Patent Publication Number: US-6220557-B1

Title: Mounting bracket means for detachably supporting a generally cylindrically-shaped member upon a wall surface

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention deals with the field of wall mounted brackets or retaining devices adapted to secure members thereto. More particularly the devices are designed to be securable specifically with respect to round members and, in particular, cylindrically-shaped members and as such require at least two clamping arms to define an area therebetween to facilitate holding of the otherwise difficult to grasp cylindrical or curved surface. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There are numerous design and utility patents which deal with the purpose of providing a means for mounting of generally cylindrically-shaped members upon a vertically extending surface and, in particular, a wall surface such as U.S. Pat. No. 1,117,491 patented Nov. 17, 1914 to E. Hornung on an “Umbrella Stand”; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,911,781 patented May 30, 1933 to  0 . P. Wolfe, Jr. on a “Support And Holder For Brooms, Mops, And The Like”; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,925,767 patented Sep. 5, 1933 to G. W. Mallory on a “Broom Holder”; and U. S. Pat. No. 2,029,051 patented Jan. 28, 1936 to A. C. Blevins and assigned to Nu-Deal Handle Co. on a “Bottle Holder”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,144,232 patented Aug. 11, 1964 to H.  0 . Smootz on a “Torch Holder”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,775 patented Sep. 7, 1965 to G. L. Smith et al on a “Support For Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,225,644 patented Dec. 28, 1965 to K. Schuch and assigned to VEB Carl Zeiss Jena on an “Apparatus Producing Interferential Test Data For Measuring And Control Instruments”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,603,550 patented Sep. 7, 1971 to C. Byrd and assigned to Lacy J. Miller Machine Company, Inc. on a “Quick Release Support”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 222,527 patented Nov. 2, 1971 on a “Bracket For Use With Lifesaving Equipment”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,765,635 patented Oct. 16, 1973 to W. R. Burrell et al and assigned to Burrell Bros., Inc. on a “Bracket For Gas Containers And Similar Tanks”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,780,972 patented Dec. 25, 1973 to J. C. Brodersen on a “Mounting Apparatus For Gas Containers”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 237,357 patented Oct. 28, 1975 to T. Ziaylek, Jr. and assigned to Ziamatic Corporation on a “Tank Support Bracket For Lifesaving Equipment”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 244,392 patented May 17, 1977 to R. Montambo and assigned to The Ansul Company on a “Combined Fire Extinguisher And Bracket”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,761 patented May 17, 1977 to J. Molis on an “Adjustable Bracket To Stabilize Upright Compressed Gas Containers Against Displacement On Mobile Vehicles And Ship-Board Installations And Maintenance Shops”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 245,929 patented Sep. 27, 1977 to R. Montambo and assigned to The Ansul Company on a “Fire Extinguisher Bracket”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,213,592 patented Jul. 22, 1980 to D. Lingenfelser and assigned to Caterpillar Tractor Co. on a “Bracket Assembly For Mounting Fire Extinguishers Thereon”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 267,227 patented Dec. 14, 1982 to T. Ziaylek, Jr. and assigned to Ziamatic Corporation on a “Support Bracket For A Gas Cylinder”; and U.S Pat. No. 4,391,377 patented Jul. 5, 11983 to T. Ziaylek, Jr. on a “Knock-Down Assembly For Supporting Oxygen Tanks”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,444,358 patented Apr. 24, 1984 to D. Spohn et al on a “Fluid Reservoir And Connector”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,687 patented May 6, 1986 to T. Ziaylek, Jr. on an “Air Tank Support Of The Quick Release Type”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,521 patented Aug. 19, 1986 to G. Williams on a “Cylinder Holder”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,432 patented Nov. 25, 1986 to F. Salacuse and assigned to Super Glue Corporation on a “Heavy Duty Clamping System”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,211 patented May 9, 1989 to D. McConnell et al and assigned to ITC, Incorporated on a “Foldable Support For Beverage Container”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,714 patented Jul. 18, 1989 to T. Ziaylek, Jr. et al on a “Mounting Plate With Rollers”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 303,738 patented Oct. 3, 1989 to T. Ziaylek, Jr. on a “Rotatable Cylinder Holder”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 314,325 patented Feb. 5, 1991 to T. Ziaylek, Jr. et al on a “Clamping Set Of Bracket Arms For Supporting Tubular Objects”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 319,778 patented Sep. 10, 1991 to T. Ziaylek, Jr. on a “Vertical Support Brace Bracket Panel For Holding Tubular Objects”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,266 patented Jun. 7, 1994 to H. Liu on a “Drink Holder”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 347,735 patented Jun. 14, 1994 to T. Ziaylek, Jr. et al on a “Quick Release Support Tank Bracket”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 353,242 patented Dec. 6, 1994 to G. McCoy, Sr. et al on a “Paint Can Holder”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,508 patented Jun. 13, 1995 to S. Isenga et al and assigned to ITC, Incorporated on a “Foldable Support For Beverage Container”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,246 patented Oct. 31, 1995 to D. Schlenker on an “Anti-Rotation Clamp For Gated Irrigation Pipe”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,133 patented Mar. 4, 1997 to H. Markham et al and assigned to E-Z Metal Products, Inc. on an “Apparatus And Method For Supporting A Cylindrical Tank”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,195 patented Nov. 10, 1998 to D. Haynes and assigned to The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army