(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2012/0126077 A1
`
`
` Reo et al. (43) Pub. Date: May 24, 2012
`
`US 20120126077Al
`
`(54)
`
`\VALL MOUNTING BRACKET
`
`(52) US. Cl. ...................... 24812243: 248l205d: 2913428
`
`(76)
`
`inventors:
`
`Ann Marie R00? W‘iltllet-t'e, [L
`(US): (.hantal L011”? Plttman.
`MEIChHCEi- TX (US): Brian 500“
`.Ialufka. Leander. TX (US)
`
`(2] ) APl’l‘ NIT-1
`
`12953-3152
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 23., 2010
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`lot. Cl.
`FHSM 13/02
`BZJP Ill/00
`
`(20061“ )
`(2006.01)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A wall mounting bracket assists in mounting equipment to a
`wall. The wall mounting bracket includes a plate. a post. and
`a sliding nut. At least a portion of the post extends outwardly
`from the surface 0 l‘ the plate. The plate is coupled to a stud or
`other mounting device positioned within the wall behind the
`sheetrock. The post includes an equipment mounting section
`and a spacer. The spacer is positioned between the equipment
`mounting section and the plate and accommodates different
`wall thicknesses. The bottom surface of the sliding nut is
`slidably and securely positionable along the top surface ot'the
`equipment mounting section. Different
`types of wall-
`mounted equipment is coupled to the sliding out and the
`equipment mounting section of the wall mounting bracket.
`Use ofthe wall mounting bracket allows the equipment to be
`mounted to the wall without an exposed llange and preserve
`structural integrity.
`
`
`
`0001
`
`Lutron Electronics Co. EX1017
`
`Lutron Electronics Co. EX1017
`U.S. Patent No. 10,294,717
`US. Patent No. 10,294,717
`
`0001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 24, 2012 Sheet 1 0f 7
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`US 2012/0126077 A1
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`
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`FIG. 1A
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`FIG. 18
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`FIG. 10
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`0002
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`0002
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 24, 2012 Sheet 2 0f 7
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`US 2012/0126077 A1
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`316 317 352
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`FIG. 3A
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`FIG. 3B
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`0003
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`0003
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`May 24, 2012 Sheet 3 0f 7
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`US 2012/0126077 A]
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`mmv
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`1m.Em
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`0004
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`0004
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 24, 2012 Sheet 4 0f 7
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`US 2012/0126077 A1
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`V O 9 I}
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`I ’4 3‘9’ o‘v‘o‘v‘fi
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`524.9?4264
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`12:4 m
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`
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`FIG. 5B
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` _..._.._.._...._._....._...._._._.._._...._.._.__...-:::s::u'l&‘5”
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`0005
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 24, 2012 Sheet 5 of 7
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`US 2012/0126077 A1
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`
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`FIG. 6
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`0006
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`0006
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 24, 2012 Sheet 6 0f 7
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`US 2012/0126077 A1
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`
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`FIG. 7A
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`FIG. 78
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`FIG. 70
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`0007
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`0007
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 24, 2012 Sheet 7 0f 7
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`US 2012/0126077 A1
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`130
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`FIG. 70
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`0008
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`0008
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`

`

`US 2012/01260?7 A1
`
`May 24, 2012
`
`WALL MOUNTING BRACKET
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`invention relates to wall mounting
`[0001] The present
`brackets for mounting and structurally supporting various
`equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to
`a wall mounting bracket that includes mounting hardware that
`is concealed once the equipment is coupled thereto.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] A wall mounting bracket is a device for mounting
`and supporting equipment
`to a wall. Conventional wall
`mounting brackets include motmting hardware that provides
`support for coupling the equipment to the wall having an
`interior and exterior surface, either directly or indirectly. The
`interior surface of the wall faces an interior area between
`
`opposing walls that may include wall support structures and.III
`or internal electrical wiring. The exterior wall surface faces a
`room or area that is readily accessible by an occupant. The
`equipment can include. but is not limited to. balance beams.
