Mounting mechanism

Abstract

The invention provides a mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism also includes a magnet in magnetic engagement with a pin configured to be pierceable into a wall or other structure. A spring is arranged outside the pin in a surrounding mode, and the spring is used for fixing the magnet and positioning and stabilizing the pin in the cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting mechanism is substantially located within a cavity of an object, such as a shelf unit. In another embodiment, a lance pin is provided that includes a threaded end and a winged end that forms a tip at an opposite end of the threaded end.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fasteners, and more particularly, to a mounting mechanism that can be used to mount a surface object. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various mounting mechanisms have been designed for securing objects such as frames or shelves to facilitate mounting, cleaning, and removal of the objects from a surface such as a wall surface. An ideal mounting mechanism should be cost effective, easy to install, easy to transport, and eye-catching.

[0003] More specifically, a number of inventions have been designed, such as U.S. Patents Nos. 2,729,815 (Browning), 4,618,430 (Hogg), 5,267,718 (Sheehan), 8,572,873 (Bortel), and 8,974,166 (McDuff), for securing objects such as frames, shelves, anchors, or hook structures to a wall surface.

[0004] In particular, Bortel teaches a frame with an integrated attachment for securing the frame to a wall surface. Unfortunately, Bortel requires the use of multiple tools to attach the frame, and its integrated attachment is secured directly to the wall surface. Securing directly to the wall surface prevents the integrated attachment from being installed at an ideal angle, which compromises the structural integrity of the attachment.

[0005] Other inventions teach captive pins that protrude from the frame itself. Unfortunately, such products present problems with shipping and packaging due to their irregular shape. Furthermore, when the frame is installed, the entire frame, including the mounting system (e.g., the captive pins), must be removed for cleaning, painting, or replacement of the frame. This can cause damage to the wall surface when the frame is removed or inserted. Furthermore, the mounting system can be weakened or even damaged when the frame is reinstalled.

[0006] Other inventions teach removable pins; however, these pins are typically small nails with a non-conical tip. Furthermore, the removable pins are often not securely fastened and do not provide any tactile or audible feedback when properly installed. This makes it difficult for the pins to penetrate the wall surface, reduces the potential load-bearing capacity of the frame or shelf, and can cause confusion for the consumer as to whether the object is properly installed.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved mounting mechanism to overcome these deficiencies. More specifically, there is a need for an improved mounting mechanism that can be secured to a wall without the use of any tools or other auxiliary objects, that can be packaged as small as possible and shipped flat without protruding pins, that allows the mounted object to be safely removed and replaced from the wall without damaging the wall or the object, and that allows the mounted object to hang flush with the wall. The improved mounting mechanism should also provide tactile and audible feedback to indicate that the object has been properly secured. Finally, the improved mounting mechanism should be very small in size and partially hidden within the cavity of the object so that very thin objects can be mounted flush to a surface without the mounting mechanism being exposed. SUMMARY

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a wall-mounting structure comprising: a first frame having at least one cavity; and a mounting mechanism disposed within the at least one cavity of the first frame, the mounting mechanism for securing the first frame to a wall surface.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a spear-shaped pin for securing an object to a wall surface, the spear-shaped pin comprising: a connecting end; a winged end, the winged end terminating in a pointed tip, the winged end disposed opposite the connecting end, the winged end comprising two opposing wings.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a mounting mechanism comprising: a magnet; and a pin magnetically engaged with the magnet; the mounting mechanism configured to be partially disposed within a cavity of an object for securing the object to a surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The following drawings are used to illustrate various embodiments of the features of the present disclosure. These drawings are exemplary and are not limiting.

[0012] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a shelving unit having three mounting mechanisms according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a shelving unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1 is an isometric view of the shelving unit shown in

[0014] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a shelving unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the shelving unit shown in

[0015] Figure 4 is an isometric view of a shelving unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1The shelf unit shown illustrates an enlarged perspective cutaway view of the connection between the first frame and the second frame;

[0016] Figure 5 is a mounting mechanism secured to an object according to one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 is an enlarged perspective cutaway view of the cavity of the first frame shown;

[0017] Figure 6A is a mounting mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting mechanism shown;

[0018] Figure 6B is a mounting mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the dowel shown;

[0019] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a mounting mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 8 is a mounting mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective cutaway view of the mounting mechanism shown;

[0021] Figure 9 is a mounting mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 7 is a perspective view of the mounting mechanism secured to an object shown;

