Abstract:
A ceiling hook includes a base and a hook. The hook is pivotally connected to the base. The base includes a recess that is sized and shaped to laterally receive the head of a separate screw. The screw is secured to a ceiling structure so that the screw head resides a predetermined distance from the ceiling surface. The hook is pivotal with respect to the base between an open orientation wherein the recess is open allowing passage of a screw head and a closed orientation wherein the recess is closed, thereby capturing any inserted screw head. The hook is designed to support a load and is biased to the closed orientation in response to the downward force generated by a supported load.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/819,831, filed May 6, 2013, entitled “Ceiling Hook.” 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1) Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to ceiling hooks of the type used to suspend items from the ceiling of a dwelling or building, and more particularly, to such ceiling hooks that are easy to install and can swivel about a vertical axis. 
         [0004]    2) Discussion of Related Art 
         [0005]    Ceiling hooks (sometimes called “swag hooks”) are well known and used regularly to suspend any of a variety items from a ceiling or overhead beam. Such items include plants, baskets, decorative artwork and pendent lighting fixtures. There are several types of ceiling hooks commercially available. One type includes a separate base that is first secured to the ceiling structure using an appropriate fastener. The base thereafter receives a hook structure in such a manner that allows the hook to freely swivel about the secured base. Another type of conventional ceiling hook includes an integral screw which allows the user to secure the hook into a wooden ceiling structure quickly and easily, but in a rigid and non-swivel manner. Although this type of ceiling hook is relatively easy to manufacture and install, it does have the disadvantages of requiring access to a wooden ceiling structure and can easily unscrew accidentally in response to rotation of the hanging load. For example, if this type of hook is used to hold up a planter and the planter rotates, the hook can easily unscrew from the ceiling, causing the planter to fall and possibly cause damage and injury. 
         [0006]    Yet another type of conventional ceiling hook includes a threaded bore that is adapted to receive one end of a threaded stud. The other end of the stud can either include a machine thread for engaging a toggle for sheetrock installations, or a course “wood” thread for engaging a wood ceiling structure. The installer must assemble the hook depending on the type of material the hook will be installed. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved swivel ceiling hook. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the invention to provide a swivel ceiling hook that can be easily attached to a ceiling, is firmly secured after attachment, and only can be removed by a lifting force and a subsequently applied rotational force so that the connection between the ceiling and the hook cannot be dislodged accidentally. 
         [0009]    Other objects of the invention in part will be obvious and in part will be pointed out hereinafter. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    A ceiling hook includes a base and a hook. The hook is pivotally connected to the base. The base includes a recess that is sized and shaped to laterally receive the head of a separate screw. The screw is secured to a ceiling structure so that the screw head resides a predetermined distance from the ceiling surface. The hook is pivotal with respect to the base between an open orientation wherein the recess is open allowing passage of a screw head and a closed orientation wherein the recess is closed, thereby capturing any inserted screw head. The hook is designed to support a load and is biased to the closed orientation in response to the downward force generated by a supported load. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view of the hook assembly, according to the present invention, including a base, a hook, and a hinge pin (a ceiling screw is also shown); 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an exploded elevation side view of the hook assembly, according to the present invention, showing the hook separated from the base; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an elevation side view of the hook assembly, according to the present invention, showing the hook in an up and open position for receiving the head portion of the ceiling screw; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 3  showing details of a shaped cavity within the body which is sized and shaped to receive the head of the screw, according to the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 4 , but this figure shows the head of the ceiling screw located within the shaped cavity of the body, according to the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 5 , according to the present invention, showing the head of the ceiling screw located within the shaped cavity of the body; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is an elevation side view of the hook assembly, according to the present invention, showing the hook in an up and open position for receiving the head portion of the ceiling screw and showing the head of the screw fully inserted in the base; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 7  showing details of a shaped cavity within the body which is sized and shaped to receive the head of the screw, and showing the head of the screw fully inserted within the base; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 7 , according to the present invention, showing the head of the ceiling screw fully inserted within the shaped cavity of the body; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is an elevation side view of the hook assembly, according to the present invention, showing the hook in a down and closed position for retaining the head portion of the ceiling screw and showing the head of the screw fully