Patent ID: 12193588

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the present invention.

As shown inFIG.1, a first embodiment of an exemplary fast fit bracket system100includes a bracket110and a fastening plate120having apertures122,124to receive finishing nails126,128, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, an angle of the apertures122,124is 45 degrees relative to the fastening plate120. It should be appreciated that the shape and design of the bracket110can vary. In addition, it should be appreciated that the finishing nails126,128may be replaced with other securing objects, such as screws. In the example embodiment, the bracket110includes a back portion130, a first arm140, a second arm145and a curtain rod cradle150. The back portion130comprises a front surface115and includes a channel132formed with a pair of opposing side rails136,138, an upper stop member134and a lower opening139. The first arm140extends outward from a first portion of the front surface115and includes a first end142engaging the first portion and a second end144opposite the first end142. The second arm145extends outward from a second portion of the front surface115, the second portion being spaced from the first portion, and includes a third end146engaging the second portion and a fourth end148opposite the third end146. The curtain rod cradle150is configured to receive a curtain rod (not shown) that is secured within the curtain rod cradle150with a rod support set screw152. The curtain rod cradle150is U-shaped, and has first and second vertical members154,156and a base155extending between the first and second vertical members154,156. The first vertical member154has a hole158formed therein and is attached to the second end144of the first arm140, and the fourth end148of the second arm145is attached to the cradle150such that the second end144and the fourth end148form an acute angle with each other. As will be described further, the bracket100is configured to mate with the fastening plate120and the fastening plate120is secured to a wall structure (not shown) by the finishing nails126,128, which insertably engage apertures122,124. The fastening plate120includes first and second sides, a first flange125aextending outwardly from and along the first side, and a second flange125bextending outwardly from and along the second side.

As shown inFIG.2, a second embodiment of an exemplary fast fit bracket system200includes a bracket210and a fastening plate220having apertures222,224to receive finishing nails226,228, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the bracket210includes a back portion230, an arm240, a first curtain rod cradle250and a second curtain rod cradle252. The curtain rod cradles250,252are configured to receive curtain rods (not shown) that are secured within respective curtain rod cradles250,252with rod support set screws254,256. As will be described further, the bracket200is configured to mate with the fastening plate220and the fastening plate220is secured to a wall structure (not shown) by the finishing nails226,228.

As shown inFIG.3, each of the brackets, for example, bracket210, includes a back portion (i.e., the portion of the bracket210opposite the arm240) configured with a channel300. The channel300is formed by opposing side rails310,312and a top rail314. A lower portion316of the channel is open ended. The channel300is sized to snugly receive the fastening plate220. More specifically, after the fastening plate220is secured to a wall structure, the channel300of the bracket210is slid over the fastening plate220, securing the bracket210to the fastening plate220and thus to the wall structure. The top rail314of the channel300limits upward travel and acts like a stop when the bracket210is placed over the fastening plate220.

The fastening plates120,220shown above, generally require use of a hammer or screwdriver in conjunction with nails or screws to secure the fastening plates120,220to any wall structure. However, manual insertion may be used when the wall structure is standard wall board. But there are times in which a tool-less system would be preferred. Referring now toFIG.4, in an alternate embodiment, the fastening plates120,220are replaced by a prong400. The prong400includes an exposed portion410offset from two penetration portions412,414. A user presses the penetration portions412,414into a wall structure and the exposed portion410remains visible. The exposed portion410is manually placed into the channel300until it abuts against the top rail314, thus securing the bracket110,210to the wall structure.

InFIG.5, alignment of a prong500is shown relative to a channel510of a bracket520. As described above, the channel510is slid over an exposed portion530of the prong500after penetration portions540,542are placed with in a wall structure.

Referring now toFIG.6, in one embodiment the fastening plates120,220are replaced with a lengthened and shaped fastening plate600to increase to stability. The fastening plate600includes a tapered mid-section610, an upper portion that includes apertures620,622for use with nails or screws (not shown) that are used to secure the fastening plate600to a wall structure (not shown).

FIG.7illustrates an exemplary rear view of a fast fit bracket system700andFIG.8illustrates an exemplary bottom view of a fast fit bracket system800.

FIG.9illustrates an exemplary side view of a fast fit bracket system900.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is by way of example only, and other variations of the above-described embodiments and methods are provided by the present invention. The embodiments described herein have been presented for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many variations and modifications are possible in light of the foregoing teaching. The invention is limited only by the following claims.