on a ″Gas Retaining Device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a mounting bracket for detachably supporting a generally cylindrically-shaped member upon a wall surface which would normally be vertically extending. It includes a backing plate member secured to this wall surface as well as one or more individual clamping members each extending outwardly from the backing plate member and away therefrom. The two clamping members define together preferably a C-shaped configuration to facilitate receiving and retaining of the cylindrically-shaped member therebetween. Each clamping member preferably is spatially disposed vertically from one another to facilitate retaining the cylindrically-shaped members when more than one individual clamping member is utilized. Each of the clamping members is of the same general configuration wherein it includes a clamp base detachably secured to the backing plate member in order to aid in retaining of the clamping member securely with respect to the backing plate member and to allow adjustment in the positioning of the clamp base with respect to the backing plate member. A first clamp arm is preferably secured to and extending upwardly from the clamp base and is preferably of a flexibly resilient material such as to facilitate engaging of the cylindrical member to aid in retaining thereof. This first clamp arm preferably defines a first adjustment aperture therein to facilitate adjustable positioning thereof. The first clamp arm preferably defines an adjustment abutment surface thereon which is preferably concave and has a radius of curvature identified as the adjustment radius of curvature. 
     A second clamp arm is secured to and extends outwardly from the clamp base at a position spatially disposed from the first clamp arm laterally therefrom. This second clamp arm is also preferably of a resiliently flexible material and is adapted to engage the cylindrical member oppositely from the position of the first clamp arm in order to facilitate retaining thereof selectively. The first clamp arm means, the second clamp arm means and the clamp base preferably together form a generally C-shaped configuration which defines a cylindrical gripping zone therebetween to facilitate retaining of items placed therebetween. Preferably these three members, that is, the first clamp arm, second clamp arm and the clamp base are all a single integrally formed member. The first clamp arm and the second clamp arm are preferably formed of a flexibly resilient material to facilitate separating thereof and aid in allowing of the cylindrically-shaped member to be moved into the cylinder gripping zone and retained therewithin. The second clamp arm preferably defines a second adjustment aperture therein to facilitate adjustment of the clamp arm adjustment device. 
     The clamp arm adjustment apparatus is attached to the first and second clamp arm means and extends therebetween. It is attached to the first and second clamp arms at a position between the clamp base and the cylinder gripping zone in such a manner as to aid in adjusting of the sizing of the cylinder gripping zone defined therebetween. This clamp arm adjusting means preferably further includes a main rod member attached to the second clamp arm which extend toward the first clamp arm. The main rod member is positioned extending through the first adjustment aperture defined in the first clamp arm. The main rod includes a retaining head mounted thereon adjacent the second adjustment aperture on the second clamp arm opposite from the first clamp arm. The retaining head member is preferably of a size larger than the second adjustment aperture means to prevent the retaining head member from passing therethrough. The main rod also preferably defines rod thread means thereon. 
     A locking member is also preferably included which is adjustably secured to the main rod member adjacent the first clamp arm opposite from the second clamp arm to limit spatial separation between the clamp arms. The locking member is preferably adjustably positionable with respect to the main rod to facilitate adjustment of the spacing between the first clamp arm and the second clamp arm in order to facilitate control and adjustment of the size of the cylinder gripping zone. The locking member is preferably larger than the first adjustment aperture in order to prevent it from passing therethrough. The locking member also defines locking threads thereon which are engageable with respect to the rod thread means for selectively securing of the locking member adjustably with respect to the main rod. 
     A spacer member is also preferably includes which is attached to the main rod and positioned in abutment with and between the locking member and the first clamp arm. The spacer member is larger than the first adjustment aperture in order to prevent passing therethrough. The spacer member also includes an arcuate abutment surface positioned in abutting contact with respect to the first clamp arm at a position oppositely with respect to the second clamp arm to maintain direct contact with the first clamp arm regardless of the positioning of the adjustment of the first clamp arm means with respect to the second clamp arm means or regardless of the positioning of them with respect to one another when a cylindrical item is held therebetween. The arcuate abutment surface is positioned to be in abutting contact with respect to the adjustment abutment surface of the first clamp arm means to facilitate direct contact therebetween at all times. The arcuate abutment surface is of a convex configuration in order to facilitate maintaining of contact with the adjustment abutment surface regardless of positioning of the first clamp arm with respect to the second clamp arm. This adjustment abutment surface and the arcuate abutment surface are mated and in registration with one another in order to direct the restricted force exerted by the main rod restricting movement of the first clamp arm away from the second clamp arm to be approximately perpendicular to the contact surface of the first clamp arm regardless of the relative positioning of the main rod means with respect to the first clamp arm. 
