Rafter hanger

Disclosed is a channel hanger that is generally made up of a U-shaped hook that extends from an upper half of a channel member, the channel member configured to conform to the top of a rafter. The channel hanger further includes a center channel member having a first and second leg extending from either side of the center channel member. The center channel member is in the upper half and the distal ends of the legs are in the lower half of the channel member. The channel hanger also includes a web that bridges a convex region of the U-shaped hook with the first leg. The web extends into the lower half.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to utility hangers.

BACKGROUND

The accumulation of material goods is a ubiquitous problem in the modern world today. In an effort to manage and organize storage space, especially in garages, the usage of storage items, such as racks, bins, shelves, etc. are a staple. Though these storage items are an improvement over stacking material goods on the floor, there is still opportunity to better utilize storage space. It is to improvements in storage space management that embodiments of the present invention are generally directed.

SUMMARY

The present invention is generally directed to managing storage space with utility hangers.

Certain embodiments of the present invention can therefore include a rafter hanger comprising a channel member defined by a first leg that extends from a first center channel member end of a center channel member to a first leg distal end and a second leg that extends from a second center channel member end of the center channel member to a second leg distal end. The center channel member is oriented in an upward direction and the distal ends is oriented in a downward direction. The first leg has a first leg length defined from the first center channel member end to the first leg distal end. A U-shaped hook extends from a hook region of the first leg, wherein the hook region is defined along the first leg length within 30% of the first center channel member end. The U-shaped hook terminates at a distal hook end and points in the upward direction. The U-shaped hook resides above an upper half of the first leg length center channel member end along the first leg. The upper half includes the hook region.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention envisions a channel hanger consisting of a channel member, a U-shaped hook and a web. The U-shaped hook extends from an upper half of a channel member. The channel member being configured to conform to a rafter top. A center channel member having a first leg extending from a first center channel member end to a first leg distal end and a second leg and a second leg extending from a second center channel member end to a second leg distal end. The center channel member in the upper half and the distal ends in a lower half of the channel member. The web bridging a convex region of the U-shaped hook with the first leg. The web extends into the lower half.

Still yet another embodiment of the present invention envisions a rafter hook comprising a channel member with a channel defined by a center channel member comprising a first leg extending from a first center channel member end to a first leg distal end and a second leg and a second leg extending from a second center channel member end to a second leg distal end. The center channel member being defined in an up direction of the channel member and the distal ends being defined in a down direction of the channel member. A U-shaped hook extends from the channel member and resides only in an upper half of the channel member. The upper half includes the center channel member and only half of a) the first leg and b) the second leg in the up direction. The U-shaped hook comprises a concave region. A web that connects from the U-shaped hook to the first leg that is obverse to the hook concave region.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Initially, this disclosure is by way of example only, not by limitation. Thus, although the instrumentalities described herein are for the convenience of explanation, shown and described with respect to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that the principles herein may be applied equally in other similar configurations involving the subject matter directed to the field of the invention. The phrases “in one embodiment”, “according to one embodiment”, and the like, generally mean the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase, is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention. Importantly, such phases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic. As used herein, the terms “having”, “have”, “including” and “include” are considered open language and are synonymous with the term “comprising”. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “essentially” is meant to stress that a characteristic of something is to be interpreted within acceptable tolerance margins known to those skilled in the art in keeping with typical normal world tolerance, which is analogous with “more or less.” For example, essentially flat, essentially straight, essentially on time, etc. all indicate that these characteristics are not capable of being perfect within the sense of their limits. Accordingly, if there is no specific +/− value assigned to “essentially”, then assume essentially means to be within +/−2.5% of exact. The term “connected to” as used herein is to be interpreted as a first element physically linked or attached to a second element and not as a “means for attaching” as in a “means plus function”. In fact, unless a term expressly uses “means for” followed by the gerund form of a verb, that term shall not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). In what follows, similar or identical structures may be identified using identical callouts.

