Mounting assembly

A mounting assembly can comprise a channel member defining a channel and comprising a first side wall, a bottom wall a second sidewall opposite the first wall, an aperture between upper ends of the first and second sidewalls, and a ridge positioned on the bottom wall and extending along a longitudinal axis of the channel member. A first anchor member can comprise a first top wall, a first connector portion, and a first anchor leg extending downwardly from the top wall at a first anchor leg angle. A second anchor member can comprise a second top wall, a second connector portion configured to connect with the first connector portion, and a second anchor leg extending downwardly from the top wall at a second anchor leg angle. The first and second anchor members can be configured to be captured within the channel member when the first connector portion is connected to the second connector portion and the first anchor leg and the second anchor leg are positioned within the channel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

Field of the Inventions

The present inventions relate to mounting assemblies that can be used for attaching two or more articles together, for example but without limitation, attaching an accessory to a piece of furniture.

Description of the Related Art

Various different designs exist for removably mounting accessories to pieces of furniture. For example, clamps have commonly been used to attach accessories, such as lights or monitor arms, to the top of a table or desk.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

An aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that a mounting assembly can be constructed in such a way as to allow for a convenient, optionally toolless, connection procedure and a sufficiently stable connection so as to retain an article in a predetermined position relative to another article. For example, a mounting assembly can include a receiver member which defines an insertion passage oriented at a predetermined passage angle and an anchor member that is configured for insertion into the receiver along the predetermined passage angle, into a position in which the anchor member is stably seated within the receiver. The receiver and anchor member can be configured such that when the anchor member is seated in the receiver member, the anchor member is constrained against twisting and/or removal from the receiver along a direction is not coincident with the predetermined passage angle. As such, the anchor member can be conveniently and easily seated into the receiver member, provide a stable mounting for an accessory, yet resist removal from the receiver member along directions different than the predetermined passage angle.

Another aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein include the realization that a mounting assembly can include a receiver member and at least two anchor members, in which the anchor members are configured for insertion into the receiver member along two different directions that are non-parallel to each other. The anchor members can be configured for engagement with each other in a manner that constrains the movement of the anchor members relative to one another in at least one direction. Thus, the connection portions are not required to provide constraints against movement in all directions in order to achieve a state in which the anchor members are both locked into the channel member. Such a mounting assembly can optionally be employed as a tool-less design.

Thus, in an embodiment, a mounting assembly can comprise a receiver member, which can be in the form of a channel member defining a channel and comprising a first wall, a bottom wall, and a second wall opposite the first wall. An aperture can be positioned between upper ends of the first and second sidewalls. A ridge can be positioned on the bottom wall and extend along a longitudinal direction of the channel member. An anchor member can include a top wall portion and an anchor leg extended downwardly from the top wall at an anchor leg angle. The anchor member and the receiver member can be configured to constrain the anchor member within the channel member when the anchor leg is received within the receiver member.

Optionally, the mounting assembly can include a connector portion configured to provide a further constraint against movement of the anchor member relative to the receiver member. For example, at least one of the anchor member and the receiver can include a connector portion configured to provide an interference fit between the anchor member and the receiver member. In some embodiments, the connector portion is spaced away from the anchor leg. In some embodiments, the receiver member can be configured to define an insertion passage extending along an angled insertion direction along which the anchor leg can be inserted into the receiver member, and wherein the connector portion is configured to constrain movement of the anchor member along a component direction of the angled insertion direction, and thereby interfere with movement of the anchor leg out of the receiver along the angled insertion direction.

In another embodiment, a mounting assembly can comprise a receiver member, which can be in the form of a channel member defining a channel and comprising a first wall, a bottom wall, and a second wall opposite the first wall. An aperture can be positioned between upper ends of the first and second sidewalls. A protrusion can be positioned on the bottom wall and extend along a longitudinal direction of the channel member. A first anchor member can include a top wall portion a first connection portion, and a first anchor leg extended downwardly from the top wall at a first anchor leg angle. A second anchor member can include a top wall, a second connector portion configured to connect with the first connector portion, and a second anchor leg extending downwardly from the top wall at a second anchor leg angle. The first and second anchor members can be configured to be captured within the channel member between the sidewalls and the protrusion when the first connector portion is connected to the second connector portion and the first anchor leg and the second anchor leg are positioned within the channel.

