Toggle apparatus and methods

Abstract

An assembly for use in hanging articles, comprises: (a) a panel having a mounting aperture extending between front and rear walls of the panel; (b) a securement member juxtaposed with the panel rear wall; (c) a cable tie having a head and an elongate tail, the cable tie tail extending through the securement member and the mounting aperture, the cable tie urging the securement member against the panel rear wall; and (d) a hanger juxtaposed with the panel front wall and ensnared by retention of the cable tie tail by the cable tie head, the assembly including structure resisting displacement of the hanger transversely of the cable tie tail.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the mounting of devices on panels, such as walls, and pertains more particularly to so-called “toggle” apparatus and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One recent development in toggle apparatus and methods is disclosed in applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,633 B2, which issued on Nov. 14, 2006 and the application for which was published on Aug. 11, 2005. For convenience of reference, FIGS. 1-4 of the '633 patent are reproduced in the subject application as FIGS. 1-4.

Referring thereto, securement device 10 is a flat rigid member which may be comprised of metal and which defines opposed flat surfaces 12 and 14. Openings 16 and 18 extend between surfaces 12 and 14 and through securement device 10.

End 20 of cable tie 22 is inserted into and through opening 16 and returned through opening 18 and pulled downwardly such that tail 24 of cable tie 22 is disposed in facing relation to each of surfaces 12 and 14.

Turning to FIG. 4, the apparatus of FIG. 1 is assembled with mounting panel 26. In reaching the assembly of FIG. 4, portions 24a and 24b of cable tie tail 24 are brought into contacting relation.

At this juncture, securement device 10 is rotated into engagement with either of tail portions 24a and 24b such that securement device 10 is generally aligned with the folded cable tie and has a free end portion extending outwardly of the folded cable tie. Such free end portion is now passed into and through opening 28 of mounting panel 26. Securement device 10 now assumes the disposition thereof shown in FIG. 4, i.e., in facing relation to the rear surface 26a of mounting panel 26 aside opening 28.

The change in disposition of securement device above described is a “toggling” of the securement member.

Inherent spring strength in the folded cable tie urges securement device 10 into contact with rear surface 26a, thus securing the assembly shown in FIG. 4. Conductors (not shown) may now be nested interiorly of the folded cable tie and the cable tie may be secured tightly thereabout.

Inherent spring strength, e.g., the self-bias of the cable tie tail also provides for the assembly of FIG. 1. In this case, self-bias of the cable tie tail longitudinally thereof to seek a planar configuration, renders cable tie 22 to be portable with securement device 10.

Securement device 10 of FIG. 1 may include a dependent member 10a (shown in phantom, as optional) which can intensify the v-shape or u-shape of the portion of the cable tie tail rearwardly of the mounting panel, thereby increasing the elastic force of the cable tie tail securing the securement member to the mounting panel.

The method of the '633 patent will be seen to provide a method for use in assembling conductors with a mounting panel, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a cable tie having a head and a tail extending from the head to a tail free end, the tail having a self-bias to a planar condition;

(b) attaching a securement member to the tail using the self-bias of the tail to render the securement member portable with the cable tie; and

(c) attaching the securement member and the cable tie to the mounting panel using the self-bias of the tail, whereby the self-bias of the tail causes the tail to press against ends of an opening in the mounting panel when the cable tie is attached to the mounting panel.

Another toggle device, in widespread commercial use, is shown in FIGS. 5-8 hereof. Referring thereto, toggle assembly 30 includes toggle member 32 having bar 34, which defines an internally threaded boss 36 and handle receptor holes, the upper two of which, identified as 38 and 40, have counter part lower holes (not shown).

Assembly 30 further includes bar toggling arms 42 and 44, which have respective serrations (teeth) 46 and 48 and respective end cross bars 50 and 52. A locking collar 54 has interior serrations (not shown) which permit collar movement toward bar 34, but not movement in the opposite direction. Arm deflection handle 56 is integral with arms 42 and 44.

In FIG. 6, arms 42 and 44 are shown deflected relative to toggle bar 34 to align the bar with mounting aperture 58 of mounting panel 60, typically a wall from which some apparatus is to be hung.

Once insertion of bar 34 fully beyond the rear surface of panel 60, arms 42 and 44 are deflected to effect toggling of bar 34 into its FIG. 7 disposition. Thereupon, collar 54 is advanced along arms 42 and 44 to abut against the front surface of panel 60.

