SYSTEM AND BASEPLATE FOR FLOATING FIXTURES

Abstract

Baseplate for a floating fixture for holding a support arm is securable to a wall and includes a horizontal T-Channel to receive a channel attachment member, such as a channel nut or channel bolt. A channel nut or bolt can be positioned at a desired horizontal position within the T Channel, and is adapted to engage a support arm to hold a floating fixture. The horizontal position of the channel nut or bolt within the T Channel and an attached support arm may be fixed by rotating the support arm.

Claims

1. A baseplate for attaching a fixture to a structure by a first bolt and a second bolt, each of the first and second bolts comprising a threaded end, a flange having a thread facing surface, an opposing surface, and a rotation engagement means formed in the opposing surface; a channel attachment member, and a support arm, the support arm comprising a threaded end, the threads having a width, and a baseplate engaging surface having width that is wider than the threads, the baseplate comprising: a structure facing surface an opposing surface, a first side comprising a first aperture for receiving the first bolt, the first aperture having a width less than the width of the flange of the first bolt, such that the first bolt may hold the baseplate to the structure; a second side comprising an edge having a slot between the structure-facing surface and the opposing surface for receiving the flange of the second bolt such that the rotation engagement means of the second bolt while in the slot; a T-slot within the baseplate operable to slidably receive a channel attachment member within the T-slot, to thereby allow the channel attachment member and support arm to be horizontally adjusted, and such that the threaded end of the support arm may be rotated so the baseplate engaging surface of the support arm engages the opposing surface of the baseplate, such that the second bolt can be adjustably screwed into the structure while the flange of the second bolt is in the slot of the second side to thereby vertically adjust the angle between the structure and the structure engaging surface of the baseplate.

2. The baseplate of claim 1 wherein: The channel attachment means comprises a channel nut having female threads, and the threaded end of the support arm comprises male threads.

3. The baseplate of claim 2, in which the baseplate further comprises: a horizontal slot extending between the structure facing surface and the T Slot, the horizontal slot having a width, such that T-Slot and horizontal slot allow the male threads of the support arm to pass through the T Slot and into the horizontal slot to thereby prevent the channel nut from sliding out of the T slot.

4. The baseplate of claim 1 wherein the rotational engagement means of either the first bolt or the second bolt is either a torx head, star head, flat screwdriver head or Philips screwdriver head.

5. The baseplate of claim 1 further comprising a generally cylindrical support arm.

6. The baseplate of claim 5 wherein the support arm further comprises opposing flat parallel surfaces adapted to receive a wrench.

7. The baseplate of claim 1 wherein the T slot extends the full width of the baseplate.

8. The baseplate of claim 1 wherein the bracket is formed from line stock.

9. The baseplate of claim 1 wherein the bracket has rounded corners.

11. The baseplate of claim 1 wherein: the channel attachment means comprises a channel bolt having male threads, and the threaded end of the support arm comprises female threads.

12. The baseplate of claim 1 wherein the first side further comprises a recess surrounding the first aperture such that when the first bolt is inserted into the first aperture, its rotation means does not extend beyond the opposing surface of the baseplate.

13. A method for mounting a floating fixture to a structure, comprising: providing at least one baseplate of claim 1, driving a second bolt having a flange into the structure, positioning the slot of second side of the baseplate over the flange of the second bolt, passing a first bolt through the aperture of the first side of the baseplate and attaching the first bolt to the structure, positioning a channel attachment means within the T Slot of the baseplate, attaching a support arm to the channel attachment means, rotating the second bolt to achieve a desired angle by which the support arm extends from the structure, mounting the floating fixture on the support arm.