Another aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that a mounting assembly including a channel member and one or more anchor members, can be configured to allow the anchor members to slide longitudinally along the channel member when the anchor members are inserted into the channel member. Such a configuration provides additional convenience to a user for adjusting a position of the anchor and/or any accessory attached to the anchor, along channel member which, in some environments of use, would result in the mounting of an accessory in a different position and adjustably, along a surface of a piece of furniture such as a table or a desk, or other kinds of furniture.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a desk having an accessory mount for mounting accessories to the desk, the desk including: a first leg assembly; a desktop supported by the leg assembly; a channel member having a longitudinal axis and recessed into the desktop, the channel member having a channel including a first side wall, a bottom wall and a second sidewall opposite the first side wall, the channel member including: an aperture between upper ends of the first and second side walls; a ridge positioned on the bottom wall, extending along a longitudinal axis of the channel member, wherein the ridge protrudes upwardly from the bottom wall, dividing the bottom wall into a first side portion between the ridge and the first sidewall and a second side portion between the ridge and the second sidewall; wherein the first and second sidewalls, the aperture and the ridge form a first insertion passage extending through the aperture toward the first side portion along a first insertion angle and a second insertion passage through the aperture and towards the second side portion along a second insertion angle, the first and second insertion passages being non parallel to each other and non-perpendicular to the bottom wall; a first anchor member including a first top wall and a first anchor leg extending downwardly from the top wall at a first anchor leg angle that is approximately equal to the first insertion angle, and a first connector portion; wherein the first anchor leg is sized so as to be constrained by the aperture, first sidewall, second sidewall, and the ridge, in use, to movement along the first insertion angle when the first anchor leg is inserted into the first side portion of the channel member; a second anchor member including a second top wall and a second anchor leg extending downwardly from the top wall at a second anchor leg angle that is approximately equal to the second insertion angle, and a second connector portion configured to connect with the first connector portion; wherein the second anchor leg is sized so as to be constrained by the aperture, first sidewall, second sidewall, and the ridge, in use, to movement along the second insertion angle when the second anchor leg is inserted into the second side portion of the channel member; wherein when the first connector portion is connected to the second connector portion with the first anchor leg positioned in the first side portion of the channel member and the second anchor leg positioned in the second side portion of the channel member, the connected first and second anchor members are constrained from removal from the channel member along any direction extending from within the channel member outwardly through the aperture.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a desk additionally including an accessory attached to the first anchor member, the first and second anchor members securing the accessory to the channel member in a position above the desktop.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a table having an accessory mount, the table including: a first leg assembly; a tabletop supported by the leg assembly; a channel having a longitudinal axis and being recessed into the tabletop, the channel including: a first side wall; a bottom wall; a second sidewall opposite the first wall; an aperture between upper ends of the first and second sidewalls; and a ridge positioned on the bottom wall, extending along the longitudinal axis of the channel; a first anchor member including a first top wall, a first connector portion, and a first anchor leg extending downwardly from the top wall at a first anchor leg angle; a second anchor member including a second top wall, a second connector portion configured to connect with the first connector portion, and a second anchor leg extending downwardly from the top wall at a second anchor leg angle; wherein when the first connector portion is connected to the second connector portion with the first anchor leg positioned in the first side portion of the channel and the second anchor leg positioned in the second side portion of the channel, the connected first and second anchor members are constrained from removal from the tabletop along any direction extending from within the channel outwardly through the aperture.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a table additionally including an accessory attached to the first anchor member, the first and second anchor members securing the accessory to the channel member in a position above the tabletop.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the ridge protrudes upwardly from the bottom wall, dividing the bottom wall into the first side portion between the ridge and the first sidewall and the second side portion between the ridge and the second sidewall.