially vertical bore extending at least partially through the cross member ends; and a first and a second support base, each support base having: a wall attachment surface; a laterally extending flange that forms a substantially planar flange surface perpendicular to a plane of the wall attachment surface for supporting one of the cross member ends; and a substantially vertical pin extending upwardly from the substantially planar flange surface for pivotable engagement with one of the substantially vertical bores of the cross member, the substantially vertical pin having a free top end for reversible engagement with the cross member through lowering and lifting the cross member in a substantially vertical direction; wherein the cross member has a substantially planar load bearing upper surface for supporting the load-bearing platform on top of the cross member; and wherein each end of the cross member can independently pivot with respect to the first and second support bases about a vertical axis for allowing the anchoring device to attach to two points on the one or more substantially vertical walls that may be at different angles with respect to the vertical axis.

2. The anchoring device as in claim 1, wherein the cross member comprises at least two sections arranged in sliding telescoping relationship to selectively vary a length of the cross member.

3. The anchoring device as in claim 2, wherein the at least two sections of the cross member do not rotate and do not pivot with respect to each other.

4. The anchoring device as in claim 2, wherein each section of the cross member includes the substantially planar load bearing upper surface of the cross member.

5. The anchoring device as in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second support bases includes a plurality of holes for receiving fastening devices for fastening the first and second support bases to the one or more substantially vertical walls.

6. The anchoring device as in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second support bases includes a pin extending from the wall attachment surface for tacking the support base to the one or more substantially vertical walls without the use of tools to hold the support base in place on the substantially vertical wall while the-support base is being fastened to the substantially vertical wall.

7. The anchoring device as in claim 1, further comprising a plank for forming the load-bearing platform, the plank having a first plank end that is supported on the substantially planar load bearing upper surface of the cross member.

8. The anchoring device as in claim 1, wherein the substantially vertical pin is integral with the laterally extending flange of the support base.

9. The anchoring device as in claim 1, wherein the cross member comprises a first member and a second member, the first member including the cross member first end having the substantially vertical bore for pivotable engagement with the substantially vertical pin of the first support base, the second member including the cross member second end having the substantially vertical bore for pivotable engagement with the substantially vertical pin of the second support base, and wherein a second end of the first member and a second end of the second member are in sliding engagement with each other to selectively vary a length of the cross member.

10. The anchoring device as in claim 1, wherein the first and second support bases do not rely on compression from the cross member to engage with the one or more substantially vertical walls.

11. An anchoring device for use in assembling a load-bearing platform to be supported by one or more substantially vertical walls, the anchoring device comprising: a substantially linear cross member adjustable in length and having a first and a second end, each end having a substantially vertical pin extending downwardly from the cross member ends, wherein the cross member comprises at least two sections arranged in sliding telescoping relationship to selectively vary the length of the cross member; and a first and a second support base, each support base having: a wall attachment surface; a laterally extending flange that forms a substantially planar flange surface perpendicular to a plane of the wall attachment surface for supporting one of the cross member ends; and a substantially vertical bore extending at least partially through the substantially planar flange surface for pivotable engagement with one of the substantially vertical pins of the cross member, the substantially vertical pins having free bottom ends for reversible engagement with the first and second support bases through lowering and lifting the cross member in a substantially vertical direction; wherein the cross member has a substantially planar load bearing upper surface for supporting the load-bearing platform on top of the cross member; and wherein each end of the cross member can independently pivot with respect to the first and second support bases about a vertical axis for allowing the anchoring device to attach to two points on the one or more substantially vertical walls that may be at different angles with respect to the vertical axis.

12. The anchoring device as in claim 11, wherein each of the first and second support bases includes a plurality of holes for receiving fastening devices for fastening the first and second support bases to the one or more substantially vertical walls.

13. The anchoring device as in claim 11, wherein each of the first and second support bases includes a pin extending from the wall attachment surface for tacking the support base to the one or more substantially vertical walls without the use of tools to hold the support base in place on the substantially vertical wall while the support base is being fastened to the substantially vertical wall.

14. The anchoring device as in claim 11, further comprising a plank for forming the load-bearing platform, the plank having a first plank end that is supported on the substantially planar load bearing upper surface of the cross member.