14. A kit for mounting a floating fixture to a structure comprising: a first bolt and a second bolt, each of the first and second bolts comprising a threaded end, a flange having a thread facing surface, an opposing surface, and a rotation engagement means formed in the opposing surface; a channel attachment member, and a support arm, the support arm comprising a threaded end, the threads having a width, and a baseplate engaging surface having width that is wider than the threads, a baseplate comprising: a structure facing surface an opposing surface, a first side comprising a first aperture for receiving the first bolt, the first aperture having a width less than the width of the flange of the first bolt, such that the first bolt may hold the baseplate to the structure; a second side comprising an edge having a slot between the structure-facing surface and the opposing surface for receiving the flange of the second bolt such that the rotation engagement means of the second bolt while in the slot; a T-slot within the baseplate operable to slidably receive the channel attachment member within the T-slot, to thereby allow the channel attachment member and support arm to be horizontally adjusted, and such that the threaded end of the support arm may be rotated so the baseplate engaging surface of the support arm engages the opposing surface of the baseplate, such that the second bolt can be adjustably screwed into the structure while the flange of the second bolt is in the slot of the second side to thereby vertically adjust the angle between the structure and the structure engaging surface of the baseplate.

15. The kit of claim 14 further comprising a self-centering drilling jig.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary floating fixture, namely a live edge shelf.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of a baseplate adapted to fit into a 1.75 circular hole in the back of a live edge shelf.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a back (wall-abutting) view of the baseplate shown in FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the front and side of the baseplate shown in FIG. 2 in which the shape of the T channel is shown.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the back and side of the baseplate shown in FIG. 2 in which the shape of the T channel is shown.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a front view of a baseplate adapted to fit into a 2.75 circular hole in the back of a live edge shelf.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a side view of a support arm.

[0021] FIG. 8. Is a perspective view of the support arm shown in FIG. 7

[0022] FIG. 9 is a sequence of drawings showing steps for installing baseplates to a wall so that a horizontally adjust able support arm can be attached to the baseplate.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a sequence of drawings showing steps for forming holes in the back of the floating fixture that match the locations of the support arms.

[0024] FIG. 11 shows the back edge of a live shelf fixture having holed drilled therein to receive support arms and baseplates.

[0025] FIG. 12 show the back edge of a live edge shelf fixture with a hole sized to receive a baseplate.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a section view of a channel attachment member that is a channel bolt.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a section view of a baseplate abutting a wall in which the baseplate has a horizontal slot into which the threads of the support arm project, and in which the channel attachment means and support arm are not centered in the baseplate.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a section view of a baseplate abutting a wall in which the baseplate does not have a horizontal slot, because the threads from the support arm are short enough to fit within the T channel of the baseplate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary floating fixture, namely a live edge shelf. The back edge will abut a wall after installation.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a front view of a baseplate 21 adapted to fit into a 1.75 circular hole in the back of a live edge shelf. The baseplate attaches a fixture such as a live edge shelf to a surface or wall by a first bolt 111 and a second bolt 112. Each of the first and second bolts comprise a threaded end (113 and 114), a flange 115 having a thread facing surface 116 and an opposing surface 117, and a rotation engagement means 118 formed in the opposing surface, such as a torx head, star head, flat screwdriver head or Philips screwdriver head. The system may have a channel attachment member, such as a channel nut 119 or channel bolt, that attaches to a support arm 71 (or bracket arm), such as with threads 72. Also provided is a support arm which has a threaded end having a width 73 and a bracket engaging surface 74 having width that is wider than the threaded end. Alternatively, if a channel bolt is used in lieu of a channel nut (as discussed below) bracket engaging surface 74 should have a width that is wider than the width of the threads on the channel bolt.

[0031] The baseplate may have a wall or structure facing surface 51 and an opposing surface 41, and the wall facing surface having a horizontal slot 31 having a width. It may also have a first (top) side 22 and a second (bottom) side 23. First side may have a first aperture 24 for receiving the first bolt 111, the first aperture having a width less than the width of the flange 115 of the first bolt, such that the first bolt may hold the baseplate to the structure. The second side 23 comprising an edge 25 having a slot between the structure-facing surface and the opposing surface for receiving the flange 115 of the second bolt 112 such the slot does not cover the rotation engagement means of the second bolt while in the slot.

