CA2312680A1 - Furniture anti-tip device and method - Google Patents
Furniture anti-tip device and method Download PDFInfo
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- CA2312680A1 CA2312680A1 CA002312680A CA2312680A CA2312680A1 CA 2312680 A1 CA2312680 A1 CA 2312680A1 CA 002312680 A CA002312680 A CA 002312680A CA 2312680 A CA2312680 A CA 2312680A CA 2312680 A1 CA2312680 A1 CA 2312680A1
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- Prior art keywords
- locking
- leg
- region
- attachment element
- bracket
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B97/00—Furniture or accessories for furniture, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47B2097/008—Anti-tip devices
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Abstract
A furniture anti-tip device includes a bracket having a first leg and a second leg. An attachment element in the form of a keyhole-shaped opening is formed in the second leg. A locking strap is provided to attach the furniture piece to a wall via the bracket. The locking strap has a first end configured to be connected to the furniture piece and a second end having a locking region configured to engage the attachment element of the bracket.
Description
FURNITURE ANTI-TIP DEVICE AND METHOD
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/141,472, filed~June 29, 1999, herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to moveable or tiltable fixrniture pieces and, more particularly, to an anti-tip restraint device and method for preventing tipping of furniture pieces, particularly those configured to hold heavy or valuable objects.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/141,472, filed~June 29, 1999, herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to moveable or tiltable fixrniture pieces and, more particularly, to an anti-tip restraint device and method for preventing tipping of furniture pieces, particularly those configured to hold heavy or valuable objects.
2. Technical Considerations For relatively large or top-heavy fizrniture pieces, such as bookshelves, dressers, bureaus, etc., or furniture pieces configured to hold relatively heavy objects, such as television stands or entertainment centers, there is a danger that the furniture piece could be pulled or tipped over, for example by a child either playing near the furniture piece or trying to open or climb up on the fiuniture piece. Tipping or pulling over such fi~rniture pieces could damage the fiuniture piece, the objects thereon, or, more importantly, could cause injury to the child. In order to prevent the tipping of such furniture pieces, it is known to permanently secure the furniture piece to a wall, such as with nails or screws. However, this interferes with decorating and cleaning in that the furniture piece can thereafter not be easily moved.
As an alternative to such permanent attachment measures, anti-tipping devices have been developed which can be used to temporarily attach or connect a furniture piece to a wall. In one known such device, a pair of brackets is attached to a wall near where the furniture piece is to be located. A second pair of brackets is then attached to the furniture piece. Each bracket has a passage through which a flexible band may be passed. In this known system, each band is about eight inches long and has connectors at each end. The furniture piece is positioned with the brackets on the furniture piece opposed to the brackets on the wall and then a band is looped through the passages in each set of opposed brackets. The connectors on the ends of the band are engaged so that the furniture piece is thus held in place by the bands. Such a double bracket and band assembly is typically positioned at each side of the back of the furniture piece. While this system is .generally acceptable in helping to prevent tipping of the furniture piece, it does have some drawbacks. For example, to attach a typical furniture piece to a wall with this known system, at least four brackets and two bands are typically required. As a general rule, the more brackets that are required, the higher the manufacturing and retail cost of the attachment assembly. Also, with this known system, the eight inch band must be looped through the passages in the opposed brackets so that the ends of the band can be connected together. This looping requirement decreases the 1 ~ effective length of the band from eight inches to four inches. Further, since the connectors on the ends of the band can only be connected together after the furniture piece has been positioned next to the wall and the band looped through the brackets, it is often difficult to reach into the space between the wall and the back of the furniture piece to connect the ends of the band together.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a furniture anti-tip device and method in which the number of brackets required to securely hold a furniture piece is reduced. It would further be advantageous to provide an anti-tip device and method in which the connection between the furniture piece and the wall is more easily accomplished.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A furniture anti-tip device of the invention comprises a fastening element having an attachment element and configured to be attached to a support. The anti-tip device further comprises a locking device having a first end connectable with the furniture piece and a locking part connectable, e.g., releasably engageable, with the attachment element. In a particular embodiment, the fastening element comprises a bracket having a pair of angled legs, the attachment element comprises a keyhole-shaped opening in one of the legs, and the locking device comprises a locking region having a plurality of spaced projections.
