HANGING APPARATUS AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF

Abstract

A hanging apparatus and a method of manufacturing a hanging apparatus. The hanging apparatus may include a frame apparatus having a rear surface, a hanging bracket having a first portion that is coupled to the rear surface of the frame apparatus and a second portion; and a rear cover attached to the rear surface of the frame apparatus. The rear cover may overlie the first portion of the hanging bracket. The rear cover may have an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a cover slit that extends from the interior surface to the exterior surface. The second portion of the hanging bracket may extend through the cover slit of the rear cover and protrude from the exterior surface of the rear cover. The second portion of the hanging bracket may be configured to engage a hanging member to hang the hanging apparatus.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Framed articles are often displayed by being placed on a support surface such as a desk or countertop, hung from a wall, or hung from the top of a door. When such framed articles are hung from a wall, they typically include a bracket that can engage with a nail or screw that is protruding from the wall. Such brackets may add to the size of the framed article, which can require additional space for storage and shipping. Furthermore, the attachment of such brackets to the framed article may result in damage to the profile of the frame either during manufacture or when multiple of the framed articles are stacked for storage and/or shipping. A need exists for a framed article which overcomes these deficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a hanging apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same.

In one aspect, the invention may be a hanging apparatus comprising: a frame apparatus comprising a rear surface; a hanging bracket comprising a first portion that is coupled to the rear surface of the frame apparatus and a second portion; a rear cover attached to the rear surface of the frame apparatus and overlying the first portion of the hanging bracket, the rear cover comprising a cover slit; and wherein the second portion of the hanging bracket extends through the cover slit of the rear cover and protrudes from an exterior surface of the rear cover, the second portion of the hanging bracket being configured to engage a hanging member to hang the hanging apparatus.

In another aspect, the invention may be a hanging apparatus comprising: a frame apparatus comprising a rear surface; a hanging bracket comprising a first portion that is coupled to the rear surface of the frame apparatus and a second portion; an adhesive tape positioned over the first portion of the hanging bracket to secure the hanging bracket to the rear surface of the frame apparatus, the adhesive tape comprising a tape slit, the second portion of the hanging bracket extending through the tape slit; a rear cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the rear cover having a cover slit; a reinforcement member coupled to a portion of the interior surface of the rear cover, the reinforcement member comprising a reinforcement slit; wherein the rear cover is attached to the rear surface of the frame apparatus and covers the fires portion of the hanging bracket and the adhesive tape, the second portion of the hanging bracket extending through the reinforcement slit of the reinforcement member and the cover slit of the rear cover and protruding from the exterior surface of the rear cover.

In yet another aspect, the invention may be a method of manufacturing a hanging apparatus, the method comprising: attaching a first portion of a hanging bracket to a rear surface of a frame apparatus; inserting a second portion of the hanging bracket through a cover slit of a rear cover; and attaching the rear cover to the rear surface of the frame apparatus so that the first portion of the hanging bracket is positioned between an interior surface of the rear cover and the frame apparatus and the second portion of the hanging bracket protrudes from an exterior surface of the rear cover.

In still another aspect, the invention may be a hanging apparatus comprising: a frame apparatus comprising a rear surface; a rear cover attached to at least a portion of the rear surface of the frame apparatus, the rear cover comprising a cover slit; and a hanging bracket comprising a first portion that is positioned between the rear cover and the rear surface of the frame apparatus and a second portion that extends through the cover slit of the rear cover and protrudes from an exterior surface of the rear cover, wherein the second portion of the hanging bracket is configured to engage a hanging member to hang the hanging apparatus.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a hanging apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the hanging apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the hanging apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of the hanging apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a hanging bracket of the hanging apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is a front view of the hanging bracket of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a side view of the hanging bracket of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hanging bracket in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a partial perspective view of an adhesive being applied onto a portion of an interior surface of a rear cover of the hanging apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7B is a partial perspective view of a reinforcement member being coupled to the portion of the interior surface of the rear cover with the adhesive from FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view illustrating the reinforcement member coupled to the rear cover;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10A is a partial perspective view of an adhesive being applied onto a rear surface of a frame apparatus of the hanging apparatus of FIG. 1 so that the hanging bracket of FIG. 5A can be attached;

FIG. 10B is a partial perspective view of the frame apparatus with the hanging bracket attached thereto;

