Clamping system for support hardware

Abstract

A clamping system for support hardware has at least two spaced apart and opposing hooks. At least one of the hooks is movable on the clamping system relative to the other hook. The hooks can be disposed in a first configuration wherein the hooks are insertable into two spaced-apart slots in a slotted support member, and in a second configuration wherein the hooks positively clamp and secure the support hardware onto the support member. A support assembly includes a support member having a plurality of spaced slots formed therein, a support bracket and a clamping system. The support bracket is mounted on a support member by disposing hooks of the clamping system so that they are insertable into spaced-apart slots, and then moving a hook to positively clamp the bracket onto the support member.

1 . A clamping system for support hardware, comprising:
 at least two spaced apart and opposing hooks, wherein at least one of the hooks is movable on the clamping system relative to the other hook so that the hooks can be disposed in a first configuration wherein the hooks are insertable into two spaced-apart slots in a slotted support member and, in a second configuration, the hooks cooperate to positively clamp the hardware onto the support member.   
   
   
       2 . The clamping system of  claim 1 , comprising a stop surface adjacent to each hook, wherein each hook comprises a cam surface that defines an oblique angle relative to the adjacent stop surface. 
   
   
       3 . The clamping system of  claim 1 , wherein the support hardware is comprised of a bracket, the bracket having the clamping system affixed thereto, and wherein the bracket comprises a carrier portion for bearing a weight of a load disposed thereon. 
   
   
       4 . The clamping system of  claim 3 , wherein the carrier portion includes at least one of the hooks integrally formed thereon. 
   
   
       5 . The clamping system of  claim 3 , further comprising a screw rotatably mounted to the carrier portion, and wherein at least one of the hooks is disposed on the screw and in response to rotation of the screw the at least one of the hooks traverses a longitudinal length of the screw. 
   
   
       6 . The clamping system of  claim 5 , wherein each hook comprises a hook surface that defines an oblique angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the screw. 
   
   
       7 . The clamping system of  claim 3 , wherein the bracket further includes a positioning tooth affixed to the carrier portion for insertion into a slot on the support member. 
   
   
       8 . The clamping system of  claim 3 , wherein when in the second configuration, the bracket is usable in a vibration-rich environment. 
   
   
       9 . The clamping system of  claim 8 , wherein the vibration-rich environment is comprised of a bracket for securing one or more shelves in a transportation vehicle. 
   
   
       10 . A support assembly, comprising:
 a support member having a plurality of spaced slots formed therein;   a support bracket having a carrier portion, a bracket body and two flange portions extending from the bracket body; and   a clamping system affixed to the support bracket, the clamping system including a screw and at least two spaced apart and opposing hooks mounted to the screw, the hooks suitably sized for insertion into two spaced-apart slots in the support member, wherein at least one hook traverses a longitudinal length of the screw in response to a rotation of the screw;   wherein, in a first configuration, the hooks are insertable into two spaced-apart slots of the support member and, in a second configuration, the hooks cooperate to positively secure the support bracket onto the support member.   
   
   
       11 . The support assembly of  claim 10 , wherein when in the first configuration the support bracket is disposed in corresponding slots of the support member and rotation of the screw causes the at least one hook to traverse the longitudinal length of the screw such that a distance between the hooks is reduced, the support bracket is drawn closer to the support member and the support bracket is securely affixed to the support member. 
   
   
       12 . The support assembly of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a second one of the support bracket;   a second one of the clamping system affixed to the second support bracket; and   a shelf disposed on a top surface of the carrier portions of the support brackets for receiving a weight of a load disposed thereon.   
   
   
       13 . The support assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the load is comprised of merchandise for display in a retail environment. 
   
   
       14 . A method of mounting support hardware on a support member, the support member having a plurality of spaced slots, the method comprising:
 providing a clamping system that includes a screw and at least two spaced apart and opposing hooks, wherein at least one hook is movable along the screw relative to the other hook;   affixing the clamping system to the support hardware;   rotating the screw in a first direct to dispose the hooks in an insertable configuration relative to slots in the support member;   inserting the hooks into corresponding slots in the support member; and   rotating the screw in a second direction to dispose the hooks closer together into a positive clamping configuration, the positive clamping configuration drawing the support hardware closer to the support member.