Kits and assemblies for mounting objects on walls

Abstract

Kits and assemblies comprising anchors and accessories for hanging items on walls. Such an anchor may include a base plate and at least one insert plate with curved prongs, and a mating structure. Such an accessory may include a complementary mating structure. The mating structure of the anchor and the complementary mating structure of the accessory may be vertically mateable.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Numerous products and devices exist for installing a hook or hanging device in a wall, such as for hanging a picture frame, a mirror, or the like.SUMMARY

[0002] In broad summary, herein are disclosed kits and assemblies comprising anchors and accessories for hanging items on walls. Such an anchor may comprise a base plate and at least one insert plate with curved prongs, and a mating structure. Such an accessory may comprise a complementary mating structure. The mating structure of the anchor and the complementary mating structure of the accessory may be vertically mateable. These and other aspects will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should this broad summary be construed to limit the claimable subject matter, whether such subject matter is presented in claims in the application as initially filed or in claims that are amended or otherwise presented in prosecution.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary anchor, with insert plates of the anchor in an opened configuration.

[0004] FIG. 2 depicts the exemplary anchor of FIG. 1 with the insert plates in a partially closed configuration.

[0005] FIG. 3 depicts the exemplary anchor of FIG. 1 with the insert plates in a fully closed configuration.

[0006] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary anchor of FIG. 3, with the insert plates in a fully closed configuration.

[0007] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an exemplary assembly comprising an anchor and an accessory.

[0008] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the exemplary assembly of FIG. 5.

[0009] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective exploded view of a portion of the exemplary assembly of FIG. 5.

[0010] FIG. 8 is a front perspective exploded view of another exemplary assembly comprising an anchor and an accessory.

[0011] FIG. 9 is a front perspective exploded view of another exemplary assembly comprising an anchor and an accessory.

[0012] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective isolated view of an exemplary accessory suitable for use with the anchor of FIG. 9.

[0013] FIG. 11 is a front perspective exploded view of another exemplary assembly comprising an anchor and an accessory.

[0014] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a portion of the exemplary assembly of FIG. 11.

[0015] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of another exemplary assembly, comprising an anchor and a secondary accessory.

[0016] FIG. 14 is a front perspective exploded view of the anchor and secondary accessory of FIG. 13.

[0017] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the exemplary assembly of FIG. 13, further including a primary accessory.

[0018] Like reference numbers in the various figures indicate like elements. Some elements may be present in identical or equivalent multiples; in such cases only one or more representative elements may be designated by a reference number but it will be understood that such reference numbers apply to all such identical elements. Unless otherwise indicated, all figures and drawings are not to scale and are chosen for the purpose of illustrating different embodiments of the invention. In particular the dimensions of the various components are depicted in illustrative terms only, and no relationship between the dimensions of the various components should be inferred from the drawings, unless so indicated.

[0019] Terms such as vertical, above and below, and upward and downward directions along a vertical axis; and, terms such as horizontal, and left and right directions along the horizontal axis, have their ordinary meaning with respect to an item that is present on a generally vertically wall. Terms such as outward and inward are defined with respect to a wall on which an item is present. Inward refers to a direction generally toward the wall; outward refers to a direction generally away from the wall. Terms such as front and frontward correspond to the outward direction (e.g. FIG. 1 is a front view that depicts an assembly from the outward side); terms such as rear and rearward correspond to the inward direction.

[0020] The term “wall” generically denotes any entity with a generally vertically oriented major surface on which an anchor of the general type described herein can be mounted. The term “wall” is used for convenience; such an entity does not necessarily have to be a wall of a building or other immovable structure. Rather, the entity could be, for example, a movable partition or partial partition, an interior panel of a vehicle, and so on.

[0021] Although terms such as “first” and “second” may be used in this disclosure, it should be understood that those terms are used in their relative sense only, unless otherwise noted. As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring a high degree of approximation. The term “substantially”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation. The term “configured to” and like terms is at least as restrictive as the term “adapted to”, and requires actual design intention to perform the specified function rather than mere capability of performing such a function. Terms such as “a” and “an”, particularly when used in combination with comprises, comprising, and like terms, will be understood to mean “at least one”; e.g. the phrase “comprising an accessory” means “comprising at least one accessory”.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present disclosure provides arrangements for installing accessories onto anchors. An exemplary type of anchor 1 in which such arrangements can be used is depicted in FIGS. 1-4. Such an anchor 1 may comprise a base plate 10 and at least one (often, two) insert plates 20, each of which is pivotally coupled to the base plate. In many embodiments, such an anchor may be arranged (e.g. mounted on a vertical wall) so that a longitudinal axis “L” of the anchor is at least generally vertically oriented, so that base plate 10 comprises an upper end 11 and a lower end 12. In such a configuration, the transverse axis “T” of the base plate (and of the anchor as a whole) will be oriented at least generally horizontally.

[0023] In the depicted embodiment, upper and lower insert plates 20u and 20l are present. A proximal end 22 of upper insert plate 20u is pivotally connected to the upper end 11 of base plate 10; a proximal end 22 of lower insert plate 20l is similarly pivotally connected to the lower end 12 of base plate 10. In some embodiments, this pivotal connection may be achieved by way of hinge posts 24 of the proximal ends 22 of the upper and lower insert plates being respectively seated into orifices 19 of upper and lower hinge guides 17 and 18 of base plate 10. Such an arrangement can allow an insert plate 20 to rotate about an axis of rotation 25 in the general manner indicated in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the hinge guides 17 and 18 may extend generally outward from base plate 10 so that orifices 19 (and thus the axis of rotation 25 of the insert plate) are outwardly offset from base plate 10, as evident e.g. from FIG. 2. In many embodiments, the hinge guides may be located at the longitudinal ends of the base plate. The terminology of “at” does not necessarily require that a hinge guide (in particular, an orifice 19 thereof) must be located exactly on a terminal edge of a longitudinal end of the base plate; rather, this terminology will be interpreted as meaning that the hinge guide is located at least near (i.e. proximate) such a longitudinal end, without necessarily being exactly on the end.

[0024] Each insert plate 20 will comprise a section that is distal to the above-described proximal end of the insert plate; such a distal section of the insert plate will comprise one or more curved prongs 23 that extends along an arc to a wall-penetrating end. In some embodiments such prongs 23 may extend from the distal end 21 of an insert plate, as evident in the exemplary design of FIG. 1. However, it is not strictly necessary that any such prong(s) must be located at the very distal end of the insert plate; rather, it need only be located in a distal section of the insert plate rather than at the proximal end of the insert plate.

[0025] In many embodiments, a base plate 10 may take the form of a single, integral piece of material (e.g. a metal such as steel or aluminum, an organic polymeric material such as an injection-molded piece, etc.) with portions of the single, integral piece being formed, cut, bent, molded, etc., to form various features. For example, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned hinge guides 17 and 18 may be integral portions of a base plate 10. As noted above, in some embodiments hinge guides 17 and 18 may extend generally outward from base plate 10. In some embodiments, these hinge guides may be present as a first pair of transversely-spaced hinge guides 17 at a first (e.g. upper) longitudinal end of base plate 10 and a second pair of transversely-spaced hinge guides 18 at a second (e.g. lower), opposing longitudinal end of base plate 10. In some embodiments, any or all such hinge guides may each take the form of a rail that extends generally outwardly from base plate 10 and that is elongate with a long axis that is at least generally aligned with the longitudinal (e.g. vertical) axis of the base plate and of the anchor as a whole. In some embodiments each rail may extend integrally outward from a transverse (e.g. a left or right) edge of base plate 10. Each such rail may comprise an above-noted orifice 19 into which a hinge post 24 of an insert plate 20 may be seated.