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the first and second sidewalls, the aperture and the ridge form a first insertion passage extending through the aperture toward the first side portion along a first insertion angle and a second insertion passage through the aperture and towards the second side portion along a second insertion angle, the first and second insertion passages being non parallel to each other and non-perpendicular to the bottom wall.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the first anchor leg angle is approximately equal to the first insertion angle and the second anchor leg angle that is approximately equal to the second insertion angle.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the first anchor leg is sized so as to be constrained by the aperture, first sidewall, second sidewall, and the ridge, in use, to movement along the first insertion angle when the first anchor leg is inserted into the first side portion of the channel and wherein the second anchor leg is sized so as to be constrained by the aperture, first sidewall, second sidewall, and the ridge, in use, to movement along the second insertion angle when the second anchor leg is inserted into the second side portion of the channel.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mounting assembly including: a channel member defining a channel and including a first side wall, a bottom wall a second sidewall opposite the first wall, an aperture between upper ends of the first and second sidewalls, and a ridge positioned on the bottom wall and extending along a longitudinal axis of the channel member; a first anchor member including a first top wall, a first connector portion, and a first anchor leg extending downwardly from the top wall at a first anchor leg angle; a second anchor member including a second top wall, a second connector portion configured to connect with the first connector portion, and a second anchor leg extending downwardly from the top wall at a second anchor leg angle; wherein the first and second anchor members are configured to be captured within the channel member when the first connector portion is connected to the second connector portion and the first anchor leg and the second anchor leg are positioned within the channel.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mounting assembly additionally including an accessory attached to the first anchor member, the first and second anchor members securing the accessory to the channel member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mounting assembly, wherein the ridge protrudes upwardly from the bottom wall, dividing the bottom wall into the first side portion between the ridge and the first sidewall and the second side portion between the ridge and the second sidewall.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mounting assembly, wherein the first and second sidewalls, the aperture and the ridge form a first insertion passage extending through the aperture toward the first side portion along a first insertion angle and a second insertion passage through the aperture and towards the second side portion along a second insertion angle, the first and second insertion passages being non parallel to each other and non-perpendicular to the bottom wall.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mounting assembly, wherein the first anchor leg angle is approximately equal to the first insertion angle and the second anchor leg angle that is approximately equal to the second insertion angle.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mounting assembly, wherein the first anchor leg is sized so as to be constrained by the aperture, first sidewall, second sidewall, and the ridge to movement along a first insertion angle when the first anchor leg is inserted into the first side portion of the channel member and wherein the second anchor leg is sized so as to be constrained by the aperture, first sidewall, second sidewall, and the ridge to movement along a second insertion angle when the second anchor leg is inserted into the second side portion of the channel member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mounting assembly, in combination with a desk having a desktop, the channel member being recessed into the desktop.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mounting assembly, wherein when the first connector portion is connected to the second connector portion with the first anchor leg positioned in the first side portion of the channel member and the second anchor leg positioned in the second side portion of the channel member, the connected first and second anchor members are constrained from removal from the channel member along any direction extending from within the channel member outwardly through the aperture.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mounting assembly, wherein the channel member further includes a second insertion passage oriented at a second angle that is oblique relative to the bottom wall and different than the first angle, the second insertion passage being configured to receive insertion of the anchor leg when moved in a direction along the second angle with the anchor member oriented in a second orientation that is different from the first orientation, in use.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mounting assembly, wherein the anchor member additionally includes a snap connector configured to provide a snap fit with the channel member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a mounting assembly, wherein the anchor member additionally includes a connector portion configured to engage with a body adjacent to the anchor member so as to prevent the anchor member from moving along the first direction. mounting assembly

