초록 ▼

This invention relates to brackets that are held in place on a smooth surface by means of suction cups. More particularly, it relates to formed rod bracket elements that are formed in a manner such that when the invention is in use a portion of the bracket element becomes a fulcrum resting upon the

This invention relates to brackets that are held in place on a smooth surface by means of suction cups. More particularly, it relates to formed rod bracket elements that are formed in a manner such that when the invention is in use a portion of the bracket element becomes a fulcrum resting upon the flattened surface of the suction cup at a point generally below the central hub of the suction cup to which hub the bracket element is attached. A variety of bracket elements are contemplated such as for use in supporting potted plants, suspending hanging objects such as hanging plants or ornamental devices, and supporting shelves or small platforms.

대표청구항 ▼

A bracket assembly comprising a one-piece formed rod bracket in combination with a single suction cup, said suction cup comprising a disk portion that adheres to a smooth flat surface by suction means and a hub portion that is substantially cylindrical and which extends outwardly from the center of

A bracket assembly comprising a one-piece formed rod bracket in combination with a single suction cup, said suction cup comprising a disk portion that adheres to a smooth flat surface by suction means and a hub portion that is substantially cylindrical and which extends outwardly from the center of said disk portion and which hub portion comprises a retaining means such as a groove or an integral boss encircling said hub portion, said bracket comprising a rod having an integral hub loop portion placed around the hub portion of said suction cup cooperatively engaging said retaining means, firmly attaching but allowing for separation of the said bracket and the said suction cup, the said integral hub loop portion of the said rod of the bracket is inclined at its top toward the surface to which the suction cup is attached; the bracket also comprises a stem portion extending from the rod of the bracket; the bracket comprises a functional rod configuration terminal end extending from the rod of the bracket, which rod configuration terminal end is capable of holding or retaining an object at a location remote in a horizontal direction from a point of support to which the suction cup is attached, which bracket also comprises a fulcrum bend portion extending from the rod of the bracket, wherein the fulcrum bend portion rests upon the flattened disk portion of the suction cup when the bracket assembly is in a no-load condition and presses against the said flattened disk portion of the said suction cup when an object is placed on the rod configuration terminal end of the bracket to provide additional essential support and stability for the object supported by the bracket, wherein the said bracket acts as a class 1 lever pivoting on the said fulcrum bend portion, the integral hub loop portion of the rod of the bracket exerting an outward pull on the hub portion of the suction cup causing deformation of the suction cup to allow the integral hub loop portion of the rod of the said bracket to assume an orientation substantially parallel to the surface to which the suction cup is attached when the maximum design load is employed on the rod configuration terminal end of the said bracket, effecting uniformly distributed horizontal pressure on the hub portion of the suction cup to achieve the optimum performance from the said suction cup.