[0026] Other optional features that may be present on a base plate 10 include spikes 2 (partially visible in FIG. 1, more clearly visible in other Figures and whose role is discussed in more detail later herein) and arch 3, whose role is discussed later herein. Similarly, an insert plate, and, in particular, any curved prongs thereof, may be in the form of a single, integral piece of material such as metal. The insert plate(s) can be connected to the base plate (e.g. in a permanent manner so that the insert plate(s) cannot be disconnected from the base plate) in the factory, with the resulting anchor being provided to an end user in the general form depicted in FIGS. 1-3. In general, base plate 10, and anchor 1 as a whole, will exhibit a longitudinal axis L and a transverse axis T, as indicated in FIGS. 1-3. Typically, the axes of rotation 25 of the insert plates 20 will be aligned with the transverse axis and will be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, as is evident from FIG. 1.

[0027] An end user may begin with anchor 1 generally in a configuration shown in FIG. 1 (noting that in some embodiments the anchor 1 may be packaged and supplied to an end user in a configuration as shown in FIG. 3; if so, the end user can manipulate the insert plates into the general configuration shown in FIG. 1). The anchor may be brought to a suitable location of a wall, and the base plate 10 of the anchor may be held so that the inward (rear) major surface 15 of base plate 10 is closely abutting (e.g. in contact with) the wall. In some embodiments, the base plate 10 may comprise one or more spikes 2, which are defined herein as being linear (not curved, in contrast to the above-discussed curved prongs 23). If so, the base plate may be pressed firmly toward the wall so that the spikes penetrate into the wall, e.g. until the rear surface 15 of the base plate is very closely abutting the wall surface.

[0028] With this accomplished, the insert plates 20 may then be rotated about their axes of rotation 25 in the general manner indicated by the curved block arrows in FIG. 1. The insert plates 20 will be moved through positions shown in FIG. 2. Force will be exerted (e.g. by the fingers of the end user) on the outward surfaces 27 of the insert plates 20 as indicated by the block arrows in FIG. 2, so that the curved prongs 23 of the insert plates penetrate into the wall. This pressing force is maintained until the curved prongs have fully penetrated into the wall, and until the inward major surfaces 26 of the insert plates closely abut (e.g. are in contact with) the outward surface 16 of base plate 10. The insert plates 20, and anchor 1 as a whole, will now be in a wall-mounted configuration as shown in FIG. 3. An anchor 1 in this wall-mounted configuration is shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the inward / rear (wall-facing) side (noting that for ease of presentation, the wall itself is not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0029] For purposes of description, the configuration of FIG. 1 will be referred to as an open configuration; the configuration of FIG. 3 will be referred to as a closed configuration (i.e. in which the insert plates have been rotated into a closed position). The closed configuration is the one that anchor 1 will be in when properly mounted onto a wall (although, as noted above, in some embodiments anchor 1 may be provided to an end user in this closed condition, e.g. to minimize the volume occupied by the anchor during packaging and display).

[0030] An arrangement as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, in which the curved prongs of the insert plates are widely spaced from each other when the insert plates are in the open configuration (as in FIG. 1), and closely approach each other when the insert plates are in the closed configuration (as in FIGS. 3 and 4) will be referred to herein as a “convergent” arrangement of the curved prongs. In such convergent arrangements, the hinge posts 24 of the insert plates will typically be located toward the longitudinal (e.g. upper and lower) ends of the base plate 10. Such a convergent arrangement may be contrasted with a “divergent” arrangement e.g. in which the hinge posts of insert plates are located toward the longitudinal center of a base plate and in which the prongs of the respective insert plates get farther apart from each other as the insert plates are rotated toward their wall-mounted configuration.

[0031] In some embodiments, the direction of curvature of the curved prongs may be such that when the insert plates are in their closed configuration with the curved prongs closely approaching each other, the wall-penetrating ends of the prongs of one insert plate will curve away from the wall-penetrating ends of the prongs of the other insert plate (as is readily apparent e.g. in FIG. 3). Such an arrangement of the curved prongs (which, again, will be evaluated when the insert plates are in their closed position) will be referred to as a “spreading” arrangement. In some embodiments, a spreading arrangement of the curved prongs may be preferred. In some particular embodiments, an anchor as disclosed herein may comprise insert plates and curved prongs that are arranged in a convergent, spreading arrangement, as illustrated in FIG. 3 and in many of the other Figures herein. However, in some embodiments, a “merging” arrangement, in which the wall-penetrating ends of the prongs of the insert plates curve toward each other rather than away from each other when the insert plates are closed, may be preferred. In some particular embodiments, an anchor may comprise insert plates and curved prongs that are arranged in a divergent, merging arrangement.

[0032] In many embodiments, an anchor 1 may be mounted on a wall in a general manner (shown in various Figures herein) in which the longitudinal axis L of the anchor is vertically aligned (i.e., the anchor's longitudinal axis L coincides with a wall's vertical axis V), and in which the transverse axis T of the anchor is horizontally aligned. However, in some particular embodiments, an anchor may be rotated 90 degrees, so that the longitudinal axis L of the anchor is horizontally aligned rather than vertically aligned, as discussed in detail later herein.

[0033] In some embodiments, the curved prongs 23 may be located at or near (e.g., may integrally extend from) transverse edges (left and right edges 28 and 29) of an insert plate. In some such embodiments, the curved prongs 23 of an insert plate may be transversely spaced apart from each other at a distance such that the curved prongs will pass transversely outwardly of the transverse edges (left and right edges 13 and 14) of base plate 10, as evident from FIGS. 1-4. In many embodiments, the curved prongs 23 of the insert plates 20 will be the primary means by which the anchor 1 is held on a wall. That is, if any spikes 2 are present on base plate 10, these may serve primarily to hold base plate 10 in place at a desired location of a wall while the insert plates are actuated (rotated) to insert the prongs into the wall (the spikes may of course provide some additional holding power in the fully mounted anchor).

[0034] The exemplary base plate 10 of FIGS. 1-3 comprises at least one generally centrally located arch 3; many other exemplary anchors 1 as depicted herein will similarly comprise a base plate 10 that includes an arch 3. Many of the depicted arrangements are prototype designs in which such an arch was included to provide an easily accessible connection point for measuring forces that develop on the base plate and anchor under various use conditions. As such, arches 3 should be considered to be optional components. However, it is possible that in some actual-use conditions the presence of such an arch may provide a benefit; it is thus stipulated that any such arch, or generally similar feature or component, may be present in various embodiments.

[0035] In many embodiments, an anchor 1 as described above may be mounted on a wall that is comprised of wallboard (also referred to as drywall, sheetrock, gypsum board, and so on). Such materials have been found to be soft enough to be amenable to being penetrated with curved prongs in the general manner described above, while being stiff enough to firmly hold the prongs (and thus the entire anchor) in place once installed. The lengths of the prongs can be varied to allow selection for a specific thickness of wallboard. The curved prongs can have a fixed radius of curvature, or have varying radii of curvature at various points, either discretely or continuous, along the prong. The curved prongs may have any suitable aspect ratio. Often, the prongs may comprise tapered ends and / or may exhibit gradual taper along a considerable portion of their length. As noted, the prongs can be integral portions of an insert plate, formed from a monolithic piece of material that has been bent or otherwise articulated at select locations to form both the insert plate and the prongs. In various embodiments, an anchor, and its various base plates, insert plates, curved prongs, etc., may be made of metal, e.g. stainless steel, titanium, cobalt-chromium alloy, or a shape-memory alloy such as an alloy of nickel and titanium (e.g., Nitinol).