[0022] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a lance dowel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0023] Figure 11 is a mounting mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 10 is a cutaway view of the lance dowel inserted into a wall shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following examples are merely illustrative and are not meant to limit the disclosure in any way. It is to be understood that various modifications and / or changes can be made to the embodiments described herein, which modifications and / or changes are intended to fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0025] Reference is made to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, a shelving unit 10 is shown, the shelving unit 10 preferably includes a first frame 15 and a second frame 20 interconnected to each other. The first frame 15 further includes a first cavity 25 and a second cavity 27, and the second frame 20 further includes a third cavity 30 and a fourth cavity 32. Although each of the first frame 15 and the second frame 20 is shown with two cavities, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that depending on the shape and size of the frame, only a single cavity or more than two cavities can be provided. Each of the first frame 15 and the second frame 20 includes at least one mounting mechanism 60 to attach the first frame 15 and the second frame 20 to a surface such as a wall surface. The mounting mechanism 60 is partially disposed within the cavities 25, 27, 30, 32 of the first frame 15 and the second frame 20. In this preferred embodiment, the first frame 15 is a generally rectangular member having a planar surface 35. Meanwhile, the second frame 20 further includes four segments 40, 42, 44, 46 interconnected to each other by a tongue (not shown) and a groove (not shown) to form a generally rectangular border. As best shown in Figure 3 The inner walls of the segments 42 and 46 of the second frame 20 further include notches 50, 52, respectively. The first frame 15 further includes notches 56, 58 on both sides of the first frame 15. In one exemplary embodiment, the notches 50, 52 are configured to receive the corresponding notches 56, 58 to interconnect and lock the first frame 15 with the second frame 20. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the particular locking configuration shown, the first frame 15 can receive objects on the surface 35 such as a picture frame, a decoration, a decorative figurine, a small potted plant, and the like.

[0026] Referring to Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the second frame 20 and the first frame 15 are shown interconnected and secured. The notches 56, 58 of the first frame 15 are shown locked and placed on the corresponding notches 50, 52 of the second frame 20. The mounting mechanism 60 is also shown partially disposed within the cavity 32 of the second frame 20. The cavity 32 has a downward inclination to provide a similar downward inclination of the mounting mechanism 60, which helps to keep the second frame 20 on a surface.

[0027] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6A, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting mechanism 60 further comprises a pin 65 that magnetically engages with the magnet 70. The mounting mechanism 60 further comprises a spring 75 that engages with the magnet 70, the spring 75 being wrapped around a lower half of the pin 65. In this embodiment, the mounting mechanism 60 is partially disposed within the cavity 25 of the first frame 15. As shown, an upper half of the pin 65 protrudes out of the cavity 25. Due to the downward tilt of the cavity 25, the mounting mechanism 60 is similarly angled downward relative to the ground. This downward angle is advantageous as it helps to hold the shelf unit (not shown) against a surface such as a wall. This downward angle also reduces the moment (i.e. torque) as compared to a similar pin that is disposed perpendicular to the surface. In one preferred embodiment, the spring 75 is positioned in place and secured within the cavity 25 by a friction fit. The purpose of the spring 75 is to engage with the magnet 70 to hold the magnet 70 at a lower end of the cavity 25. In another embodiment, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the magnet can be injection molded within the cavity 25, or secured within the cavity 25 by a friction fit, glue, or the like. In such an embodiment, the spring 75 can be completely absent from the mounting mechanism 60, such that the mounting mechanism 60 comprises only the pin 65 and the magnet 70. In this exemplary embodiment, the pin 65 can have a larger diameter to fit snugly and flush within the cavity 25; or alternatively, the cavity 25 can be smaller to snugly and flushly surround a smaller pin 65. In this embodiment, the magnet 70 and the spring 75 hold the pin 65 in place within the cavity 25, such that the pin 65 does not fall out. The pin 65 is inserted into the cavity 25 and the spring 75 prior to mounting the first frame 15 to a surface. The pin 65 is inserted towards the magnet 70, which is located at the lowermost end of the cavity 25. Once the pin 65 has been inserted sufficiently, the magnet 70 will magnetically engage with the pin 65, such that the pin 65 abuts against the magnet 70, and the operator will receive tactile and audible feedback, thereby knowing that the mounting mechanism 60 has been installed in place. During installation of the first frame 15, the first frame 15 is pushed against a wall, which forces the tip 80 of the pin 65 to penetrate the wall. The lower end 82 of the pin 65 remains biased against the magnet 70. The magnet 70 has a large surface area to accommodate the lower end 82 of the pin 65 and to help press the pin 65 into the wall. The spring 75 is elongated and cylindrical in shape, adapted to distribute the motion of the pin 65 when securing the shelf unit (not shown) to the wall. In other words, during installation, when the pin 65 is pressed into the wall, a radial force can be applied to the pin 65, forcing the pin 65 to move side-to-side within the cavity 25. The purpose of the spring 75 is to reduce or eliminate this side-to-side radial movement, and better press the pin 65 into the wall. In the alternative embodiment described above where the spring 75 is not present, the pin 65 can have a larger diameter, such that the inner walls of the cavity 25 are able to reduce or eliminate the side-to-side movement of the pin 65 during installation to the surface.In the present embodiment, a bevel or chamfer (not shown) is also provided at each end of the spring 75. The purpose of the bevel (or chamfer) is to facilitate the insertion of the spring 75 into the cavity 25. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the peg 65 is not permanently fixed within the mounting mechanism 60. The peg 65 is temporarily held in place within the mounting mechanism 60 by virtue of the magnetic attraction with the magnet 70 and the frictional engagement from the spring 75. Thus, once the shelving unit (not shown) is installed and fixed to the wall, the force of the peg 65 being fixed within the wall is greater than the magnetic and frictional forces holding the peg 65 against the spring 75 and magnet 70, such that the peg 65 is fixed within the wall. If it is required to remove the shelving unit (not shown), the peg 65 will remain within the wall.