An additional furniture anti-tip device comprises a bracket having a first leg and a second leg, with an attachment element located on the second leg. A
locking strap is provided having a first end configured to be connected to a furniture piece and a second end having a locking region. The locking region is releasably engageable with the attachment element on the second leg of the bracket.
The anti-tip device can be provided as a kit. For example, the kit can comprise at least one bracket and at least one locking strap of the invention.
The kit may fiu-ther comprise instruction indicia, such as illustrated, written instructions, for attaching the anti-tip device to a furniture piece.
A fiwther furniture anti-tip device of the invention includes a bracket with a body formed by two legs. The legs are positioned at an angle with respect to one another. The first leg has a bore configured to receive a fastening device to attach the bracket to a stationary object, such as a wall. The other leg has a keyhole-shaped opening configured to receive and engage a locking strap. The locking strap is preferably an elongated, flexible strap having a locking portion attached to a head. The head includes a bore configured to receive a fastening member, such as a screw, to attach the head to a furniture piece. The locking portion includes locking elements configured to engage the slot in the keyhole-shaped opening in the second leg to connect the furniture piece to the stationary object.
A method of reducing the tendency of a furniture piece to tip comprises attaching a fastening element having an attachment element to a support adjacent where the furniture piece is to be positioned, attaching one end of a locking device to the furniture piece, and engaging a locking region of the locking device with the attachment element of the fastening element to attach, e.g., releasably attach, the furniture piece to the support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A complete understanding of the invention will be obtained from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference characters identify like parts throughout.
Fig. 1 is a side view of a screw anchor of the invention;
Fig. 2 is the screw anchor of Fig. 1 rotated 90 degrees;
Fig. 3 is an end view of the screw anchor of Fig. 2 seen in the direction of arrow A;
Fig. 4 is a plan view of a bracket of the invention;
Fig. 5 is a side view of the bracket of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the bracket of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a plan view of a locking strap of the invention;
Fig. 8 is a side view of the locking strap of Fig. 7;
As an alternative to such permanent attachment measures, anti-tipping devices have been developed which can be used to temporarily attach or connect a furniture piece to a wall. In one known such device, a pair of brackets is attached to a wall near where the furniture piece is to be located. A second pair of brackets is then attached to the furniture piece. Each bracket has a passage through which a flexible band may be passed. In this known system, each band is about eight inches long and has connectors at each end. The furniture piece is positioned with the brackets on the furniture piece opposed to the brackets on the wall and then a band is looped through the passages in each set of opposed brackets. The connectors on the ends of the band are engaged so that the furniture piece is thus held in place by the bands. Such a double bracket and band assembly is typically positioned at each side of the back of the furniture piece. While this system is .generally acceptable in helping to prevent tipping of the furniture piece, it does have some drawbacks. For example, to attach a typical furniture piece to a wall with this known system, at least four brackets and two bands are typically required. As a general rule, the more brackets that are required, the higher the manufacturing and retail cost of the attachment assembly. Also, with this known system, the eight inch band must be looped through the passages in the opposed brackets so that the ends of the band can be connected together. This looping requirement decreases the 1 ~ effective length of the band from eight inches to four inches. Further, since the connectors on the ends of the band can only be connected together after the furniture piece has been positioned next to the wall and the band looped through the brackets, it is often difficult to reach into the space between the wall and the back of the furniture piece to connect the ends of the band together.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a furniture anti-tip device and method in which the number of brackets required to securely hold a furniture piece is reduced. It would further be advantageous to provide an anti-tip device and method in which the connection between the furniture piece and the wall is more easily accomplished.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A furniture anti-tip device of the invention comprises a fastening element having an attachment element and configured to be attached to a support. The anti-tip device further comprises a locking device having a first end connectable with the furniture piece and a locking part connectable, e.g., releasably engageable, with the attachment element. In a particular embodiment, the fastening element comprises a bracket having a pair of angled legs, the attachment element comprises a keyhole-shaped opening in one of the legs, and the locking device comprises a locking region having a plurality of spaced projections.
