Adjustable hanger for mounting on a post

Abstract

A hanger according to this invention includes a frame having a base portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes an extending member having at least one surface or opening adapted to support a hanging item such as a planter. The base portion includes left and right members, a first transverse member connecting the left and right members, and a second, removable transverse member extending between the left and right members.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of provisional patent application No. 60/342,000, filed on Dec. 18, 2002. The priority of the prior application is expressly claimed and its disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to hangars, and in particular to hangars that can be adjustably mounted on fence posts, railing posts and the like.

[0003] The appearance of many buildings and other structures is greatly enhanced by the placement of plants, flowers, and other ornamental items on or around the structure. Plants and flowers are often hung from buildings, fences, rails or other portions of a building by the use of wire, nails, and other types of hangers. Often it is necessary to put a permanent hanger in place, or use a nail or screw in the surface of the building to do so. This can mar the surface, and is not particularly attractive. If one wishes to move the plant or flower, an unsightly hole is often left behind. Each of these problems is exaggerated if the plant is to be hung from a metal, plastic, or other nonwood surface. Nails and screws are difficult to insert, and often leave larger, more unsightly holes when removed. They are not adjustable.

[0004] One specific place where plants and flowers can be hung is on porch posts and the like. Each of the problems discussed above applies to posts, along with the fact that posts are often finished with paint or stain, and any imperfections or damage to the surface is highly visible and objectionable.

[0005] A need therefore remains for a hanger that can be used to hang plants, flowers or other ornamentation from posts in a variety of shapes, which is adjustable, and preferably which can be removed without leaving a hole or other damage on the surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This invention overcomes the problems with known hangers by providing a hanger that can be used to hang plants, flowers and other ornamentation from a post, and which is adjustable, and which does not require nails or screws to be driven into the post. It can be used with a post made of any material, and when removed does not leave any hole or other scar on the surface.

[0007] A hanger according to this invention includes a frame having a base portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes an extending member having at least one surface or opening adapted to support a hanging item such as a planter. The base portion includes left and right members, a first transverse member connecting the left and right members, and a second, removable transverse member extending between the left and right members.

[0008] The first and second transverse members spaced apart a predetermined distance and define an opening sized to receive a post or other elongate member. The first and second transverse members are positioned to bear on the post to support the hanger. In preferred embodiments, the first and second transverse members are vertically offset, and together form a cantilever arrangement whereby the weight of the planter is translated into a compressive force exerted on the post by the first and second transverse members. The extending member can be curved or straight, and can include an ornamental feature or markings.

[0009] These and other features of the invention will be described in greater detail by reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hanger according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 showing the removable pin removed from the hanger.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a second embodiment which differs in that one transverse pin is molded into the body during manufacture.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of an ornamentation that can be mounted on the hanger.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of the invention showing one preferred orientation of the transverse members and the point which supports the planter or other object.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of the invention showing a second preferred orientation of the transverse members and the point which supports the planter or other object.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of the invention showing a third preferred orientation of the transverse members and the point which supports the planter or other object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the hangar of the present invention is shown generally at 10. Hangar 10 includes a pair of spaced-apart parallel frame members 12 and 14. In the embodiment shown frame members 12 and 14 are curved, but the invention is not limited to any specific shape for the side members. Side members 12 and 14 are connected by a first pin 16 that is permanently mounted in corresponding holes in the side members. Each side member also includes a second hole in which a removable pin 20 is inserted and secured with a nut 22. The pin 20 can also be simply a straight pin with a cap on each end to retain the pin in place in the holes.

[0018] Referring again to FIG. 1, the hangar is mounted by being placed on a post 15, in this case a 4″×4″ post. The hanger is held in place by the cantilever force applied to the post though pins 16 and 20. Applicant has found that for mounting on a 4″×4″ post, pins 16 and 22 are ideally positioned at an angle of about 22 degrees from horizontal, although the invention is not limited to any particular angle (FIG. 5). Alternative embodiments incorporate other angles. In the case of a 2″ by 2″ railing post, the optimal angle between the pins engaging the picket is 25 degrees (FIG. 6), and in the case of a privacy fence constructed of ″×6″ boards, 40 degrees is the optimal angle (FIG. 7). In each of FIGS. 5-7, pins 16 and 20 are shown, and reference number 28 refers to the point on the extended portion of the hanger which supports the planter.

[0019] In each case the hangar can be readily adjusted up and down by raising the end away from the post to release the pressure on the pins and sliding the hangar up or down to the desired position.

[0020] In the preferred embodiment, the hangar is made from a polymeric material such as polyethylene, although any suitable wood or metal material would also suffice. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the hangar 24 is molded of polymeric material in a single piece. In that embodiment, one transverse pin 23 is molded into the body during manufacture, and a single removable pin 22 is inserted in the yoke portion of the hangar as described above.

[0021] In other embodiments, a decorative member can be mounted on the hanger to enhance its appearance. Referring to FIG. 4, one such wing-like decoration is shown at 25.

[0022] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be modified in numerous details without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A cantilever hanger for use in hanging plants and other items from posts, the hanger comprising:

a frame having a base portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including an extending member having at least one surface adapted to support a hanging item;

the base portion including left and right members, a first transverse member connecting the left and right members, and a second, removeable transverse member extending between the left and right members; and,

the first and second transverse members spaced apart a predetermined distance and defining an opening sized to receive a supporting member, the first and second transverse members positioned to bear on the supporting member to support the hanger on the supporting member.

2. A hanger according to claim 1 further comprising the first and second transverse members positioned to bear on opposed surfaces of the supporting member.

3. A hanger according to claim 1 further comprising the first and second transverse members vertically offset relative to one another.

4. A hanger according to claim 3 further comprising the first and second transverse members vertically offset a distance that defines an angle of between about 20 and 25 degrees between the transverse members and a horizontal plane.

5. A hanger according to claim 1 further comprising the distal portion having first and second sidewalls connected by a top wall.

6. A hanger according to claim 5 wherein the top wall includes surfaces defining at least one opening for receiving a hanging item.

7. A hanger according to claim 5 wherein the top wall includes surfaces defining multiple opening for receiving at least one hanging item.

8. A hanger according to claim 1 wherein the second transverse member is selected from the group consisting of a pin, a bolt, and a pivoting member.

9. A hanger according to claim 1 wherein the distal portion is arched.

10. A hanger according to claim 1 wherein the distal portion further comprises a decorative member mounted to the distal portion.

11. A hanger according to claim 1 that is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of wood, metal, plastic, and ceramic.

12. A hanger according to claim 1 wherein the supporting member is a post.

13. A hanger according to claim 12 wherein the post has a shape selected from the group consisting of square, rectangular, rounded or polygonal.