Abstract:
A quick assembly surface fastening system for mounting accessories to a desk or another type of support member, without requiring a separate tool, is provided. The fastening system includes an adjustable clamping device for frictionally engaging an edge of a desk; a clamp nut assembly having a tightening member pivotally attached thereto and adapted for pivoting between a first and second position; and an accessory sleeve configured for mounting upon the clamp nut assembly. The tightening member pivots between the first position to function as a tool for adjusting the clamping device to bring the clamping device into frictional engagement with the support member. The tightening member pivots to the second position where at least a portion of the clamp nut assembly including the tightening member is configured for receiving the accessory sleeve. A method for mounting an accessory to a support member is also provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a fastening system for mounting an accessory and, more particularly, to a no tools quick assembly surface fastening system for mounting an accessory to a support member, such as a desk. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Clamping systems for securing accessories to the edge portion of a desk typically comprise a plurality of separable components and require one or more tools to assemble and secure the components to the desk. Access to these components may occur at difficult to reach locations, i.e., behind the desk and adjacent to a wall surface and/or underneath a desk surface, requiring one to move the desk or crawl underneath the desk to attach and/or detach the device. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,158 to Tisbo teaches an example of a desktop support structure which does not require separate assembly tools. The support structure comprises an upright structural housing having an adjustable clamp portion which positions the housing in an upright position in relation to a desktop and an adjustable securement portion for aligning an attachment socket to a slat wall structure support member. The adjustable clamp portion is coupled to a threaded bolt and raised and lowered in relation to the nut securement area. To position the device, the structural housing is opened by first rotating the housing while the adjustable clamp portion is held in a fixed position, allowing the thread shaft to rotate through the securement nut causing the spatial distance between the clamp and the end cap to be enlarged. Once the clamp area is enlarged, the clamp is placed over the edge of the desk and held in a fixed position while the structural housing is rotating so as to cause closure between the engagement surface supports. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,117 to Lin also teaches a clamping device which does not require separate assembly tools comprising a base with a clamp that includes a clamping barrel, a fixing bolt, a sleeve seat, and a clamping plate. The clamping barrel is provided with an open bottom and has an upper plate with a central top hole. The clamping barrel is provided with an open bottom and has an upper plate with a central top hole. The clamping barrel at the periphery of the main body thereof can be provided with a barrel groove for exerting a force. The fixing bolt is composed of a clamping rod and a fastening plate. The fastening plate has a fastening post for joining to an extension bar of a stand or a support frame for articles. The clamping plate is configured to span two lateral sides of a circular hole of a desktop. In use, the sleeve seat is placed on a held object, such as the circular hole of the desktop. Next the clamping barrel and the clamping bolt are fitted to a cylindrical ring of the sleeve seat and the clamping plate is placed under the circular hole. The clamping barrel is then turned along with the rod threads of the clamping rod such that the clamping rod moves upward to clamp the desktop by way of two contact edges and a base disk. 
         [0007]    There is a need in the art for a quick assembly fastening system for mounting an accessory to a support member which does not require tools, utilizes a minimum of separable components and is easy to attach, access, and manipulate from above the surface of the support member. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention is directed to a no tools quick assembly surface fastening system for mounting accessories, such as lamps, dividers, shelves, and the like to a desk or another type of support member. 