`sinks. cantilevered light fixtures, handrails. grab bars, cabi—
`nets. closet rods, and hanger rods.
`extend
`[0003] Conventional wall mounting brackets
`through the wall and include a first end and a second end. The
`first end extends outwardly from the exterior wall surface and
`is coupled to the equipment. The second end extends in an
`opposite direction and is positioned within the interior area.
`The second end is secured to a post typically located adjacent
`to the interior surface of the wall. The conventional wall
`
`is located
`mounting brackets also include a flange that
`between the first end and the second end and is positioned
`adjacently to the exterior surface of the wall. The flange
`provides additional structural support
`for mounting the
`equipment to the wall.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0004] One exemplary embodiment of the invention can
`include a wall mounting bracket for mounting a piece of
`equipment to a wall. The wall mounting bracket can include a
`plate. a post. and a sliding nut. At least a portion of the post
`can extend horizontally out from the surface ofthe plate. The
`post can include an equipment mounting section and a spacer.
`The equipment motmting section can include a first end. a
`second end, and a top surface disposed between the first end
`and the second end . The spacer can be positioned between and
`adjacent to each ofthe plate and the first end ofthe equipment
`mounting section. The sliding nut can include a bottom sur-
`face that is positionable adjacent the top surface of the equip-
`ment mounting section.
`[0005] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention
`can include a wall mounting system. The wall mounting
`system can include a wall mounting bracket and a piece of
`equipment. The wall mounting bracket can include a plate. a
`post. and a sliding nut. At least a portion ofthe post can extend
`orthogonally out ii'om the surface of the plate. The post can
`include an equipment mounting section and a spacer. The
`equipment mounting section can include a first end. a second
`end. and a top surface disposed between the first end and the
`second end. The spacer can be positioned between and adja—
`cent to the plate and the first end ofthe equipment mounting
`section. The sliding nut can include a bottom surface that is
`adjustably positioned along the top surface of the equipment
`mounting section. The equipment can include a wall mount-
`
`ing section that is configured to receive the equipment mount-
`ing section and the sliding nut. Upon coupling the wall
`mounting section to the equipment mounting section and the
`sliding nut, the wall mounting section can substantially sur-
`round the post.
`[0006] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention
`can include a method of installing a piece of equipment to a
`wall. The method can include selecting a piece ofequipment
`and a wall to mount the equipment. The equipment can
`include a wall mounting section. The method also can include
`installing a first portion of a wall mounting bracket into the
`wall so that a second portion of the wall mounting bracket
`extends outwardly from the wall. The method further can
`include coupling at least a portion of the wall mounting sec-
`tion to the second portion of the wall mounting bracket. The
`mounting bracket can be concealed by at least one of the
`equipment and the wall once the equipment is coupled to the
`second portion of the wall mounting bracket.
`
`BRIIEI" DIESCRIP’I‘ION ()l" TIlIi DRAWINGS
`
`[0007] The foregoing and other features and aspects ofthe
`invention may be best understood with reference to the fol-
`lowing description of certain exemplary embodiments. when
`read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
`wherein:
`
`FIG. 1A is a perspective view ofa wall mounting
`[0008]
`bracket in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
`present invention:
`[0009]
`FIG. [B is a front elevation view of the wall mt'ltllll-
`ing bracket of FIG. 1A in accordance with an exemplary
`embodiment of the present invention;
`[0010]
`FIG. 1C is a side elevation view ofthe wall mount—
`ing bracket of FIG. 1A in accordance with an exemplary
`embodiment of the present invention;
`[0011]
`FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the wall mounting
`bracket of FIGS.