At this juncture, all components of the FIG. 5 assembly, other than those shown in FIG. 7 are broken away and discarded, i.e., the discarded components are waste following installation. Then, bolt 62 is threaded into boss 36 and therethrough to the extent desired to define the extent of bolt 62 outwardly of the front surface of panel 60. Often, bolt 62 has its load apparatus assembled therewith, rendering the mounting of the apparatus difficult since the user need align bolt 62 for threading into boss 36 while supporting the weight of the apparatus to be mounted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention has as its primary object a simplification of the second above-discussed prior art practice, particularly in overcoming the waste and installation difficulties aforementioned.

A more specific object of the invention is to adapt the first above-discussed prior art practice to render the second-above discussed prior art practice more efficient in terms of cost and facility of installation.

In attaining these and other objects, the invention provides an assembly for use in hanging articles, comprising:

(a) a panel having a mounting aperture extending between front and rear walls of the panel;

(b) a securement member juxtaposed with the panel rear wall;

(c) a cable tie having a head and an elongate tail, the cable tie tail extending through the securement member and the mounting aperture, the cable tie urging the securement member against the panel rear wall; and

(d) a hanger juxtaposed with the panel front wall and ensnared by retention of the cable tie tail by the cable tie head, the assembly including structure resisting displacement of the hanger transversely of the cable tie tail.

In another aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts for use in hanging articles on a panel having a mounting aperture extending between front and rear walls of the panel; the kit of parts comprising:

(a) a securement member juxtaposable with the panel rear wall;

(b) a cable tie having a head and an elongate tail having a self-bias to a planar configuration, the cable tie tail extending through the securement member and joined therewith through the self-bias of the cable tie tail; and

(c) a hanger comprising a hanging member ensnarable by the cable tie tail upon retention of the cable tie tail in the cable tie head to preclude movement of the hanging member in at least one direction, the hanging member defining structure resisting displacement of the hanger in a direction opposite the at least one direction.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for use in hanging articles on a panel having a mounting aperture extending between front and rear walls of the panel; comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a securement member;

(b) assembling the securement member with a cable tie having a head and a tail extending from the head, the tail having a self-bias to a planar configuration, and effecting the assembly by use of the cable tie self-bias;

(c) juxtaposing the securement member with the panel rear wall and passing the cable tie tail through the panel mounting aperture;

(d) juxtaposing a hanging member with the panel mounting wall and ensnaring the hanging member with the cable tie and restraining the hanger from movement transversely of the ensnaring cable tie tail.

The foregoing and other features of the invention will be further understood from the ensuing detailed description of preferred embodiments and practices and from the drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like components throughout.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan elevation of a first embodiment of mountable cabling apparatus of the '633 patent.

FIG. 2 is a plan elevation of the securement device of the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a left side elevation of the securement device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is side elevation of the FIG. 1 cabling apparatus assembled with a mounting panel.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of the commercial toggle device above discussed.

FIG. 6 is a view showing in part the step of insertion of the FIG. 5 device into a mounting panel aperture.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the final assembly of the toggle device with the mounting panel.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation of a hanger in accordance with the subject invention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation, partially in section, of an assembly of parts in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation of a second hanger in accordance with the subject invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the second hanger as would be seen from plane XII-XII of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation, partially in section, of an assembly of parts in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the hanger thereof comprises hanging member 64, which may be a metal or plastic plate, has slots 66 and 68 extending inwardly of sides thereof and defines a hanging post 70 extending forwardly thereof.

Securement member 10 of FIGS. 1-4 is assembled with cable tie 24 having a head and an elongate tail having a self-bias to a planar configuration, the cable tie tail extending through the securement member and joined therewith through the self-bias of the cable tie tail.

The assembly of cable tie and securement member is juxtaposed with the rear side of panel 72 in registry with panel mounting aperture 74, the cable tie tail being passed through aperture 74 and slots 66 and 68 and ensnaring hanging member 64 against the front side of panel 72 upon retention of the cable tie tail in the cable tie head under pulling pressure exerted on the free end of the tail. The ensnarement precludes movement of the hanging member in at least one direction, e.g., its precludes movement of the hanging member away from the mounting panel and sidewardly thereof. The registry of the tie tail in slots 66 and 68 resists displacement of the hanging member in a direction opposite the at least one direction, i.e., upwardly and dowwardly relative to the mounting panel.