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An improved mounting assembly is disclosed herein. The mounting assembly is described in the context of a mounting assembly for attaching an article to a piece of furniture, such as a table or a desk, because the mounting assemblies disclosed herein have particular utilities in that context. However, the embodiments disclosed herein can be used in other contexts as well, for example, but without limitation, any environment for connecting articles to one another, lighting systems, racks, or other contexts.

In the following detailed description, terms of orientation such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “upper,” “lower,” “longitudinal,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “lateral,” “midpoint,” and “end” may be used here to simplify the description in the context of the illustrated embodiments. Because other orientations are possible, however, the present inventions should not be limited to the illustrated orientations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other orientations of various components described herein are possible.

FIG.1illustrates a furniture assembly100having an improved mounting assembly110. The mounting assembly110can be used to connect or mount an article112(FIGS.4,25,26), which can be in the form of any type of article, device, or accessory. For example, but without limitation, the article112can be a monitor arm for supporting a monitor in a position above the top of the furniture assembly100, a privacy barrier, a tablet or smart phone holder, pencil case, a lamp, a stapler, a hole puncher, a cup holder, a docking station, a data port hub, a charging port hub, or any other device.

In the illustrated embodiment, the furniture assembly100is in the form of a table which can also be considered as a desk. As such, the furniture assembly100includes a leg assembly102which includes a leg support frame104for supporting legs106A,106B,106C and,106D. The configuration of the leg assembly102is merely an example typed for illustrative purposes only. Any type of leg assembly can be used. Further, the furniture assembly100can be any other type of furniture. In some embodiments, the furniture assembly100can be in the form of, but not limited to, a nightstand, coffee table, bookshelf, conference table, side table, buffet table, medial console, etc. which may or may not have legs.

The furniture assembly100includes a tabletop108, which in some embodiments can be a desktop, to which the mounting assembly110is attached. However, the furniture assembly100can include other non-flat and/or other non-horizontal surfaces to which the mounting assembly110can be attached.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tabletop108includes an upper working surface109with an aperture109A. Aperture109A can open into a recess formed in the tabletop108or it can be a through hole extending fully through the thickness of the tabletop108. In some embodiments, portions of the mounting assembly110can be integrated with the tabletop108for example, formed as a monolithic part or the mounting assembly110can be in the form of separate members attached to the tabletop108. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture109A is through hole extending through the tabletop108and the mounting assembly110is supported by support flanges114extending into a portion of the aperture109A. Other configurations can also be used.

With reference toFIG.4, the mounting assembly110includes a receiver member which can be in the form of a channel member120and one or more anchor members150.

With reference toFIGS.5-7, the channel member120can be configured to define a channel. In some embodiments, the channel member120includes an upper aperture122and an enlarged inner portion124. Other configurations can also be used.

As shown inFIG.7, the channel member120can include a first sidewall130, a second sidewall132and a bottom wall134. Optionally, a ridge136can be positioned along the bottom wall134.

As shown inFIG.5, the channel member120can extend along the longitudinal axis138. In some embodiments, the ridge136can extend along the longitudinal axis138.

With continued reference toFIG.7, the aperture122defines an opening into the channel member120. In some embodiments, it is narrower than the lower portion124. The lower portion124can be considered as including a first side portion139defined between the ridge136and the first sidewall130and a second side portion140defined between the second sidewall132and the ridge136.

In some embodiments, the sidewalls130,132, the ridge136, and the aperture122can serve as to define one or more insertion passages. For example, the aperture122, the sidewall130, and the ridge136can be considered as forming an insertion passage142extending through the aperture122and into the first side portion139between the sidewall130and the ridge136. For example, in some embodiments, the boundaries of the insertion passage can be considered as including first and second edges123,125of the aperture122, an inner sidewall surface131of the first sidewall130and a first side surface135of the ridge136. As shown inFIG.7, the insertion passage142extends at an oblique angle relative to vertical, illustrated as angle143inFIG.7.

Optionally, the channel member120can define a second insertion passage144extending through the aperture122into the second side portion140. For example, the second insertion passage144can be considered as being defined by the aperture122, the ridge136, and the sidewall132. In some embodiments, the insertion passage144is defined by the edges123,125of the aperture122, an inner facing surface133of the sidewall132and a side surface137of the ridge136. Similarly to the insertion passage142, the insertion passage144extends at an oblique angle relative to vertical, identified as angle145inFIG.7.

In use, a combination of a plurality of the aperture122, aperture edges123,125, sidewall130, sidewall surface131, sidewall132, sidewall surface133, ridge136, ridge surface135, ridge surface137and/or other portions of the channel member120can be considered as serving as constraints on the movement of anchor members into and out of channel member120. Additionally, the bottom wall134can be considered as including inner bottom surface portion147which serves as a bottom surface of the first side portion139and bottom surface148which can serve as a bottom surface of the second side portion140. Additionally, the bottom surfaces147,148can also serve as constraints against movement of other members within the channel member120, such as the anchor members150described below with reference toFIGS.8-24.