`lA—C in accordance with an exemplary
`embodiment of the present invention:
`[0012]
`FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a sliding nut in
`accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
`invention:
`
`FIG. 3B is a top view ofthe sliding nut ofFIG. 3A in
`[0013]
`accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
`invention:
`
`FIG. 4 is a top view of the wall mounting bracket
`[0014]
`installed within a wall
`in accordance with an exemplary
`embodiment of the present invention;
`[0015]
`FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a balance beam
`l‘lJOlll'lIeCl to a wall in accordance with an exemplary embodi—
`ment of the present invention;
`[0016]
`FIG. SB is a cross-sectional view of the balance
`beam of FIG. 5A mounted to the wall in accordance with an
`exemplary embodiment of the present invention:
`[0017]
`FIG. 5C is a another cross—sectional view of the
`balance beam ofFIG. 5A mounted to the wall in accordance
`
`with all exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
`[0018]
`FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view ofa sink assembly
`mounted to a wall using the wall mounting bracket of FIGS.
`lAf in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
`present invention:
`[0019]
`FIG. 7A is a perspective view ofa wall mounting
`bracket in accordance with another exemplary embodiment
`of the present invention;
`0009
`
`0009
`
`

`

`US 2012/01260?7 A1
`
`May 24, 2012
`
`l’lG. 7B is a front elevation view ofthe wall mount-
`[0020]
`ing bracket of FIG. 7A in accordance with another exemplary
`embodiment of the present invention:
`[0021]
`FIG. 7C is a side elevation view ofthe wall mount-
`ing bracket ol‘I’IG. 7A in accordance with another exemplary
`embodiment of the present invention: and
`[0022]
`FIG. 7D is an exploded view of the wall mounting
`bracket of FIG. 7A in accordance with another exemplary
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0023] The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodi-
`ments ofthe invention and are therefore not to be considered
`
`limiting of its scope. as the invention may admit to other
`eqtially effective embodiments.
`
`BRIIiI" DESCRIPTION ()1: I‘LXIEMPIARY
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0024] The disclosure is better understood by reading the
`following description of non—limiting, exemplary embodi—
`ments with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like
`parts of each of the figures are identified by like reference
`characters throughout. and which are briefly described below.
`FIGS. lA—C are various views ofa wall mounting bracket 100
`in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
`invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the wall mounting
`bracket 100. Referring to FIGS. lA-C and 2, the wall mount-
`ing bracket 100 includes a post 110. a plate 130. a sliding nut
`150. and a nut 170. The post 110. the plate 130. the sliding nut
`150. and the nut 170 provide structural support for mounting
`equipment to a wall. Such equipment could include. but is not
`limited to. balance beams, sinks. cantilevered light fixtures,
`handrails. grab bars, cabinets. closet rods. and hanger rods.
`[0025] The post 110 includes an equipment mounting sec—
`tion 112. a nut mounting section 114. and a spacer 116 posi—
`tioned therebetween. In one exemplary embodiment. the post
`110 is fabricated as a single component. Altenlatively. the
`post 1 10 can be fabricatcd using multiple components that are
`coupled together. The exemplary post 110 is fabricated using
`an aluminum casting alloy. however. other suitable materials
`known to people having ordinary skill in the art and having
`the benefit of the present disclosure can be used without
`departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodi—
`ment.
`
`[0026] The exemplary equipment mounting section 112 is
`substantially semi-cylindrically shaped with a smooth outer
`surface and a substantially planar top surface 117. a first end
`118 positioned at one end ofthe equipment mounting section
`112. and a second end 119 positioned at the opposing end of
`the equipment mounting section 112.
