Flush Mount Apparatus

The present invention relates to mounting apparatuses, and, more particularly, to apparatuses configured to provide flush mounting of displayable objects.

Traditional mechanisms for mounting displayable objects such as plaques, signs, and frames to structures rely on the space between the mechanism and the object for mounting to a fastener that is attached to the structure, typically including a wall or vertical substrate. Flush mounting of the displayable object is prevented due to the space required for mounting to the fastener. Flush mounting can be achieved by affixing a fastener directly through the displayable object and into the structure, however, mounting in this manner is destructive to the displayable object and is not easily moveable.

As can be seen, there is a need for a non-destructive apparatus for flush mounting of displayable objects configured to allow the displayable object to be easily moved.

In one aspect of the present invention, a mounting apparatus is provided. The mounting apparatus includes a body with at least six sides, a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion within the first recessed portion. In embodiments, the first recessed portion can be shallower than the second recessed portion. A hanger is fastened to the first recessed portion generally flush with a first side of the at least six sides and the hanger includes a means for suspending the mounting apparatus from a fastener.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

A general overview of the various features of the invention will be provided, with a detailed description following. Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a mounting apparatus for flush mounting of displayable objects, eliminating substantial gaps or angles between the mounted displayable object and the structure it is mounted to. The apparatus eliminates the need for direct fastener attachment, through the face of the displayable object, to the displayable objects to achieve flush mounting. The apparatus provides a flush mounting mechanism that allows a display object to be easily removed from its installation.

The present invention may comprise a body portion that can include at least a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion, with a hanger housed at least partially, or completely, within the first recessed portion. The body can be three-dimensional with at least one substantially flat surface configured to contact a mounting surface of a structure. The body can have additional surfaces capable of mounting objects thereto, or capable of having an ornamental design thereon. The body can be made from materials such as, wood, precious metal, commodity metal, stone, etc.

The first recessed portion and the second recessed portion can be cut-out, hollowed, drilled, carved or otherwise machined, from the at least one substantially flat surface. The first recessed portion can have a first depth sufficient to accept the hanger such that the hanger is substantially flush with the at least one substantially flat surface. The second recessed portion can be wholly within the first recessed portion, and can have a second depth, which can be larger in magnitude, or deeper, than the first depth. In embodiments, the second depth is of sufficient depth to accept a mounting fastener(s), such as, screw(s), nail(s), bolt(s), etc. Advantageously, the negative space created by the second depth allows for acceptance of the mouthing fastener(s) while maintaining a flush mount of the body.

The hanger can be a three-dimensional shape with at least a first aperture defining a means for suspending the mounting apparatus from a fastener mounted to a structure. In embodiments, the hanger can be disk-shaped, or substantially cylindrical, with the means for suspending defining a sawtooth pattern. In a first embodiment, the hanger can include three additional apertures adapted to receive fasteners for securing the hanger to the body of the mounting apparatus. In a second embodiment, the hanger can include four additional apertures adapted to receive fasteners for securing the hanger to the body of the mounting apparatus. In embodiments, fasteners can include, but are not limited to, screws, nails, bolts, etc. The hanger can be made from any suitable material, such as wood, metal, plastic, etc., but in a preferred embodiment can be made from Aluminum.

Referring to,depict a mounting apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. The mounting apparatus can include a body, which can include at least a first recessed portionand a second recessed portion. The first recessed portioncan be substantially cylindrical in shape, but is not so limited, and can be adapted to fit the shape of hanger. In embodiments, first recessed portioncan have a depth of 0.0625 inches, an outer diameter of 2.5 inches. The second recessed portioncan be substantially cylindrical in shape, but is not so limited, and can be adapted to define a cavity for receiving a portion of a fastenerfor flush mounting. In embodiments, the second recessed portion can have a depth of larger than the depth of the first recessed portion, and can have an outer diameter of 1.75 inches.

A hangercan be substantially disc-shaped, or substantially cylindrically shaped, but is not so limited and can include at least an outer surface and an inner surface. Hangercan include a plurality of apertures, including at least a plurality of fastener apertures, and at least one aperturedefining a means for suspending the mounting apparatus from a fastener. In embodiments, aperturedefines a means for suspending the mounting apparatus, wherein the means include a sawtooth configuration. In embodiments, aperturecan include a lower portion that is an arc of radius 0.875 inches, which is continuously connected to an upper portion defining the means for suspending, such as a sawtooth configuration. In embodiments, teeth of the sawtooth configuration can be spaced at least 0.3125 inches from tooth point to tooth point, and a height of each tooth can be 0.1875 inches. In embodiments, fastener aperturescan be placed at least 0.125 inches from an edge of hanger, and can be counter sunk to receive fastenersin a substantially flush manner.

depict aspects of the mounting apparatus in use according to an embodiment of the invention. The mounting apparatus comprising bodyand hangercan be mounted to a structure. In embodiments, a fasteneris installed into structurewith a head portion of fastenerprotruding from structure. Suspending meansof hangercan be disposed over fastenerwith the head portion of fastenerprotruding into the cavity formed by inner recess. Advantageously, mounting surface of bodycan rest flush on a surface of structure, thereby minimizing any space, and/or angle between the two surfaces.

depicts an additional embodiment of a hangerof mounting apparatus. Hangercan be substantially disc-shaped, or substantially cylindrically shaped, but is not so limited and can include at least an outer surface and an inner surface. Hangercan include a plurality of apertures, including at least a plurality of fastener apertures, and at least one aperturedefining a means for suspending the mounting apparatus from a fastener. In embodiments, aperturedefines a means for suspending the mounting apparatus, wherein the means include a sawtooth configuration. In embodiments, aperturecan include a lower portion that is an arc of radius 0.875 inches, which is continuously connected to an upper portion defining the means for suspending, such as a sawtooth configuration. In embodiments, teeth of the sawtooth configuration can be spaced at least 0.3125 inches from tooth point to tooth point, and a height of each tooth can be 0.1875 inches. In embodiments, fastener aperturescan be placed at least 0.125 inches from an edge of hanger, and can be counter sunk to receive fastenersin a substantially flush manner.

The mounting apparatus comprising bodyand hanger,can come pre-assembled, or as a kit, for assembly. The mounting apparatus can have ornamental design elements painted, engraved, carved, or otherwise affixed thereto. Additionally, the mounting apparatus can serve as a base for mounting further objects, such as but not limited to, taxidermy, trophies, etc.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.