Joints and connections – Interfitted members – Assembled by plural manipulations of member
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-14
2001-04-10
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Interfitted members
Assembled by plural manipulations of member
C403S309000, C403S213000, C403S313000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213678
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to hangers. More particularly, the present invention relates to hangers having connectors that join elongate rods together for suspending articles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For ornamental, environmental, and related purposes, there is a need to hang items such as bird houses, bird feeders, plants, flowers, outdoor lanterns, and other items, outside of homes and buildings. Elongate members having at least one end that is bent into an arcuate hook-shape define hangers for supporting such items. These hangers preferably are reusable and adjustable to allow for hanging different items at different heights at different times. The hangers are also preferably lightweight to make the process of hanging such items easy, yet the hangers must be strong enough to hold a significant weight. The hanger should be simple to install and to use without requiring the use of many additional tools. Because hangers are typically positioned with an article, and are not usually reinspected routinely, the hanger must not easily or unintentionally come apart.
Current devices to hang items generally use continuous rods or are assembled with threaded rods and circular connectors. The elongate continuous rods typically are mounted in the ground or a base and have a hook at a distal end for hanging an article. These devices however are of fixed lengths. Devices using assembled rods and connectors can be selectively made to length. The connectors are tapped to receive the threaded rod. Often, persons installing such devices need tools to tighten the connection between the rod and the connector. Unless a secondary item or liquid lock-tight material is used, the connection may become loose, and the hanging item may fall. The likelihood of the secondary locking device being used by installers is low, because such materials are not typically included with the hanger when purchased by consumers. Also, an animal swinging on the feeder, or the wind blowing, may cause sufficient torque to loosen these connections. Loosened connections may permit the hanger to eventually come apart. This causes the item that was hung to fall to the ground and can result in damage to the item.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved hanger that is selectively assembled to length for suspending articles. It is to such that the present invention is directed.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention provides a hanger apparatus readily assembled to a selected length for suspending articles therefrom, comprising a first elongate member bent at a first end portion to define an enlarged hook for being received on an overhead support and an opposing distal end defining a flange and a second elongate member bent at a first end portion to define a hook for receiving an article to be suspended from the overhead support and an opposing distal end defining a flange. A connector joins the first elongate member and the second elongate member together coaxially, by engaging the connector to the respective flanges, whereby the elongate members are substantially aligned for suspending the article from the support. The connector comprises an open channel substantially U-shaped in cross-sectional view having a pair of opposing side walls and a web therebetween for receiving a portion of an elongate member therein. Each of the opposing side walls defines a pair of spaced-apart opposed L-shaped slots that separate the respective side wall into opposing distal end walls and define an intermediate wall therebetween having a T-shape. The first elongate member and the second elongate member are secured in the connector.
Objects and Advantages
Among the objects and advantages of the present invention are:
(a) to provide a connector between two rods that can easily be used requiring no additional tools for installation;
(b) to provide a reusable connector to make assembling and disassembling easy and quick;
(c) to provide a lightweight yet strong design;
(d) to provide a method of connection that does not rely on any secondary parts, liquids, or compounds;
(f) to provide a corrosion resistant alloy, plastic, or other material so connector may be used outdoors;
(g) to provide a connector that is simple and economical to manufacture.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification, in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2630303 (1953-03-01), Krucker
patent: 3510010 (1970-05-01), Gasner
patent: 3936914 (1976-02-01), Mancini
patent: 4515494 (1985-05-01), Robilliard et al.
patent: 4648161 (1987-03-01), Rosen
patent: 5246303 (1993-09-01), Trilla et al.
patent: 5836061 (1998-11-01), Castillo et al.
Hook-Up™ Hanger, Metz Farms, 1650 Broadway NW, Grand Rapids, MI 45904.
Hook-It-All™ Hanger, Perky-Pets Products, Inc., 2201 South Wabash Street, Denver, Co 80231.
The Easy Lift Hanger, Easy Lift Hanger Co., P.O. Box 755, Fairfield, OH 45018.
The Hookery, Handmade Wrought Iron Products, JCTS Buyer's Guide, p. 79.
Steel Craft Products, P.O. Box 4434, Rock Hill, SC 29732, 1999 Birding Products Buyers Guide, p. 54.
One of Life's Little Pleasures, Bird Watcher's Digest, Jan./Feb. '99; Survival Project, P.O. Box 99, Minden, NV 89423, p. 9.
The Ultimate Squirrel Guard, 1999 Birding Products Buyer's Guide, p. 51; ERVA, 3100 West Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60622-4324.
Out on a Limb™, 1999 Birding Products Buyer's Guide, p. 35; Out on a Limb™ Outdoor Products, P.O. Box 250, Wauconda, IL 60084.
HandyPost™, Form:HPS/HPD 11-92 10M, Universal Industrial Products Company, One Coreway Drive, P.O. Box 628, Pioneer, OH 43554-0628, 1992.
HandyPost™, Form No. 494-10M; Universal Industrial Products Company, One Coreway Drive, Pioneer, OH 43554-0628.
Green Esteem, Catalog No. 3, 1999 Birdfeeding & Garden Accessories; Hiatt Manufacturing, Inc., 4410 Theurer Blvd., Winona, MN 55987.
Doelling Mark D.
Sacher Michael C.
Baker, Donelson Bearman & Caldwell
Browne Lynne H.
Cottingham John R.
LandOfFree
Hanger apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Hanger apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hanger apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2547929