[0036] The above has been a general discussion of representative anchors, and features and properties thereof, which may benefit from any of the arrangements discussed herein. However, it is emphasized that the arrangements herein (e.g. with regard to ways of installing accessories onto anchors) are not limited to being used with the particular exemplary anchors discussed above or with any of the exemplary anchors discussed later herein. Rather, such arrangements may be used with any suitable anchor. Anchors with which such arrangements may be used include e.g. those discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publications 2021 / 0169241, 2021 / 0298497, and 2021 / 0207645; those discussed in U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 088,246 and in the resulting PCT application published as International Patent Application Publication WO / 2022 / 074511; and, those discussed in U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 279,809 and in the resulting PCT application PCT / IB2022 / 061005. All of these documents are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, for the purpose of more fully describing the many and various types and designs of anchors and accessories with which the arrangements disclosed herein may be used.

[0037] Herein are disclosed and discussed arrangements that enable the installing of one or more accessories onto an anchor. For purposes of these discussions, an anchor is defined as an entity that is mountable onto a wall by inserting at least one curved prong of the anchor into the wall. By definition, an anchor will comprise a base plate and at least one insert plate that is pivotally connected to the base plate and that comprises the at least one curved prong that is inserted into the wall. In some embodiments, an anchor may be a compound anchor, which by definition comprises a base plate and two insert plates that are pivotally connected to opposing longitudinal ends of the base plate in the general manner described earlier herein. An arrangement with only one insert plate, or in which two insert plates are pivotally connected directly to each other in the absence of a base plate therebetween, will not fall within the definition of a compound anchor.

[0038] An accessory is defined as an item that is purposely configured to be installed onto an anchor (typically, after the anchor has been mounted onto a wall), so that the assembly formed by the accessory and the anchor can be used to support one or more items. In many embodiments, the accessory may be removably installable onto the anchor, e.g. so that the accessory can be removed from the anchor at such time as it is desired to de-mount the anchor from the wall. By definition, any entity that is non-disconnectably connected to the anchor as the anchor is provided to an end user, is considered to be a part of the anchor rather than being an accessory.

[0039] In some embodiments an anchor and an accessory may be provided to an end user in a format in which the accessory is fitted onto the anchor. This may be done e.g. for space-savings in packaging of the product and / or so that an end user can see how the assembly is to be constructed in actual use. In such cases, the accessory will typically be detached from the anchor in order to mount the anchor on a wall, after which the accessory can be installed on the wall-mounted anchor. An accessory and an anchor that are assembled together with the anchor mounted on a wall, will be referred to herein as an assembly. An accessory and an anchor that are assembled together with the anchor not yet mounted on a wall (e.g. during packaging and display) will be referred to herein as a kit. Of course, in a kit as provided to an end-user, an accessory need not be fitted onto an anchor; rather any number of anchors and accessories may be provided separately within a packaged kit. Such a kit may also comprise instructions for use, and other ancillary materials.

[0040] In many embodiments, only a single accessory will be used, the single accessory functioning to support the weight of whatever item is desired to be hung from the wall. The single accessory may take the general form of e.g. a hook, a bracket, a rod-holder, a shelf, etc., that is directly coupled to the anchor and that can support the weight of any desired item. However, in some embodiments, two (or more) accessories may be present. In some particular embodiments, one accessory may be configured to be coupled to the anchor and may serve to accept another accessory that is configured to accept an item to be hung on the wall. The item-accepting accessory (which may be e.g. a hook, a shelf, etc.) will be referred to as a primary accessory and the accessory that is installed on the anchor and that accepts the primary accessory, will be referred to as a secondary accessory. The secondary accessory will comprise features that allow the secondary accessory to be installed onto the anchor; and, it will further comprise features and allow the primary accessory to be coupled to the secondary accessory. Thus in some embodiments, a secondary accessory may provide a universal-installation system that allows any of several types of primary accessories to be coupled to the secondary accessory and thus installed onto the anchor.

[0041] Various types, categories, and designs of accessories (including both single accessories and pairs of primary / secondary accessories) are described and discussed herein. However, it is emphasized that these are only representative examples for the purpose of illustrations. The above-listed (and incorporated-by-reference) patent applications and publications include numerous and varied types of accessories; any of these may find use with the herein-disclosed arrangements.

[0042] In some embodiments, an accessory may serve another purpose in addition to e.g. supporting the weight of an item to be hung on a wall. In some embodiments, an accessory may advantageously provide a locking mechanism. By a locking mechanism is meant an entity, or a portion of an entity, that is purposely configured so that when an anchor (with its insert plate(s) in a closed configuration as described above) is mounted to a wall, the entity or portion thereof is located so as to physically block the insert plate(s) of the anchor from rotating outward relative to the base plate of the anchor. In other words, such a locking mechanism can minimize any chances of an insert plate rotating relative to the base plate sufficiently so as to be in danger of becoming dislodged from the wall.

[0043] The present application specifically contemplates that an accessory may be configured so that when the accessory is installed on the anchor, one or more portions of the accessory will be positioned so as to serve as a locking mechanism. This can be contrasted with a locking mechanism that is provided by a component of an anchor itself rather than by an accessory that is used with the anchor. Various of the arrangements disclosed herein will be pointed out as including such an accessory-supplied locking mechanism. It is noted however that a locking mechanism may not be necessary in all cases (e.g. depending on the particular design of the anchor, the amount of weight it is configured to support, and so on); thus, not all arrangements disclosed herein may necessarily involve an accessory that provides a locking mechanism.

[0044] The assemblies and arrangements disclosed herein may be used to hang myriad items and objects from walls (whether painted, unpainted, etc.) such wallboard, drywall, plaster, and so on. Items that can be mounted include, but are not limited to, wall hangings, heavy art, mirrors, organizers, holders, baskets, containers, bicycles, toys, lawn games, gardening tools, decorations (e.g., holiday decorations), dispensers, wire clips, guitars, floating shelves, plants, curtain rods, heavy-duty hooks, brackets, wall sconces, and carrying handles.

[0045] Disclosed herein are arrangements that allow at least one accessory to be installed onto a wall-mounted anchor to form an assembly that can be used to support the weight of an item that is to be hung on the wall. These arrangements rely on the anchor comprising a mating structure and the accessory comprising a complementary mating structure. The mating structure of the anchor and the complementary mating structure of the accessory can be mated to each other to install the accessory on the anchor. In some embodiments the mating structure of the anchor and the complementary mating structure of the accessory are vertically mateable to each other, defined as meaning that the anchor and the accessory are configured so that the accessory can be installed on the anchor by positioning the accessory generally vertically above the anchor and moving the accessory generally downward relative to the anchor into an installed position. When the accessory is in its installed position on the anchor, the mating structure of the anchor will physically prevent the complementary mating structure (and thus the accessory) from moving farther downward, and from moving outward, relative to the anchor. The accessory is thus maintained in its installed position on the anchor.

[0046] In many embodiments, the accessory can be uninstalled from the anchor (i.e., disconnected from the anchor) by moving the accessory generally upward relative to the anchor. In some embodiments, this generally upward movement of the accessory may be all that is needed to detach the accessory from the anchor; in other embodiments, one or more ancillary manipulations may be performed in order to accomplish this.

[0047] One such exemplary arrangement of this general type is depicted in FIGS. 5-7. FIG. 5 depicts an accessory 200 as installed onto an anchor 1 to form an assembly. FIG. 6 is an exploded view in which the accessory is exploded outward from its installed position. FIGS. 5 and 6 are front views; FIG. 7 is a rear (wall-side) view of anchor 1 and an upper portion of accessory 200. Anchor 1 as depicted in FIGS. 5-7 is configured so that (with the anchor mounted on a vertical wall) the longitudinal axis of the anchor is vertically aligned, with the transverse axis of anchor 1 being horizontally aligned (the same holds for accessory 200 as depicted in FIGS. 5-7). Anchor 1 shares many features and attributes with the anchors previously described with reference to FIGS. 1-4; these will not be further commented on except as they relate to the mating structures of the anchor.