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate a tape member being coupled to the rear surface of the frame apparatus over top of a portion of the hanging bracket;

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate the rear cover with the attached reinforcement member of FIG. 8 being coupled to the rear surface of the frame apparatus with the hanging bracket coupled thereto as shown in FIG. 11D;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12D;

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view illustrating a hanging member being engaged with a portion of the hanging bracket that is coupled to the frame apparatus;

FIG. 15 illustrates the hanging bracket of FIG. 14 hanging the frame apparatus from a top edge of a door; and

FIG. 16 is a rear view of a frame apparatus with two of the hanging brackets coupled thereto in accordance with another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a hanging apparatus 1000 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The hanging apparatus 1000 may generally comprise a frame apparatus 100, a rear cover 200, a reinforcement member 300, a hanging bracket 400, and a tape member 500. In some embodiments the reinforcement member 300 and/or the tape member 500 may be omitted. The hanging apparatus 1000 may also comprise a hanging member. In the exemplified embodiment, the hanging member is an over-door hanger 600. However, in other embodiments as described herein the hanging member may be a fastener such as a nail, a screw, or the like.

The frame apparatus 100 may comprise a front surface 101 and a rear surface 102. The frame apparatus 100 may comprise a frame member 110 and an article 120 that is coupled to the frame member 110. The frame member 110 may have a rectangular shape as shown, or may have other shapes including other polygonal shapes, irregular shapes, circular shapes, or the like as the specific shape of the frame member 110 is not to be limiting of the invention in all embodiments. The frame member 110 may be formed from multiple frame pieces having mitered ends so that the frame pieces may be coupled together to form the final shape of the frame member 110. The frame member 110 may alternatively be formed as one piece, such as via injection molding, extrusion, or the like. The frame member 110 (and the frame pieces that form the frame member 110) may be formed from wood, plastic, metal, or any other material typically used for frames of the type described herein. The frame member 110 may have an inner surface 111 that defines a display opening 112 within which the article 120 may be located and displayed.

The article 120 may comprise a mirror. In other embodiments, the article 120 may comprise a stack which includes a glazing, a photograph, and a backer. In other embodiments, the article 120 may comprise a poster or the like which is desired to be displayed. In the exemplified embodiment, the article 120 is a mirror having a mirrored front surface 121 and a back surface 123 opposite the mirrored front surface 121. The back surface 123 of the mirror may form at least a portion of the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100. The article 120 may be coupled to the frame member 110 using various techniques, including clips, adhesive, tabs, points (rigid or flexible) or the like. In the exemplified embodiment whereby the article 120 is a mirror, the article 120 may be adhesively coupled to the frame member 110 so that the article 120 extends across the display opening 112. The mirror may be coupled to the frame member 110 with glue, for example. The mirror may be coupled to the frame member 110 within a rabbet of the frame member 110.

The rear cover 200 may be coupled to the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100. One function of the rear cover 200 is that by attaching the rear cover 200 to the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100 (which includes the back surface 123 of the mirror), if the mirror breaks the rear cover 200 will keep the pieces of the mirror together to prevent shattering and possible injury. Another function of the rear cover 200 may be to secure the hanging bracket 400 in place so that it can be used for hanging the hanging apparatus 1000 from a desired surface, such as a wall, a top edge of a door, or the like.

The rear cover 200 may be formed from a first material. In some embodiments, the first material may be a paper material having a first thickness. The rear cover 200 may be sized and configured to cover the entirety of the back surface 123 of the article 120. In some embodiments, the rear cover 200 may be sized and configured to cover the entirety of the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100 which includes the back surface 123 of the article 120 and the back surface of the frame member 110. In still other embodiments, the rear cover 200 may be sized and configured to cover a portion of the back surface 123 of the article 120, but perhaps not the entirety of the back surface 123 of the article 120.

The rear cover 200 may have an interior surface 201 that faces the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100 and an exterior surface 202 that forms an outer/exposed rear surface of the hanging apparatus 1000. The rear cover 200 may be coupled to the frame apparatus 100 with an adhesive. The adhesive may be applied onto the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200, onto the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100, or both. The adhesive may be sprayed onto the desired surface, painted onto the desired surface, squeezed onto the desired surface, or the like. This will be described in more detail below during a discussion of FIGS. 12A-12D.