15. The anchoring device as in claim 11, wherein the substantially vertical pin is integral with the cross member.

16. The anchoring device as in claim 11, wherein each section of the cross member includes the substantially planar load bearing upper surface of the cross member.

17. The anchoring device as in claim 11, wherein the cross member comprises a first member and a second member, the first member including the cross member first end having the substantially vertical pin for pivotable engagement with the substantially vertical bore of the first support base, the second member including the cross member second end having the substantially vertical pin for pivotable engagement with the substantially vertical bore of the second support base, and wherein a second end of the first member and a second end of the second member are in sliding engagement with each other to selectively vary a length of the cross member.

18. The anchoring device as in claim 11, wherein the load-bearing platform is directly supported on top of the cross member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Various objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the invention. Similar reference numerals indicate similar components.

(2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an anchoring device.

(3) FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an anchoring device supporting an end of a plank to create a platform.

(4) FIG. 3A is a front perspective exploded view of one end of the anchoring device of FIG. 1 illustrating the connection of the cross member to the support base using a clevis type fastener.

(5) FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of one end of the anchoring device of FIG. 1 illustrating how the cross member can pivot with respect to the support base.

(6) FIG. 3C is a top view of the end of the anchoring device of FIG. 3B illustrating how the support base can pivot with respect to the cross member.

(7) FIG. 3D is a front elevational view of an anchoring device wherein the cross member is pivotably connected near the top of the support base and the anchoring device is fastened near the top of a wall frame, allowing the cross member to pivot 360 about the support base.

(8) FIG. 3E is a top plan view of the anchoring device and wall frame of FIG. 3D.

(9) FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of the anchoring device of FIG. 1 illustrating the cross member in a retracted position.

(10) FIG. 4B is a top perspective view of the anchoring device of FIG. 1 illustrating the cross member in an expanded position.

(11) FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective exploded view of the anchoring device of FIG. 2 illustrating a plank with a lip being placed on the cross member to create a platform.

(12) FIG. 5B is a side view of the anchoring device of FIG. 5A illustrating the plank with a lip being placed on the cross member to create a platform.

(13) FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of the anchoring device of FIG. 1 illustrating a plank with hooks being hooked on the cross member to create a platform.

(14) FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of the anchoring device of FIG. 6A illustrating the plank with hooks being hooked on the cross member to create a platform.

(15) FIG. 7 is a top view of the anchoring device of FIG. 1 connected between two angled walls.

(16) FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a platform created in a spiral stairwell using the anchoring device to support one end of a plank, the other end of the plank supported by the stairwell landing.

(17) FIG. 9 is a partial top view the anchoring device mounted on a curved wall.

(18) FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a platform created above an open staircase using two anchoring devices mounted to opposing walls to support a plank.

(19) FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a platform created above a walled staircase using two anchoring devices mounted on opposing walls to support a plank.

(20) FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of two platforms created in an octagonal turret wherein for each platform, two anchoring devices are mounted on opposing flat walls to support a plank.

(21) FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a platform created in an octagonal turret wherein two anchoring devices are mounted at opposing wall corners to support a plank.

(22) FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of two platforms created in an octagonal turret wherein for each platform, two anchoring devices are mounted on opposing angled walls to support a plank.

(23) FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a platform created in a round turret wherein two anchoring devices are mounted on opposing curved walls to support a plank.

(24) FIG. 16 is side view of an anchoring device illustrating one embodiment for pivotably connecting the cross member to the support base by inserting and fastening a bolt through a bore in the cross member and the support base.

(25) FIG. 17 is a side view of an anchoring device having a pin extending from the cross member for pivotably connecting the cross member to the support base.

(26) FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a solid end of a cross member having a bore for engagement with a pin to pivotably connect the cross member to a support base.

(27) FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of an octagonal shaped platform created in an octagonal turret wherein four anchoring devices are mounted on the turret walls to support a platform.

(28) FIG. 20 is a side view of a support base of an anchoring device having a pin for engagement with a fastening surface.

