Hanger bracket

Abstract

A versatile hanger or bracket that is removably attached to a fixed horizontal beam of a wide variety of structures in order to hold or support a number of decorative and functional objects to the beam by combining the force of gravity against the fixed horizontal beam. The hanger or bracket is easily and quickly installed and removed from the beam without damaging, modifying or leaving physical remnants of the installation in the structure or surface of the beam.

1 . A hanger or bracket comprising:
 a sleeve having a top surface, a bottom surface and a third surface interconnecting said top surface and said bottom surface wherein the sleeve is shaped to conform to at least one side of a fixed horizontal beam;   a means for securing the sleeve to the fixed horizontal beam wherein a gap exists between the underside of said beam and the bottom surface of said sleeve;   a support piece having at least one load end and at least one holding end wherein said at least one holding end is configured to hold or support an object; and   wherein the at least one load end of said sleeve is first inserted through one or more openings in said sleeve and into the gap to a sufficient depth such that when an object is placed on the holding end, the weight of the object causes the at least one load end to pivot upward against the underside of the beam thereby supporting the object to the fixed horizontal beam.   
   
   
       2 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is C-shaped such that it conforms to at least one side of a fixed horizontal beam having a square or rectangular cross section. 
   
   
       3 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 1  wherein the means for securing the sleeve to the fixed horizontal beam is selected from the group comprised of bonding, welding and mechanical fastening. 
   
   
       4 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 3  wherein the bonding means is an adhesive, glue or Velcro. 
   
   
       5 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 3  wherein the mechanical fastening means is a hand-tightened fastener, wedge, or a hand-tightened or spring loaded clamp. 
   
   
       6 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 3  wherein the mechanical fastening means is a fastener, wedge, or a clamp. 
   
   
       7 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 3  wherein the mechanical fastening means is non-marking such that it does not damage, modify or leave physical remnants in the structure or surface of the fixed horizontal beam when fastened against said fixed horizontal beam. 
   
   
       8 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 5  wherein the hand-tightened fastener is a screw adapted to be inserted into a hole on the underside of the bottom surface of the sleeve and hand-tightened against the underside of the fixed horizontal beam. 
   
   
       9 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is comprised of a durable, water and weather-resistant material. 
   
   
       10 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 9  wherein the sleeve is comprised of metal having a water-resistant coating. 
   
   
       11 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 1  wherein the support piece is comprised of a rod or tube that is sized and shaped to slide through the one or more openings of the sleeve. 
   
   
       12 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 1  wherein the support piece is comprised of a plate that is sized and shaped to slide through one or more openings of the sleeve. 
   
   
       13 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 1  wherein the holding end of the support piece is shaped in the form of a hook. 
   
   
       14 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 1  wherein the holding end of the support piece is shaped in the form of a circle. 
   
   
       15 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 1  wherein the support piece is comprised of a durable, water and weather-resistant material. 
   
   
       16 . The hanger or bracket of  claim 15  wherein the support piece is comprised of metal having a water-resistant coating.