VERTICAL MOUNTING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A vertical mounting assembly that allows for effortless, secure, and versatile hanging of wall/vertical surface mounted frames, pictures, mirrors, or similar items (described as dcor herein). The instant assembly features a two-piece design, consisting of a mounting bracket and anchoring receiver, requiring only one tool for installation and the subsequent hanging of wall/vertical surface dcor. The instant assembly further allows for precise alignment, prevents dcor from becoming crooked or unbalanced, and allows for dcor to become quickly re-oriented on a wall/vertical surface.

Claims

1. A vertical mounting assembly comprising: a movable bracket comprising a U shaped lip; and an anchoring receiver configured and dimensioned to receive said moveable bracket.

2. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said moveable bracket and said anchoring receiver are formed from sustainable materials.

3. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said moveable bracket further comprises at least two flush fit tabs spaced apart by a recessed groove.

4. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 3 wherein said anchoring receiver further comprises at least two flush fit grooves spaced apart by a protruding tab, said at least two flush fit grooves configured and dimensioned to receive said at least two flush fit tabs and said protruding tab configured and dimensioned to fill said recessed groove.

5. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 4 wherein the width of said at least two flush fit grooves spaced apart by said protruding tab is equal to said at least two flush fit tabs and said recessed groove.

6. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said moveable bracket further comprises a flat surface upon at least one side of said U shaped lip wherein said flat surface is configured and dimensioned to receive a logo.

7. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 6 wherein said moveable bracket's said at least two flush fit tabs and recessed groove are connected to, yet run vertically parallel to said flat surface upon at least one side of said U shaped lip configured and dimensioned to receive a logo.

8. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 6 wherein said moveable bracket further comprises a flat surface upon at least one side of said U shaped lip configured and dimensioned to be tucked behind a portion of dcor.

9. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said U shaped lip is configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of dcor.

10. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said anchoring receiver comprises at least one stabilizer on each side of the structure formed by the said at least two flush fit grooves spaced apart by said protruding tab.

11. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 9 wherein said at least one stabilizer comprises an aperture configured and dimensioned to receive a fastener.

12. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 10 wherein said at least one stabilizer further comprises a chamfered, load bearing geometry.

13. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said anchoring receiver further comprises a tool receiver.

14. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 13 wherein said tool receiver is configured and dimensioned to receive a leveling device.

15. A vertical mounting assembly comprising: a movable bracket comprising a first surface and a second surface, said first surface parallel to and operatively connected to said second surface via a perpendicular surface; an anchoring receiver configured and dimensioned to receive said moveable bracket; said first surface of said moveable bracket further comprising at least two flush fit tabs spaced apart by a recessed groove; and said anchoring receiver comprising at least two flush fit grooves spaced apart by a protruding tab, said at least two flush fit grooves configured and dimensioned to receive said at least two flush fit tabs and said protruding tab configured and dimensioned to fill said recessed groove.

16. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 15 wherein said second surface further comprises a bonding surface on at least one side of said second surface.

17. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 15 wherein said second surface further comprises at least one aperture to allow for a fastener to pass through said second surface and affix said moveable bracket to at least a portion of dcor.

18. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 15 wherein said anchoring receiver comprises at least one stabilizer on each side of the structure formed by the said at least two flush fit grooves spaced apart by said protruding tab.

19. The vertical mounting assembly of claim 18 wherein said at least one stabilizer comprises at least one aperture configured and dimensioned to receive a fastener and wherein said at least one stabilizer further comprises a chamfered, load bearing geometry.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present disclosure, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vertical mounting assembly with a moveable bracket inserted into an anchoring receiver.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the vertical mounting assembly of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a front view of the vertical mounting assembly of the Figures above.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the vertical mounting assembly of the Figures above.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a side view of the vertical mounting assembly of the Figures above.

[0027] FIG. 6 is an alternative side view of the vertical mounting assembly of the Figures above.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a top view of the vertical mounting assembly of the Figures above.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the vertical mounting assembly of the Figures above.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a front, exploded view of the vertical mounting assembly of the Figures above with a moveable bracket disengaged from an anchoring receiver.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two portions of vertical mounting assemblies, distinct from the Figures above, wherein moveable brackets of the vertical mounting assemblies are affixed to a portion of dcor.