An additional furniture anti-tip device comprises a bracket having a first leg and a second leg, with an attachment element located on the second leg. A
locking strap is provided having a first end configured to be connected to a furniture piece and a second end having a locking region. The locking region is releasably engageable with the attachment element on the second leg of the bracket.
The anti-tip device can be provided as a kit. For example, the kit can comprise at least one bracket and at least one locking strap of the invention.
The kit may fiu-ther comprise instruction indicia, such as illustrated, written instructions, for attaching the anti-tip device to a furniture piece.
A fiwther furniture anti-tip device of the invention includes a bracket with a body formed by two legs. The legs are positioned at an angle with respect to one another. The first leg has a bore configured to receive a fastening device to attach the bracket to a stationary object, such as a wall. The other leg has a keyhole-shaped opening configured to receive and engage a locking strap. The locking strap is preferably an elongated, flexible strap having a locking portion attached to a head. The head includes a bore configured to receive a fastening member, such as a screw, to attach the head to a furniture piece. The locking portion includes locking elements configured to engage the slot in the keyhole-shaped opening in the second leg to connect the furniture piece to the stationary object.
A method of reducing the tendency of a furniture piece to tip comprises attaching a fastening element having an attachment element to a support adjacent where the furniture piece is to be positioned, attaching one end of a locking device to the furniture piece, and engaging a locking region of the locking device with the attachment element of the fastening element to attach, e.g., releasably attach, the furniture piece to the support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A complete understanding of the invention will be obtained from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference characters identify like parts throughout.
Fig. 1 is a side view of a screw anchor of the invention;
Fig. 2 is the screw anchor of Fig. 1 rotated 90 degrees;
Fig. 3 is an end view of the screw anchor of Fig. 2 seen in the direction of arrow A;
Fig. 4 is a plan view of a bracket of the invention;
Fig. 5 is a side view of the bracket of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the bracket of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a plan view of a locking strap of the invention;
Fig. 8 is a side view of the locking strap of Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a front, perspective view of a conventional television stand upon which a television has been placed;
Fig. 10 is a rear, perspective view of the television stand of Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the circled area of Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is a front, perspective view of the television stand of Fig. 9 positioned adjacent a wall;
Fig. 13 is a perspective, expanded view of attaching the brackets of Figs.
4-6 to a wall using the screw anchors of Figs. 1-3;
Fig. 14 is a side, perspective view of the television stand of Fig. 9 attached to a wall by the anti-tip device of the invention; and Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the circled area of Fig. 14.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of the description hereinafter, directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "top", "bottom" and the like shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Unless indicated to the contrary, the dimensions shown in the accompanying drawings are in millimeters (mm). It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
Fig. 10 is a rear, perspective view of the television stand of Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the circled area of Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is a front, perspective view of the television stand of Fig. 9 positioned adjacent a wall;
Fig. 13 is a perspective, expanded view of attaching the brackets of Figs.
4-6 to a wall using the screw anchors of Figs. 1-3;
Fig. 14 is a side, perspective view of the television stand of Fig. 9 attached to a wall by the anti-tip device of the invention; and Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the circled area of Fig. 14.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of the description hereinafter, directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "top", "bottom" and the like shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Unless indicated to the contrary, the dimensions shown in the accompanying drawings are in millimeters (mm). It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
In the following discussion, the individual components of an anti-tip device of the invention will first be described and then an exemplary method of use will be discussed.
An anchoring device of the invention is shown in Figs. 1-3. In a preferred embodiment, the anchoring device is configured as a screw anchor 10 including a body 12 having a longitudinal bore B. One end portion of the body 12 has a substantially stepped region 14 which may be composed of two separate, flexible halves 15 separated by a longitudinal slot 17. The other end portion of the body 12 includes a pair of opposed, flexible strips 13 each hingably mounted on the body 12 and each having a series of teeth 16 configured to engage a support, such as a wall, when a fastening member, such as a screw, is inserted into the screw anchor 10, as described below. A
flange 18 is located on the end of the screw anchor 10 near the teeth 16. The screw anchor 10 is preferably plastic but may also be made of any convenient material, such as metal. Specific dimensions for an exemplary embodiment of the screw anchor 10 are shown in Figs. 1-3.