With respect to the drawings, it is noted that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and are diagrammatic in nature to illustrate features of interest. Descriptive terminology such as, for example, upper/lower, top/bottom, horizontal/vertical, left/right and the like, may be adopted with respect to the various views or conventions provided in the figures as generally understood by an onlooker for purposes of enhancing the reader's understanding and is in no way intended to be limiting. All embodiments described herein are submitted to be operational irrespective of any overall physical orientation unless specifically described otherwise, such as elements that rely on gravity to operate, for example.

Some aspects of the present invention are directed to a channel hanger that is generally made up of a U-shaped hook that extends from an upper half of a channel member, the channel member configured to conform to the top of a rafter. The channel hanger further includes a center channel member having a first and second leg extending from either side of the center channel member. The center channel member is in the upper half and the distal ends of the legs are in the lower half of the channel member. The channel hanger also includes a web that bridges a convex region of the U-shaped hook with the first leg. The web extends into the lower half.

FIGS.1A and1Bare line drawings depicting an embodiment of a rafter hanger consistent with embodiments of the present invention. With reference toFIG.1A, shown therein is front ¾ view drawing of the rafter hanger embodiment100with a U-shaped hook120extending towards the viewer. The rafter hanger100generally comprises a channel member110, which is the down facing “U” member with the U-shaped hook120facing upwards to accommodate hanging items from the U-shaped hook120. The term hang as used herein means to dangle or rest on the U-shaped hook120by way of gravity. The channel member110is shaped and configured to slide over and closely conform to the top of a rafter150, as shown inFIG.3, such as a rafter150in a garage, for example. The channel member110closely conforming to the top of a rafter150is defined herein as having a spacing between the legs102/106being within 0.25 inch spacing from the rafter thickness156(i.e., the legs102/106have a spacing between 0-0.25 inch from the rafter sides154) but preferably within 0.125 inch. A typical rafter is a 2×6, 2×8, 2×10 or 2×12, however other rafter dimensions are envisioned within the scope and spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that the true measurements of a 2×4 are 1½″×3½ ″ (that is 1½″ width, or thickness, and 3½″ height), a 2×6 are 1½″×5½″ and a 2×8 are 1½″×7¼″, for example. The channel member110is defined by a center channel member104that has a first leg102and a second leg106extending in a downward direction118, or just downward118, on either end112/114of the center channel member104. Each leg102/106extends from the center channel member104to a respective distal end108A and108B. For reference, the center channel member104is oriented in an upward direction116, or just upwards116, and the distal ends108A and108B are oriented in the downward direction118, relatively. The distal ends108comprise a tapered lead-in tip that improves sliding the channel member110over a rafter150.

The U-shaped hook120extends from a hook region125of the first leg102as shown. As further shown inFIG.3, the hook region125is defined along the first leg length126but within 30% of the first center channel member end112. The U-shaped hook120comprises a concave hook region122that receives items intended to be supported by the U-shaped hook120. Examples of items that might hang from the U-shaped hook120include a bicycle wheel, a bicycle hanging by a wheel, or some other item. The U-shaped hook120terminates at a distal hook end124that points in the upward direction116. Here, the U-shaped hook120resides above an upper half128of the first leg length126, which includes the hook region125. The U-shaped hook120is in-line with the channel member110. That is, the first leg102is in-line and in between the distal hook end124and the second leg106.

In the present rafter hanger embodiment100, the channel member110and the U-shaped hook120all share a common centerline101. The first leg102, the second leg106, the center channel member104and the U-shaped hook120all have the same hanger width140and hanger thickness142. In the present embodiment, the hanger width140is at least two times greater than the hanger thickness142. Other embodiments contemplate a U-shaped hook120being angled away from the centerline101of the channel member110. In the angled away embodiment, the U-shaped hook120can optionally include webs and supports that connect to the channel member110for added stiffness and structural integrity.