[0032] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] With reference now to the Figures, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vertical mounting assembly 100 with a moveable bracket 110 inserted into an anchoring receiver 120. With brief reference to FIG. 9, which depicts a front, exploded perspective view of a vertical mounting assembly 100, the moveable bracket 110 is seen as being able to be disengaged from the anchoring receiver 120. As such, the anchoring receiver 120 may be able to receive at least a portion of the moveable bracket 110. As such, a vertical mounting assembly 100 can be made up of a moveable bracket 110, anchoring receiver 120, and various other elements.

[0034] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 9, the vertical mounting assembly 100 can be described as having two main components, a moveable bracket 110 and an anchoring receiver 120. With reference to the moveable bracket 110, the moveable bracket 110 may take various forms, such as with a U shaped lip 111 (as will be described) or without a U shaped lip 111 (instead with a second surface 114 comprising either a bonding surface 114A, at least one aperture for a fastener 114F, or both). Considering the moveable bracket 110 with a U shaped lip 111, the moveable bracket 110 may be comprised of a U shaped lip 111, flush fit tabs 112, a recessed groove 113, a flat surface to receive a logo 114 (which can also be described as a second surface 114), a flat surface to be tucked behind a portion of dcor 115, and a first surface 116.

[0035] With regard to the U shaped lip 111, the U shaped lip 111 may be formed by and between the flat surface to be tucked behind a portion of dcor 115 and the second surface 114. As may be apparent, the U shaped lip 111 may have a configuration and dimensioning that allows for the lip 111 to take the shape of a U or a shape of a rectangle that is open at one of its sides. The lip 111 may thus be configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of dcor. Such a portion of dcor may be the backing to a frame (commonly known as a backing board or a mat board), wherein the backing of the frame may be inserted and received by the lip 111. Notably, such a feature allows for a user of the instant assembly 100 to thus quickly detach the lip 111 from a portion of dcor and re-attach the lip 111 to another portion of the dcor so as to reorient the moveable bracket 110 about the dcor, allowing dcor to be quickly reoriented about a wall or vertical surface, when the instant assembly 100 is used on or affixed to dcor. As one might imagine, this can allow for inherent simplicity in the design, such that even a child might be able to alter the orientation of dcor on a wall/vertical surface, especially if the dcor is specifically designed/marketed to showcase children's artwork. As such, as may now be apparent, one feature of the U shaped lip 111 is that it allows a moveable bracket 110 to become attached to, affixed to, or otherwise in retaining contact with a portion of dcor, the portion of dcor able to be backing to a frame.

[0036] As described above, a moveable bracket 110 need not comprise a U shaped bracket 111, but instead may comprise a second surface 114 comprising either a bonding surface 114A, at least one aperture for a fastener 114F, or both. As such, instead of a moveable bracket 110 comprising a U shaped bracket 111, the moveable bracket 110 may be cut off (where, for visualization purposes, reference may be had to FIG. 9) at the second surface 114 where the second surface 114 may have apertures therein 114F or a bonding surface 114A applied thereto to allow the moveable bracket 110 to become attached to, affixed to, or otherwise come in retaining contact with a portion of dcor. As may be apparent in an instance where a moveable bracket 110 has no U shaped lip 111, and where the second surface 114 has an aperture 114F therethrough, the aperture 114F may allow a fixator/fastener (such as a screw or rivet), to pass through the aperture 114F and connect to a portion of dcor, in turn, connecting the moveable bracket 110 to dcor. Also, in an instance where a moveable bracket 110 has no U shaped lip 111, and where the second surface 114 has a bonding surface 114A applied thereto, the bonding surface 114A May allow the moveable bracket 110 to stick to a portion of dcor (perhaps through an adhesive or comparable substance), in turn, connecting the moveable bracket 110 to dcor. As previously mentioned, as a moveable bracket 110 with no U shaped lip 111 may have both at least one aperture 114F and bonding surface 114A applied to the second surface 114, both fixators/fasteners passing through the at least one aperture 114F and bonding surface 114A can work together to affix, attach, or otherwise come in retaining contact with a portion of dcor. Reference to FIG. 10 may be had for an example of the descriptions in the paragraph above.

