Holder

Abstract

 The holder (14) comprises a carrier means (18) and a mounting part having a base (16). Extending from the upper part of the base is at least one hook which is intended to be inserted into an aperture (12) in the plate (10). Extending from the lower part of the base are two clamping legs (30,32) each of which is provided with a securing or locating stud provided with recesses (40) approximately corresponding to the thickness of the plate. When fitting the holder to the plate, the studs are pressed towards one another, preferably with the aid of bevelled surfaces. When inserted into an aperture, the securing studs spring apart so that the recesses engage around the defining edges of the apertures. When removing the holder, the clamping legs are pressed together with the aid of finger grips (44) provided thereon, so that the recessed portions (40) move out of engagement with the defining edges of the aperture.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a holder which is intended to be attached to a perforated board or plate and which is of the kind set forth in the preamble of Claim 1.

[0002] Holders of this kind are known to the art and, among other things, are used to hang foodstuff in stores and tools and other small articles in workshops and in the home. In its simplest form the holder comprises a bent wire having a Z-shaped, curved hook attachment in its upper region, a straight intermediate part or base which abuts the board or plate, and a hooked or curved carrier part at its lower region. Extending outwardly from the base is a short attachment stud which when the holder is mounted extends into an aperture in the board in a manner to prevent the holder from twisting. The carrier part has a form commensurate with the article to be supported thereon, and may thus take different forms. For example, the carrier may have the form of a hook, a stirrup-shaped component, a straight rod or a bracket.

[0003] Such holders have many drawbacks. The means by which they are mounted provide no lateral guidance, thereby enabling the carrier to be swung or pivoted sideways, the pivot axis of the carrier being the connecting line between the respective apertures in which the hook attachment and the stud are inserted. Moreover, the mounting means of such known holders do not provide reliable attachment of the holder to the board, and consequently the holder can readily loosen and fall from the board to which it is attached. The separate, loose attachment means intended for such holders are complicated and take time to fit in position, and when once in position are also difficult to remove without damaging and/or removing the perforated board in order to reach the back thereof.

[0004] Consequently, an object of the present invention is to provide a holder of the aforesaid kind which can be attached to a perforated board or plate so as to be held firmly against lateral twisting forces; which is reliably held to the board; which can be readily attached thereto; and which can be readily removed therefrom without damaging either the board or the holder. A further object is to provide a simple and inexpensive construction to which a large number of mutually different carrier means intended for different purposes can be fitted.

[0005] These objects are achieved by means of a holder according to the invention constructed substantially in the manner set forth in the characterizing clause of Claim 1.

[0006] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplifying embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a holder according to the invention inserted in a perforated board;

Figure 2 is a partly cut-away side view of the holder illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partly cut-away horizontal view of the holder illustrated in Figure 1, seen from beneath;

Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the holder illustrated in Figure 1, with no carrier means fitted;

Figure 5 is a rear, perspective view of the holder illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a side view of the holder illustrated in Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a holder according to the invention, inserted in a supporting board or plate;

Figure 8 is a partly cut-away side view of the holder illustrated in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a cut-away horizontal view of the holder illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, seen from beneath;

Figure 10 is a front perspective view of the holder illustrated in Figure 7, with no carrier means fitted;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the holder illustrated in Figure 10, seen obliquely from the rear; and

Figure 12 is a side view of the holder illustrated in Figure 10.'

[0007] In Fig. 1 there is shown a board or plate 10 provided with square apertures 12 spaced at regular distances apart in two mutually perpendicular directions. A holder according to the invention and generally referenced 14 is mounted in two apertures. The holder comprises a substantially rigid base 16. Extending outwardly from the front surface of the base is a carrier means 18 having the form of an elongated, rigid metal-rod looped structure having an upwardly curved outer end. Extending from the rear side of the holder is a hook 22 having a part 24 which corresponds to the thickness of the board and which extends at right angles to the rear surface 20 of the base, and an upwardly curved gripping part 26. When the holder is fitted in position, the gripping part lies against the rear surface 28 of the board.

[0008] Projecting out from the base 16 are two clamping legs 30,32 which extend in a direction opposite to the gripping part 26 of the hook. The clamping legs are separated by a slot 34 which is terminated with a circular widened portion 36. Extending from each clamping leg is a respective locating and securing stud 38 each of said studs having provided therein a recess 40 which faces away from the recess in the other stud. These recesses are sufficiently large to be able to engage around;the edges defining the apertures in the board 10, when the holder is mounted in position. The free ends of the studs are provided with chamfers 42 which extend outwardly towards the recesses. Extending from each of the clamping legs 30,32 is a respective finger grip 44, the function of which will be described in more detail hereinafter.