The rear cover 200 comprises a cover slit 210 that forms an opening in the rear cover 200 that extends from the interior surface 201 to the exterior surface 202. The cover slit 210 may form a small opening through the rear cover 200 through which a portion of the hanging bracket 400 may extend, as described further below. The rear cover 200 may have a top edge 205, a bottom edge 206, a first side edge 207, and a second side edge 208. The first and second side edges 207, 208 may each extend between the top and bottom edges 205, 206. The cover slit 210 may be centered between the first and second side edges 207, 208 of the rear cover 200. In the exemplified embodiment, the cover slit 210 is elongated in a direction between the first side edge 207 of the rear cover 200 and the second side edge 208 of the rear cover 200.

In some embodiments, the rear cover 200 may comprise more than one cover slit 210 with one located closer to the left side edge 207 and the other located relatively closer to the right side edge 208. In other embodiments, the rear cover 200 may comprise more than one cover slit 210 with the cover slits 210 spaced apart and perhaps aligned in a direction between the top and bottom edges 205, 206 of the rear cover 200. Each cover slit 210 may be associated with one of the hanging brackets 400. Thus, if the hanging apparatus 1000 comprises just one hanging bracket 400, then the rear cover 200 may comprise just one of the cover slits 210. If the hanging apparatus 1000 includes more than one hanging bracket 400, examples of which will be described below with reference to FIG. 16, then the rear cover 200 may comprise more than one of the cover slits 210. That is, the number of the cover slits 210 may correspond to or equal the number of the hanging brackets 400.

Generally, the rear cover 200 may be a flat sheet, such as a flat sheet of paper, and the exact contours of the rear cover 200 may conform to the contours of the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100. Because the frame apparatus 100 comprises the frame member 110 and the article 120, this may result in the rear cover 200 taking on a non-planar shape in certain regions once it is attached to the frame apparatus 100. For example, in an embodiment the back surface 123 of the article 120 may be recessed relative to the rear of the frame member 110, and the rear cover 200 may extend across both. In some embodiments the rear cover 200 may be a flat sheet or a planar sheet prior to its attachment to the frame apparatus 100.

The reinforcement member 300 may be attached to the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200, as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. As noted above, in some embodiments the reinforcement member 300 may be omitted. When included as part of the hanging apparatus 1000, the reinforcement member 300 may provide added strength to the rear cover 200 in its function of supporting the hanging bracket 400, especially as the hanging bracket 400 is used to hang the hanging apparatus 1000 from a support surface. That is, the reinforcement member 300 may assist in securing the hanging bracket 400 in position.

The reinforcement member 300 may have a smaller size as compared to the rear cover 200, although the exact size of the reinforcement member 300 is not to be limiting of the invention in all embodiments and the reinforcement member 300 may be smaller or larger than depicted in the figures. The hanging apparatus 1000 may comprise one reinforcement member 300 for each of the hanging brackets 400. Thus, if there are two hanging brackets 400, there may be two reinforcement members 300, and so on. The reinforcement member 300 may be coupled to the rear cover 200 along a small portion of the rear cover 200 but less than the entirety of the rear cover 200. In an embodiment, the reinforcement member 300 may be a two inch by two inch square, or may have sides ranging from one inch to five inches (and not all sides being required to have the same length). The reinforcement member 300 need not be a square in all embodiments. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 300 may have dimensions which are equal to or greater than the dimensions of the hanging bracket 400 so that the reinforcement member 300 may cover the entirety of the hanging bracket 400.

The reinforcement member 300 may be formed from a second material. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 300 may be formed from a paper material having a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the rear cover 200. Thus, the rear cover 200 and the reinforcement member 300 may both be formed from paper, but the reinforcement member 300 may be thicker than the rear cover 200. In an embodiment, the reinforcement member 300 may be formed from card stock In other embodiments, the reinforcement member 300 may be formed from other materials such as plastic or metal or wood which is harder and more rigid than the rear cover 200. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 300 may have a greater bend strength than the rear cover 200. Thus, a greater force may be required to bend the reinforcement member 300 than to bend the rear cover 200. This may be achieved by forming the reinforcement member 300 and the rear cover 200 from different materials or similar materials with different thicknesses.