[0032] The baseplate may also have a T-slot 42 within the baseplate including lips 52 operable to slidably receive a channel attachment member 119 within the T-slot 42, to thereby allow the channel attachment member 119 and support arm to be horizontally adjusted, and such that the threaded end 72 of the support arm may be rotated so the baseplate engaging surface 74 of the support arm 71 engages the opposing surface 41 of the baseplate, and the channel attachment member 119 is held against lips 52 of T-slot 42 to fix the position of channel attachment member 119 and its attached support arm 71 with respect to baseplate.

[0033] Second bolt 112 can be adjustably screwed into the structure while the flange of the second bolt is in the slot of the second side to thereby vertically adjust the angle between the structure and the structure engaging surface of the baseplate. A third side 26 of baseplate may terminate the end of a T-slot slot 42 operable to receive a channel attachment member 119 in the T part of the T slot 42. In one embodiment, T-Slot extends the width of the baseplate to thereby allow the channel attachment member to be inserted into either end of T slot 42.

[0034] One method to install a floating fixture is as follows. While a live shelf will be shown and discussed as an exemplary embodiment, they system may be used for any kind of fixture. Preferably a support bracket should be installed in each wall stud the fixture will cross, as the wall studs provides the strongest holding power for the fixture. In typical walls, a stud is positioned every 12-18 inches

[0035] Baseplates can be attached to the wall at each wall stud (or other secure location) as shown in FIG. 19.

[0036] Step 9-1: Using a level or laser level as a guide, draw a horizontal line on the selected wall or area at the desired installation height taking into account the thickness of the shelf top. The line must be as long as the shelf that's being installed.

[0037] Step 9-2: Use a stud finder to find wall studs to mount the brackets on within the length of the horizontal line and mark them with them with a vertical line.

[0038] Step 9-3: Place an adhesive mounting template on the wall where the shelf bracket will be fastened. The top edge of the template should be on the horizontal line and the vertical center line should match the vertical line on the wall.

[0039] Step 9-4: With an impact and a T30 drive bit, drive a 3 structural screw (or bolt) into the lower indicator on the mounting template leaving approximately between the head of the screw and the wall. This hole may be pre-drilled with a drill bit if desired.

[0040] Step 9-5: Fit the baseplate on the lower screw and hold it so the top is parallel with the top of the template.

[0041] Step 9-6: Fasten the baseplate to the wall by driving the top structural screw (or bolt) through the upper hole of the baseplate. This hole may be pre-drilled with a drill bit if desired.

[0042] Step 9-7: Slide the channel nut into the T channel of the baseplate and screw the support arm (bracket rod) into the channel nut. Hand tighten the support arm.

[0043] Step 9-8: To level the bracket, place a magnetic level on the top of the support arm and, using an impact with a T30 bit, rotate the bottom screw or bolt 112 clockwise or counter-clockwise. Pitch the support arm up slightly to compensate for the weight of the shelf. Make sure to level the support arms with each other. By rotating second bolt 112, the angle between the structure or wall and the structure engaging surface of baseplate is altered. This allows the fixture, when placed on the support arm(s) to have the desired angle with respect to the wall (usually perpendicular) even if the wall is not perfectly vertical or if the fixture is so heavy that it deflects the support arm.

[0044] Repeat steps 9-3 to 9-8 for each support arm.

[0045] Step 9-9: Drill holes in the back of the shelf as described below. Loosen the support arm(s) to align it with the holes in the shelf. This requires horizontally moving the channel attachment member with its attached support arm within the T Slot of the baseplate. Apply silicone caulk into each of the holes in the back of the shelf and slide the shelf onto the support arms until there is about a gap between the wall/surface and the back of the fixture so the flats 75 of the support arm(s) 71 remain exposed. Use a wrench 91 to the flats 75 and tighten the support arm(s) 71 to the baseplate. Remove the wrench 91 and push fixture 92 firmly against the wall, such that the baseplate is covered by the holes formed in the back of the fixture.

[0046] As noted above, part of step 9-9 is drilling holes in the back of the shelf or other fixture. Steps for this may include the following.

[0047] Step 10-1: Measure the distance between the baseplates mounted on the wall, measuring from the center of each baseplate. Mark the back of the shelf accordingly.

[0048] Step 10-2: Secure a self-centering drilling jig on the back of the shelf, centering it on one of the marks made in step 1.