(29) FIG. 21 is a top view of a support base of an anchoring device having a pin for engagement with a fastening surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(30) Various aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures. For the purposes of illustration, components depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on highlighting the various contributions of the components to the functionality of various aspects of the invention. A number of possible alternative features are introduced during the course of this description. It is to be understood that, according to the knowledge and judgment of persons skilled in the art, such alternative features may be substituted in various combinations to arrive at different embodiments of the present invention.

(31) Anchoring Device

(32) Referring to FIG. 1, an anchoring device 10 is described. The anchoring device comprises a first and second support base 20, 30, and a cross member 40 that extends between the support bases.

(33) Cross Member

(34) The cross member 40 is comprised of two or more members 40c, 40d in telescopic engagement with each other such that the length of the cross member can be adjusted to accommodate various distances between the support bases 20, 30. FIG. 4A illustrates a cross member 40 in a contracted position to accommodate the support bases 20, 30 being located closer to each other, and FIG. 4B illustrates the cross member in an extended position to accommodate the support bases 20, 30 being located further away from each other. While the cross member is illustrated as comprising two members 40c, 40d, it is to be understood that there may be more than two members, such as for example, three members comprising a center member and two end members, the two end members telescopically moveable upon or within the center member. Alternatively, the cross member may be of fixed length, may comprise only one member, or may be adjustable in length using alternative means besides telescoping members.

(35) First and second ends 40a, 40b of the cross member comprise connecting means for pivotable connection to the support bases 20, 30 such that each end of the cross member can pivot about a vertical axis with respect to the support base it is connected to, as described in more detail below.

(36) Support Base

(37) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, each support base 20, 30 is adapted for operative connection to a supporting member or surface 60, such as for example a wooden or metal wall stud, which may be either exposed or covered in drywall or another material. The supporting member/surface may also be a concrete wall or any other suitable support surface as would be known to those skilled in the art. FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment wherein the support bases 20, 30 are fastened to studs 66 located behind drywall 68.

(38) Referring to FIGS. 1, 3A and 5A, each support base 20, 30 comprises a body 22 having a rear planar face 22a for abutment with a support surface 60, and front planar face 22b from which a laterally extending flange 24 projects. The body 22 is fastened to the support surface using screws, nails, or other suitable fastening means 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the body includes a plurality of fastening holes 23 for retaining the fastening means. The laterally extending flange 24 supports one of the ends 40a, 40b of the cross member 40 and comprises attachment means 24a for pivotably connecting the cross member to the support base.

(39) While the body 22 of the support base 20, 30 is illustrated as a linear rectangular shaped member having a plurality of fastening holes 23 in a vertical linear line, it is to be understood that the support base can be of different shapes and the fastening means arranged in a different manner. The shape of the support base and arrangement of the fastening means may be dependent on the surface to which it is designed to attach. For example, the support base body may include extensions from either side or end of the body and/or may have fastening holes staggered about a vertical axis.

(40) The body 22 may also include a pin 25 extending from the rear planar surface 22a, preferably having a distal end 25a that is sharp or pointed, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 such that it can easily be driven into a supporting surface such as drywall and/or a wooden stud/beam. The pin allows the support base to be tacked to a supporting surface, preferably without the use of any tools, by simply striking the support base with the pin onto the supporting surface. If the supporting surface is relatively soft (e.g. drywall or wood), the pin will be at least partially driven into the supporting surface. This allows a user to then fasten the support base to the wall, e.g. using a screwdriver and screws, without having to hold the support base at the same time since the pin is securing the support base to the supporting surface. This is advantageous in that the user can attach the support base to the supporting surface using one hand, i.e. the user can strike or push the pin into the supporting surface using one hand which then holds the support base in place, allowing the user to release the support base to get a drill or screwdriver to then fasten the support base more securely in place. Additionally, the pin 25 may be used as a stud finder to find studs behind drywall to which the support base is to be fastened to. This embodiment is particularly useful when the anchoring device is anchored to wooden studs or beams, particularly studs or beams located behind drywall. The pin 25 is preferably a small gauge pin or nail that is easily driven through drywall and/or into a stud.