[0048] Anchor 1 as depicted in FIGS. 6-7 comprises a mating structure 100 that comprises first and second (left and right) wings 101 that extend integrally from opposing transverse (left and right) edges 13 and 14 of base plate 10. In the depicted embodiment, each wing 101 comprises a generally vertically-elongate flange 104 that is supported by upper and lower arms 103 which are in turn supported by upper and lower tabs 102. Tabs 102 are generally coplanar with base plate 10 as evident in FIG. 7; in the depicted embodiment, all of these components (base plate 10, flanges 104, arms 103, and tabs 102, are integral portions of a single item). Apertures 105 are provided between elongate flanges 104 and the transverse (left and right) edges of base plate 10; these apertures 105 allow curved prongs 23 to pass therethrough as the prongs are moved into their closed, wall-penetrating position, as evident from FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0049] Wings 101, in particular the generally vertically-elongate flanges 104 thereof, are transversely-flared along the vertically-downward direction of base plate 10. This is defined as meaning that each flange / wing extends farther transversely outward at locations toward the lower end of base plate 10, so that the transversely-outwardmost edges 109 of the flanges are farther apart at locations toward the lower end of base plate 10, than they are toward the upper end of base plate 10. (Such an arrangement may alternatively be described as the flanges / wings being transversely-tapered along the vertically-upward direction of base plate 10.)

[0050] Flanges 104 of wings 101 are also outwardly-obliquely angled relative to base plate 10. By this is meant that flanges 104 extend generally outwardly, and transversely outwardly, from base plate 10 so that flanges 104 (when viewed along the vertical axis of anchor 1 and base plate 10) are neither co-planar with base plate 10, nor perpendicular to base plate 10, but rather are positioned at an angle therebetween. In the exemplary design shown in FIGS. 5-7, flanges 104 are each positioned at an included angle relative to the major plane of base plate 10, that is in the range of approximately 60 degrees. (Flanges 104 thus exhibit an included angle relative to a normal axis of base plate 10, that is in the range of approximately 30 degrees.)

[0051] In summary, mating structure 100 of anchor 1 comprises a wider, flared lower end 106 and a narrower, tapered upper end 107, so that the transversely-outwardmost edges 109 of flanges 104 of mating structure 100 are farther apart at lower end 106 than they are at upper end 107. Also, the flanges / wings are outwardly-obliquely angled as noted.

[0052] Turning to accessory 200 as depicted in FIGS. 5-7, this exemplary accessory is in the form of a single, integral, unitary piece with an upper end 201 and a lower end 202, with the lower portion of the piece being shaped in the general form of a hook. The term hook as used herein widely encompasses numerous variations; the particular hook of accessory 200 as depicted in FIGS. 5-7 is a generally flat-bottomed hook that might be used e.g. to support a shelf or similar item.

[0053] An upper portion of accessory 200 comprises a complementary mating structure 204, which is achieved by shaping this portion of accessory 200 in a manner that renders it complementary to mating structure 100 of anchor 1. Specifically, complementary mating structure 204 comprises first and second (e.g. left and right) transverse sidewalls 206 that extend integrally from opposing transverse edges of the upper portion of the accessory. These transverse sidewalls are transversely-flared along the vertically-downward direction of accessory 200. By this is meant that the complementary mating structure 204 is in the form of a wedge-shaped structure that is wider toward its bottom, such that the transverse sidewalls 206 are spaced further apart at locations toward the lower end 205 of the wedge-shaped structure, as readily apparent from FIGS. 5-7.

[0054] Further, the first and second transverse sidewalls 206 are inwardly-obliquely angled relative to the major plane of this upper portion (the “wedge”-shaped portion) of the accessory. By this is meant that sidewalls 206 extend generally transversely inwardly from the upper portion of the accessory so that sidewalls 206 (when viewed along the vertical axis of accessory 200, anchor 1 and the wall) are neither co-planar with the major plane of the upper portion of the accessory, nor perpendicular to this upper portion, but rather are positioned at an angle therebetween. This angle can be selected to be congruent with, i.e. complementary to, the above-mentioned angle at which the flanges of the mating structure 100 of the anchor are oriented. In other words, the flanges of the mating structure of the anchor, and the sidewalls of the complementary mating structure of the accessory, may be sized and shaped to be complementary with each other so that the complementary mating structure of the accessory may be positioned vertically above the mating structure of the anchor and then moved down onto the mating structure of the anchor, so that the mating structure of the anchor fits snugly within the complementary mating structure of the accessory. Any attempt to move the accessory further downward (or outward) will simply result in the accessory being held more snugly by the flared shape of the mating structure.

[0055] It will be apparent from FIGS. 5-7 that in the exemplary arrangement depicted therein, a major central portion (generally identified by reference number 207) of the upper portion of the accessory will serve as an aforementioned locking mechanism. That is, when accessory 200 is properly installed onto anchor 1, portion 207 of accessory 200 will reside immediately outward of, and very closely abutting, the distal (prong-bearing) areas of the insert plates of the anchor. Portion 207 will thus impede the ability of the insert plates to rotate outward relative to base plate 10 and thus will serve as a locking mechanism in the general manner described earlier herein.

[0056] It is emphasized that the particular design of accessory 200 as shown in FIGS. 5-7 is exemplary and representative. In particular, everything below the above-described upper portion (complementary mating structure 204) may, in various embodiments, take a much different form than the particular form (a shallow, flat-bottomed hook) that is shown in FIGS. 5-7. In the particular design shown in FIGS. 5-7, the accessory 200 may be uninstalled from anchor 1 by simply exerting a generally vertically upward force on the accessory.

[0057] A variation on the above-described arrangement of FIGS. 5-7 is presented in FIG. 8. The anchor 1 and accessory 200 of FIG. 8 are very similar to that of FIGS. 5-7, excepting that each flange 104 of the mating structure 100 of the anchor comprises a detent tab 121 that integrally extends generally outward, and transversely outward, from a lower end of the flange. Each transverse sidewall 206 of the complementary mating structure 204 of the accessory comprises a detent aperture 221. (Any such detent aperture may, but does not necessarily have to, extend through the entire thickness of the transverse sidewall.) The detent tabs 121 are positioned in the flanges, and the detent apertures 221 are positioned in the transverse sidewalls, so that when accessory 200 is in the installed position, the detent tabs 121 reside in the detent apertures 221. In other words, as the complementary mating structure of the accessory is moved downward onto the mating structure of the anchor, the detent tabs of the anchor will move upward along the transverse sidewalls of the accessory until they encounter, enter, and are seated in, the detent apertures.

[0058] In some embodiments, the detent tabs 121 and detent apertures 221 will be configured in an auto-deflectable detent arrangement. By this is meant that the detent tabs 121 are able to move along the transverse sidewalls and enter the detent apertures 221 due solely to the movement of the complementary mating structure relative to the mating structure, with no additional manipulation (e.g. manual, individual deflection of the detent tab) being needed. For example, a detent tab may be configured (e.g. shaped, sized, and made of a material with appropriate stiffness) so that it is resiliently biased transversely outwards, but can deflect slightly transversely inwards (due to the force exerted by the sidewall on the detent tab) as it travels downward along the transverse sidewall. In some embodiments, a lower portion of the detent tab may comprise a contact-edge 122 that has a downward-inwardly sloped surface (as visible in FIG. 8) to further facilitate such arrangements. Upon the detent tab encountering the detent aperture, the biasing will cause the detent tab to move slightly outward into the detent aperture. By such arrangements, one or more detent tabs 121 of an anchor can be seated in one or more detent apertures 221 of an accessory when the accessory is installed on the anchor. This can provide a slightly increased holding force of the accessory on the anchor, which may be advantageous in some circumstances.