A web130extends from a lower half129of the first leg102to the U-shaped hook120, wherein the web130is joined to the first leg102and to the convex side134of the U-shaped hook120at locations135and136, respectively. The web130provides rigidity to the U-shaped hook120because it has a high secondary moment of inertia along the common centerline101. Accordingly, the web width144can be relatively thin compared to the hanger thickness142to resist downward bending moments on the U-shaped hook120. In certain embodiments, the hanger width140can be at least 5 times thicker than the web width144. The web130comprises at least one accessory hook aperture132that can accommodate a strap or hook (not shown). In the present embodiment the rafter hanger100is a unitary piece of material, such as a polymer, composite polymer, metal or some other suitable material known to those skilled in the art. The rafter hanger100can be molded. Optionally the channel member110and the U-shaped hook120can be extruded and then diced into hanger widths140with the web130attached in a post process.

FIG.1Bis drawing depicting the rafter hanger embodiment100in a rear perspective ¾ view with a U-shaped hook120extending away the viewer. As shown, the second leg106of the channel member110is facing the viewer and the U-shaped hook120is pointing away from the viewer with the first leg102in between. As better shown from this angle, a lip123protrudes from the distal hook end124towards the concave hook region122. The lip123provides additional retention for items engaged with or otherwise hanging from the U-shaped hook120. The lip123can also serve as a snap feature. Also, shown for reference are the centerline101, the center channel member104and the web130.

FIGS.2A-2Care line drawings illustratively depicting the rafter hanger side, top and front consistent with embodiments of the present invention.FIG.2Ais a side view of the rafter hanger embodiment100showing dimensions and locations of the relative elements of the rafter hanger embodiment100. With respect to the channel member110, and to the rafter hanger embodiment100for that matter, the upper half128and a lower half129are oriented by the upward direction116and the downward direction118. The leg lengths126are defined at the center channel member bottom side146to the respective leg distal ends108A/108B. In the present embodiment, the leg separation distance138between the first leg102and the second leg106is greater in the upper half128(upper leg separation distance138A) than the lower half129(lower leg separation distance138B). In the present embodiment, the second leg106is angled at a towards the first leg102. The angle α is about 5 degrees with the closest points of each leg102/106being the first and second leg distal ends108A/108B. Certain other embodiments envision the angle α being between 1 degree and 10 degrees. The angled second leg106helps to pinch against a rafter150, as shown inFIG.3.

With reference to the U-shaped hook120, a hook region125is defined along the leg length126of the first leg102(first leg length) within 30% along the length126of the first center channel member end112. In other embodiments, the hook region125resides simply within the upper half128of the first leg102. Here, the U-shaped hook120is part of the first leg102in that it is molded or otherwise an extension from a single piece of material that includes the first leg102. The U-shaped hook120extends to the left of the channel member110and is supported by the web130, which provides rigidity to the U-shaped hook120in the downward direction118. In this embodiment, the U-shaped hook120is a semicircle with a semicircle constant radius162, shown here extending from the semicircle's center point160to the concave hook region122. The semicircle is a half-circle in this embodiment, but other embodiments envision more or less of a half circle. Still, other embodiments envision a variety of different shapes that function within the scope and spirit of the present invention, such as an elliptical shape, a semi-rectangular shape, a V-shape, etc. The U-shaped hook120terminates at the distal hook end124, wherein the distal hook end124is essentially at the same level as the center channel member104, as shown by the axis line105. By essentially at the same level as the center channel member104, it is meant that the distal hook end124is within the hanger thickness142of the center channel member104along the axis line105. Other embodiments envision the distal hook end124being more than one hanger thickness142above or below the center channel member104. In one preferred embodiment, the leg length126is 3.3 inches long and, leg separation distance138A is 1.55 inches, the hanger thickness142is 0.36-0.68 inches, the semicircle's constant radius is 1 inch, and the accessory hook aperture132is 0.5 inches in diameter. Of course, other embodiments envision different dimensions than this preferred embodiment.

FIG.2Bis a front view of the rafter hanger embodiment100showing dimensions and locations of the relative elements of the rafter hanger embodiment100. As shown here, the hanger width140is constant for both the channel member110and the U-shaped hook120. That is the center channel member104, the U-shaped hook120and the legs102/106have the same hanger width140. One embodiment envisions the hanger width140preferably being between 0.75 and 1.25 inches. Yet other embodiments envision the hanger width140being wider or narrower than the preferred width embodiment. As is further shown, the web width144is narrower than the hanger width140. In a preferred web width embodiment, the web width144is between 0.15 inches and 0.3 inches wide. Other embodiments envision the web width144being more or less than the preferred web width embodiment. Also note, the web130comprises a web radius131that blends the web130into the first leg102and web convex side134.