     The arcuate abutment surface defines an arcuate radius of curvature which is preferably less than the adjustment radius of curvature to facilitate abutting engagement therebetween regardless of the position of the first clamp arm relative to the second clamp arm. A spacer member defines preferably a spacer hole extending therethrough which is larger than the main rod member to facilitate receiving thereof in order to maintain positioning of the spacer member between the locking member and the first clamp arm with the curved abutment surfaces in contact with respect to one another. A foot member may also be included secured to the backing plate member below the clamping member and the cylindrical gripping zone defined therebetween in order to facilitate supporting of the cylindrically-shaped member positioned within the cylinder gripping zone thereabove. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket means for detachably supporting a generally cylindrically-shaped member upon a wall surface wherein the number of moving parts is minimized. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket means for detachably supporting a generally cylindrically-shaped member upon a wall surface wherein maintenance requirements are minimized. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket means for detachably supporting a generally cylindrically-shaped member upon a wall surface wherein down time is minimized. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket means for detachably supporting a generally cylindrically-shaped member upon a wall surface wherein movement of various sized cylinders into the cylinder gripping zone is possible. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket means for detachably supporting a generally cylindrically-shaped member upon a wall surface wherein clamping members are included to define a C-shaped cylindrical member receiving area. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket means for detachably supporting a generally cylindrically-shaped member upon a wall surface wherein a backing plate member is securable with respect to a vertically extending wall surface to hold cylindrical members with respect thereto and spaced from the vertically extending wall surface. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket means for detachably supporting a generally cylindrically-shaped member upon a wall surface wherein an extremely accurate adjustment means is included for varying the size of the cylinder gripping zone. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket means for detachably supporting a generally cylindrically-shaped member upon a wall surface wherein the clamping members are formed of a flexibly resilient material to facilitate movement of a cylindrical member between the clamping members and to facilitate removal therefrom as well as retaining while being maintained therebetween. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket means for detachably supporting a generally cylindrically-shaped member upon a wall surface wherein an adjustment means is provided between the C-shaped clamping arms and the clamp base to facilitate overall accurate adjustment in the positioning of the clamp arms with respect to one another for a specifically desired application. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portions herein, a preferred embodiment is set forth in the following detailed description which may be best understood when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of the mounting bracket of the present invention for detachably supporting a generally cylindrically-shaped member upon a wall surface; 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the cylindrically-shaped member being moved toward the bracket; 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the cylindrically-shaped member being positioned finally between the two clamp arms; and 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded top plan view of an embodiment the clamp arm adjustment means of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides a mounting bracket designed to detachably support a generally cylindrically shaped member upon a vertical surface such as a wall surface. The wall surface  14  is designed to receive the mounting bracket  10  secured thereto such as to hold a cylindrical member  12  generally spaced from the wall surface to facilitate prompt access thereto. Such units are commonly used in the emergency field such as fire trucks wherein cylindrical members such as oxygen tanks are secured by a mounting bracket  10  with respect to a vertically extending surface on the side of a fire truck or other emergency vehicle. 
     The mounting bracket  10  includes a backing plate member  16  which itself is secured with respect to the wall surface  14  in a generally vertical orientation. A clamping member  18  is secured to the backing plate member  16  and is designed to define a cylindrical gripping zone  28  for receiving and selectively holding a cylindrical member  12  detachably therewithin. 
     Preferably the clamping member  18  includes a clamp base  22  which is designed to be secured directly to the backing plate member  16 . A first clamp arm  24  is also preferably secured to the clamp base  22  such as to extend approximately horizontally outwardly therefrom. A second clamp arm  26  is also secured to the clamp base  22  in such a manner as to extend approximately horizontally outwardly therefrom at a position in spaced relation from the first clamp arm means  24 . Preferably the clamp base  22 , the first clamp arm  24  and the second clamp arm  26  define a C-shaped cylindrical grasping surface  20 . 
     The size of the C-shaped grasping surface  20  and therefore the size of the cylindrical gripping zone  28  must be carefully controlled in order to accommodate various sized cylindrical members  12 . For this reason a clamp arm adjustment means  30  is included. 