[0059] By an auto-deflectable detent arrangement is further meant that the detent tabs 121 can be removed from the detent apertures 221 solely by movement of the complementary mating structure relative to the mating structure (in an opposite direction from that used to insert the detent tab into the detent aperture). It will be appreciated that slightly more force may be needed to deflect the detent tab (against its resilient biasing) transversely inward so that it can exit the detent aperture. In other words, a more-forceful initial upward tug may be needed to get the accessory moving upward in order to uninstall the accessory from the anchor, than is required in order to move the accessory downward onto the anchor to install the accessory onto the anchor. Nevertheless, no other operation (in particular, no individual manipulation of the detent tab itself) is needed to uninstall the accessory from the anchor, thus the arrangement is auto-deflectable one with regard to both installation of the accessory, and uninstallation of the accessory.

[0060] Another variation on the above-described arrangements of FIGS. 5-8 is presented in FIG. 9. The anchor 1 and accessory 200 of FIG. 9 are very similar to that of FIG. 8, excepting that each flange 104 of the mating structure 100 of the anchor comprises a detent tab 131 that integrally extends generally outward, and transversely outward, from a generally-vertically-central section of flange 104. Each transverse sidewall 206 of the complementary mating structure 204 of the accessory comprises a detent aperture 231. The detent apertures 231 of the transverse sidewalls of the complementary mating structure of the accessory are appropriately sited in the transverse sidewalls so that when accessory 200 is in the installed position, the detent tabs 131 of the anchor reside in the detent apertures 231 of the accessory. In other words, as the complementary mating structure of the accessory is moved downward onto the mating structure of the anchor, the detent tabs will move upward along the transverse sidewalls until they encounter, enter, and are seated in, the detent apertures, in very similar manner as described above. Detent tabs 131 may similarly comprise a contact-edge 132 that has a surface that is downwardly-inwardly sloped, as visible in FIG. 9. Detent tabs and detent apertures of this general design (in which the detent tabs are generally vertically centrally located in the flanges of the mating structure, rather than being located at the lower end of the flanges) may be arranged in an auto-deflectable configuration in similar manner as described above.

[0061] It is evident that the accessory 200 as depicted in FIG. 9 is of a somewhat different nature than that of FIGS. 5-8. This is provided to again illustrate that the arrangements disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to any particular design of accessory. While still providing a generally flat-bottomed hook, accessory 200 of FIG. 9 comprises a main rod or tube 232 that is made separately and is then attached to the upper portion of the accessory (i.e. is attached to the wedge-shaped plate that provides the complementary mating structure). This attachment may be e.g. by way of small screws, bolts, rivets, etc. (as evident in FIG. 9). However, any suitable attachment method (e.g. spot-welding) may be used.

[0062] Still another variation on the above-described arrangements of FIGS. 5-7 is presented in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 depicts an isolated view (in the absence of an anchor) of another accessory 200 that is suitable for use with an anchor as disclosed herein. Rather than being made of elongate components of e.g. formed metal plates and / or rods as in the designs of FIGS. 5-8, accessory 200 as depicted in FIG. 10 may be conveniently made by molding, e.g. by injection molding of a suitable thermoplastic organic polymeric material, or by cast-forming of a suitable metal. Nevertheless, such an accessory still comprises a complementary mating structure 204 in the form of right and left transverse sidewalls 206 that are transversely-flared along the vertically-downward direction of the accessory. Such a complementary mating structure 204 can thus define a wedge-shaped cavity within the rear (inward) side of the accessory, the cavity being wider at its lower end so that the transverse sidewalls 206 are spaced farther apart toward the lower end of the wedge-shaped cavity. Other features and attributes (e.g. that the transverse sidewalls are inwardly-obliquely-angled) may also be present, e.g. by molding the accessory according to a specified design.

[0063] The exemplary accessory 200 as depicted in FIG. 10 is in the general form of a hook; however, it will be appreciated that such an accessory can be molded to have any suitable form, to facilitate the supporting of any particular item or items. It is noted in passing that all of the accessories 200 as depicted in FIGS. 5-10 comprise a portion 207 that will serve as a locking mechanism in the general manner discussed earlier herein.

[0064] Another, more substantial variation within the herein-described arrangements of mateable anchors and accessories is presented in FIGS. 11-12. Anchor 1 as shown in these Figures is generally similar to those depicted in other Figures, in comprising a base plate with first and second prong-equipped insert plates that are pivotally connected to opposing longitudinal ends of the base plate. However, in the arrangement of FIGS. 11-12, the anchor is configured so that when the anchor is mounted onto a wall, the longitudinal axis of the anchor is aligned with the horizontal axis of the wall rather than the vertical axis of the wall. In other words, the anchor is rotated 90 degrees relative to its orientation in the depictions of FIGS. 1-9. Thus, the first longitudinal end of the base plate of the anchor will be a first horizontal end of the base plate and the second, opposing longitudinal end of the base plate will be a second, opposing horizontal end. The anchor comprises a first insert plate with a proximal end that is pivotally coupled to the first longitudinal end of the base plate and comprises a second insert plate that is pivotally coupled to the second, opposing longitudinal end of the base plate. The first insert plate comprises two curved prongs that extend integrally from opposing transverse edges of the first insert plate (in this case, these transverse edges of the insert plate will be upper and lower edges of the insert plate). The second insert plate similarly comprises two curved prongs, with the first and second insert plates and their curved prongs being configured in a convergent / spreading arrangement of the type discussed earlier herein (albeit with the entire arrangement of insert plates and prongs being rotated 90 degrees from that of other previously-discussed anchors). (Most of the above-referenced items and components are not identified by number in FIGS. 11-12; however, their identity will be readily apparent upon consultation with FIGS. 1-4 and the associated discussions in this document.)

[0065] As oriented in this manner, the base plate of the anchor will comprise a first pair of hinge guides (an upper hinge guide 217u and a lower hinge guide 217l) at the first (left) horizontal end of the base plate, as indicated in FIG. 11. The base plate will also comprise second pair of hinge guides (an upper hinge guide 218u and a lower hinge guide 218l) at the second, opposing (right) horizontal end of the base plate, as indicated in FIG. 12. Each hinge guide may be in the form of an elongate rail that integrally extends generally inward from a transverse (upper or lower) edge of the base plate. Each such elongate rail may exhibit a long axis that is at least generally aligned with the longitudinal / horizontal axis of the anchor, and may comprise an orifice into which a hinge post of an insert plate is seated, all as are readily apparent from FIG. 12.

[0066] In such an arrangement, a mating structure of the anchor may be provided by at least the upper two hinge guides (217u and 218u, in the illustrated embodiment). (Two hinge guides as located on a common transverse edge of a base plate will be referred to herein as a “set” of hinge guides, as opposed to two hinge guides that are located at a common longitudinal end of a base plate, which will be referred to herein as a “pair” of base plates.) Specifically, the mating structure of the anchor may be provided by horizontally-inward edges 219 of this set of two upper hinge guides / elongate rails. To further facilitate this, these horizontally-inward edges 219 may be horizontally-inwardly sloped along an outward direction from the base plate. By this is meant that each edge 219 is located farther horizontally inward (along the longitudinal axis of the base plate) as the edge 219 is traversed in a outward direction (along the inward / outward direction relative to the wall). In other words, the portions of edges 219 that are farthest outward from the base plate, are located farther horizontally inwardly, in comparison to portions of edges 219 that are closest to the base plate. This can be appreciated most easily by examination of the particular hinge guide edge 219 located in the bottom right corner of FIG. 12.