A fastening element of the invention is shown in Figs. 4-6. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening element is configured as a bracket 26 including a body 28 having a first leg 30 and a second leg 32. As shown particularly in Fig. 5, the first and second legs 30 and 32 preferably extend at an angle with respect to each other, for example, about 135°. The first leg 30 has a passage or bore, e.g., a substantially circular bore 34, configured to receive a fastening member, such as a screw, as described hereinbelow. The second leg 32 has an attachment element configured to receive and engage a locking device, e.g., a locking strap, of the invention as described hereinbelow.
In one embodiment, the attachment element is configured as a keyhole-shaped opening 36 having a substantially circular first region 38 with a slot 40 extending therefrom. The bracket 26 is preferably metal, such as steel, but could be made of any other convenient material, such as plastic. Specific dimensions for an exemplary embodiment of the bracket 26 are shown in Figs. 4-6.
A locking device of the invention is shown in Figs. 7 and 8. In a preferred embodiment, the locking device is configured as a flexible locking strap 48 having a head or base 52 located at a first end and a locking part or region SO attached to the base 52. The locking region 50 includes a plurality of projections or locking segments 54 separated by narrower, intermediate regions 56. The projections extend laterally beyond the intermediate regions 56 so that the locking region 50 can be engaged with the attachment element of the bracket 26, as described below. The base 52 includes a passage or bore 58 configured to receive a fastening member, such as a screw, as described hereinbelow. The bore 58 may be of any convenient design, such as circular, quadrilateral, or keyhole-shaped. The locking strap 48 is preferably made of flexible 1 ~ material, such as plastic. Specific dimensions for an exemplary embodiment of the locking strap 48 are shown in Figs. 7 and 8.
One or more screw anchors) 10, brackets) 26 and locking straps) 48, along with instructional material on how to use the components, may be supplied as a kit and used to attach to a furniture piece to a support, such as described in the following exemplary method.
Example An exemplary method of attaching an anti-tip device of the invention to a piece of furniture will now be described with particular reference to Figs.
9-15. In this Example, the exemplary furniture piece is a television stand. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to use with television stands but may be used with any furniture piece to help prevent tipping or falling over.
As shown in Fig. °, a conventional television stand 64 is typically rectangular and has a front 66, a back 68 and two opposed sides 70 and 71.
As shown in Figs. 10 and 11 for the exemplary television stand 64 under discussion, one end of at least one, and preferably two, locking straps 48 are attached to the back 68 of the stand 64, preferably near the top of the stand, e.g., approximately 2 inches in from the outer edges of the top. Of course, the exact positioning of the attachment points for the locking straps 48 can vary for different furniture pieces.
However, it is preferred that the locking straps 48 are attached as rear as possible to the top of the furniture piece. The locking straps 48 may be attached to the furniture piece in any conventional manner, such as but not limited to nails, screws, hooks, or the like.
For example, a threaded screw 72 may be passed through the bore 58 in the base 52 of each locking strap 48 and screwed into the stand 64 to secure the base 52 of the locking straps 48 to the stand 64.
The brackets 26 are then attached to an appropriate support at a position substantially adjacent to where the locking straps 48 will be located when the furniture piece is at a desired location. For example, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the stand 64 may be moved near the support, such as a wall, where the stand 64 is desired to be located. After the stand 64 is placed near the wall, the location for the screw anchors 10 may be marked on the wall. Preferably, a screw anchor 10 is mounted in the wall near the position where the sides 70 of the cart 64 will be located. A pencil mark may be placed on the wall at each location, e.g., about 5 3/4 inches down and about 2 inches in from the top edge of the stand 64. The stand 64 may be moved away from the wall and _g_ then a pilot hole, such as a 3/16 inch pilot hole, may be drilled into the wall at each location. The screw anchors 10 are then inserted into the pilot holes and may be tapped with a hammer until the inner surface of the flange 18 on each screw anchor 10 abuts the wall surface.