In some embodiments, the insertion passage142can include an inner sidewall surface135having different configurations. For example, as shown inFIG.7the inner surface131of the sidewall130can have a multifaceted flat sided configuration illustrated as surface131A or a rounded configuration such as surface131B. Such optional configurations as well as other configurations, can be considered as forming a portion of the insertion passage142.

With reference toFIGS.8-15, an anchor member150can be configured to engage the channel member120in a way such that movement of the anchor member150into and out of the channel member120is constrained. For example, the anchor member150can have a shape that cooperates with the configuration and shape of one or both of the insertion passages142,144. In some embodiments, the anchor member150and the channel member120are configured such that the anchor member150can only freely move into and out of the channel member120along one or both of the insertion passages142,144, due to the interaction of the surfaces of the channel member120described above and corresponding portions or surfaces of the anchor member150. Other configurations can also be used.

With continued reference toFIGS.8-15, the anchor member150can include a top portion152, an anchor leg154and optionally, an anchor connector portion156.

The top portion152can include an upper surface157. Optionally, in some embodiments, the upper surface157is configured for supporting or being connected to an article such as the article112(FIG.4). Thus, in some embodiments, the upper surface157can include an attachment mechanism158, such as an aperture, a threaded aperture, slot, mounting boss, or any other type of mounting device, feature, or mechanism for connection for engagement, contact, or connection with an article such as the article112. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular type of attachment mechanism and thus an optional attachment mechanism158as illustrated inFIG.8. In some embodiments, attachment mechanism158can be formed of multiple portions, for example, the anchor member150can include a first part of an attachment mechanism158and a second part of the attachment mechanism158can be provided on another, adjacent anchor member, for example, where two anchor members are used together as described below with reference toFIGS.21-24.

In some embodiments, the top portion152of the anchor member150includes a lower facing surface160which can include a first surface portion160A and a second surface portion160B. In some embodiments, the first and second surface portions160A,160B are sized and oriented to be juxtaposed to and/or make contact with upper surface portions121A,121B, respectively (FIG.7) of the channel member120.

In some embodiments, the overall width of the top portion152of the anchor member150has approximately the same overall width as the channel member120.

With continued reference toFIGS.8-15, the anchor leg154can extend downwardly from the top portion152, for example, downwardly from the lower surface160of the top portion152. In some embodiments, the anchor leg154extends downwardly from the top portion152along an anchor leg angle162which can be approximately the same as the insertion passage angle143(FIG.7). In some embodiments, the anchor leg154can be considered as including first side surface164, a second side surface166and a bottom surface168. The surfaces164,166can, in some embodiments, be oriented at approximately the same angle as angle162. Further, optionally, the side surfaces164,166can be parallel to one another.

The anchor leg154can be considered as extending along anchor leg direction161at the anchor leg angle162. In some embodiments, the anchor leg154can be configured such that the anchor leg154is insertable into the first side portion139of the channel member120through the aperture122into the first insertion passage, for example, with the anchor leg direction161oriented coincident or parallel with the insertion passage142. In some embodiments, the anchor leg154is configured, for example, sized, such that once the anchor member150is inserted into the insertion passage142, movement of the anchor member150is constrained such that it can only move in or out of the channel member120by being translated in a direction along the insertion passage142, which is oriented at an angle143relative to perpendicular.

With continued reference toFIGS.8-14, the connection portion156can be configured to engage with an adjacent body or surface for providing an additional constraint on the movement of the anchor150. For example, the connection portion156can be configured to engage with a portion of the tabletop108, a portion of the channel member120, another body or surface not illustrated, or another anchor member having the same or similar configuration of the anchor member150.

The connection portion156can have any type of configuration. In some embodiments, as noted above, the connection portion156includes portions that can provide an additional constraint on the movement of the anchor150.

Thus, for example, the connection portion156can be configured to engage with another body, surface, or member in a way so as to interfere with movement of the anchor member150along the anchor leg direction161. Thus, many different types of connection devices or mechanisms could be used as the connection portion156.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connection portion156includes at least one of a projection170and a recess172. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection portion156includes both a projection170and a recess172. The projection170can have any shape, for example but without limitation, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, dome, rounded, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection170is cylindrical. Other configurations can also be used.