`In one exemplary
`embodiment. each of the first and second ends 118. 119 are
`substantially orthogonal to the top surface 117. The top sur-
`face 11’?r also includes a first longitudinal edge 120 extending
`from the first end 118 to the second end 119 and a second
`longitudinal edge 12] also extending from the first end 118 to
`the second end 119. The second longitudinal edge 12] is
`positioned opposite of and substantially parallel to the first
`longitudinal edge 120. The top surface 117 also includes one
`or more ridges 122. 123 positioned adjacent each of the first
`longitudinal edge 120 and the second longitudinal edge 12],
`respectively. These ridges 122. 123 extend horimntally
`toward one another and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis
`105 of the top surface 117. The ridges 122. 123 provides
`positional adjustments for positioning the sliding nut 150 on
`the top surface 117. The ridges 122. 123 also increase the
`pull-out strength of the equipment from the wall motmting
`
`bracket I00 once properly coupled due to the friction that is
`created between the ridges 122. 123 and the mating ridges
`354 (FIG. 3). which is described below. The top surface 117
`also incltldes one or more channels 124 that are positioned
`between the ridges 1 22. 123 and extend vertically through the
`equipment mounting section 112. In one exemplary embodi—
`ment. three channels 124 are provided, however, the number
`of channels is adjustable based on the actual design factors
`and the intended use. These channels 124 are sized and
`
`Shaped to receive a screw. rivet. or other known attachment
`device. According to some exemplary embodiments. the
`channels 124 are about 0.18 inches in diameter: however. the
`sizes are also alterable in alternative embodiments based on
`
`the design factors and the intended use. Although the chan-
`nels 124 are longitudinally spaced apart along the exemplary
`top surface 117 ofFIGS. lA—C. in alternative embodiments.
`one or more channels could be latitudinally spaced apart
`along the top surface 117.
`[0027] The exemplary first end 118 is positioned adjacent
`the spacer 116 and is substantially circular in shape. In alter-
`native embodiments. the first end 118 is capable of being any
`other geometric or non—geometric shape. The first end 118
`extends elevationally above the top surface 117 and option-
`ally includes an aperture 125 that extends through at least the
`first end 118 and the spacer 116. In one exemplary embodi-
`ment. the aperture 125 is elevationally positioned above the
`top surface 117 and allows for one or more electrical wires
`(not shown) to be rou ted from the interior area of the wall into
`the equipment that is coupled to the wall mounting bracket
`100. For example. if the equipment is a balance beam that
`includes lights. the electrical wiring passes from the internal
`space between the walls to the equipment via the aperture
`125. Once l11e equipment is coupled to the wall mounting
`bracket 100. the electrical wiring is concealed. In certain
`alternative embodiments.
`the aperture 125 also extends
`through the nut mounting section 114.
`[0028] The second end 1 19 is positioned at an opposing end
`from the first end 1 l8 and. in one exemplary embodiment, has
`a substantially elliptical shape and more specifically a frus-
`ttun ofan ellipse. Alternatively. the second end 119 is capable
`of being any other geometric or non—geometric shape. The
`second end 119 extends up from the top surface 117 and
`forms a lip 126 with the top surface 117. The lip 126 prevents
`the sliding not 150 from falling off the wall motmting bracket
`100 during installation and prevents the installer from install—
`ing the sliding nut 150 too far from the first end 118. In one
`exemplary embodiment. the second end 119 is shorter verti—
`cally and has a smaller surface area that the first end 118.
`[0029] The equipment mounting section 1 12 also includes
`a first section 127. a second section 128, and a transitional
`area 129 that transitions between the first section 127 and the
`
`second section 128. The first section 127 is positioned adja—
`cent to the spacer 116 and extends outwardly therefrom. In
`one eXemplary embodiment. the first section 127 is semi-
`cylindrically shaped and has a uniform perimeter extending
`outwardly from the spacer 116. The exemplary second sec—
`tion 128 is semi-comically shaped and has a reducing perim-
`eter along the semi-wnically shaped portion as the second
`section 128 extends further outwardly from the transitional
`area 129. In alternative embodiments. the first section 127 and
`the second section 128 are capable of having a different
`shapes andr'or varying perilncters.