[0037] Now that the above has been mentioned, it should be apparent that in either instance where a moveable bracket 110 contains a U shaped lip 111 or not, the moveable bracket 110 contains a second surface 114 with other portions of the moveable bracket 110 operatively connected thereto. That said, the second surface 114 may also be known as a flat surface to receive a logo 114. As such, on a side of the surface 114/114 a logo may be placed thereon via adhesive sticker, embossing, etching, or other commonly employed means of affixing labels/designs to rigid and/or semi-rigid structures.

[0038] At one portion of the surface 114/114 may be a perpendicular surface (as can be seen in the Figures), which may act as a partition or offset, spacing the second surface 114 and the first surface 116. With reference to FIG. 2, it can now be seen how the surface 114/114 is parallel to the first surface 116, but offset or spaced therefrom via the perpendicular surface, while connecting the two surfaces (114/114 and 116). As will be described in more detail, this spacing and orientation of the second surface 114 to the first surface 116 via a perpendicular surface aids in enhancing the visual appeal of dcor hung from vertical surfaces or walls using the vertical mounting assembly 100. Further, upon the first surface 116, the flush fit tabs 112 and recessed groove 113 can be seen. The instant assembly 100 can allow for more than two flush fit tabs 112 or more than one recessed groove 113, but is depicted as having two flush fit tabs 112 and one recessed groove 113 herein.

[0039] With continued reference to FIG. 2, brief reference to FIG. 9, and with additional reference now to FIGS. 4-8, it can be noted that the flush fit tabs 112 and recessed groove 113 align with the flush fit grooves 122 and protruding tab 123 of the anchoring receiver 120 (where the instant assembly 100 can allow for more than two flush fit grooves 122 and more than one protruding tab 123). As such, it can be noted that the movable bracket 110 is inserted into the anchoring receiver 120 via the flush fit tabs 112 locking in place of the flush fit grooves 122 and the protruding tab 123 inserting into the recessed groove 113.

[0040] As will be described in more detail, this flush fit can enhance the visual appeal of dcor hung from vertical surfaces or walls using the vertical mounting assembly 100. Further, this flush fit can allow for a user inserting the moveable bracket 110 (perhaps while the moveable bracket 110 as affixed to, attached to, or otherwise in retaining contact with a portion of dcor) to quickly and easily slide the flush fit tabs 112 in place of the flush fit grooves 122 and allow the protruding tab 123 to insert into the recessed groove 113. To allow for such action, it may be noted that the anchoring receiver 120 may be anchored to, affixed to, or attached to a wall/vertical surface (as will be described). Thus, in essence, a user may easily slide the flush fit tabs 112 in place of the flush fit grooves 122 and allow the protruding tab 123 to insert into the recessed groove 113 via loosely lining up where there the flush fits tabs 112 may insert into the flush fit grooves 122 up against a wall or vertical surface, and, via positioning and moving the moveable bracket 110, allow the tabs 112 to become inserted into the grooves 122. In other words, the flush fit 122 grooves and protruding tab 123 allow for a pocket to be created, the flush fit tabs 1123 and recessed groove able to fill this pocket.

[0041] Further, and as can be seen in the Figures, the tabs 112, groove 113, groves 122, and tab 123 may have contoured or curved edges to allow for the tabs 112 to more naturally slide into place as each of the tabs 112, groove 113, groves 122, and tab 123 are moving along one another.