As shown in Fig. 13, the brackets 26 are then positioned with the first leg 30 uppermost and the second leg 32 extending away from the wall. A fastening member, such as a screw 74, is inserted through the bore 34 in the first leg 30 of each bracket 26 and into the appropriate screw anchor 10. As the screw 74 is tightened into the screw anchor 10, the flexible strips 13 on the screw anchor 10 expand so that the teeth 16 move outwardly to anchor the screw anchor 10 and screw 74 into the wall.
As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the stand 64 is then positioned adjacent, e.g., about 7 inches, from the wall and the free end of each locking strap 40 is threaded into the first region 38 of the keyhole-shaped opening 36 in the second leg 32. A
television may then be placed on top of the stand 64 and the stand moved into final position such that the rear of the television is adjacent, but preferably not touching, the wall. When the stand 64 is in position, each locking strap 48 may be pulled taut by pulling on the outer end of the locking strap 48. The outer end of the strap 48 may then be pulled downwardly, i.e., toward the slot 40, to engage the locking region 50 of the strap 48 in the slot 40 of the keyhole-shaped opening 36 of the second leg 32.
That is, an intermediate region 56 is pulled or engaged in the slot 40 and the locking segments 54 on each side of this intermediate region 56 prevent the locking strap 48 from being pulled through the slot 40. Thus, the stand 64 is now reversibly attached to the wall and prevented from tipping forward, i.e., away from the wall, should the top of the stand 64 be pulled forward.
With the present invention, only one bracket 26 is preferred for each side of the stand 64. Additionally, the locking strap 48 is not looped back on itself as with previous devices and, hence, the effective length of the locking strap 48 is not reduced.
This means that the furniture piece can be placed at any distance from the support as long as at least a portion of the locking region 50 can be engaged with the slot 40 in the opening 36. This is particularly advantageous for furniture pieces having a non-symmetrical shape or if the furniture piece must be placed away from the support because of projections or protrusions on the support. Additionally, engagement of the locking strap 48 to the bracket 26 is substantially simplified in that all one has to do when the furniture piece is in place is simply pull downwardly on the free end of the locking strap 48 to engage the locking strap 48 with the slot 40 in the second leg 32 of the bracket 26. This is much easier than having to try to connect two ends of a band together in the narrow space between the wall and the furniture piece, as was done with previous devices.
If the stand 64 thereafter needs to be moved, such as for cleaning or redecorating, the locking straps 48 can be disengaged by pulling upwardly on the free, i.e., outer, end of the strap 48 to disengage the intermediate region 56 from the slot 40.
The locking region 50 can then be pulled toward the stand 64, passing through the first region 38 of the opening 36. After cleaning, the stand 64 can be replaced and reattached to the brackets 26 by passing the free end of the locking strap 48 through the first region 38, positioning the stand at a desired distance from the wall, and then pulling downwardly on the free end of the locking strap 48 to engage an intermediate region 56 in the slot 40 as described above.
It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed in the foregoing description. For example, in the exemplary method discussed above, two brackets were used on the furniture piece. However, the number of brackets used can vary depending on the size and shape of the furniture piece. Accordingly, the particular embodiments described in detail herein are illustrative only and are not limiting to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
An anchoring device of the invention is shown in Figs. 1-3. In a preferred embodiment, the anchoring device is configured as a screw anchor 10 including a body 12 having a longitudinal bore B. One end portion of the body 12 has a substantially stepped region 14 which may be composed of two separate, flexible halves 15 separated by a longitudinal slot 17. The other end portion of the body 12 includes a pair of opposed, flexible strips 13 each hingably mounted on the body 12 and each having a series of teeth 16 configured to engage a support, such as a wall, when a fastening member, such as a screw, is inserted into the screw anchor 10, as described below. A
flange 18 is located on the end of the screw anchor 10 near the teeth 16. The screw anchor 10 is preferably plastic but may also be made of any convenient material, such as metal. Specific dimensions for an exemplary embodiment of the screw anchor 10 are shown in Figs. 1-3.
