Mounting bracket
A bracket is provided for use in installing door hardware on a support surface. The bracket comprises a rigid member having a longitudinal axis, a front surface, a substantially planar rear surface for engaging the support surface, and a peripheral edge extending between and joining the front and rear surfaces. A spirit bubble level is disposed on the rigid member such that the rigid member can be oriented relative to a horizontal line or a vertical line, the level having the bubble centered only when the level is horizontal or vertical. At least a portion of the peripheral edge of the rigid member provides a mounting surface for the door hardware when the rigid member is secured to the support surface.
1. A bracket for use in installing door hardware on a support surface, the bracket comprising:
a rigid member having a longitudinal axis, a front outer surface, a substantially planar rear inner surface for engaging the support surface, and a peripheral edge extending between and joining the front outer and rear inner surfaces, at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the rigid member providing a mounting surface for the door hardware when the rigid member is secured to the support surface;
a spirit bubble level disposed on the rigid member such that the rigid member can be oriented relative to a horizontal line or a vertical line, the level having the bubble centered only when the level is horizontal or vertical; and
a retaining tab for providing a mounting surface, the retaining tab comprising
a planar leg extending angularly outwardly a first distance from a portion of a length of an upper longitudinal peripheral edge of the rigid member, the planar leg terminating in a longitudinal edge, and
a flange integral with the longitudinal edge of the leg, the flange including
a planar first portion extending upwardly from the leg and terminating in a longitudinal edge, the first portion of the flange and the leg defining an open longitudinal channel,
a planar second portion extending angularly rearwardly a second distance from the longitudinal edge of the first portion and terminating in a longitudinal edge, the first distance being greater than the second distance, and
a planar third portion extending angularly outwardly from the longitudinal edge of the second portion of the flange.
2. A bracket as recited in claim 1 , wherein the peripheral edge of the rigid member has recesses adjacent the retaining tab.
3. In combination:
a door hardware member including a base member; and
a bracket for use in installing the door hardware member on a support surface, the bracket comprising
a rigid member having a longitudinal axis, a front surface, a substantially planar rear surface for engaging the support surface, and a peripheral edge extending between and joining the front and rear surfaces, at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the rigid member providing a mounting surface for engaging the base member when the rigid member is secured to the support surface,
a spirit bubble level disposed on the rigid member such that the rigid member can be oriented relative to a horizontal line or a vertical line, the level having the bubble centered only when the level is horizontal or vertical, wherein the base member is mounted properly relative to the horizontal or vertical line, and
a retaining tab comprising
a planar leg extending angularly outwardly a first distance from a length of an upper longitudinal peripheral edge of the rigid member and terminating in a longitudinal edge; and
a flange integral with the longitudinal edge of the leg, the flange including
a planar first portion extending upwardly from the leg and terminating in a longitudinal edge, the first portion of the flange and the leg defining an open longitudinal channel,
a planar second portion extending angularly rearwardly a second distance from the longitudinal edge of the first portion and terminating in a longitudinal edge, the first distance being greater than the second distance, and
a planar third portion extending angularly outwardly from the longitudinal edge of the second portion of the flange,
wherein the base member defines a slot for receiving the longitudinal edge of the second portion of the flange.
4. A method for installing door hardware onto a surface, the installation method comprising the steps of:
providing a bracket, the bracket including a rigid member having a longitudinal axis, a front surface, a substantially planar rear surface for engaging the support surface, a peripheral edge extending between and joining the front and rear surfaces, and a retaining tab for providing a mounting surface, the retaining tab comprising
a planar leg extending angularly outwardly a first distance from a portion of a length of an upper longitudinal peripheral edge of the rigid member, the planar leg terminating in a longitudinal edge, and
a flange integral with the longitudinal edge of the leg, the flange including
a planar first portion extending upwardly from the leg and terminating in a longitudinal edge, the first portion of the flange and the leg defining an open longitudinal channel,
a planar second portion extending angularly rearwardly a second distance from the longitudinal edge of the first portion and terminating in a longitudinal edge, the first distance being greater than the second distance, and
a planar third portion extending angularly outwardly from the longitudinal edge of the second portion of the flange,
and a spirit bubble level disposed on the rigid member;
positioning the rigid member on the surface relative to a horizontal line or a vertical line, the level having the bubble centered only when the level is horizontal or vertical;
securing the bracket to the surface;
providing a door hardware member, including a base member;
positioning the base member against the surface in contiguous relation with the bracket, the base member defining a slot for receiving the retaining tab and inserting the retaining tab into the slot, wherein at least a portion of the edge of the rigid member provides a mounting surface for the base member when the rigid member is secured to the support surface; and
securing the base member to the surface.