[0067] An anchor with a mating structure of the above general type may be used with an accessory 200 of the general type depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. Such an accessory may comprise a complementary mating structure in the form of at least two apertures 241. (The exemplary accessory 200 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 has numerous apertures, e.g. so that it is possible to mount the accessory to the anchor in any of several vertical positions of the accessory relative to the anchor; it is not necessary that so many apertures be present unless this vertical positionability is desired.) Each aperture 241 that can be used as part of a complementary mating structure will comprise first and second horizontally-inward edges 244 that are each horizontally-outwardly-sloped along an upward direction of the accessory. By this is meant that for each such edge 244, the upper portions of the edge will be located farther horizontally outward, relative to the lower portions of the edge, as evident from FIGS. 11 and 12. Also as evident from FIGS. 11 and 12, the slope of an edge 244 will typically be smooth and continuous, e.g. the sloped edge will be at least generally linear.

[0068] In some embodiments, the above arrangement (in which the horizontally-inward edges 244 of apertures 241 are horizontally-outwardly-sloped along an upward direction of the accessory) can be achieved by configuring apertures 241 to be horizontally-tapered along an upward direction of the accessory. In other words, the apertures may be horizontally narrower toward their upper regions 242, and horizontally wider toward their lower regions 243. Whatever their specific shape, each such aperture 241 may be configured to accommodate an upper hinge guide (e.g. in the form of an elongate rail 217u or 218u) of the anchor therein. In some embodiments, such an anchor may comprise one or more ancillary apertures (visible, unnumbered, in FIGS. 11 and 12) configured to accept an arch of the general type described earlier herein.

[0069] Such an arrangement may be used in the following general manner. The anchor may be mounted on a wall using its curved prongs in the manner described herein (except with the anchor mounted in a horizontal orientation as noted above). The accessory may then be brought near the wall-mounted anchor, and positioned so that a desired two (right and left) apertures 241 are horizontally aligned, and are generally vertically aligned, aligned with the two upper hinge guides 217u and 218u of the anchor. The accessory can then be specifically vertically positioned so that a lower (wider) portion of each aperture is aligned with its respective hinge guide. The accessory is then moved toward the anchor (that is, in an inward / wallward) direction so that the hinge guides pass through the lower portions of the respective apertures. This can be continued until the inward face of the accessory closely abuts the outward face of the anchor (this outward face of the anchor will typically be provided by the outward face(s) of the insert plate(s)). The accessory can then be moved in a generally vertically downward direction relative to the anchor. This will cause the hinge guides to move upward within the apertures and will cause the horizontally-inward edges 219 of the hinge guides to approach and contact the horizontally-inward edges 244 of the apertures 241. Eventually the horizontally-inward edges 219 of the hinge guides will exert such force on the horizontally-inward edges 244 of the apertures that the accessory cannot be lowered any farther.

[0070] The above discussions make it clear that an accessory that is installed on an anchor in the general manner described above cannot be dislodged from the anchor by way of any attempt to move the accessory downward. Furthermore, the fact that the horizontally-inward edges 219 of the hinge guides are horizontally-inwardly sloped along an outward direction from the base plate as discussed above, means that the accessory cannot be dislodged from the anchor by way of any attempt to move the accessory outward from the anchor and the wall. In other words, the slope of the edges of the hinge guides will prevent the accessory from becoming disconnected from the anchor by being moved outward from the anchor.

[0071] The hinge guides (elongate rails) of the anchor, and the apertures of the accessory, may be configured so that when the accessory is in the installed position, the horizontally-inward edges 219 of the hinge guide (elongate rails) of the anchor will be in contact with the horizontally-inward edges 244 of the apertures of the accessory as described above, but with the horizontally-outward edges of the hinge guides not necessarily being in contact with the horizontally-outward edges of the apertures of the accessory. In fact, it may be expedient to configure these horizontally-outward edges of the apertures so that they do not come into contact with the horizontally-outward edges of the hinge guides. This can ensure that, e.g., both inward edges of the hinge guide come into firm contact with both inward edges of the apertures, rather than a single hinge guide having both of its edges come into contact with the edges of an aperture before the inward edge of the other hinge guide has been able to come into contact with the inward edge of its complementary aperture.

[0072] It will be appreciated that the above-described arrangements fall into a general category in which at least some components of an anchor perform “double duty”. Specifically, the elongate rails can serve as hinge guides for insert plates of the anchor (e.g. they each comprise an orifice into which a hinge post of an insert plate is seated); and, they also serve as components of a mating structure of the anchor that allows an accessory to be installed on the anchor. It is noted in passing that once again, the arrangement of FIGS. 11 and 12 is one in which a portion 207 of accessory 200 will serve as a locking mechanism, upon installation of the accessory onto the anchor.

[0073] The above is an example of two-point mounting of a complementary mating structure of an accessory onto a mating structure of an anchor. In some embodiments (depending e.g. on the particular use to which the resulting assembly will be put, the weight of an item to be supported, etc.), this may be adequate. However, in some embodiments, three-point or four-point mounting can be used. With continued reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, a base plate of an anchor may comprise a first pair of hinge guides (an upper hinge guide 217u and a lower hinge guide 217l) at the first (left) horizontal end of the base plate, and second pair of hinge guides (an upper hinge guide 218u and a lower hinge guide 218l) at the second, opposing (right) horizontal end of the base plate, as indicated in FIG. 12. Rather than only the set of the upper hinge guides (217u and 218u) being used as components of the anchor's mating structure, all four hinge guides (the set of upper hinge guides and the set of lower hinge guides) may be used in this manner. In such a case, the lower hinge guides may be configured (e.g. with horizontally-inward edges that are configured to impinge on horizontally-inward edges of apertures of an accessory, and that are horizontally-inwardly sloped along an outward direction from the base plate) in very similar manner as with the upper hinge guides.

[0074] Thus in the arrangement of FIGS. 11 and 12, in some embodiments, four apertures (e.g. an upper pair, and a lower pair) of an accessory may be used in combination with upper and lower sets of hinge guides of an anchor, to provide four-point mounting.

[0075] Another exemplary arrangement in which hinge guides (again in the form of elongate rails) are used to provide four-point mounting of an accessory to an anchor is depicted in FIGS. 13-15. In this example, the anchor is configured so that the longitudinal axis of the anchor is a horizontal axis rather than a vertical axis, as in the arrangement of FIGS. 11-12. And, the anchor may comprise four hinge guides that comprise horizontally-inward edges that collectively form a mating structure that can provide four-point mounting. (In fact, in some embodiments, an anchor as used in the arrangements of FIGS. 13-15 may be identical to an anchor as used in the arrangements of FIGS. 11-12.) The difference in the arrangement of FIGS. 13-15 lies in the particular type and design of accessory, and the complementary mounting structure thereof, that is used.

[0076] In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-15, an accessory 200 may be used that is in the form of a shaped plate. Shaped accessory plate 200 is elongate with a longitudinal axis that (when installed onto a wall-mounted anchor) is vertically aligned so as to comprise upper and lower ends 201 and 202. Accessory plate 200 comprises a shape in the general form of an hourglass with a tapered lower section. Specifically, accessory 200 comprises an upper major section 251 that has horizontally-outward edges 252 and that is horizontally-tapered along a downward direction of the accessory. That is, upper major section 251 is narrower at its lower end, and is wider at its upper end (which is upper end 201 of the accessory). Accessory 200 further comprises a lower major section 253 that has horizontally-outward edges 254 and that is horizontally-tapered along a downward direction of the accessory. That is, lower major section 253 is narrower at its lower end (which is lower end 202 of the accessory), and is wider at its upper end, in similar manner as upper major section 251. Accessory 200 further comprises a vertically-central major section 255 that is narrower than the widest portions of the upper and lower major sections. All of these arrangements are visible in FIGS. 13-14 (in particular in FIG. 14, in which accessory 200 is exploded away from its installed position on anchor 1).