`[0030] The exemplary spacer 116 is positioned adjacent the
`first end 1 l8 ofthe equipment mounting section 1 l2 and has
`0010
`
`0010
`
`

`

`US 2012/0126077 A1
`
`May 24, 2012
`
`a substantially cylindrical shape. The spacer 1 16 extends
`horizontally a length 115. In one exemplary embodiment, the
`length 115 is substantially the same as the thickness of the
`sheetrock for the wall. Sheetrock is typically available in
`variOUs thicknesses. including, but not lilnited to, 5/1; inch. l
`'x’it
`inch. and 15’: inch. Tints, when 5/3 inch sheetrock is used. the
`length 115 of the spacer 116 is about 511% inch according to
`some exemplary embodiments. In certain exemplary embodi—
`ments, additional spacers (not shown) are coupled to the
`spacer 116. thereby increasing the horizontal length 115 of
`the collective spacers 116. According to certain exemplary
`embodiments, the spacer 116 is sized to accommodate sheet—
`rock thicknesses ranging front about V2 inch to about 1% inch
`without adding additional spacers. This is made possible
`because of the several channels 124 formed within the top
`surface 117. For example. when the thickness ofthe sheetrock
`is greater than the length 115 of the spacer 116, the channel
`124 adjacent to the spacer 116 is not used for coupling the
`sliding nut 150 to the top surface 1 17: instead, the remaining
`two channels 124 are used to couple the sliding nut 150 to the
`top surface 117.
`[0031] The exemplary nut mounting section 114 is at least
`partially threaded and extends horizontally outward from the
`spacer 116 in a direction opposite that of the equipment
`mounting section 112. The mtt mounting section 114 has a
`substantially cylindrical shape and is sized to be inserted
`through a passageway 232 formed through the plate 130. The
`diameter of the nut mounting section 114 is generally less
`than the diameter of the spacer 116 and the diameter of the
`passageway 232 so that the nut mounting section is insertable
`through the passageway 232.
`[0032] The exemplary plate 130 has a substantially rectan—
`gular shape and includes a passageway 232 and four openings
`134 extending therethrough. Alternatively, the plate 130 is
`capable of being any geometric or non—geometric shape. The
`exemplary plate 130 is fabricated using carbon steel, how—
`ever. other suitable materials can be used without departing
`ftom the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment.
`[0033]
`In one exemplary elnbodiment, the passageway 232
`is positioned substantially in the center ofthe plate 130 but is
`capable ofbeing positioned at various alternative locations on
`the plate 130. The passageway 232 is sized and shaped to
`receive the nut mounting section 1 14 through the passageway
`232. The exomplary passageway 232 is also sized to prevent
`the spacer 116 from passing therethrough due to the spacer’s
`116 larger diameter. In one exemplary embodiment, the nut
`mounting section 114 friction fits with the passageway 232.
`[0034]
`liach opening 134 is positioned substantially adja-
`cent to a corresponding corner of the plate 130. Alternatively.
`the positioning and numberofopenings 134 is adjustable. For
`example. when a circular plate (not shown) is used. the open—
`ings 134 can be positioned radially around the circumferen—
`tial edge of the plate. The openings 134 are shaped and sized
`to accommodate screws. rivets, or other known attachment
`devices for coupling the plate 130 to a blocking 488 (FIG. 4)
`andior blocking connection 484 (FIG. 4) that is located within
`the internal wall space.
`[0035] The out 170 is cylindrically shaped and includes a
`channel 272 formed therethrough. The 11111 170 also includes
`an outer sidewall 174 and an inner sidewall 276. The channel
`
`272 is sized and shaped to be coupled to at least a portion of
`the nut mounting section 114 once the nut mounting section
`114 is inserted through the passageway 232. Thus, in one
`exemplary embodiment. the diameter ofthe channel 272 is
`
`slightly larger than the diameter of the nut mounting section
`114. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the nut
`170 also includes one or more apertures 178 each defining a
`channel that extends froln the outer sidewall 174 to the inner
`
`sidewall 276. These apertures 178 are capable of receiving
`set—screws or other known attachment devices for coupling
`the nut 170 to the nut mounting section 114 or for maintaining
`the position of the nut 170 to the nut mounting section after
`being coupled together. In one exemplary embodiment, the
`nut 170 includes threads (not shown) on the inner sidewall
`276 that rotatably coupled to the corresponding threads on
`one exemplary embodiment of the nut mounting section 114.