[0028] With reference to Figure 6B , the peg 65 is shown in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in this preferred embodiment, the peg 65 comprises a first cylindrical portion 82 and a second tapered portion 83, the second tapered portion 83 terminating in a point 84. It is the first cylindrical portion 82 that allows the peg 65 to be suitably positioned within the cavity (not shown) of the object.

[0029] With further reference to Figure 1 and Figure 4 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shelving unit 10 can be fixed to the wall using the mounting mechanism 60. In a first step, the shelving unit 10 and the mounting mechanism 60 are aligned with the wall in the appropriate orientation. Once the peg 65 contacts the wall, the shelving unit 10 and the mounting mechanism 60 are pushed against the wall until the peg 65 of the mounting mechanism 60 penetrates the wall and the shelving unit 10 is flush with the wall. As the mounting mechanism 60 is disposed within the cavity 32 at an angle that is downwardly inclined relative to the ground, the mounting mechanism 60 will automatically be directed downwardly and suitably into the wall. When the shelving unit 10 is flush with the wall and thus fully fixed to the wall, the mounting mechanism 60 will be completely hidden from view, which is an advantage of the present disclosure.

[0030] With reference to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a mounting mechanism 160 is shown for securing an object 115 to a wall surface. In this particular embodiment, the mounting mechanism 160 further includes a plug 185 configured to be molded around the magnet 170. During installation of the object 115 to the wall surface, the plug 185 is positioned and secured within the cavity 117 of the object 115. Preferably, the front surface 187 of the plug 185 is flush with the corresponding surface 119 of the object 115 that is to rest against the wall surface. As shown, the magnet 170 is molded directly within or otherwise secured within the plug 185. The dowel 165 is then inserted into the opening 190 of the plug 185 until the dowel 165 engages the magnet 170. Once the dowel 165 engages the magnet 170, the dowel 165 partially protrudes from the plug 185. The opening 190 is configured to closely and flushly receive the dowel 165 to prevent unwanted lateral movement of the dowel 165. When the object 115 is pushed against the wall surface, the dowel 165 penetrates the wall surface and is used to flushly secure the surface 119 of the object 115 to the wall surface.

[0031] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although reference is made to a shelving unit including a first frame and a second frame, the mounting mechanism can be applied to any number of objects that need to be secured to any number of surfaces, although the preferred surface is drywall. Preferably, the object will simply include an angled cavity to receive the mounting mechanism and be secured to the surface. In another embodiment, the mounting mechanism is adapted for use with objects that are tall and wide relative to their depth to minimize cantilever and torque forces at the location of the mounting mechanism.