[0077] In such an arrangement, the complementary mating structure of accessory plate 200 is collectively provided by first and second (left and right) horizontally-outward edges 252 of upper major section 251 of the accessory; and, by first and second (left and right) horizontally-outward edges 254 of lower major section 253 of the accessory. With accessory 200 brought close to anchor 1 and then lowered along the vertical axis of the accessory, the above-mentioned horizontally-inward edges of the upper set of hinge guides of the anchor will impinge on the horizontally-outward edges 252 of the upper major section 251 of the accessory; and, the horizontally-inward edges of the lower set of hinge guides of the anchor will impinge on the horizontally-outward edges 254 of the lower major section 253 of the accessory, as evident from FIG. 13. Once this impingement occurs, the accessory cannot be moved any farther downward, nor can it be moved directly outward, owing the to above-discussed slope of the horizontally-inward edges of the hinge guides. Four-point mating of the complementary mating structure of the accessory to the mating structure of the anchor is thus achieved.

[0078] In the exemplary arrangement of FIGS. 13-14, accessory plate 200 is an example of the use of an accessory that is a secondary accessory to which a primary secondary can be coupled. In the depicted embodiment, accessory plate 200 comprises first and second (left and right) coupling structures. In this exemplary embodiment, the coupling structures are provided by orifices 257 in flanges 256 that extend integrally outward from the vertically-central section 255 of accessory plate 200. First and second orifices 257 are horizontally-spaced apart from each other and are horizontally aligned with each other (meaning that a line that is generally horizontal, and is parallel to the major plane of accessory plate 200, will pass through both orifices), so that the orifices are configured to receive first and second coupling members (described below) of a primary accessory. Each such orifice is thus an example of a coupling space that is configured to receive a coupling member of a primary accessory. Although in the depicted illustration each coupling space is an orifice that is bounded on all sides, it will be appreciated that a coupling space may be e.g. in the form of an upwardly-open-ended notch or gap, or may take a variety of other geometrical forms.

[0079] With secondary accessory 200 properly installed onto anchor 1 in the general manner depicted in FIG. 13, secondary accessory 200 will be configured so that coupling spaces 257 are ready to accept coupling members of a primary accessory. One exemplary arrangement of this type is depicted in FIG. 15. In this instance a primary accessory 270 is provided by an entity that comprises a main rod or tube 271 formed in the general shape of a flat-bottomed hook. Upper ends 272 of main rod 271 may be passed through coupling spaces (orifices, in this case) 257 so as to couple primary accessory 270 to secondary accessory 200. In the depicted embodiment, main rod 271 may be configured to be sufficiently deformable that its upper ends 272 may be momentarily urged transversely inward (towards each other) so that they can fit into a space between coupling spaces 257, after which the transversely-inward force can be relaxed to allow the ends to expand apart and thus to enter the coupling spaces 257 to assume a configuration shown in FIG. 15. These upper ends 272 of the primary accessory thus serve as coupling members that are seated in the coupling spaces of the secondary accessory in order to couple the primary accessory to the secondary accessory. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments this functionality may be reversed; the upper ends of a primary accessory may face transversely inwards and may be momentarily forced apart and then allowed to return to their “resting” configuration, with the upper ends now seated within the coupling spaces. Or, in some embodiments, a primary accessory may be configured so that a continuous member (e.g. an upper crossbar) can be passed through the coupling spaces. Many arrangements and configurations are possible.

[0080] It will be appreciated that the particular design shown in FIG. 15 is but one specific example of the general approach of using a secondary accessory that is mounted to an anchor, with the secondary accessory being configured so that a primary accessory can be coupled to the secondary accessory. It will be noted that secondary accessory plate 200 as shown in FIGS. 13-14, comprises a portion 207 that will serve as a locking mechanism in the manner described earlier herein. (It is further noted that while in many embodiments it may be easiest to mount the secondary accessory on the anchor before coupling the primary accessory to the secondary accessory, in some embodiments the primary accessory may be coupled to the secondary accessory before the secondary accessory is mounted on the anchor.) In some embodiments, a primary accessory may be mounted onto a secondary accessory by way of one or more threaded projections (e.g. an externally-threaded post or an internally-threaded bore) or keyhole-style projections, e.g. of the general type described in the previously-mentioned U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 088,246 and in the resulting PCT application published as International Patent Application Publication WO / 2022 / 074511.

[0081] The exemplary arrangements depicted in FIGS. 11-15 illustrate another precept, which is that a mating structure of an anchor does not necessarily need to be tapered, wedge-shaped, etc., in the general manner of the mating structures depicted in FIGS. 5-10. In general, a mating structure of an anchor (and, in at least some embodiments, a complementary mating structure of an accessory) need not necessarily exhibit vertical asymmetry. Rather, in some embodiments, an anchor (e.g. such as those depicted in FIGS. 11-15) may be vertically symmetrical / reversible, such that the anchor (as mounted on a wall) may be inverted (vertically flipped) with no difference in its functioning.

[0082] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific exemplary embodiments, elements, structures, features, details, arrangements, configurations, etc., that are disclosed herein can be modified and / or combined in numerous ways. It is emphasized that any embodiment disclosed herein may be used in combination with any other compatible embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. While a limited number of exemplary combinations are presented herein, it is emphasized that all such combinations are envisioned and are only prohibited in the specific instance of a combination that is incompatible.

[0083] In summary, numerous variations and combinations are contemplated as being within the bounds of the conceived invention, not merely those representative designs that were chosen to serve as exemplary illustrations. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the specific illustrative structures described herein, but rather extends at least to the structures described by the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those structures. Any of the elements that are positively recited in this specification as alternatives may be explicitly included in the claims or excluded from the claims, in any combination as desired. Any of the elements or combinations of elements that are recited in this specification in open-ended language (e.g., comprise and derivatives thereof), are considered to additionally be recited in closed-ended language (e.g., consist and derivatives thereof) and in partially closed-ended language (e.g., consist essentially, and derivatives thereof). To the extent that there is any conflict or discrepancy between this specification as written and the disclosure in any document that is incorporated by reference herein, this specification as written will control.

Claims

1. A kit for forming into an assembly for hanging an item on a wall, the kit comprising:an anchor comprising:a base plate and at least one insert plate with a proximal end that is pivotally coupled to a first longitudinal end of the base plate, the insert plate comprising a distal section comprising one or more curved prongs that each extends along an arc to a wall-penetrating end, and the base plate comprising a mating structure;and,an accessory comprising a complementary mating structure,wherein the mating structure of the anchor and the complementary mating structure of the accessory are vertically mateable to each other so that the accessory is movable generally downward relative to the anchor into an installed position in which the mating structure of the anchor physically prevents the complementary mating structure, and the accessory, from moving downward, and from moving outward, relative to the anchor.

2. The kit of claim 1 wherein the at least one insert plate comprises a first insert plate with a proximal end that is pivotally coupled to a first longitudinal end of the base plate and a second insert plate that is pivotally coupled to a second, opposing longitudinal end of the base plate, the first insert plate comprising two curved prongs that extend integrally from opposing transverse edges of the first insert plate and the second insert plate comprising two curved prongs that extend integrally from opposing transverse edges of the second insert plate, the first and second insert plates and their curved prongs being in a convergent, spreading arrangement.

3. The kit of claim 2 wherein the base plate comprises a plurality of straight spikes that each extend integrally from the base plate in an inward direction, to a wall-penetrating end.

4. A method of forming an assembly from the kit of claim 1, the method comprising:positioning the base plate at a desired location of a wall and applying inward pressure to the at least one insert plate to pivotally move the at least one insert plate inward so that the curved prong of the at least one insert plate penetrates into the wall, so that the anchor is mounted on the wall; then,positioning the accessory relative to the anchor and then moving the accessory at least generally downward so that the complementary mating structure of the accessory moves downward into the installed position, and so that the anchor and the accessory form an assembly for hanging an item on the wall.