(41) Pivotable Connection Attachment Means

(42) FIG. 3A illustrates one suitable attachment means 24a for pivotably connecting the cross beam 40 to the support base 20. In this embodiment, a clevis-type fastener is used which comprises a shaft or pin 28 extending upwardly from the laterally extending flange 24 of the support base. The end 40a of the cross member comprises two prongs 40e having axially aligned holes or bores 40f through the prongs for receiving the pin 28. A top end 28a of the pin has a cross-hole 28b for receiving a split pin 32 which prevents the cross member from being disengaged from the support base pin/shaft 28.

(43) In certain embodiments, the attachment means 24a may simply be a vertically/upwardly extending shaft or pin onto which the cross member is placed via a hole in the cross member, i.e. similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A but without the split pin 32.

(44) Any number of prongs can be used at the end of the cross member for pivotable attachment to the support base. Alternatively, the cross member end 40a is solid with a single hole or bore 40f through the end, as shown in FIG. 18.

(45) FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment for pivotably connecting the cross member 40 to the support base 20. In this embodiment, the laterally extending flange 24 of the support base 20 comprises two flanges, and there is a hole 38 through the two flanges 24 that is axially aligned with the hole or bore 40f in the end 40a of the cross member, the holes/bores 38, 40f for receiving a pin or bolt 34, which is held in place with a washer and nut 36.

(46) FIG. 17 illustrates a further embodiment for pivotably connecting the cross member 40 to the support base 20. In this embodiment, the laterally extending flange 24 of the support base 20 has a hole 38 for receiving a pin 28 that extends vertically downwards from the end 40a of the cross member.

(47) Other suitable attachment means may be used for connecting the cross member to the support bases, provided such attachment means allow for rotation about a vertical axis.

(48) The attachment means for pivotably connecting the cross member to the support base allows for rotation of the cross member end about a vertical axis, as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 3B and 3C, while minimizing or preventing rotation or movement about other axes (i.e. about longitudinal or lateral axes of the cross member). The cross member can freely rotate about the support base pin 28. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the degree of rotation in either direction is limited by contact of the cross member with the support base body 22. As shown in FIG. 3C, the support base 20 rotates in either direction as shown by the arrows, until the body 22 of the support base contacts the cross member 40, preventing the support base from rotating any further past the position shown by the dotted lines of the support base 20 and 20. In this embodiment, the support base and cross member can effectively rotate approximately 270 with respect to each other, which allows for a large variety of configurations of the anchoring device.

(49) In certain configurations and situations, such as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E, if the support base and supporting surface (i.e. the wall or other surface the device is fastened to) do not prevent the cross member 40 from rotating beyond a certain angle, the support base and cross member 40 can freely rotate 360 with respect to each other. FIG. 3D is a front view of the anchoring device 10 fastened to a wall stud 58a of a wall frame 58, wherein there is an open space 76 above the wall frame. The laterally extending flange 24 of the support base is located near or at the top of the support base body 22, which allows the cross member 40 to rotate freely 360 about a vertical axis in either direction since the support base 20 nor the wall 60 are in the path of rotation. FIG. 3E is a top view of the configuration of FIG. 3D, wherein the dotted arrows show the rotation of the telescoping member with respect to the support body.

(50) Materials

(51) The anchoring device can be manufactured from a variety of suitable materials, for example lightweight aluminum. The anchoring device can also be molded from high strength materials, such as super-strength polypropylene, high density polythene, Kevlar, and other materials that would be know to those skilled in the art.

(52) Platform

(53) As shown in FIG. 2, the cross member 40 of the anchoring device can support an end 50a of a plank 50 to create a platform. The other end of the plank can be supported by a second anchoring device, shown in FIGS. 10 to 15, or by another support such as a stairwell landing 70, shown in FIG. 8.

(54) The plank may be adjustable in length in order to configure the plank to fit the dimensions of the space the platform is assembled in. FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an adjustable plank, wherein a first member 52 slides telescopically within a second member 54. In another embodiment, one or more members of the plank may simply slide, not necessarily telescopically, with respect to one or more other members of the plank to adjust the length of the plank. Alternatively, instead of having an adjustable plank, one or more planks may be simply cut to the desired length as needed.