[0032] Reference is made to Figure 10 and Figure 11According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a lance dowel 200 is shown. The lance dowel 200 has a threaded connecting end 210 and a lance end 220 opposite the connecting end 210, the end of the lance end 220 forming a lance tip 230. The lance end 220 includes two opposing wings 240, 245 separated by a ridge 250 on either side. The ridge 250 increases stiffness to prevent the lance end 220 from bending. In one embodiment, the wings 240, 245 have a gradually decreasing thickness, i.e., the wings 240, 245 are slightly thicker near the ridge 250 and thinner near the lateral tips of the wings 240, 245. This gradually decreasing thickness also increases the stiffness of the lance end 220 and prevents the wings 245, 245 from folding or breaking when manually screwing in the lance dowel 200. In one embodiment, the wings 240, 245 can be curved such that when the lance dowel 200 is viewed along cross-section X-X, the wings 240, 245 form a generally S-shaped curve with the lance tip 230 at the center of the "S". This optional curvature increases stiffness when manually screwing in the lance dowel 200 and can also increase comfort. In another embodiment, other curves can also be present on the cross-section X-X, including but not limited to: each wing 240, 245 being a generally S-shaped curve, a circular shape (e.g., sinusoidal), and an angular shape (e.g., zigzag or trapezoidal). Ultimately, the purpose of the curve or shape is to enhance the stiffness of the lance dowel 200. In one embodiment, the trailing edge of the lance tip 230 is at an angle to the threaded connecting end 210 to prevent the wings 240, 245 from contacting the object 260 when the lance dowel 200 is screwed into the object 260 at an angle. The lateral profile of the wings 240, 245 is rounded to increase comfort when manually screwing in the dowel. The threaded connecting end 210 allows the dowel 200 to be screwed into the object 260. Once the dowel 200 is screwed into the object 260, the lance tip 230 allows the dowel 200 to pierce the wall surface 270 and secure the dowel 200 to the wall surface 270. The presence of the lance end 220 on the dowel 200 also allows the load of the object 260 secured at the threaded connecting end 210 to be distributed.

[0033] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the teachings presented herein that, in one embodiment, a method of securing an object to a structure is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: aligning a mounting mechanism to the structure; and pushing the object against the structure until the mounting mechanism pierces the wall surface and the object is flush with the structure, wherein the mounting mechanism is disposed at a downward angle relative to the ground.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will appreciate modifications to the embodiments described herein upon reading the foregoing description and viewing the related figures. It will be appreciated that such modifications are encompassed by the scope of the disclosure and are within the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A wall mounted structure comprising: a first frame having at least one cavity; and, a mounting mechanism disposed within the at least one cavity of the first frame, the mounting mechanism for securing the first frame to a wall surface.

2. The wall-mounted structure of claim 1, wherein The mounting mechanism further comprises a pin and a magnet for securing the pin in place.

3. The wall-mounted structure of claim 2, wherein, The mounting mechanism further comprises a spring having at least one bevel, the spring disposed around the pin.

4. The wall-mounted structure of claim 2, wherein, The mounting mechanism further comprises a plug.

5. The wall-mounted structure of claim 2, wherein The pin further comprises a tapered lower end, the lower end terminating in a point.

6. The wall-mounted structure of claim 1, wherein The at least one cavity has a downward slope.

7. A lance shaped pin for securing an object to a wall surface, the lance shaped pin comprising: a connecting end; a winged end, the winged end terminating in a point, the winged end disposed opposite the connecting end, the winged end comprising two opposing wings.

8. The lance according to claim 7, characterized in that The two opposing wings are separated by a ridge.

9. The lance according to claim 7, characterized in that The two opposing wings taper in width from a wider width at the center of the lance shaped pin to a narrower width at the outer edges of the two opposing wings.

10. The lance pin of claim 7, wherein, The two opposing wings are curved such that the cross section of the lance shaped pin is one of the following shapes: S-shaped, circular, and angular to enhance the rigidity of the lance shaped pin.

11. The lance pin of claim 7, wherein, The connecting end is threaded.

12. A mounting mechanism comprising: a magnet; and, a pin magnetically engaged with the magnet; The mounting mechanism is configured to be partially disposed within a cavity of an object for securing the object to a surface.

13. The mounting mechanism of claim 12, wherein, Further comprising a spring for securing the magnet and disposed around the pin.

14. The mounting mechanism of claim 13, wherein, The spring further has one of a bevel or a chamfer.

15. The mounting mechanism of claim 12, wherein, The mounting mechanism further comprises a plug.

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