`In addition. the diameter 0 f the outer sidewall 174 is typically
`larger than the dialneterofthe passageway 232 to prevent the
`nut 170 from passing through the passageway 232.
`[0036]
`FIG. 3A—B are perspective and top views of the
`sliding nut 150 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
`ofthe present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1A—3B, the slid—
`ing mtt 150 includes a body 310. a first protrusion 330. and a
`second protrusion 350. The exemplary body 310 of FIG. 3A
`has a substantially rectangular shape. In alternative embodi—
`ments, the body 310 can be any geometric or non—geometric
`shape. The body 310 includes a top surface 312. a bottom
`surface 316. a first longitudinal sidewall 320. a second longi-
`tudinal sidewall 324, a first latitudinal sidewall 325 and a
`second latitudinal sidewall 326. The first longitudinal side—
`wall 320 and the second longitudinal sidewall 324 are oppo—
`site one another and substantially parallel. The first longitu-
`dinal sidewall 320 and the second longitudinal sidewall 324
`extend from respective longitudinal edges of the top surface
`312 to respective longitudinal edges of the bottom surface
`316.
`
`In one exemplary embodiment, the body 310 also
`[0037]
`includes two openings 328 that extend through the body 310
`frotn the bottom surface 316 to the top surface 312. Altema-
`tively, the openings 328 extend from the bottom surface 316
`towards the top surface 312. but do not extend completely
`through the top surface 312. Although two openings 328 are
`illustrated in the example of FIG. 3A. the number n fopenings
`328 can be more or less than two. The openings 328 receive
`screws or other attachment devices for coupling the wall
`motmting bracket 100 to the equipment. The bottom surface
`316 optionally includes mating ridges 317 adjacent to where
`the first longitudinal sidewall 320 and the second longitudinal
`sidewall 324 meet with the bottom surface 316. Mating ridges
`317 cooperatively engage ridges 122, 123 when the sliding
`nut 150 is positioned on the top surface 117 and prevent the
`sliding nut 150 from sliding along the top surface 117.
`[0038] The first protrusion 330 extends horizontally out-
`ward from the first longitudinal sidewall 320 and includes a
`bottom surface 332. The exemplary bottom surface 332 is
`substantially planar to the bottom surface 316. In one exem—
`plary embodiment, the bottom surface 332 includes mating
`ridges 334 that are the same as or substantially similar to
`mating ridges 317. In operation, the mating ridges 334 coop—
`eratively engage one ofridges 122. 123 when the sliding nut
`150 is positioned on top of the top surface 117. In certain
`exemplary embodiments,
`the mating ridges 334 coopera-
`tively engage ridges 122, 123 when the sliding nut 150 is
`positioned on the top surface 117 and prevent the sliding nut
`150 from sliding along the top surface 117.
`[0039] The second protrusion 350 extends horizontally out—
`ward from the second longitudinal sidewall 324 in a direction
`opposite that of the first” protrusion 330. The exemplary sec-
`0011
`
`0011
`
`

`

`US 2012/012601".t Al
`
`May 24, 2012
`
`is
`ond protrusion 350 includes a bottoln surface 352 that
`substantially planar to the body’s bottom surface 316. The
`bottom surface 352 includes mating ridges 354. that are the
`same as or substantially similar to mating ridges 3 l 7. Mating
`ridges 354 cooperatively engage one ofridges 122. 1 23 when
`the sliding nut 150 is positioned on top ofthe top surface 117.
`In certain exemplary embodiments, the mating ridges 354
`cooperatively engage ridges 122. 123 when the sliding nut
`150 is positioned on the top surface 11'? and prevent the
`sliding nut 150 from sliding along the top surface 11'? in the
`longitudinal direction. In certain exemplary embodiments.