A fastening element of the invention is shown in Figs. 4-6. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening element is configured as a bracket 26 including a body 28 having a first leg 30 and a second leg 32. As shown particularly in Fig. 5, the first and second legs 30 and 32 preferably extend at an angle with respect to each other, for example, about 135°. The first leg 30 has a passage or bore, e.g., a substantially circular bore 34, configured to receive a fastening member, such as a screw, as described hereinbelow. The second leg 32 has an attachment element configured to receive and engage a locking device, e.g., a locking strap, of the invention as described hereinbelow.
In one embodiment, the attachment element is configured as a keyhole-shaped opening 36 having a substantially circular first region 38 with a slot 40 extending therefrom. The bracket 26 is preferably metal, such as steel, but could be made of any other convenient material, such as plastic. Specific dimensions for an exemplary embodiment of the bracket 26 are shown in Figs. 4-6.
A locking device of the invention is shown in Figs. 7 and 8. In a preferred embodiment, the locking device is configured as a flexible locking strap 48 having a head or base 52 located at a first end and a locking part or region SO attached to the base 52. The locking region 50 includes a plurality of projections or locking segments 54 separated by narrower, intermediate regions 56. The projections extend laterally beyond the intermediate regions 56 so that the locking region 50 can be engaged with the attachment element of the bracket 26, as described below. The base 52 includes a passage or bore 58 configured to receive a fastening member, such as a screw, as described hereinbelow. The bore 58 may be of any convenient design, such as circular, quadrilateral, or keyhole-shaped. The locking strap 48 is preferably made of flexible 1 ~ material, such as plastic. Specific dimensions for an exemplary embodiment of the locking strap 48 are shown in Figs. 7 and 8.
One or more screw anchors) 10, brackets) 26 and locking straps) 48, along with instructional material on how to use the components, may be supplied as a kit and used to attach to a furniture piece to a support, such as described in the following exemplary method.
Example An exemplary method of attaching an anti-tip device of the invention to a piece of furniture will now be described with particular reference to Figs.
9-15. In this Example, the exemplary furniture piece is a television stand. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to use with television stands but may be used with any furniture piece to help prevent tipping or falling over.
As shown in Fig. °, a conventional television stand 64 is typically rectangular and has a front 66, a back 68 and two opposed sides 70 and 71.
As shown in Figs. 10 and 11 for the exemplary television stand 64 under discussion, one end of at least one, and preferably two, locking straps 48 are attached to the back 68 of the stand 64, preferably near the top of the stand, e.g., approximately 2 inches in from the outer edges of the top. Of course, the exact positioning of the attachment points for the locking straps 48 can vary for different furniture pieces.
However, it is preferred that the locking straps 48 are attached as rear as possible to the top of the furniture piece. The locking straps 48 may be attached to the furniture piece in any conventional manner, such as but not limited to nails, screws, hooks, or the like.
For example, a threaded screw 72 may be passed through the bore 58 in the base 52 of each locking strap 48 and screwed into the stand 64 to secure the base 52 of the locking straps 48 to the stand 64.
The brackets 26 are then attached to an appropriate support at a position substantially adjacent to where the locking straps 48 will be located when the furniture piece is at a desired location. For example, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the stand 64 may be moved near the support, such as a wall, where the stand 64 is desired to be located. After the stand 64 is placed near the wall, the location for the screw anchors 10 may be marked on the wall. Preferably, a screw anchor 10 is mounted in the wall near the position where the sides 70 of the cart 64 will be located. A pencil mark may be placed on the wall at each location, e.g., about 5 3/4 inches down and about 2 inches in from the top edge of the stand 64. The stand 64 may be moved away from the wall and _g_ then a pilot hole, such as a 3/16 inch pilot hole, may be drilled into the wall at each location. The screw anchors 10 are then inserted into the pilot holes and may be tapped with a hammer until the inner surface of the flange 18 on each screw anchor 10 abuts the wall surface.
As shown in Fig. 13, the brackets 26 are then positioned with the first leg 30 uppermost and the second leg 32 extending away from the wall. A fastening member, such as a screw 74, is inserted through the bore 34 in the first leg 30 of each bracket 26 and into the appropriate screw anchor 10. As the screw 74 is tightened into the screw anchor 10, the flexible strips 13 on the screw anchor 10 expand so that the teeth 16 move outwardly to anchor the screw anchor 10 and screw 74 into the wall.