5. An assembly formed by installing the accessory of the kit of claim 1 onto the anchor of the kit of claim 1.

6. The kit of claim 1 wherein the anchor is configured so that a longitudinal axis of the anchor is a vertical axis and wherein the at least one insert plate comprises a first insert plate with a proximal end that is pivotally coupled to a first longitudinal end of the base plate and comprises a second insert plate that is pivotally coupled to a second, opposing longitudinal end of the base plate, the first insert plate comprising two curved prongs that extend integrally from opposing transverse edges of the first insert plate and the second insert plate comprising two curved prongs that extend integrally from opposing transverse edges of the second insert plate, the first and second insert plates and their curved prongs being in a convergent, spreading arrangement;and,the base plate comprising a first pair of hinge guides at the first longitudinal end of the base plate and a second pair of hinge guides at the second, opposing longitudinal end of the base plate, and wherein each hinge guide is in the form of an elongate rail that extends integrally outward from a transverse edge of the base plate, that exhibits a long axis that is at least generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the anchor, and that comprises an orifice into which a hinge post of an insert plate is seated.

7. The kit of claim 6 wherein the mating structure of the anchor comprises first and second flanges that extend integrally from opposing transverse edges of the base plate, the first and second flanges being transversely-flared along a vertically-downward direction of the base plate and being outwardly-obliquely-angled relative to the base plate; and,wherein the complementary mating structure of the accessory comprises first and second transverse sidewalls that extend integrally from opposing transverse edges of a major upper section of the accessory, the first and second transverse sidewalls being transversely-flared along a vertically-downward direction of the accessory and being inwardly-obliquely-angled relative to the major upper section of the accessory.

8. The kit of claim 7 wherein each flange of the mating structure of the anchor comprises a detent tab that integrally extends generally transversely outwardly from a lower end of the flange and wherein each transverse sidewall of the complementary mating structure of the accessory comprises a detent aperture, the detent tabs being located in the flanges and the detent apertures being located in the transverse sidewalls so that when the accessory is in the installed position, the detent tabs reside in the detent apertures in an auto-deflectable detent arrangement.

9. The kit of claim 7 wherein each flange of the mating structure of the anchor comprises a detent tab that integrally extends generally transversely outwardly from a generally-vertically-central section of the flange and wherein each transverse sidewall of the complementary mating structure of the accessory comprises a detent aperture, the detent tabs being located in the flanges and the detent apertures being located in the transverse sidewalls so that when the accessory is in the installed position, the detent tabs reside in the detent apertures in an auto-deflectable detent arrangement.

10. The kit of claim 7 wherein a lower portion of each detent tab comprises a contact-edge with a surface that is downwardly-inwardly sloped.

11. The kit of claim 1 wherein the anchor is configured so that a longitudinal axis of the anchor is a horizontal axis and so that the first longitudinal end of the base plate is a first horizontal end of the base plate, and, wherein the at least one insert plate comprises a first insert plate with a proximal end that is pivotally coupled to a first longitudinal end of the base plate and comprises a second insert plate that is pivotally coupled to a second, opposing longitudinal end of the base plate, the first insert plate comprising two curved prongs that extend integrally from opposing transverse edges of the first insert plate and the second insert plate comprising two curved prongs that extend integrally from opposing transverse edges of the second insert plate, the first and second insert plates and their curved prongs being in a convergent, spreading arrangement;and,the base plate comprising a first pair of hinge guides at the first horizontal end of the base plate and a second pair of hinge guides at the second, opposing horizontal end of the base plate, and wherein each hinge guide is in the form of an elongate rail that extends integrally inward from a transverse edge of the base plate, that exhibits a long axis that is aligned with the horizontal axis of the anchor, and that comprises an orifice into which a hinge post of an insert plate is seated.

12. The kit of claim 11 wherein the mating structure of the anchor is collectively provided by horizontally-inward edges of an upper set of two of the elongate rails that provide an upper two hinge guides, the horizontally-inward edges of the upper two elongate rails being horizontally-inwardly sloped along an outward direction from the base plate; and, wherein the complementary mating structure of the accessory is collectively provided by first and second horizontally-inward edges of first and second apertures that are provided in the accessory, each such horizontally-inward edge being horizontally-outwardly-sloped along an upward direction of the accessory, and with each such aperture being configured to accommodate an upper elongate rail of the anchor therein.

13. The kit of claim 12 wherein the anchor further comprises a lower set of two elongate rails that provide a lower two hinge guides in addition to the upper set of two elongate rails that provide the upper two hinge guides, and wherein the mating structure of the anchor further comprises horizontally-inward edges of the lower two elongate rails, these horizontally-inward edges of the lower two elongate rails being horizontally-inwardly sloped along an outward direction from the base plate;and,wherein the complementary mating structure of the accessory further comprises third and fourth horizontally-inward edges of third and fourth apertures that are provided in the accessory and that are each positioned below the first and second apertures, the third and fourth horizontally-inward edges each being horizontally-outwardly-sloped along an upward direction of the accessory, and with the third and fourth apertures each being configured to accommodate a lower elongate rail of the anchor therein.

14. The kit of claim 12 wherein the elongate rails of the anchor and the apertures of the accessory are all configured so that when the accessory is in the installed position, the horizontally-inward edges of the elongate rails of the anchor are in contact with the horizontally-inward edges of the apertures of the accessory, but horizontally-outward edges of the elongate rails are not in contact with horizontally-outward edges of the apertures of the accessory.

15. The kit of claim 11 wherein the mating structure of the anchor is collectively provided by horizontally-inward edges of an upper two of the elongate rails that provide an upper two hinge guides, the horizontally-inward edges of the upper two elongate rails being horizontally-inwardly sloped along an outward direction from the base plate; and, wherein the complementary mating structure of the accessory is collectively provided by first and second horizontally-outward edges of an upper major section of the accessory, the upper major section being horizontally-tapered along a downward direction of the accessory.

16. The kit of claim 15 wherein the anchor further comprises a lower two elongate rails that provide a lower two hinge guides in addition to the upper two elongate rails that provide the upper two hinge guides, and wherein the mating structure of the anchor further comprises horizontally-inward edges of the lower two elongate rails, these horizontally-inward edges of the lower two elongate rails being horizontally-inwardly sloped along an outward direction from the base plate;and, wherein the accessory comprises a lower-tapered hourglass shape configured so that the complementary mating structure of the accessory further comprises third and fourth horizontally-outward edges of a lower major section of the accessory, the lower major section being horizontally-tapered along the downward direction of the accessory.

17. The kit of claim 15 wherein the accessory is a primary accessory that comprises first and second horizontally-spaced coupling structures that provide first and second horizontally-aligned and horizontally-spaced orifices that provide coupling spaces that are that are configured to receive first and second coupling members of a secondary accessory so that the secondary accessory can be coupled to the primary accessory.

18. The kit of claim 1 wherein the anchor and the accessory are configured so that with the accessory in the installed position on the anchor, at least one portion of the accessory is positioned so that it outwardly abuts at least a portion of the at least one insert plate so that the portion of the accessory serves as a locking mechanism that physically prevents the at least one insert plate from pivotally moving in a generally outward direction relative to the base plate.

19. The method of claim 4 wherein with the accessory in the installed position on the anchor, at least one portion of the accessory is positioned so that it outwardly abuts at least a portion of the at least one insert plate so that the portion of the accessory serves as a locking mechanism that physically prevents the at least one insert plate from pivotally moving in a generally outward direction relative to the base plate.

20. The assembly of claim 5 wherein with the accessory in the installed position on the anchor, at least one portion of the accessory is positioned so that it outwardly abuts at least a portion of the at least one insert plate so that the portion of the accessory serves as a locking mechanism that physically prevents the at least one insert plate from pivotally moving in a generally outward direction relative to the base plate.

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