(55) Plank Engagement

(56) The plank is configured to operatively engage with the anchoring device, and preferably with the cross member part of the anchoring device. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the plank 50 may have a lip 50b, preferably a downwardly extending lip that extends along the end length of the plank, for engaging with the anchoring device. The lip 50b may be configured to fit within a space 56 between the support member body 22 and a rear surface 40g of the cross member. The bottom surface 50c of the plank adjacent the lip rests on an upper surface 40h of the cross member.

(57) In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the plank 50 has one or more hooks 50d extending from the plank end 50a. The distal end 50e of the hook is configured to fit within the space 56 between the support body 22 and the cross member rear surface 40g, and the bottom surface 50c of the hooks and/or the plank rests on the upper surface 40h of the cross member.

(58) Alternatively, a basic flat plank or board, or plurality of planks or boards, can simply rest on the cross member, and/or be fastened to the cross member through the use of screws, nails, clamps or other fastening means. Alternative methods of configuring the plank to engage with the anchoring device would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

(59) A rubber surface or other high-friction surface may be attached to the anchoring device, such as for example on the upper side of the crossbar where the plank is supported to create the platform. The rubber or high-friction surface can minimize movement between the crossbar and plank.

(60) Platform Configurations

(61) FIGS. 8 to 15 illustrate the versatility of the anchoring device for creating platforms in different spaces having various configurations and dimensions. The support bases of the anchoring devices can be fastened to flat or curved surfaces, and to surfaces that are at various angles to each other, including parallel surfaces, perpendicular surfaces, and any other irregularly angled surfaces.

(62) In FIG. 8, one anchoring device 10 is fastened to a curved wall 72 in a spiral staircase to support one end 50a of the plank 50, while the second end 50f of the plank is supported by the stairwell landing 70. FIG. 9 is a close up top view showing how the anchoring device can be fastened to the curved wall 72.

(63) FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrates how a platform can be created above an open staircase 62 (FIG. 10) or an enclosed/walled-in staircase 64 (FIG. 11) using two anchoring devices 10 fastened to opposing parallel walls to support the plank 50.

(64) FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate various ways to set up one or more platforms in a turret having octagonal walls 74 using anchoring devices 10 to support the plank 50. The anchoring devices can be mounted on flat parallel opposing walls (FIG. 12), to opposing wall corners (FIG. 13), or to opposing walls that are angled with respect to each other (FIG. 14).

(65) FIG. 15 illustrates a platform set up in a round turret having a curved wall 72 to which two anchoring devices 10 attach to support a plank 50.

(66) The plank or board used to create a platform is not limited to rectangular shaped boards. For example, FIG. 19 illustrates an octagonal turret having four anchoring devices 10 attached on four walls for supporting an octagonal shaped platform 80.

(67) Method for Installing the Anchoring Device and Creating a Platform

(68) To install the anchoring device, the first support base is fastened to a first surface, and the second support base is fastened to a second surface nearby the first surface. A first end of the cross member is pivotably connected to the first support base, and a second end of the cross member is pivotably connected to the second support base. The length of the cross member is adjusted as required to fit between the first and second surfaces. These steps do not have to be done in the order given. For example, the cross member can be connected between the first and/or second support base(s) before the support bases are fastened to the support surfaces.

(69) Preferably, the first and second surfaces are in the same horizontal plane such that the first and second support base are level with each other.

(70) After the anchoring device is installed, a first end of a plank is engaged with the anchoring device in order to support the plank. The second end of the plank can be engaged with a second anchoring device that is installed in the same manner as the first anchoring device, or it can be supported by another surface.

(71) Alternative Uses

(72) The anchoring device of the invention may be used for other purposes besides creating a platform, such as supporting or hanging various materials, tools, equipment, decorations, shelving, racks, and more. For example, multiple anchoring devices can be spaced apart vertically on a surface such as a wall or inside a chimney to create a ladder without side rails. In another example, the anchoring device can be used to suspend lighting across a room, which is particularly useful in rooms with high ceilings where it is desirable to have lights lower than the ceiling (i.e. in the space between the ceiling and the floor).

(73) Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with respect to preferred embodiments and preferred uses thereof, it is not to be so limited since modifications and changes can be made therein which are within the full, intended scope of the invention as understood by those skilled in the art.