         [0009]    According to one aspect, the invention is directed to an accessory mounting system comprising an adjustable clamping device for frictionally engaging an edge of a support member; a clamp nut assembly associated with the clamping device wherein the clamp nut assembly includes a tightening member pivotally attached thereto and adapted for pivoting between a first and second position; and an accessory sleeve configured for mounting upon the clamp nut assembly. The tightening member pivots between the first position to function as a tool for adjusting the clamping device from a location above the support member such that the clamping device comes into frictional engagement with the support member. The tightening member pivots to the second position where at least a portion of the clamp nut assembly including the tightening member is configured for receiving the accessory sleeve. The adjustable clamping device comprises a foot base, a first rod extending from a surface of the foot base, a top clamp having at least a first aperture extending therethrough. The first aperture is configured for receiving the first rod, and the clamp nut assembly is configured for cooperating with the first rod to form an adjustable gap between the foot base and the top clamp. The adjustable gap is configured for receiving the edge of the support member for mounting the clamping device thereon. According to one embodiment, the clamping device can include a longitudinal member and the tightening member can form a T-shape with respect to the longitudinal member when in the first position for tightening the clamp. When in the second position, the tightening member can be aligned with the longitudinal member enabling receipt of the accessory sleeve thereon. The accessory sleeve can comprise a longitudinal member having a first end and a second end wherein the first end includes a gap for receiving at least a portion of the tightening member and/or longitudinal member of the clamp nut assembly when the tightening member is in the second position. The second end of the accessory sleeve can include a mounting member configured for holding the accessory. The accessory can be a lamp, a divider, a panel, a computer monitor, a shelf, and the like. According to one embodiment, the longitudinal member of the clamp nut assembly can include an opening for receiving the pivotal member when the pivotal member is in the second position such that the tightening member has a planar or cylindrical surface with respect to the longitudinal member. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect, the invention is directed to a fastening system for securing an accessory to a support member wherein the support member has a top surface, an end portion, and a bottom surface. The fastening system comprises a clamping device comprising foot base; a first rod extending from a surface of the foot base; a top clamp having a top surface and a bottom surface wherein the top clamp includes at least a first aperture extending therethrough wherein the first aperture is configured for receiving the first rod. The fastening system further includes a clamp nut assembly configured for cooperating with the first rod to form an adjustable gap between the foot base and the top clamp. The adjustable opening is configured for receiving the support member. The clamp nut assembly further includes a tightening member adapted for pivoting between a first position and a second position wherein, when in the first position, the pivotal member allows for adjustment of the gap between the foot base and the top clamp such that the top clamp frictionally engages the top surface of the support member and the foot base frictionally engages the bottom surface of the support member. The fastening system further includes an accessory sleeve having a first end configured for cooperation with the clamp nut assembly and a second end configured for holding or mounting the accessory. According to one embodiment, the foot base includes a second rod extending from the surface thereof in a spaced relationship with respect to the first rod. The first rod can include threads and the clamp nut assembly can include a threaded tubular portion for threadedly engaging the first rod. According to one embodiment, the clamp nut assembly can comprise a longitudinal member and the tightening member is pivotally attached to the longitudinal member. The tightening member can pivot to a first position extending in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal member to enable tightening of the clamp nut assembly from above the support surface and without a separate tool. After tightening, the tightening member can pivot to a second position in line with the longitudinal member enabling receipt of the accessory sleeve onto the tightening member and/or the longitudinal member. According to one embodiment, the longitudinal member can include an opening for receiving the tightening member when the tightening member is in the second position. A cover plate can be provided to cover at least one side of the opening extending between the foot base and the top clamp, such as the back opening, so that from the rear, the first threaded rod and the second rod are not visible to produce an aesthetically pleasing effect. A cover plate can also be positioned adjacent to the top surface of the top clamp so that, for example, when a lamp is used as the accessory, a symmetrical effect is achieved. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for mounting an accessory to a support member comprising providing an adjustable clamping device wherein the clamping device defines a gap and a clamp nut assembly is associated with the clamping device. The clamp nut assembly includes a pivotally mounted tightening member adapted for pivoting between a first position and a second position. The method further comprises placing the clamping device about the edge of the support member, pivoting the tightening member to the first position for tightening the clamping device about the edge of the support member, providing an accessory sleeve, pivoting the tightening member to the second position such that the clamp nut assembly including the tightening member can receiving the accessory sleeve, and mounting the accessory to the accessory sleeve. According to one embodiment, the adjustable clamping device can comprises a foot base, a first rod extending from a surface of the foot base, a top clamp having at least a first aperture extending therethrough wherein the first aperture is configured for receiving the first rod. The clamp nut assembly is configured for cooperating with the first rod to adjust the gap between the foot base and the top clamp and the adjustable gap is configured for receiving the edge of the support member. The clamp nut assembly further includes a longitudinal member and the method includes pivoting the tightening member to the first position wherein the tightening member forms a T-shape with respect to the longitudinal member to tighten the clamping device about the edge surface and then after tightening, pivoting the tightening member to the second position such that it is in alignment with the longitudinal member enabling receipt of the accessory sleeve. The accessory can be a lamp, a divider, a panel, a computer monitor, a shelf, and the like. 
         [0012]    These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the fastening system of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of the fastening system of  FIG. 1  connected to the edge portion of a support surface; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded perspective view of the fastening system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of a pair of fastening systems and a divider; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of the divider fastening system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  shows a front view of the pair of fastening systems of  FIG. 4  for mounting the divider to a support surface; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the fastening system of  FIG. 1  including a lamp accessory mounted thereon; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  shows a back perspective view of the fastening system of  FIG. 1  including a panel or shelf accessory and computer monitor mounted thereon. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. 