The reinforcement member 300 may comprise a front surface 301 and a rear surface 302 that is opposite the front surface 301. The reinforcement member 300 may comprise a reinforcement slot 310 that extends through the reinforcement member 300 from the front surface to the rear surface 302. The reinforcement slot 310 may form a small opening through which a portion of the hanging bracket 400 may extend, as described further below. The reinforcement member 300 may be coupled to the rear cover 200 in a position such that the reinforcement slot 310 of the reinforcement member 300 is aligned with the cover slot 210 of the rear cover 200. That is, the reinforcement slot 310 may directly overlie the cover slot 210.

The tape member 500 may have a front surface 501 and a rear surface 502 opposite the front surface 501. The front surface 501 of the tape member 500 (which faces the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100) may be an adhesive surface. The rear surface 502 of the tape member 500 (which faces the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200) may be non-adhesive. The tape member 500 may be used to tape a portion of the hanging bracket 400 to the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the tape member 500 may be omitted.

The tape member 500 may comprise a tape slot 510. Thus, when the tape member 500 secures a portion of the hanging bracket 400 to the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100, another portion of the hanging bracket 400 may extend through the tape slot 510. When the hanging apparatus 1000 is assembled, the tape slot 510 may be aligned with the reinforcement slot 310 of the reinforcement member 300 and with the cover slot 210 of the rear cover 200. Thus, the portion of the hanging bracket 400 may extend through each of the tape slot 510, the reinforcement slot 310, and the cover slot 210. In an alternative embodiment, the tape member 500 may not include the tape slot 510, but may instead only cover the portion of the hanging bracket 400 that is intended to be secured to the frame apparatus 100.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, the hanging bracket 400 will be described in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The hanging bracket 400 may comprise a first portion 410 that is configured to be coupled to the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100 and a second portion 420. In some embodiments, the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400 is coupled directly to the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100 and the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 is not directly coupled to the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100. Instead, the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 may protrude form the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100, as described further below. The hanging bracket 400 may be formed from a rigid material such as metal, although other materials such as plastic and wood may be used in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 may be bendable relative to the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400.

The first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400 may comprise an elongated plate-like structure. The exact dimensions of the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400 may be modified from that which is depicted, depending on the amount of surface area required to obtain a sufficient attachment of the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400 to the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100. Specifically, when the hanging apparatus 1000 is hung, the hanging bracket 400 may support the weight of the hanging apparatus 1000. As such, a strong bond may be needed between the hanging bracket 400 and the frame apparatus 100. The size of the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400 may be altered depending on need to achieve the desired bond between the hanging bracket 400 and the frame apparatus 100. The first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400 could be made longer or taller as desired to increase the surface area of the hanging bracket 400 that is bonded to the frame apparatus 100.

The second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 may comprise an intermediate portion 421 that is coupled to and extends from a top end of the first portion 410 and a hanging portion 422 that extends from a top end of the intermediate portion 421. The intermediate portion 421 may be angled relative to the first portion 410 and relative to the hanging portion 422. The intermediate portion 421 may comprise a pair of legs 423 that are spaced apart from one another. The hanging portion 422 may comprise a lower edge 424 that faces the top edge of the first portion 410. The interior edges of the pair of legs 423 of the intermediate portion 421, the lower edge 424 of the hanging portion 422, and the top edge of the first portion 410 may define and surround an opening 430 through which a portion of a hanging member (such as a portion of the over-door hanger 600 shown in FIGS. 1-4 or a portion of a screw or nail or the like) may extend. The lower edge 424 of the hanging portion 422 of the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 may comprise teeth 425 that define notches 426 in the spaces between the teeth 425 to accept a neck/body of a screw or nail or other engagement part to facilitate hanging (i.e., sawtooth hanger).

In an alternative embodiment, the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 may comprise a single portion that is angled relative to the first portion 410. For example, an alternative embodiment may include having the hanging portion 422 bent into plane with the intermediate portion 421 so that the second portion 420 extends at a continuous angle. Other variations may be possible in accordance with other embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a hanging bracket 450 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The hanging bracket 450 comprises a first portion 451 and a second portion 452. In this embodiment, the first portion 451 has a greater length relative to the second portion 452 than in the embodiment of the hanging bracket 400. This may achieve a more secure attachment of the hanging bracket 450 to the frame apparatus 100 as described above.