[0049] Step 10-3: Drill the shelf:

[0050] A. Place an appropriate forstner bit into the appropriate forstner guide. For different shelf thicknesses, forstner bit sizes may be:

TABLE-US-00001 Shelf Thickness Forstner Bit 1-1 1 2-2 1 2-3 2

[0051] Place guide into the self-centering drilling jig. Drill approximately into the back of the shelf.

[0052] B. To widen the notch, move the self-centering drilling jig approximately to one side and drill approximately into the back of the shelf. Repeat on the other side of the hole.

[0053] Place the 9/16 drill bit guide into the self-centering drilling jig. Using the 9/16 brad point drill bit, drill a hole for the bracket rod in the center of the first pocket made with the forstner bit. Drill at least 6.5 deep for the 06 bracket and 8.5 for the 08 bracket.

[0054] Repeat step 10-3 for each shelf bracket. Resume Step 9-9 as stated above.

[0055] While the embodiment discussed above includes a channel nut with female threads and a support arm having male threads, it is also possible to use a channel bolt with male threads and a support arm with female threads.

[0056] The baseplate may have a wall or structure-facing surface and an opposing surface, and the wall facing surface may also have a lateral (horizontal) slot having a width. It may also have a first side having a first aperture adjacent the first side for receiving a first bolt, the first aperture having a width less than the width of the flange of the first bolt, such that the first bolt may hold the bracket to the surface by rotating the rotating the first bolt.

[0057] FIG. 13 is a section view of a channel attachment member that is a channel bolt positioned within a baseplate 134 which abuts wall 135 and is centered with respect to wall stud 137. Support arm 130 and baseplate 134 are positioned in holes formed in fixture 139. Support arm 130 has a threaded end with female threads 131 that can be screwed onto male threads 132 of channel bolt 133. Channel bolt 132 is positioned within the T Slot of baseplate 134 and can horizontally slide therein. When support arm 110 is fully threaded onto channel bolt 133, it may cause channel bolt 133 move toward opposing surface of baseplate 134 to engage T slot lips 136. The tightness of support arm 130 and channel bolt against lip 136s fixes the horizontal position of support arm 130 with respect to baseplate 134 and wall 135.

[0058] FIG. 14 is a section view of a baseplate abutting wall 135 in which the baseplate 145 has a horizontal slot 148 into which the threads 149 of support arm project 140, and in which the channel attachment means is a channel nut 142, and in which the channel nut 142 and support arm 140 are not centered in the baseplate. This may be because the location for forming a hole in the fixture was inaccurately measured, which is the type of mistake common for laypersons. It is also possible the location of the hole in fixture has altered due to expansion or contraction of the wall or fixture due to heat, humidity or other factors. This problem can be overcome by sliding the channel attachment member in the T slot. Support arm 140 and baseplate 145 are positioned in holes formed in fixture 149. Support arm 140 includes male threads 149 that engage channel nut 142. Horizontal slot 148 is centered within baseplate 145, but channel nut 142 is slid to the left of center so that support arm matches the location of the hole formed in fixture 149 to be mounted. Because the male threads 149 of support arm 140 extend into horizontal slot 148, the channel nut is captivated with the T slot and cannot slide out unless and until the male support arm is unthreaded from the channel nut 142 until it no longer projects into horizontal slot 148. This arrangement can be advantageous during steps 9-7 and 10-1 described above in that the channel attachment means and support arm are less likely to accidentally slip out of the T Slot.

[0059] FIG. 15 is a section view of a baseplate abutting a wall 135 in which the baseplate 155 does not have a horizontal slot because the male threads 159 of the support arm 150 are short enough to fit within the T channel of the baseplate. Support arm 150 and baseplate 134 are positioned in holes formed in fixture 159.

[0060] The baseplate may be made of aluminum extruded from a die, and cut to a desired width. To facilitate fitting the baseplate in round holes in the back of a fixture or shelf, the corners of the cut extrusion may be cut or milled to be slightly less than the diameter of the round holes, as is evident by comparing the profile shown in FIG. 2 with that shown in FIG. 6.