[0009] The base 16 has a thickened part 46 in which there are provided three through-passing holes 48 into which a carrier means can be secured, for example carrier means in the form of a looped structure 18 made of metal-rod or metal-wire. Extending from the thickened portion 46 is a bevelled reinforcing part 50, which is located on that part of the base lying on the opposite side of the attachment hook 22. In a corresponding manner, the clamping legs 30,32 comprise a part 52 which is plane parallel with the board 10 in the mounted position of the holder and an inclined strip 54 which increases in depth towards the thickened portion 46 of the base, and then increases in depth and merges with the finger grip 44.

[0010] The holder according to the invention is inserted in a perforated plate or board 10 in the following manner. The gripping part 26 of the hook 22 is inserted obliquely in the board, and the holder twisted so that said gripping part approaches the rear side 28 of the board. When the studs 38 are brought against a further aperture 12, the studs and therewith the clamping legs will be pressed towards each other through the action of the bevelled or chamfered surfaces 42. The studs are then able to enter the aperture 12. When the pegs have penetrated the aperture to an extent such that the defining edges of the recesses register with the rear side 28 of the board, the studs and clamping legs will spring outwards, so-that the recesses engage the board, the defining edges of the aperture then lying against the bottom of the recesses. The clamping legs can be pressed towards one another with the aid of the finger grips 44, thereby facilitating insertion of the studs into the aperture.

[0011] The holder is now positively anchored to the perforated plate 10. In order to remove the holder, it is necessary to press the finger grips.44 together, so that the recesses 40 disengage from the aperture defining edges, thereby enabling the studs to be withdrawn so that the holder can be twisted to withdraw the hook 22 from its aperture.

[0012] The recesses 40 are dimensioned so as to correspond to the thickness of the board 10 with a certain amount of play, which compensates for any.variations in manufacture and minor deformities of the plate 10. The recesses, or notches are primarily arranged on mutually opposite sides of the studs. The recesses, however, may extend circumferentially around the studs to the defining sides which face respectively towards and away from the hook 22. This stud design may be necessitated for manufacturing reasons, should the stud be produced by lathe-turning operations. A stud with which the recess extends circumferentially therearound also affords an improved holding effect, since the recesses then engage around the edge of an aperture facing towards and away from the hook 22. This is particularly advantageous in the case of an alternative embodiment, not shown, in which the gripping part of the hook faces towards the studs 40. In this case the dimensions of the hook must be substantially the same as the dimensions of the apertures 12. Thus, the dimensions of the holder are such that the gripping part of the hook must be pulled into engagement around the defining edge of an aperture before it is possible to insert the studs in another hole.

[0013] The tips of the securing studs 38 are suitably also bevelled upwardly and downwardly in addition to being bevelled outwardly. This facilitates centering of the studs in the apertures 12 when fitting a holder to the perforated board. This is particularly advantageous when the recesses, or notches, also extend circumferentially around the lower edge and the upper edge respectively of the studs.

[0014] Figures 7-12 illustrate a second embodiment of a holder according to the invention. Holder components which correspond to the Fig. 1 embodiment are identified by the same references, although with the addition of an '-sign. In this embodiment, the holder is inserted into a board or plate 60 provided with round holes 62 spaced at different distances apart in the horizontal and vertical direction. The board can be fitted with a holder 64 comprising a base 66 having a thickened part 90 for the attachment of a carrier means 18'. Extending from the upper part of the base are two hooks 72 of round cross-section, comprising a hook-part 74 extending perpendicularly to the rear surface of the base, and a gripping part 76 which, when the holder is mounted in position, engages around the rear side 78 of the board. Extending from the base are two sprung clamping legs 80,82 of substantially rectangular cross-section. The clamping legs are separated by a space 80 which corresponds to the distance between two apertures 62 in a horizontal row of apertures. The clamping legs present hole throats or roundings 86 at all corners in the juncture of the legs with the base 62. A finger grip 94 is provided on respective free ends of the clamping legs.

[0015] Located on the clamping legs are round securing studs 88 provided with recesses or notches 90 which face away from one another, corresponding to the recesses or notches 40 in the studs 38. The recesses suitably have a rounded form corresponding to the form of the apertures 62. The radius of the recesses is then suitably smaller than the radius of the apertures, so as to provide a clearance which permits measurement variations in manufacture. The studs are provided with a preferably rounded bevel or chamfer 92, as with the studs of the first embodiment.

[0016] The holder of this embodiment differs from the aforedescribed embodiment in that two hookes 72 each engage a respective aperture and the studs engage different apertures. This affords a broader holding base for the holder. On the other hand, the individual hooks and securing studs are weaker.

[0017] It is possible to modify the described and exemplified holder in a number of ways within the scope of the invention.

[0018] For example, the distance between the hooks and the securing or locating studs may extend over a plurality of aperture rows. For example, two or more securing or locating studs may be arranged on one and the same clamping leg for engagement in different apertures or in different parts of a large aperture. Correspondingly, more than two hooks may be provided in a row on the upper edge of the base. This applies in particular when the perforated board is provided with a large number of closely lying apertures. It is also possible, however, to mount a holder according to the invention on a perforated board in which the apertures are very large, for example a punched metal plate or board. In this case two hooks and two studs on respective clamping legs must be capable of being brought into engagement with the outer defining edges of the same or separate apertures, in order to afford a rigid attachment when mounted in position.