inserted in the base; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 10 , according to the present invention, showing the hook in a down and closed position for retaining the head portion of the ceiling screw and showing the head of the screw fully inserted in the base, the hook is not locked; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is an elevation side view of the hook assembly, according to the present invention, showing the hook in a down and closed position for retaining the head portion of the ceiling screw and showing the head of the screw fully inserted in the base and showing the hook in a locked position which prevents the hook from pivoting to the up and open position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 12 , according to the present invention, showing the hook in a down and closed position for retaining the head portion of the ceiling screw and showing the head of the screw fully inserted in the base, and showing the hook locked with locking tabs of the hook seated into locking recesses of the base; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 12 , according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 14 , taken along the lines  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 , showing details of the locking tabs of the hook seated within the locking recesses of the body, which locks the hook in the down position and holds the body firmly, yet pivotally to the ceiling screw; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the hook assembly showing the ceiling screw captured within the body and the hook located in the down and closed position, the hook is shown unlocked with respect to the body so it can still pivot, according to the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a sectional view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 16 , taken along the lines  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 , showing details of the locking tabs of the hook being disengaged with the locking recesses of the body, so that hook may still pivot about the pin from the down position to the up position, according to the invention; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a sectional side view of the hook assembly of  FIG. 17 , showing details of the locking tabs of the hook being disengaged with the locking recesses of the body, so that hook may still pivot about the pin from the down position to the up position, according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    Briefly described, the preferred embodiment of the present ceiling hook includes a strong metal hook that is pivotally connected to a metal body by a pin. The body includes a cavity that is sized and shaped to receive the head of a screw that is secured to a ceiling. The hook can pivot between an hook-up position wherein the cavity is open and free to receive a screw head and a hook-down position wherein the cavity becomes closed and any captured screw head will remain held within the body. The hook is preferably vertically displaceable a small amount between an up and unlocked position and a down and lockable position. When the hook is locked (i.e., when it is in the down position), the hook will be unable to accidentally pivot to the hook-up position so that the captured screw head cannot accidentally separate from the body. This is a safety measure to prevent a hung item from accidentally falling during use. Finally, the body is free to rotate about the screw head during use. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a ceiling hook  10 , according to the present invention is shown, including hook  14  which is pivotally connected to body  12  by cylindrical pin  16 . Body  12  includes a central vertical axis  18 , a top  20  and a side  22 . Side  22  has a pin bore  24  located along a pivoting axis  25  that is sized and shaped to snugly receive cylindrical pin  16  (preferably a press-fit to body  12  so that it will not slip free). Body  12  further includes a shaped cavity  26  that is accessible from both top  20  and side  22 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 . 
         [0031]    Hook  14  is preferably made from a strong suitable metal alloy, as detailed below and includes a U-shaped hook portion  28  that is located in and defines a hook plane and an upper connection end  30 . According to the preferred embodiment of this invention, upper connection end  30  preferably includes two opposing support sections  32  and two locking tabs  34 , one of each being located on each side of the hook plane, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  6 , and  9 . Upper connection end  30  further includes an axle slot  36  that has an elongated rounded-rectilinear cross-sectional shape (a shape that is similar to a rectangle with rounded ends) and is sized to slidingly receive pin  16  in such a manner that allows pin to move within slot  36  from one end of the slot to the other in a direction that is generally parallel to vertical axis  18 , as described below. Hook portion  28  is pivotally connected to body  12  by pin  16  passing through pin bore  24  of body  12  and axle slot  36  of hook  28 . As mentioned above, pin  16  preferably forms a tight tolerance fit in pin bore  24  and a loose fit within axle slot  36 . Once assembled, as described in greater detail below, axle slot  36  allows hook  28  to be displaced a small distance along a path that is parallel to central vertical axis  18 , between a locked position, wherein hook is at a lowest position and locked with respect to body  12  (as shown in  FIGS. 12 ,  13 ,  14 , and  15 ), and a released (un-locked) position wherein hook  28  is at an uppermost position and unlocked with respect to body  12  (as shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18 ). Hook  14  may also pivot about pin  16 , but only when it is located at the upper and unlocked position, as shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  16 ,  17  and  18 . When unlocked, hook  14  may pivot between a hook-down position (shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18 ), and a hook-up position (shown in  FIGS. 3 through 9 ). 