[0042] As may be apparent, the length, height, and width of the tabs 112, groove 113, groves 122, and tab 123 may be substantially equal or equally proportioned to allow for tight tolerances when the moveable bracket 110 is inserted into the anchoring receiver 120 (via tabs 112, groove 113, groves 122, and tab 123). Further, such tight tolerances and the orientation of the tabs 112, groove 113, grooves 122, and tab 123 can allow for the load of dcor (now hanging from the anchoring receiver 120 via the moveable bracket 110) to be evenly distributed across the anchoring receiver such that even if a dcor's center of gravity does not align with a vertical mounting assembly 100, the tabs 112, groove 113, groves 122, and tab 123 can still retain dcor on a wall without the dcor tilting to one side of the vertical mounting assembly 100 the dcor is mounted on. Further, this tolerance and orientation can prevent dcor (while on a wall/vertical surface via the instant assembly 100) from becoming lopsided or uneven when inadvertently bumped into or having a force applied thereto. As such, should a force (such as a bump, nudge, or environmental force like wind/earthquake) be applied to dcor when the dcor is making use of the instant assembly 100, the tabs 112, groove 113, grooves 122, and tab 123 may counter the force applied to the dcor, allowing for the dcor to remain upright, in place, and retain its original orientation when the tabs and groove 113 were originally slid into/filled the grooves 122 and tab 123.

[0043] As such, considering the anchoring receiver 120, it should be noted that the flush fit grooves 122 and protruding tab 123 thus define a receptacle or pocket, configured and dimensioned to receive the first surface 116 of the moveable bracket 110 (and therefore, the flush fit tabs 112 and recessed groove 113 thereof). With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 This receptacle may thus have a dimensioning (with a depth that is approximately the depth of the perpendicular surface of the moveable bracket 110) that allows for the instant assembly 100 to have a minimal form factor when dcor is hung using the assembly 100. This minimal form factor may be noted as allowing dcor to appear parallel with a wall/vertical surface (where portions of the dcor are not contact with a wall/vertical surface when other portions of the dcor are in contact with a wall/vertical surface). In addition, this form factor allows for dcor to be as close as possible to a wall/vertical surface to create the illusion that the entirety of one side of the dcor (or a frame/plane thereof) is in contact with a wall/vertical surface (sometimes described as a floating effect).

[0044] Continuing, as for the anchoring receiver 120, it can be noted that, in addition to the flush fit grooves 122 and protruding tab(s) 123, the anchoring receiver 120 may comprise stabilizers 124, apertures in the stabilizers 125, a tool receiver 126, and a tool. As such, on either side of the receptacle (as mentioned above) may be stabilizers 124. Such stabilizers 124 may have load bearing geometry, such that when a movable bracket 110 (with dcor attached thereto) is inserted into the anchoring receiver 120, the load is spread out (in a nominal fashion), such that the geometry of the stabilizers 124 absorbs and counteracts such load. In other words, the stress applied to the anchoring receiver 120 by dcor is greater towards the bottom of the anchoring receiver when dcor is affixed to the instant assembly 100. As a result, the geometry of the stabilizers help to absorb and counteract the nominal distribution of force so as to allow dcor to appear as parallel with a wall/vertical surface (where portions of the dcor are not contact with a wall/vertical surface when other portions of the dcor are in contact with a wall/vertical surface). In addition, this geometry further allows for dcor to be as close as possible to a wall/vertical surface to create the illusion that the entirety of one side of the dcor (or a frame/plane thereof) is in contact with a wall/vertical surface. Also, the geometry prevents dcor from sagging, tilting, or otherwise becoming unbalanced when the instant assembly 100 is in use with dcor and a wall/vertical surface. Further, should a force (such as a bump, nudge, or environmental force like wind/earthquake) be applied to dcor when the dcor is making use of the instant assembly 100, the stabilizers 124 may counter the force applied to the dcor, allowing for the dcor to remain upright, in place, and retain its original orientation when the tabs 112 and groove 113 were originally slid into/filled the grooves 122 and tab 123.

[0045] Further, the stabilizers 124 may have apertures 125 in them. The apertures 125 can be configured and dimensioned to allow a fixator/fastener to pass through them (such as a nail, screw, or rivet) to allow the anchoring receiver 120 to become anchored to a wall/vertical surface. Such a strategic placement of the apertures 125 on the stabilizers 124 may also assist in distributing the load of dcor (to achieve the aforementioned benefits).