         [0022]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1-3  which show the accessory mounting or fastening system, generally indicated as  10 , of the invention. The fastening system  10  can be used for securing an accessory to the edge portion  14  of a support member  16 , such as, for example a desk  17 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . This accessory can be a divider or privacy screen  48 , with or without a screen extender  48   a,  as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , a lamp  50 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , a shelf  52 , or computer monitor  53 , as shown in  FIG. 8  or any other type of accessory that one would mount to a support member  16 . Returning to  FIGS. 1-3 , the support member  16  has a top surface  16   a,  an end  16   b,  and a bottom surface  16   c.  The fastening system  10  of the invention is designed such that it is easy to clamp to the edge portion  14  of the support surface  16  and it is easy to access and manipulate the clamp nut assembly  18  from above the top surface  16   a  of the support member  16 . This easy access allows one to move, adjust or remove the fastening system  10  and accessory without having to move the support member  16 , such as the desk, away from the wall, or without having to crawl beneath the support member  16  to unclamp the fastening system  10 . The fastening system  10  also does not require a tool for tightening or loosening the system  10 . 
         [0023]    The fastening system  10  comprises a clamping device, generally indicated as  12  comprising foot base  28 , a first rod  30  extending from an upper surface  32  of the foot base  28 , a top clamp  34  having a top surface  34   a  and a bottom surface  34   b.  Adhesive backed neoprene pads  35   a,    35   b  can be provided adjacent the top surface  34   a  and the bottom surface  34   b,  respectively. The top clamp  34  includes at least a first aperture  36  extending therethrough wherein the first aperture  36  is configured for slidingly receiving the first rod  30 . The fastening system  10  further includes a clamp nut assembly, generally indicated as  18  configured for cooperating with the first rod  30  to form an adjustable gap  38  between the foot base  28  and the top clamp  34 . The adjustable gap  38  is configured for receiving an edge portion  14  of the support member  16 . The clamp nut assembly  18  further includes a tightening member  20  adapted for pivoting between a first position  22 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , and a second position  24 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , wherein, when in the first position  22 , the pivotal member has protruding wings which allow for ease of rotation of the clamp nut assembly  18  for adjustment of the gap  38  between the foot base  28  and the top clamp  34  such that the top clamp  34  frictionally engages the top surface  16   a  of the support member  16  and the foot base  28  frictionally engages the bottom surface  16   c  of the support member  16 . 
         [0024]    The fastening system  10  further includes an accessory sleeve  26 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-8 , having a first end  40  configured for cooperation with the clamp nut assembly  18  and a second end  42  configured for holding or mounting the accessory  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  53 . This configuration on the second end  42  of the accessory sleeve  26  for holding the accessory can be a U-shape member, a clip, a screw/aperture arrangement, or any other well know arrangement for securing an accessory thereto. 
         [0025]    According to one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the foot base  28  can include a second rod  54  extending from the surface  32  thereof in a spaced relationship with respect to the first rod  30 . This second rod  54  can extend through, or only partially through, a second aperture  37  in the top clamp  34 . This second rod  54  provides for a more stable attachment of the clamping device  12  about the edge portion  14  of the support member  16 . 
         [0026]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the first rod  30  can include threads  56  and the clamp nut assembly  18  can include a threaded tubular portion  58  for threadedly and rotatably engaging the first rod  30 . The base  19   a  of the longitudinal member  19  has a width W 1  greater than the width W 2  of the aperture  36  such that with the threaded first rod  30  extending through the aperture  36 , the longitudinal member  19  engages the first rod  30  and is rotated against the top surface  34   a  of the top clamp  34  to adjust the gap  38  between the top clamp  34  and the foot base  32  to accommodate the thickness of the edge portion  14 . 
         [0027]    The clamp nut assembly  18  can comprise a longitudinal member  19  and the tightening member  20  is pivotally attached to the longitudinal member  19 . This pivotal attachment of the tightening member  20  can be located at a top portion  23  of the longitudinal member  19 . The tightening member  20  can pivot to the first position  22  ( FIG. 3 ) extending in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal member  19  to enable tightening of the clamp nut assembly  18  from above the support surface  16   a  and without a tool. According to one design, the tightening member  20  can form a T-shape with respect to the longitudinal member  19  when in the first position  22 . After tightening, the tightening member  20  can pivot to the second position  24  in line with the longitudinal member  19  enabling the accessory sleeve  26  to fit over at least a portion of the longitudinal member  19 . 