`the first protrusion 330 and the second protrusion 350 are
`shaped the same; however. the shapes can be di fferent in other
`exemplary embodiments.
`|0040] Referring back to FIGS. 1A. 1C. and 2. the nut
`mounting section 114 is inserted through the plate‘s passage-
`way 232. The nut 170 is securely coupled around the nut
`mounting section 114 so that the post 110 cannot be removed
`away from the plate 130. l"'or example. the nut ]70 is coupled
`to the nut mounting section 114 according to the method
`previously described above or via alternative methods that are
`known to people having ordinary skill in the an having the
`benefit of the present disclosure. The sliding nut 150 is posi—
`tioned on the top surface 11'? ofthe post 1 1 2 so that at least the
`mating ridges 334. 354 male with ridges 122. 123. respec-
`tively. The openings 328 of the sliding nut 150 are aligned
`with one or more of the channels 124. In certain exemplary
`embodiments, the sliding out 150 is positioned on the top
`surface 117 after the wall mounting bracket 100 is securely
`installed within the wall.
`
`FIG. 4 is a top view of the wall mounting bracket
`[0041]
`100 installed within a wall 480 in accordance with an exem—
`
`plary embodiment of the present invention. The components
`of the wall mounting bracket 100 have been previously
`described and its installation into the wall 480 is described in
`further detail below. Referring to FIG. 4.
`the wall 480
`includes a stnlcture 482. one or more blocking connections
`484. blocking 488. and sheetrock 494. The structure 482 is
`fabricated from a suitable material. such as bricks. wood.
`metal. sheetrock. or other materials known to people having
`ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present
`disclosure. The structure 482 is illustrated as being continu—
`ous. but is non-continuous in other exemplary embodiments.
`In some exemplary embodiments. the structure 482 is sheet-
`rock of an adjacent room. In yet other exemplary embodi-
`ments. the structure 482 is wood. brick. or some other known
`material which forms an outer surface of a building (not
`shown). In certain alternative embodiments. the structure is
`optional.
`|0042] The exemplary blocking connections 484 are sub-
`stantially C—shaped but are capable of being fabricated in
`other shapes. The blocking connections 484 are fabricated
`ftom materials, such as wood. metal. polymers or other mate-
`rials. In one exemplary embodiment. the blocking connec-
`tions 484 are wall studs. Ilach blocking connection 484
`includes a first end 485. a second end 486 opposite the first
`end 485. and an intermediate portion 487 that extends
`between the first and second ends 485, 486. The first end 485
`is substantially parallel to the second end 486 and is coupled
`to the structure 482 using nails. screws. rivets. or other known
`attachment devices. The blocking comiections 484 are typi—
`cally positioned along the structure 482 in a horizontally
`equidistant manner; however. the spacing between each con-
`secutive blocking connection 484 can vary.
`
`[0043] Blocking 488 has a substantially rectangular shape
`and is typically coupled to two adjacent blocking connections
`484 using screws or bolts and extends therebetween. A por—
`tion ofthe blocking 488 where the wall motulting bracket 100
`is inserted into the blocking is removed. thereby fonning an
`opening 489. which is also illustrated in FIG S. 5B—5C. within
`the blocking 488. to accommodate positioning of the nut 170
`and at least a portion of the nut mounting section 114. In one
`exemplary embodiment. the opening 489 extends entirely
`through the blocking 488. In alternative embodiments, the
`opening 489 only extends through a portion of the blocking
`488. The opening 489 is typically formed either afier the
`blocking is coupled to the blocking connections 484 or prior
`to the blocking 488 being coupled to the blocking connec-
`tions 484. Sheetrock 494 is coupled to the second end 486 of
`the blocking connections 484 using nails. screws. or other
`known attachment devices. A sheetrock opening 495 is
`formed into the sheetrock 494 to accommodate the spacer 1 l6
`ofthe post 110.