The manufacture and use of the hanging apparatus 1000 will be described. With reference to FIG. 7A, the rear cover 200 is illustrated with an adhesive 700 being applied onto a portion of the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200 that is adjacent to and perhaps surrounds the cover slit 210. In this embodiment, the adhesive 700 is a glue-like substance that is applied from a tube. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited and the adhesive 700 may be applied onto the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200 (or a portion thereof) by spraying or painting the adhesive 700. Furthermore, while the adhesive 700 is illustrated being applied onto a portion of the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200, in an alternative embodiment the adhesive 700 may be applied over essentially an entirety (90% or more of the surface area) of the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200. In still another embodiment, at this stage in the process an adhesive may be applied onto the rear surface 302 of the reinforcement member 300 instead of or in addition to applying the adhesive 700 onto the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200.

Referring to FIGS. 7B and 8, after the adhesive 700 is applied onto the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200 adjacent to or near the cover slot 210 (and/or after the adhesive is applied onto the rear surface 302 of the reinforcement member 300), the reinforcement member 300 may be attached to the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200 by the adhesive 700. Thus, FIG. 7B illustrates the reinforcement member 300 positioned adjacent to the portion of the rear cover 200 on which the adhesive 700 is located. FIG. 8 illustrates the rear cover 200 with the reinforcement member 300 attached thereto by the adhesive 700. The rear cover 200 with the reinforcement member 300 attached thereto may be referred to herein as a cover assembly 250. As noted, the exact size of the reinforcement member 300 and therefore the amount of the rear cover 200 that is covered by the reinforcement member 300 may be modified from that which is shown in the drawings. The reinforcement member 300 may have dimensions slightly greater than the dimensions of the hanging bracket 400. The reinforcement member 300 may have an area that is less than 10%, or less than 5%, or less than 3% of the area of the rear cover 200. When the reinforcement member 300 is coupled to the rear cover 200, the cover slot 210 and the reinforcement slot 310 may be aligned with one another.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly 250. As shown in FIG. 9, the cover slit 210 and the reinforcement slit 310 of the cover assembly 250 are aligned with one another to define a continuous slit or through-hole 255 that extends through the cover assembly 250. FIG. 9 illustrates how the attachment of the reinforcement member 300 to the rear cover 200 increases the thickness of the cover assembly 250 in the regions where the reinforcement member 300 is located, which creates an added strength and increased bend resistance in that region.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-11D, the attachment of the hanging bracket 400 to the frame apparatus 100 will be described. First, referring to FIG. 10A, an adhesive 710 is applied onto the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100. More specifically, the adhesive 710 is placed onto the back surface 123 of the article 120 (e.g., mirror) which forms a part of the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100. In the exemplified embodiment, the adhesive 710 is illustrated as being applied from a tube. In other embodiments, the back surface 123 of the article 120 may be coated with an adhesive, such as a spray coating of adhesive or a painted-on adhesive. In some embodiments, most of the back surface 123 of the article 120 may be coated with the adhesive rather than just a small location where the hanging bracket 400 is to be attached. In some embodiments, the hanging bracket 400 may be attached to the frame apparatus 100 with the tape member 500 only and the additional adhesive 710 may not be needed and may be omitted.

Next, referring to FIG. 10B, the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400 is placed into direct contact with the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400 may be placed into direct contact with the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100 where the adhesive 710 was previously applied onto the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100. Thus, the hanging bracket 400 may be coupled (or adhered) to the frame apparatus 100 by the adhesive 710 (or by an adhesive which is spray coated or painted onto the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100 as described herein). As noted previously, the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400 is in direct surface contact with the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100 to achieve the attachment. The second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 is not in direct surface contact with the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100. Rather, due to the angled orientation of the intermediate portion 421 of the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 relative to the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400, the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 protrudes from the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100 (and the back surface 123 of the article 120).

As noted above, the back surface 123 of the article 120 may be recessed relative to a back surface 113 of the frame member 110. The hanging bracket 400 may be coupled to the back surface 123 of the article 120. While the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 protrudes from the back surface 123 of the article 120, in an embodiment the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 may not protrude beyond a plane in which the back surface 113 of the frame member 110 lies. As a result, a plurality of the hanging apparatuses 1000 may be stacked without the hanging brackets 400 of the hanging apparatuses 1000 contacting any part of the adjacent hanging apparatuses 1000. This may help to eliminate damage during shipping and storage of the hanging apparatuses 1000.