         [0028]    According to one embodiment, the longitudinal member  19  can include an opening  21  for receiving the tightening member  20  when the tightening member  20  is in the second position  24 . This opening  21  allows the tightening member  20  to fit itself within the envelope of the longitudinal member  19  to produce a planar or cylindrical outer surface such that the accessory sleeve  26  easily fits over the longitudinal member  19 . 
         [0029]    Directing attention to  FIGS. 4-8 , according to one design, the accessory sleeve  26  can be a tubular member wherein the first end  40  is adapted for fitting about and enclosing the longitudinal member  19 . This type of design would be suitable for holding a longitudinally extending accessory, such as a lamp  50 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In this design, the accessory mounting sleeve  26  can be a lamp base receiver and an electric cord  68  can extend from a back surface of the lamp base receiver. 
         [0030]    According to another design, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the accessory sleeve  26  can be a U-shaped member having an opening  64  for receiving one edge portion  66  of the accessory, such as edge portion  66 ,  67  of the divider  48 . In this design, a second fastening system  10  may be provided to sufficiently anchor the divider  48  to the support member  16  at the other edge portion  67  of the divider  48 . According to yet another design, as shown in  FIG. 8 , at least two fastening systems  10  may be used at any location, i.e. such as on two sides adjoining sides of a support member  16 , so that an accessory or accessories  53  such as a computer monitor or a plurality of computer monitors  53  can straddle the corner  16   d  of the support member  16 . 
         [0031]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in the clamped position, the rear of the fastening system  10  is exposed such that the first rod  30  ( FIG. 3 ) and the second rod  54  are visible. For aesthetics, a cover plate  60 , as shown in  FIG. 4  can be provided to cover at least one side of the adjustable opening  38  extending between the foot base  28  and the top clamp  34 , such as the back opening, so that from the rear, the first threaded rod  30  and the second rod  54  are not visible, thus producing an aesthetically pleasing effect. A top cover plate  62 , as shown in  FIG. 7  can also be positioned adjacent to the top surface  34   a  of the top clamp  34  so that, for example, when lamp  50  is used as the accessory, the second aperture  37  ( FIG. 3 ) is hidden. 
         [0032]    The invention is also directed to a method for mounting an accessory to a support member  16 . The method comprises providing an adjustable clamping device  12  wherein the clamping device defines a gap  38  and a clamp nut assembly  18  is associated therewith. The clamp nut assembly  18  includes a pivotally mounted tightening member  20  adapted for pivoting between a first position  22  and a second position  24 . The method further comprises placing the clamping device  12  about the edge  14  of the support member  16 , such as a desk as shown in  FIG. 8 , and pivoting the tightening member  20  to the first position  22 , so as to form a T-shape, as discussed above, to enable a user to tighten the clamping device  12  about the edge  14  of the support member  16 . The method also comprises providing an accessory sleeve  26 , pivoting the tightening member  20  to the second position  24  such that the clamp nut assembly  18  including the tightening member  20  can receive the accessory sleeve  26  thereon, and mounting the accessory to the accessory sleeve  26 . It is recognized that the accessory can be mounted to the accessory sleeve before or after placement of the accessory sleeve  26  onto the clamp nut assembly  18 . As shown in  FIGS. 4-8 , the accessory can be a divider  48 , a lamp  50 , a shelf  52 , a computer screen  53  or any type of accessory which one would wish to mount onto a support member  16  or desk. 
         [0033]    As stated above and shown particularly in  FIG. 3 , the adjustable clamping device can comprise a foot base  28 , a first rod  30  extending from a surface  32  of the foot base  28 , a top clamp  34  having at least a first aperture  36  extending therethrough wherein the first aperture  36  is configured for receiving the first rod  30 . The clamp nut assembly  18  is configured for cooperating with the first rod  30  to adjust the gap  38  between the foot base  28  and the top clamp  34  and the adjustable gap  38  is configured for receiving the edge  14  of the support member  16 . The clamp nut assembly  18  further includes a longitudinal member  19  and the method includes pivoting the tightening member  20  to the first position  22  wherein the tightening member forms a T-shape with respect to the longitudinal member  19  to tighten the clamping device  12  about the edge surface  14  and then after tightening, pivoting the tightening member  20  to the second position  24  such that it is in alignment with the longitudinal member  19  enabling receipt of the accessory sleeve  26 . The accessory can be a divider  48 , such as a privacy screen, a computer screen or a plurality of computer screens  53 , a lamp  50 , a shelf  52 , and the like. 
         [0034]    Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.