As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the stand 64 is then positioned adjacent, e.g., about 7 inches, from the wall and the free end of each locking strap 40 is threaded into the first region 38 of the keyhole-shaped opening 36 in the second leg 32. A
television may then be placed on top of the stand 64 and the stand moved into final position such that the rear of the television is adjacent, but preferably not touching, the wall. When the stand 64 is in position, each locking strap 48 may be pulled taut by pulling on the outer end of the locking strap 48. The outer end of the strap 48 may then be pulled downwardly, i.e., toward the slot 40, to engage the locking region 50 of the strap 48 in the slot 40 of the keyhole-shaped opening 36 of the second leg 32.
That is, an intermediate region 56 is pulled or engaged in the slot 40 and the locking segments 54 on each side of this intermediate region 56 prevent the locking strap 48 from being pulled through the slot 40. Thus, the stand 64 is now reversibly attached to the wall and prevented from tipping forward, i.e., away from the wall, should the top of the stand 64 be pulled forward.
With the present invention, only one bracket 26 is preferred for each side of the stand 64. Additionally, the locking strap 48 is not looped back on itself as with previous devices and, hence, the effective length of the locking strap 48 is not reduced.
This means that the furniture piece can be placed at any distance from the support as long as at least a portion of the locking region 50 can be engaged with the slot 40 in the opening 36. This is particularly advantageous for furniture pieces having a non-symmetrical shape or if the furniture piece must be placed away from the support because of projections or protrusions on the support. Additionally, engagement of the locking strap 48 to the bracket 26 is substantially simplified in that all one has to do when the furniture piece is in place is simply pull downwardly on the free end of the locking strap 48 to engage the locking strap 48 with the slot 40 in the second leg 32 of the bracket 26. This is much easier than having to try to connect two ends of a band together in the narrow space between the wall and the furniture piece, as was done with previous devices.
If the stand 64 thereafter needs to be moved, such as for cleaning or redecorating, the locking straps 48 can be disengaged by pulling upwardly on the free, i.e., outer, end of the strap 48 to disengage the intermediate region 56 from the slot 40.
The locking region 50 can then be pulled toward the stand 64, passing through the first region 38 of the opening 36. After cleaning, the stand 64 can be replaced and reattached to the brackets 26 by passing the free end of the locking strap 48 through the first region 38, positioning the stand at a desired distance from the wall, and then pulling downwardly on the free end of the locking strap 48 to engage an intermediate region 56 in the slot 40 as described above.
It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed in the foregoing description. For example, in the exemplary method discussed above, two brackets were used on the furniture piece. However, the number of brackets used can vary depending on the size and shape of the furniture piece. Accordingly, the particular embodiments described in detail herein are illustrative only and are not limiting to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
Claims (20)
1. A furniture anti-tip device, comprising:
a fastening element having an attachment element, the fastening element configured to be attached to a support; and a locking device having a first end connectable with a furniture piece and a locking part connectable with the attachment element.
a fastening element having an attachment element, the fastening element configured to be attached to a support; and a locking device having a first end connectable with a furniture piece and a locking part connectable with the attachment element.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element comprises a first leg and a second leg, with the attachment element located on the second leg.
3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second legs are formed at an angle with respect to each other.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment element comprises a slot.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment element comprises a first region and a slot extending from the first region.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the locking device comprises a flexible strap.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the locking part comprises a plurality of spaced locking segments.
8. The device according to claim 7, wherein adjacent locking segments are separated by an intermediate region having a smaller diameter than the locking segments.
9. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an anchoring device including at least one flexible strip having at least one tooth, the anchoring device configured to be connected to the fastening element.
10. A furniture anti-tip device, comprising:
a bracket having a first leg and a second leg, with an attachment element located in the second leg; and a locking strap, the locking strap having a first end configured to be connected to a furniture piece and a second end having a locking region, the locking region being releasably engageable with the attachment element on the second leg of the bracket.
a bracket having a first leg and a second leg, with an attachment element located in the second leg; and a locking strap, the locking strap having a first end configured to be connected to a furniture piece and a second end having a locking region, the locking region being releasably engageable with the attachment element on the second leg of the bracket.