         [0032]    Hook  14  is pivotally secured to body  12  by pin  16  passing through pin bore  24  of body  12  and axle slot  36  of hook  14 . As introduced above, hook  14  can pivot about pin  16  in a somewhat loose fit as provided by the elongated sectionally-shaped axle slot  36  of hook  14 . This allows hook  14  to be moveable up and down a small amount (controlled by the sectional length of slot  36 ) when hook  28  is located in the down position, as shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18 . This small movement allows locking tabs  34  to engage and disengage with locking recesses  35  that are integrally formed within shaped cavity  26  of body  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  6 ,  8 ,  9 ,  15 ,  17 , and  18 . 
         [0033]    Ceiling hook  10 , according to the present invention, is designed to be secured to the head portion  38  of a screw  40  that has been secured to a ceiling or some other suitable overhead structure. Screw  40  may include wood threads, such as what is shown in the figures, so that it can be secured directly to a wood beam or an internal wood structure, such as a joist. Alternatively, screw  40  may be secured to drywall (also called sheetrock) if the hanging location happens to be located between two ceiling joists and no wood structure is immediately available for securement. In such instance, an expanding toggle or other appropriate drywall fastener is used to secure the screw to the drywall. Toggle screws typically include finer machine-type threads. Regardless of how screw  40  is secured to the ceiling or the type of screw used, end head  38  will be positioned a certain distance down from the ceiling surface. A preferred screw  40  for use with the present invention includes two axial heads, an end head  38  and an additional intermediate head  42 . This type of screw is commercially available from Hangman Products of Woodlawn Hills, Calif. When this double head screw is used and tightened into a ceiling surface, intermediate head  42  will firmly contact the ceiling surface first and this contact will halt further screw advancement. The end result is that intermediate head  42  will always space end head  38  a predetermined and correct distance from the ceiling surface. If conventional single-head screws are used, the user will have to tighten the screw into the ceiling surface so that the single end head  38  will eventually reside the predetermined and correct distance from the ceiling surface. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 ,  8 , 9 ,  11  and  13 , shaped cavity  26  includes an entryway  44  and a seating zone  46 . Entryway  44  is sized and shaped to accommodate passage of end head  38  of screw  40  (include the shaft  56  of screw  40 ) when hook  10  is being secured to or detached from screw  40 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  8 , and  9 . Seating zone  46  is preferably located in line with vertical axis  18  and defines a head-seating surface  48 , which is located at a lower end  50  of a support block  52 . Support block  52  is integrally formed within shaped cavity  26  of body  12  and further includes an integrally formed vertical channel  54  that is located about vertical axis  18 . This vertical channel is sized to accommodate shaft  56  of screw  40  when screw  40  is inserted into shaped cavity  26 . Seating zone  48  is sized and shaped to receive end head  38  of screw  40  when inserted therein, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         [0035]    In use, an installer starts off by securing a screw  40  into a ceiling joist or appropriate toggle into sheetrock, at a desired mounting location. If the installer is using a preferred screw  40  that includes two axial heads, as described above, then the screw  40  just has to be advanced into the ceiling or toggle until intermediate head  42  contacts the ceiling surface (or an interposed washer, if one is being used, not shown). This will automatically position end head  38  the predetermined distance from the ceiling surface, as required in this invention. The preferred distance is approximately equal to the distance between top surface  20  of body  12  and head-seating surface  48 . This distance is such that top surface  20  of body  12  will reside within about 2 mm from the ceiling surface (or washer, if used) when installed. If a conventional, single head screw is used, then the user will tighten the screw into the ceiling or toggle until the predetermined distance is reached. Once the screw is installed, the installer first displaces hook  14  towards body  12  along axis  18  so that locking tabs  34  lift out of locking recesses  35  of body  12  (if it is locked). The user can then pivot the now unlocked hook  14  (as shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  16 ,  17  and  18 ) about pin  16  from the hook-down position (shown in  FIG. 10 ) to the hook-up position (shown in  FIG. 3 ). This opens up entryway  44  so that end head  38  of ceiling-installed screw  40  can be received by entryway  44  and shaped cavity  26  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) and, once the end head is inserted, body  12  is moved sideways along the ceiling surface so that the inserted end head  38  can be positioned into seating zone  46  of body  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . When in this position, end head  38  will contact head-seating surface  48  and shaft  56  of screw  40  will snugly seat within vertical channel  54 . 