     Preferably clamp arm adjustment apparatus  30  includes a first adjustment aperture  32  defined in the first clamp arm  24 . A main rod member  34  preferably is smaller in diameter than the first adjustment aperture  32  such that it is capable of extending therethrough. Preferably the main rod member  34  is attached with respect to the second clamp arm  26  and extends through the first adjustment aperture  32  of the first clamp arm  24  such as to be adjustably locked thereto. For this purpose a locking member  36  is included such as a nut which is detachably lockable with respect to the main rod member  34 . A spacer member  38  is preferably positioned between the locking member  36  and the first clamp arm  24  to maintain direct abutment therebetween regardless of the positioning of the first clamp arm  24  and the second clamp arm  26 . 
     Preferably the spacer member  38  includes an arcuate abutment surface  40  which is mated to an adjustment abutment surface  42  of the first clamp arm means  24 . This mating engagement preferably is defined such that the first clamp arm  24  defines the adjustment abutment surface  42  to have a concave surface  44 . At the same time the spacer member  38  defines an arcuate abutment surface  40  having a convex abutment surface  46 . With concave surface  44  in direct engagement with respect to convex surface  46  continuous abutment of them with respect to one another will be achieved regardless of movement or relative positioning of the first clamp arm  24  with respect to the second clamp arm  26  for the purposes of adjustment of the spacing of the cylindrical gripping zone  28  or during placement or removal of the cylindrical member  12  thereinto. 
     To further enhance mating engagement between the concave surface  44  of first clamp arm  24  and the convex surface  46  of spacer member  38  the radius of curvature of these two surfaces is carefully chosen. In particular the adjustment radius curvature  48  of the first clamp arm  24  is defined to be greater in length than the arcuate radius of curvature  50  defined on the convex surface  46  of the spacer member  38 . This relative orientation will maintain contact between these parts regardless of the positioning or movement of the first and second clamp arms  24  and  26  with respect to one another during adjustment or during placement or removal of a cylindrical member  12  relative to the cylindrical gripping zone  28 . 
     In a further preferred configuration the second clamp arm  26  will define a second adjustment aperture  52  which is larger than the main rod member  34 . Main rod member  34  will then extend through the second adjustment aperture  52  at a position spatially disposed from the first adjustment aperture  32 . Main rod member  34  will include a retaining head member  54  which is larger in diameter than the second adjustment aperture  52  to prevent movement of the head member  54  through the second adjustment aperture  52 . With this configuration the movement of the first clamp arm  24  and the second clamp arm  26  away from one another will be controlled. In particular movement of the second clamp arm  26  away from the first clamp are  24  will be controlled by the retaining head member  54  and the possible positioning of the spacer member  38  between that retaining head and the second adjustment aperture  52 . This construction simultaneously with the locking member  36  will achieve restriction in the outward movement of the clamp members with respect to one another. Since locking member  36  and spacer member  38  cannot pass through the first adjustment aperture  32  this member in combination with the retaining head member  54  will restrict the maximum size of the cylindrical gripping zone  28  which size, however, will be adjustable by repositioning of the locking member  36  with respect to the main rod member  34  if deemed necessary. 
     Positioning of the spacer member  38  with respect to the main rod  34  is facilitated by the defining of a spacer hole  56  extending therethrough such that it extends through the convex surface  46  defined thereon. The spacer hole  56  is larger than the main rod member  34  and is adapted to receive that rod member  34  extending therethrough. In this manner the spacer hole  56  will be retained adjacent to the main rod member  34  between the locking member  36  and the first clamp arm  24 . 
     To facilitate engagement between the main rod member  34  and the locking member  36  the main rod member will preferably define rod threads  58  thereon. Similarly the locking member  36  will preferably define locking thread means  60  thereon. Preferably the rod  58  threads will be male on the external surface of the main rod member  34  and the locking threads  60  will be female on the interior of the locking member or nut  36 . Engagement between the rod threads  58  and the locking threads  60  will facilitate adjustment in the relative positioning of the locking member  36  with respect to the main rod member  34 . 
     To further facilitate holding of a cylindrical member  12  within the cylinder gripping zone  28  a foot member  62  may be included immediately therebelow. In this manner the weight of the cylindrical member  12  can be supported on the foot member  62  while the upper cylindrical side surfaces of the cylindrical member  12  is gripped by the first and second clamp arms  24  and  26  to selectively retain the cylindrical member within the cylinder gripping zone  28 . 
     In the preferred configuration of the present invention two such clamping members will be included each extending outwardly away from the backing plate member and being generally C-shaped and spaced vertically from one another. Each of these clamping members will include a clamp base along with a first clamp arm and a second clamp arm to facilitate the holding of a cylindrical object therein by positioning one clamping member in the upper portion thereof and the other clamping member in the lower portion thereof. 
     While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in the drawings and described above, it will be apparent, that many changes may be made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elements of the combination. In consideration thereof it should be understood that preferred embodiments of this invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.