11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the attachment element is an opening comprising a first region with a slot extending from the first region.
12. The device according to claim 10, wherein the locking region comprises a plurality of spaced locking segments.
13. A furniture anti-tip device, comprising:
a bracket connectable to a support, the bracket having a first leg and a second leg, with the first and second legs at an angle with respect to each other;
an opening located on the second leg; and a locking strap having a base and a locking region, wherein the base is connectable with a furniture piece, wherein the locking region is releasably connectable with the opening on the second leg of the bracket, and wherein the locking region comprises a plurality of spaced locking segments.
a bracket connectable to a support, the bracket having a first leg and a second leg, with the first and second legs at an angle with respect to each other;
an opening located on the second leg; and a locking strap having a base and a locking region, wherein the base is connectable with a furniture piece, wherein the locking region is releasably connectable with the opening on the second leg of the bracket, and wherein the locking region comprises a plurality of spaced locking segments.
14. A furniture piece anti-tip kit, comprising:
at least one bracket having a first leg and a second leg, the second leg having an attachment element; and at least one locking strap having a first end and a locking region, the first end configured to be connected to the furniture piece and the locking region configured to releasably engage the attachment element of the bracket.
at least one bracket having a first leg and a second leg, the second leg having an attachment element; and at least one locking strap having a first end and a locking region, the first end configured to be connected to the furniture piece and the locking region configured to releasably engage the attachment element of the bracket.
15. The kit according to claim 14, including instructions for attaching the bracket to a support and for attaching the locking strap to the support and the furniture piece.
16. A method of reducing furniture piece tipping, comprising the steps of:
(a) attaching a fastening element to a support adjacent where the furniture piece is to be positioned, the fastening element comprising an attachment element;
(b) attaching one end of a locking device to the furniture piece, the locking device comprising a locking region engageable with the attachment element of the fastening element; and (c) engaging the locking region with the attachment element of the fastening element.
(a) attaching a fastening element to a support adjacent where the furniture piece is to be positioned, the fastening element comprising an attachment element;
(b) attaching one end of a locking device to the furniture piece, the locking device comprising a locking region engageable with the attachment element of the fastening element; and (c) engaging the locking region with the attachment element of the fastening element.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the locking device comprises a base and the attaching step (b) comprises attaching the base to the furniture piece.
18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the attachment element includes a slot and the method includes engaging the locking region with the slot.
19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the fastening element comprises a bracket having a first leg and a second leg, with the attachment element located on the second leg.
20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the locking region comprises a plurality of spaced locking segments separated by intermediate regions and the method includes engaging the locking region with a slot comprising part of the attachment element.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US14147299P | 1999-06-29 | 1999-06-29 | |
| US60/141,472 | 1999-06-29 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2312680A1 true CA2312680A1 (en) | 2000-12-29 |
Family
ID=22495830
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002312680A Abandoned CA2312680A1 (en) | 1999-06-29 | 2000-06-28 | Furniture anti-tip device and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2312680A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7175149B2 (en) * | 2004-11-09 | 2007-02-13 | Hangman Products, Inc. | Anti-tipover device |
| US7185872B2 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2007-03-06 | Lowenstein Jr Arnold G | Appliance stabilizing device |
| US7896305B2 (en) | 2003-03-17 | 2011-03-01 | Lowenstein Jr Arnold G | Appliance stabilizing device with quick release attachment |
| US10113687B2 (en) | 2017-01-23 | 2018-10-30 | George Wise | Television safety mount |
-
2000
- 2000-06-28 CA CA002312680A patent/CA2312680A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7185872B2 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2007-03-06 | Lowenstein Jr Arnold G | Appliance stabilizing device |
| US7896305B2 (en) | 2003-03-17 | 2011-03-01 | Lowenstein Jr Arnold G | Appliance stabilizing device with quick release attachment |
| US7175149B2 (en) * | 2004-11-09 | 2007-02-13 | Hangman Products, Inc. | Anti-tipover device |
| US10113687B2 (en) | 2017-01-23 | 2018-10-30 | George Wise | Television safety mount |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20080915 |