[0046] Also, the anchoring receiver 120 may have a tool receiver 126 formed thereon/therein. This tool receiver 126 may allow for a tool (such as a bubble level or laser level) to be inserted into or otherwise be a part of the anchoring receiver 120. As such, the bubble level, being integrated into the anchoring receiver 120, allows for a user to level to receiver and anchoring the receiver to the wall (via using the apertures 125) with ease.

[0047] Lastly, each portion of the instant assembly 100 can be formed of environmentally friendly materials, such as biodegradable materials, be printed from a three-dimensional printer, be extruded, forged, or be blown or molded of traditional manufacturing means.

[0048] Now that the foregoing has been described, the following provides an example of one use of a vertical mounting assembly 100. A homeowner decides to hang a series of framed photographs (dcor) in their living room, which has recently been renovated with fresh drywall and painted surfaces. The homeowner chooses the vertical mounting assembly 100 for its simplicity and damage-minimizing installation process.

[0049] Using a level integrated into each anchoring receiver 120's tool receiver 126, the homeowner drives drywall nails through the apertures 125 in the stabilizers 124 of each anchoring receiver 120 to secure the receivers 120 to the wall while the level reads level. This level feature is important here, as it allows the homeowner to ensure that each anchoring point is perfectly horizontal, eliminating the usual guesswork and use of external tools. Further, the feature allows the receivers 120 to provide for a robust foundation that can evenly distribute the load of dcor, thanks to the chamfered, load-bearing design of the stabilizers 124.

[0050] Continuing from the installation of the anchoring receivers 120, the next step involves attaching the dcor to the movable brackets 110. Each movable bracket is designed with a U-shaped lip 111, sized to grip the mat board of the frames securely. This design is particularly advantageous because it allows for quick attachment without the need for additional tools or hardware that might damage the frame. The homeowner simply slides the frame's edge into the U-shaped lip until it sits flush against the flat surface 115, which is designed to tuck behind the frame. This not only secures the frame but also ensures that it hangs flush against the wall, enhancing the aesthetic appeal by eliminating any gaps between the frame and the wall. The mat board can then easily be reattached/reinserted into the frame.

[0051] In the case of a larger, heavier piece of decor like a mirror, the homeowner uses a movable bracket 110 that lacks the U-shaped lip but features a second surface 114 with bonding surface 114A and an aperture for a fastener 114F. This design is ideal for items that cannot be gripped along the edges (by the U-shaped lip 111). The homeowner applies the bonding surface 114A (which makes use of adhesive) of the bracket directly to the back of the mirror and secures it further with screws through the apertures 114F, ensuring a firm hold. This arrangement not only provides the necessary support for the heavier item but also maintains the aesthetic integrity of the decor by hiding the mounting mechanism behind the item.

[0052] To finalize the attachment of the dcor to the vertical mounting assembly 100, the homeowner aligns the flush fit tabs 112 of each movable bracket 110 with the corresponding flush fit grooves 122 in the anchoring receivers 120. With a gentle push, the movable brackets slide into place, the tabs snapping securely into the grooves. This action is facilitated by the curved and precise dimensioning of the tabs and grooves, which are designed to interlock seamlessly and with tight tolerances, providing a stable and secure hold. The protruding tab 123 fits snugly into the recessed groove 113, ensuring that once locked in, the frames are resistant to accidental bumps or shifts. The simplicity of this mechanism not only saves time but also reduces the stress typically associated with hanging art, as it guarantees that each frame is perfectly level and securely mounted without the need for constant adjustments.

[0053] The flush fit design between the tabs 112 and grooves 122 ensures that each piece of dcor sits perfectly parallel to the wall, providing a clean and professional appearance. This alignment is further enhanced by the load-bearing design of the stabilizers 124, which distribute the weight of the dcor evenly across the wall surface. This not only prevents sagging but also maintains the desired orientation of the dcor over time, eliminating the need for frequent readjustments. The built-in tool receiver 126 with its leveling capability plays a vital role in this process, as it enables precise leveling during the initial installation, ensuring that each piece of dcor is aligned both horizontally and vertically. This integrated leveling feature simplifies the setup process and enhances the overall stability and aesthetic alignment of the mounted dcor.

[0054] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to a vertical mounting assembly, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.