FIG.2Cis a top view of the rafter hanger embodiment100(looking down on the rafter hanger100) showing the size and locations of the relative elements of the rafter hanger embodiment100. As shown here, the hanger width140is constant for both the channel member110and the U-shaped hook120. That is, the center channel member104and the U-shaped hook120have the same hanger width140and common centerline101. To orient the reader, the center channel member104is bounded by the first and second center channel member ends112/114, and the concave hook region122is shown in U-shaped hook120that terminates at the distal hook end124.

FIG.3illustratively depicts a line drawing of the rafter hanger embodiment100engaged with a rafter consistent with embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the channel member110is engaged with a rafter150(this rafter being a 2×6 and made of wood). More specifically, the center channel member bottom side146of the center channel member104is resting on the rafter top surface152, as oriented using the upward and downward directions116/118. The upper leg separation138A is greater than the rafter thickness156and the lower leg separation138B is less than the rafter thickness156thereby pinching the rafter faces154to provide a conforming fit of the rafter hanger embodiment100with the rafter150. When engaged with the rafter150, the channel member110clamps around the rafter150and the U-shaped hook120extends outward from the rafter face154ready to receive an object to be hung therefrom or otherwise to be resting in the concave hook region122.

With the present description in mind, below are some examples of certain embodiments illustratively complementing some of the apparatus embodiments to aid the reader. The elements called out below are examples provided to assist in the understanding of the present invention and should not be considered limiting.

In that light, certain embodiments of the present invention contemplate a rafter hanger100comprising a channel member110defined by a first leg102that extends from a first center channel member end112of a center channel member104to a first leg distal end108A and a second leg106that extends from a second center channel member end114of the center channel member104to a second leg distal end108B. The center channel member104is oriented in an upward direction116and the distal ends108A and108B is oriented in a downward direction118. The first leg102has a first leg length126defined from the first center channel member end112to the first leg distal end108A. A U-shaped hook120extends from a hook region125of the first leg102, wherein the hook region125is defined along the first leg length126within 30% of the first center channel member end112. The U-shaped hook120terminates at a distal hook end124and points in the upward direction116. The U-shaped hook120resides above an upper half128of the first leg length126center channel member end112along the first leg102. The upper half128includes the hook region125.

The rafter hanger embodiment100can be wherein the first leg102comprises a width140and a thickness142that is essentially identical to the second leg106. The U-shaped hook120and the center channel member104have the same width140, which is at least two time greater than the thickness142.

The rafter hanger embodiment100can further comprise a web130that extends from a lower half129of the first leg102to the U-shaped hook120, wherein the web130is joined to the first leg102and the U-shaped hook120. This can further be wherein the first leg102and the U-shaped hook120have a leg and hanger140that is at least 5 times thicker than a web width144of the web130. The web130can further comprise an aperture132, which can be for an accessory hook. Also, an embodiment envisions the second leg106, the U-shaped hook120, the center channel member104, and the web130all sharing a common centerline101.

The rafter hanger embodiment100is further envisioned to have the first leg102at the center channel member104being separated from the second leg106at the center channel member104at a first distance138A and the first leg distal end108A is from the second leg distal end108B at a second distance138B, the first distance138A is longer than the second distance138B.

The rafter hanger embodiment100contemplates that the center channel member104, the first leg102and the second leg106define a channel111that is configured to conform to and slidingly engage a 1.5 inches thick rafter150at a rafter top152of the rafter150.