Apparatus to be hung may now simply be applied to hanging post 70.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the hanger thereof comprises hanging member 76, which may be a metal or plastic plate, has aperture 78 extending therethrough.

Securement member 10 of FIGS. 1-4 is assembled with cable tie 24 having a head and an elongate tail having a self-bias to a planar configuration, the cable tie tail extending through the securement member and joined therewith through the self-bias of the cable tie tail.

The assembly of cable tie and securement member is juxtaposed with the rear side of panel 80 in registry with panel mounting aperture 82, the cable tie tail being passed through aperture 82 and about hanging member 76 and ensnaring hanging member 76 against the front side of panel 80 upon retention of the cable tie tail in the cable tie head under pulling pressure exerted on the free end of the tail. The ensnarement precludes movement of the hanging member in at least one direction, e.g., its precludes movement of the hanging member away from the mounting panel and sidewardly thereof.

Panel 80 defines an aperture 84 extending therethrough and located in registry with hanger member aperture 78. Bolt 86 is now pressed (or threaded) through apertures 78 and 84, the bolt extending outwardly of hanging member 76 and rearwardly of panel 80.

This assembly of FIG. 13 resists displacement of the hanging member in a direction opposite the at least one direction, i.e., upwardly and dowwardly relative to the mounting panel.

Apparatus to be hung may now simply be applied to bolt 86.

Various changes may be introduced in the disclosed preferred embodiments and practices without departing from the invention. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that the true spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An assembly for use in hanging articles, comprising:

(a) a panel having a mounting aperture extending between front and rear walls of said panel;

(b) a securement member juxtaposed with said panel rear wall;

(c) a cable tie having a head and an elongate tail, said cable tie tail extending through said securement member and said mounting aperture, said cable tie urging said securement member against said panel rear wall; and

(d) a hanger juxtaposed with said panel front wall and ensnared by retention of said cable tie tail by said cable tie head, said assembly including structure resisting displacement of said hanger transversely of said cable tie tail.

2. The assembly claimed in claim 1, wherein said structure resisting displacement of said hanger transversely of said cable tie tail is defined by said hanger.

3. The assembly claimed in claim 2, wherein said structure resisting displacement of said hanger transversely of said cable tie tail comprises first and second slots formed in respective opposed sides of said hanger, said cable tie tail being resident in each of said first and second slots.

4. The assembly claimed in claim 2, wherein said structure resisting displacement of said hanger transversely of said cable tie tail comprises a member extending through both said hanger and said panel.

5. A kit of parts for use in hanging articles on a panel having a mounting aperture extending between front and rear walls of said panel; said kit of parts comprising:

(a) a securement member juxtaposable with said panel rear wall;

(b) a cable tie having a head and an elongate tail having a self-bias to a planar configuration, said cable tie tail extending through said securement member and joined therewith through said self-bias of said cable tie tail; and

(c) a hanger comprising a hanging member ensnarable by said cable tie tail upon retention of said cable tie tail in said cable tie head to preclude movement of said hanging member in at least one direction, said hanging member defining structure resisting displacement of said hanger in a direction opposite said at least one direction.

6. The kit of parts claimed in claim 5, wherein said structure resisting displacement of said hanger in a direction opposite said at least one direction comprises first and second slots formed in respective opposed sides of said hanging member and configured to provide for receipt of said cable tie tail.

7. The kit of parts claimed in claim 5 wherein said structure resisting displacement of said hanger in a direction opposite said at least one direction comprises an aperture extending through said hanging member, said kit of parts further including a bolt disposable in said hanging member aperture and extending outwardly of said hanging member.

8. A method for use in hanging articles on a panel having a mounting aperture extending between front and rear walls of said panel; comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a securement member;

(b) assembling said securement member with a cable tie having a head and a tail extending from said head, said tail having a self-bias to a planar configuration, and effecting the assembly by use of said cable tie self-bias;

(c) juxtaposing said securement member with said panel rear wall and passing said cable tie tail through said panel mounting aperture;

(d) juxtaposing a hanging member with said panel mounting wall and ensnaring said hanging member with said cable tie and restraining said hanger from movement transversely of said ensnaring cable tie tail.