`[0044]
`To install the wall mounting bracket 100 into the
`wall 480. all components of the wall 480 are assembled
`except for the installation of the sheetrock 494 and all com—
`ponents of the wall mounting bracket 100 are assembled
`except for coupling of the sliding nut 150 (1“ IG. 1A) to the top
`surface 1 l7 ofthe post 110. A fter the opening 489 is formed
`into the blocking 488. the nut 170 and the nut mounting
`section 114 are inserted into the opening 489. The plate 130 is
`securely coupled to the blocking 488 using screWs or other
`known fastening devices that extend through the plate’s open-
`ings 134 (FIG. 1A). Sheetrock 494 is coupled to the blocking
`connections 484 using nails. screws. or other known attach—
`ment devices. The perimeter of the sheetrock’s opening 495
`surrounds the post’s spacer 116 once the sheetrock 494 is
`coupled to the blocking connections 484. Thus. once the
`sheetrock 494 is installed. the equipment mounting section
`112 extends outwardly from the wall 480 to facilitate cou—
`pling the equipment to the mounting bracket.
`[0045] Although one example ofthe wall 480 and its com-
`ponents are described, the wall 480 includes different com-
`ponents in other exemplary embodiments. For example. in an
`alternative embodiment, the wall mounting bracket 100 is
`installed into a wall stud or blocking connection 484. thereby
`making the blocking 488 optional. Also. as previously men-
`tioned. the structure 482 is optional.
`[0046]
`FI( i. 5A is a perspective view ofa balance beam 500
`mounted to the wall 480 in accordance with an exemplary
`embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5A.
`the balance beam 500 includes a first wall mounting section
`510. a second wall mounting section 520, and a rail 530
`extending from the first wall mounting section 510 to the
`second wall mounting section 520. Each of the first wall
`mounting section 510 and the second wall mounting section
`520 are securely coupled to a respective wall mounting
`bracket 100 (FIG. 4). Once the first wall mounting section 510
`and the second wall mounting section 520 are coupled to the
`wall mounting bracket 100 (FIG. 4). the wall mounting
`bracket 100 (l: 16. 4) is completely concealed. In one exem-
`plary embodiment. once the first wall mounting section 510
`and the second wall mounting section 520 are coupled to the
`wall mounting bracket 100 (FIG. 4), all the components ofthe
`wall mounting bracket 100 (FIG. 4) that provide support to
`the balance beam 500 are concealed.
`
`[0047] As seen in FIG. 5A. both the first and second wall
`motlnting sections 5] 0. 520 extend horizontally outward
`0012
`
`0012
`
`

`

`US 2012/01260?7 A1
`
`May 24, 2012
`
`from the wall 480 and are not surrotmded by a flange. Accord-
`ing to conventional
`installations of balance beams 500
`mounted to a wall. flanges surround the both the first wall
`mounting section 510 and the second wall mounting section
`520,
`thereby providing additional support to the balance
`beam 500. Since. the balance beam 500 is wall—mounted
`using the wall mounting bracket 100 (FIG. 4). additional
`support provided by flanges is unnecessary.
`[0048]
`In one exemplary embodiment. balance beams 500
`that are wall-mounted using the wall mounting bracket 100
`(FIG. 4) are able to withstand an 800 pound point load applied
`onto the balance beams in any direction. Alternatively. bal—
`ance beams 500 that are wall—mounted using the wall mount—
`ing bracket 100 (1" IG. 4] are able to withstand point loads
`applied in any direction that range from about 500 pounds to
`about 800 pounds. In another alternative embodiment, bal-
`ance beams 500 that are wall—mounted using the wall mount—
`ing bracket 100 (FIG. 4) are able to withstand point loads
`applied ill any direction that range front about 200 pounds to
`about 800 pounds. In still another embodiment, balance
`beams 500 that are wall—mounted using the wall mounting
`bracket 100 (FIG. 4) are able to withstand point loads applied
`in any direction that range from about 50 pounds to about 800
`p