The rafter hanger embodiment100envisions the first leg102being in-line and in between the distal hook end124and the second leg106. In addition, the distal hook end124is essentially coplanar with a top surface148of the center channel member104. That is, the distal hook end124is within +/− the hanger thickness142of the top surface148, which in one embodiment is +/−0.35 inches.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention envisions a rafter hook100comprising a channel member110with a channel111defined by a center channel member104comprising a first leg102extending from a first center channel member end112to a first leg distal end108A and a second leg106and a second leg106extending from a second center channel member end114to a second leg distal end108A. The center channel member104being defined in an up direction116of the channel member110and the distal ends112and114being defined in a down direction118of the channel member110. A U-shaped hook120extends from the channel member110and resides only in an upper half of the channel member110. The upper half includes the center channel member104and only half of a) the first leg102and b) the second leg106in the up direction116, meaning only half of the first leg102and half of the second leg106. The U-shaped hook120comprises a concave region122. A web130that connects from the U-shaped hook120to the first leg102that is obverse to the hook concave region122.

The rafter hook embodiment100further envisions the U-shaped hook120extending from a hook region125of the first leg102. The hook region125is defined along the first leg length126within 25% of the first center channel member end112, the U-shaped hook120terminating at a distal hook end124pointing in the up direction116.

The rafter hook embodiment100contemplates at least 75% of the U-shaped hook120is circular.

The rafter hook embodiment100further envisions the first leg102being in-line and in between the distal hook end124and the second leg106. The distal hook end124can be essentially coplanar with a top surface148of the center channel member104.

The rafter hook embodiment100further envisions the web130extending from a lower half of the first leg102to the U-shaped hook120.

The rafter hook embodiment100imagines the first leg102and the U-shaped hook120having a thickness that is a least 5 times thicker (greater) than the web width144. The web130can further comprise a circular aperture132that in some of the embodiments can be between 0.3 and 0.8 inches in diameter.

The rafter hook embodiment100further imagines the first leg102being separated from the second leg106by between 1.25 and 1.6 inches.

The rafter hook embodiment100further imagines the first leg being separated from the second leg by between 1.25 and 1.6 inches, the first leg and the second leg being between 3 and 4 inches long, the U-shaped hook being a semicircle with a radius between 0.75 and 1.25 inches, the channel member and the U-shaped hook comprising a hanger width that is between 0.75 and 1.25 inches, and the U-shaped hook and channel member having a hanger thickness is 0.36-0.68 inches.

Still another embodiment of the present invention envisions a channel hanger100consisting of a channel member110, a U-shaped hook120and a web130. The U-shaped hook120extends from an upper half of a channel member110. The channel member being configured to conform to a rafter top150. A center channel member104having a first leg102extending from a first center channel member end112to a first leg distal end108A and a second leg106and a second leg106extending from a second center channel member end114to a second leg distal end108A. The center channel member104in the upper half128and the distal ends108in a lower half129of the channel member110. The web130bridging a convex region134of the U-shaped hook120with the first leg102. The web130extends into the lower half129.

Optionally, the channel hanger100can further be defined with the first leg being separated from the second leg by between 1.25 and 1.6 inches, the first leg and the second leg being between 3 and 4 inches long, the U-shaped hook being a semicircle with a radius between 0.75 and 1.25 inches, the channel member and the U-shaped hook having a hanger width that is between 0.75 and 1.25 inches, and the web being between 0.15 inches and 0.3 inches wide.

The above sample embodiments should not be considered limiting to the scope of the invention whatsoever because many more embodiments and variations of embodiments are easily conceived within the teachings, scope and spirit of the instant specification.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with the details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms used herein. For example, though embodiments of the present invention describe the fundamental elements of a rafter hanger100, certain elements can be altered, such as dimensions, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. It should also be appreciated that there may be aspects of the mechanical elements not discussed in detail in the present disclosure that must be implemented in accordance known to those skilled in the art. The specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative and exemplary rather than restrictive. For example, the word “preferably,” and the phrase “preferably but not necessarily,” are used synonymously herein to consistently include the meaning of “not necessarily” or optionally. “Comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are intended to be open-ended terms and “consisting” is considered a closed term.

It will be clear that the claimed invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the claimed invention disclosed and as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various aspects have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangement to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.