         [0036]    Once end head  38  is seated in seating zone  46 , the installer simply pivots hook  14  about pin  16  to the hook-down position (shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  16 ,  17  and  18 ) so that entryway  44  becomes closed by upper connection end  30  of hook  14 , thereby capturing end head  38  of screw  40  within seating zone  46 —body  12  is now pivotally secured to screw  40 . As a final step, the installer simply pull hook portion  28  of hook  14  down away from body  12  and the ceiling about 2 mm to its locking position (as shown in  FIGS. 12 ,  13 ,  14 , and  15 ), wherein locking tabs  34  of upper connection end  30  engage within locking recesses  35  of body  12  (as shown in  FIG. 15 ). This engagement will prevent hook portion  28  from accidentally pivoting up about pin  16  to the open position (shown in  FIGS. 3 through 9 ) where entryway could become sufficiently open to allow body to slip off of end head  38  of screw  40  and cause the hung load (and the hook assembly  10 ) to fall from the ceiling. The weight of whatever is being hung on hook  14  will ensure that locking tabs  34  remain firmly in locking engagement with locking recesses  35  and that hook portion  28  remains firmly in the locked position and that hook assembly  10  remains firmly (yet pivotally) secured to ceiling screw  40 . Furthermore, the downward force created by the weight of the item being hung by hook  14  will be transferred to (or supported by) the two opposing support sections  32  of upper connection end  30 , and in turn transferred to body  12  and then transferred to head-seating surface  48  and finally through end-head  38  of screw  40  and to the ceiling structure. The structure of body  12  and hook  14  is such that the downward forces generated by the hung item never reach pin  16  so that the hook  28  can hold a greater load without failure. 
         [0037]    Since screw  40  is centered about the vertical axis  18 , hook  14  and body  12  can freely pivot about end head  38 . This will allow the hook, and whatever it is holding, to rotate about end head  38  without unscrewing screw  40 . 
         [0038]    Hook  14  and body  12  are preferably made from an appropriate metal alloy, such as an alloy containing zinc and formed using known die casting techniques. As well known by those skilled in the art, a zinc alloy is preferred because it is easy to cast, is resistant to shock, has a high tensile strength, and low shrinkage and good dimensional tolerances. Moreover, it is easily plateable and, as cast, has a smooth surface that lends itself to plating and post-finishing. A typical useful alloy has zinc as the major component with about 4% of aluminum and about 1% of copper, but of course other alloys may be used without departing from the invention. The die casting parts can be finished by tumbling, sand-blasting, plating and/or polishing, as understood by those skilled in the art. 
         [0039]    Also, the body and hook parts can be made from other metals using other methods, such as steel, bronze, brass, and aluminum, and made by known machining and turning methods. 
         [0040]    Applicant contemplates making the hook and body parts made from a suitable strong and durable plastic using injection mold techniques. Of course, the parts being made from the different materials will each have their load-limits and will have to be tested and load-rated before sale and use. 
         [0041]    Regardless of the materials used for the hook and body parts, pin  16  is preferably made from steel.