The recess172can also have any shape, including but without limitation, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, dome, rounded, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess172is cylindrical. In some embodiments, the projection170and the recess172can be sized to have approximately the same dimensions, for example, the projection170can have an outer surface the diameter that is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the recess172. As such, the projection170can be considered as being configured to fit within the recess172.

The projection170can be configured to engage with another body that would constrain its movement along the direction161. Similarly, the recess172can be configured to engage with another surface or body that would provide a constraint against movement of the anchor member150in the direction of the anchor leg161.

In some embodiments, the anchor member150can be connected to another anchor member (described below with reference toFIGS.21-24) wherein the additional anchor member has a connection portion that is configured to engage with the connection portion156.

With continued reference toFIGS.9and11-15, the anchor member150can optionally include a retainer portion180configured to provide a retaining engagement with the channel member120. The retainer portion180can have any configuration. In some embodiments, the retainer portion180is configured to provide a snap fit with the channel member120. Any type of configuration can be used for providing a snap fit.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer portion180includes a projection182that extends downward from the surface160A. In some embodiments, the projection182can extend downwardly from the surface160A along the direction that is transverse to the anchor leg direction161. Additionally, optionally, in some embodiments, the projection182can include an inner curved portion184that has a shape that is complimentary to a curved outer shoulder portion184A of the channel member120(FIG.7andFIG.16-20), further described below with reference toFIG.16-20.

In some embodiments, the projection182is configured to be resilient. For example, the projection182can be configured to deflectable, in use, to provide interference during a portion of the movement of the anchor member150into the channel member120, deflect elastically, then snap into position for retaining the anchor member150to the channel member120. In some configurations, the retainer portion180can be configured to provide an additional constraint on the movement of the anchor member150in a direction out of the channel member120.

FIGS.15A-15Cillustrate a variation of the attachment mechanism158, identified generally by the reference numeral158A. As shown inFIGS.15A-15C, the attachment mechanism158A can be in the form of a portion of an attachment mechanism which can cooperate with another portion of an attachment mechanism to form a multi-part attachment mechanism. For example, the attachment mechanism158A extends upwardly from the upper surface157and has a generally half-cylinder shape. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism158A, having a partial, half-cylinder shape, or other shape, can be used alone or in combination with another member for connection to accessory (e.g., accessory112FIG.4), described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS.24A,25, and26.

With reference toFIGS.16-20, as noted above, the anchor member150can be configured to be inserted into the channel member120. In some embodiments, the anchor member150and the channel member120are configured such that the anchor member150can only be fully seated into the channel member120when inserted along a direction in which the anchor member150is moved along the anchor leg direction161and the insertion passage142, which are aligned so as to be either coincident or parallel. For example, with reference toFIGS.16and17, the anchor member150can be aligned with the anchor leg154aligned with the aperture122and with the anchor leg direction161coincident with or parallel to the insertion passage142. In the illustrated embodiment, some misalignment of the anchor leg154and the insertion passage142can be accommodated, for example, during movement of the anchor member150as illustrated inFIG.17and the position illustrated inFIG.18.

With continued reference toFIG.18, once the lower end of the anchor leg154reaches the first side portion139disposed between the surface135of the ridge136and the inner surface131of the sidewall130, the alignment of the anchor member150is constrained. In other words, as the lower portion of the anchor leg154reaches the space defined at the first side portion139, the outer surfaces166,164of the anchor leg154are constrained by the surfaces135,131of the channel member120such that the anchor leg154can only move into or out of the first side portion139when the anchor member150is moved in the direction of the insertion passage142.

With continued reference toFIGS.18-20, in embodiments in which the anchor member150includes the retainer portion180, the projection182can make initial contact with an upper portion of the channel member120, such as the curved outer shoulder portion184A. Further pressing of the anchor member150along the insertion passage142can cause the projection182to elastically deflect, as illustrated inFIG.19, thereby providing some interference between the projection182and the rounded shoulder184. Further movement of the anchor member150along the insertion passage142allows the projection182to elastically return to its original shape or close to its original shape, in the orientation illustrated inFIG.20.