[0019] In a holder constructed in accordance with the invention in which the securing or locating studs are intended to be inserted into different apertures, it is also possible to provide recesses or notches which face one another. In this embodiment, the clamping legs are pressed apart when mounting the holder, and must be drawn apart in order to release said holder.

[0020] The studs of a holder according to the invention may also be so arranged in relation to the apertures in the perforated board as to necessitate pressing the clamping legs together in order to insert the locating stud in its associated aperture. In this case the recesses will lie under spring bias against the defining edges of the aperture, thereby providing a very reliable fixture. It is also necessary to press the clamping legs together when, for some reason or other, it is not possible to provide the locating or securing studs with a bevel sufficiently large to enable the studs to slide freely into an aperture when pressed against an apertured region of the board.

[0021] The actual carrying means of a holder according to the invention may have any desired shape and form. For example, it may have the form of a hook, a stirrup-shaped structure, or a rod or bar, and may also constitute a more complicated carrier device or a shelf-supporting bracket. When the carrier means has the form of a supporting bracket, the base suitably extends over a plurality of aperture rows, so as to enhance the load-supporting capacity of the bracket.

[0022] The holder and associated board can, in principle, be manufactured from any material whatsoever, of suitable mechanical strength. The board may thus be made of masonite or some other woodboard, plastics or metal. In the majority of cases, however, a rigid steel plate is to be preferred. A thickness of 1.5 mm is suitable for loads which are not excessively heavy.

[0023] The carrier means of the holder may be made from metal, wood or plastics, although metal is preferred in the majority of cases. The actual mounting part of the holder, including base, hook or hooks, clamping legs and securing or locating studs are suitably made from a plastics material exhibiting suitable properties. In the majority of cases this results in minimum manufacturing costs. The mounting means may conceivably also be made of other materials,for example metals or combinations of different materials.

[0024] The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments, and modifications can be made within the scope of the follow- ingclaims.

Claims

1. A holder (14) 64) intended to be mounted on a plate, board or the like (10, 60 ) provided with apertures (12,62), the holder comprising a base (16,66), a carrier means or the like (18,18¹) projecting outwardly from the front surface of the base, at least one hook (22, 72) which projects outwardly from the rear side (20,70) of the base and which can be inserted into one or more of said apertures (12,62) and caused to engage the rear side (28,78) of the plate, and at least one securing or locating stud (38,88) which projects outwardly from the rear side of said base and which is intended to be inserted in one or more further apertures for anchoring the holder to said plate, characterized in that the base is divided so as to form preferably two legs (30, 32; 80,82) each presenting at least one securing or locating stud projecting outwardly from the rear side thereof, said stud being provided with a recess (40,90) corresponding substantially to the thickness of the plate (10,60), the recesses (40,90) of respective studs (38,88) in the inserted position of said studs engaging around the edges of respective apertures under the action of counter-directed clamping forces.

2. A holder according to Claim 1, characterized in that the recesses (40,90) are located on sides of respective studs (38,88) facing away from one another.

3. A holder according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the clamping legs (30,32, 80,82) are made of a resilient material and/or that separate finger grips (44,94) are provided on the clamping legs.

4. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one securing or locating stud (38,88) on a first clamping leg (30,80-) is arranged for insertion into the same aperture as at least one securing or locating stud (38,88) on a further clamping leg (32,82).

5. A holder according to any one of Claims 1-3, characterized in that at least one securing or locating stud (38,88) on a first clamping leg (30,80) is arranged to be inserted in at least one first aperture (12, 62) in a perforated plate (10, 60); and in that at least one securing or locating stud (38, 88) on a second clamping leg (32, 82) is arranged to be inserted in an aperture or apertures (12, 62) separate from said at least one first aperture.

6. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing or locating studs (38, 88) are provided with bevelled surface (42,92) facing towards said recesses (40,90) and/or in that said recesses extend around the studs to the location of the under side and/or upper side thereof.

7. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two or more securing or locating studs (38,88) are arranged on at least one clamping leg (30,32 and 80,82 respectively), said studs being capable of being inserted in the same or separate apertures (12,62).

8. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder is provided with two or more hooks (22,72), which are capable of being inserted in the same and/or in separate apertures (12,62) arranged in the same row in a perforated plate.

9. A holder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recesses (80,90) of the securing or locating studs (38,88) abut the defining walls of the apertures (12,62) under spring bias when inserted in said apertures.

10. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing or locating studs (38, 88) can only.be inserted into an associated aperture (12,62) subsequent to pressing together the clamping legs (30,32 and 80,82) with the aid of the finger grips (44,94).

Drawing