Concealable beam supporting and positioning apparatus, system, and method of use

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method for adjustably supporting a beam end to a support structure. The apparatus includes a mounting plate, a flange extending generally orthogonal from the mounting plate and defining a cylinder, and a beam support plate adjustably linked to the flange by an elevating means such as a bolt. The system includes the apparatus as well as a beam that has been modified to have an end recess for receiving the apparatus. By mounting the apparatus to a support structure, and placing the beam end over the apparatus, the bolt and support plate can manipulated to adjustably support the beam end. A cosmetic insert can be placed in a lower recess formed in the beam to conceal the support plate and bolt head from view, thereby creating a concealed supporting structure.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A concealable beam support apparatus with adjustable support comprising: 
 a mounting plate for attachment to a support surface;    a flange extending generally orthogonal from the mounting plate and defining a cylinder; and    a beam support plate adjustably linked to the flange by an elevating means.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the elevating means comprises a bolt sized to pass through a hole defined by the support plate and engage threads formed in the cylinder.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the elevating means comprises a bolt sized to pass through a hole defined by the support plate and through the cylinder, and engage a threaded member located at an upper portion of the flange.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the cylinder has a cross sectional profile selected from the group consisting of a curvilinear form, a rectilinear form, and a hybrid curvilinear and rectilinear form.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the flange defines a second cylinder and wherein the distance between the second cylinder and the support plate is generally equal to the distance between the first cylinder and the support plate.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the flange defines a second cylinder and wherein the distance between the second cylinder and the support plate is greater than the distance between the first cylinder and the support plate.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the periphery of the support plate is selected from the group consisting of a rectilinear, a curvilinear, and a combination rectilinear and curvilinear surface.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the flange further comprises an extension portion that defines the cylinder.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the support plate freely traverses an operational distance without interfering with the flange.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the flange and the mounting plate are constructed from a unitary piece of metal.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the flange further defines a cross bolt bore generally orthogonal to the cylinder for receiving a cross beam bolt.  
     
     
         12 . A beam support system comprising: 
 a mounting plate for attachment to a support surface;    a flange extending generally orthogonal from the mounting plate and defining a cylinder;    a beam support plate adjustably linked to the flange by an elevating means; and    a beam having an end that defines a channel formed to slidingly receive the flange thereby substantially concealing the mounting plate and flange when the beam is supported by the beam support plate.    
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  further comprising a cosmetic insert sized to generally conceal the beam support plate when engaged with the beam end.  
     
     
         14 . A beam for use with a beam support apparatus that includes a mounting plate for attachment to a vertical surface, a flange extending generally orthogonal from the mounting plate and defining a cylinder, and a beam support plate adjustably linked to the flange by an elevating means, wherein the beam comprises: 
 a first end having an end portion, two side portions, an upper portion, and a lower portion; and    a channel defined by the end portion and extending from the lower portion towards the upper portion of the beam wherein the channel has sufficient width and depth to slidingly receive the flange.    
     
     
         15 . The beam of  claim 14  wherein the channel extends through to the upper portion.  
     
     
         16 . The beam of  claim 14  further comprising a support plate recess defined by the lower portion.  
     
     
         17 . A method of for installing a beam to a support structure using a beam supporting and positioning apparatus, wherein the beam comprises a first end having an end portion, two side portions, an upper portion, and a lower portion, and a channel defined by the end portion and extending from the lower portion towards the upper portion of the beam; and the apparatus comprises a mounting plate, a flange extending generally orthogonal from the mounting plate and defining a cylinder, and a beam support plate adjustably linked to the flange by an elevating means, the method comprising: 
 securing the apparatus to the support structure;    inserting the beam end over the flange and mounting plate;    allowing the beam end to rest on the support plate; and    adjusting the elevating means so as to position the beam end into a desired position.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  17  further comprising: 
 placing an insert into part of the channel so as to conceal one or more parts of the apparatus that may be exposed after adjustment of the elevating means.