In the position illustrated inFIG.20, the projection182provides an additional constraint against the movement of the anchor member150relative to the channel member120. As such, the retainer180can provide a snap fit-type engagement to retain the anchor member150in the position illustrated inFIG.20, in which is it inserted into the channel member120. The size, shape, and configuration of the retainer180can be chosen to provide snap fit engagement that is manually engageable and disengageable by a user, and in some embodiments, without any tools.

With reference toFIGS.21-24, the connection portion156can be used to provide a further anchoring effect for anchoring the anchor member150to the channel member120. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection portion156engages with the engagement portion on another anchor member. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor member150is used in conjunction with a second anchor member identified generally by the reference numeral250. Parts, components, features and functions of the additional anchor member250are identified with the same reference numeral as those of the anchor member150, except that the value of “100” have been added thereto.

In some embodiments, an additional anchor member250has the same shape and configuration as the anchor member150, but is used in a different orientation. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the additional member250has been rotated 180 degrees about the vertical axis relative to the anchor member150. As such, the connector portion156of the anchor member150faces toward the connection portion256of the anchor member250.

In some embodiments, the projection170and the recess172are positioned symmetrically about a central vertical axis of the anchor member150. Thus, if an identical anchor member150is used as the anchor member250, the projection170would align with the corresponding recess172, when the second anchor member is rotated 180 degrees about the vertical axis. The illustrated embodiment has this configuration.

With reference toFIG.22, the anchor member150can be inserted into the channel member120such that the anchor leg portion154is inserted into the first side portion139between the first sidewall130and the ridge136. Similarly the anchor leg254of the anchor member250can be inserted into the second side portion140between the second sidewall132and the ridge136. The inserted orientation is illustrated inFIG.23.

As shown inFIG.23, the anchor members150and152can be inserted into the channel member120in a spaced apart orientation such that the connector portions156and256do not collide with each other.

With the anchor members150,250initially in the position illustrated inFIG.23, the anchor members150,250can then be slid along the longitudinal direction of the channel member120until the connection portions156,256engage with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection170received within the recess272and the projection270is received within the recess172.

With the anchor members150,250engaged with each other, in the orientation illustrated inFIG.24, the anchor members150,250are effectively locked into the channel member120. This is because, as described above with reference toFIGS.16-20, once the anchor member150is in any of the orientations illustrated inFIGS.18-20, the anchor member150can only be withdrawn from the channel member by movement along the direction of the insertion passage142. Similarly, the anchor member250can only be withdrawn from the channel member when moved along the direction of the insertion passage144(FIGS.7and22). Thus, when the connection portions156and256are engaged with each other, as in the orientation illustrated inFIG.24, the anchor members150,250cannot be withdrawn from the channel member120.

FIG.24Aillustrated a modification in which the anchor members150and250include the attachment mechanisms158A,258A, respectively. With the anchor members150,250orientated as such, the attachment mechanisms158A,258A cooperate to form a multi-part attachment mechanism, formed of the two attachment mechanisms158A,258A juxtaposed to each other. In some embodiments, such as those in which the attachment mechanisms158A,258A are formed of half-cylinders, the resulting multi-part attachment mechanism is cylindrical or generally cylindrical.

With reference toFIGS.25and26, if the anchor members150and250locked into channel member120as described above, any device or accessory attached to either one of the anchor members150,250are also effectively locked to the channel member120.FIGS.25and26illustrate article112fixed to the anchor member150. Then with the anchor members150,250locked to the channel member120, thereby fixing the article158to the channel member120.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the accessory112can include an attachment portion that is configured to connect with a multi-part attachment mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the accessory112can include an attachment portion (not shown) configured to connect with both of the attachment mechanisms158A,258A, when the anchor members150,250oriented in the orientation illustrated inFIG.24A. For example, but without limitation, the attachment portion of the accessory can include a cylindrical bore, sized to receive or releasably connect to the combined half-cylindrical portions of the attachment mechanisms158A,258A. Optionally, the accessory can thereby provide a constraint on the movement of the anchor members150,250. For example, with the attachment mechanisms158A,258A received in such a bore, the attachment mechanisms158A,258A would be constrained against movements having a horizontal component and thus would prevent the anchor members150,250from being removed from the channel member120.

While several embodiments are presented in the foregoing detailed description, a vast number of variations exist. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiments. Various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application.