Next, referring to FIGS. 11A-11D, the attachment of the tape member 500 to the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100 to further secure the hanging bracket 400 to the frame apparatus 100 will be described. As mentioned herein, this step may be omitted and the tape member 500 may not be used in all embodiments. The tape member 500 comprises the tape slit 510 as previously described. When the tape member 500 is attached to the frame apparatus 100, the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 is first slid/inserted through the tape slit 510 (FIG. 11B) and then the tape member 500 is pressed against the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100. Once the tape member 500 is pressed against the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100, the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400 is located between the tape member 500 and the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100 and the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 protrudes from/beyond the tape member 500. Thus, when used, the tape member 500 helps to more securely attach the hanging bracket 400 to the frame apparatus 100. FIG. 11D is a more complete illustration of the frame apparatus 100 with the hanging bracket 400 and the tape member 500 coupled (e.g., adhered) thereto. The second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 protrudes or sticks out from the rear surface 101 of the frame apparatus 100 so that it can engage with a hanging member, as described herein.

Next, referring to FIGS. 12A-12D, the attachment of the cover assembly 250 (which comprises the rear cover 200 and the reinforcement member 300 attached thereto as described with reference to FIGS. 7A-8) to the frame apparatus 100 will be described. In the exemplified embodiment, the hanging bracket 400 is coupled to the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100 with adhesive and the tape member 500 as described previously. However, the tape member 500 may be omitted in some embodiments 500. Prior to attaching the cover assembly 250 to the frame apparatus 100, an adhesive may be coated onto at least one of the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200 or the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100. In an embodiment, an adhesive may be coated onto the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200 and the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100, although coating only one of those surfaces may be sufficient in some embodiments. The coating of the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200 with the adhesive 200 may also include coating the front surface 301 of the reinforcement member 300 with the adhesive. The adhesive may be applied onto the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200 and/or onto the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100 using any known techniques, such as spraying, painting, dispensing, etc.

To couple the cover assembly 250 to the frame apparatus 100 with the hanging bracket 400 coupled thereto, the cover assembly 250 is moved towards the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100 with the interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200 facing the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100. The cover assembly 250 is continued to be moved towards the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100 until the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 is aligned with the reinforcement slot 300 and the cover slot 210. Next, as shown in FIGS. 12C and 12D, the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 is inserted into and through the reinforcement slot 310 of the reinforcement member 300 and the cover slot 210 of the rear cover 200. The interior surface 201 of the rear cover 200 may then be pressed against the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100, which may result in the rear cover 200 being attached/coupled to the frame apparatus 100 due to the pre-applied adhesive discussed above. Once assembled as shown in FIG. 12D, the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400 is held in place against the rear surface 102 of the frame apparatus 100 by the tape member 500, the reinforcement member 300, and the rear cover 200, with the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 extending through the tape slot 510, the reinforcement slot 320, and the cover slot 210 and protruding from the exterior surface 202 of the rear cover 200.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken through the hanging apparatus 1000 at a location that intersects the hanging bracket 400, the tape member 500, the reinforcement member 300, and the rear cover 200, while also illustrating the over-door hanger 600 engaged with the hanging bracket 400. As shown, the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400 is sandwiched between the frame apparatus 100 and the rear cover 200, with the tape member 500 and the reinforcement member 300 being further positioned between the rear cover 200 and the first portion 410 of the hanging bracket 400. The second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 protrudes from the exterior surface 202 of the rear cover 200, which forms the exposed outer surface of the hanging apparatus 1000.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the over-door hanger 600 may comprise an elongated portion 610 having a bottom end 611, a top end 612, a front surface 613, and a rear surface 614. The elongated portion 610 may be elongated between the bottom and top ends 611, 612. The over-door hanger 600 may comprise at least one engagement member 620 on the front surface 613 of the elongated portion 610. In the exemplified embodiment, the over-door hanger 600 comprises a plurality of the engagement members 620 located on the front surface 613 and spaced apart in a direction between the top and bottom ends 611, 612 of the elongated portion 610. Each of the engagement members 620 may be configured to engage the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400 to couple the hanging member 600 to the frame apparatus 100.

In the exemplified embodiment, each of the engagement members 620 is a protruding element that extends from the front surface 613 of the elongated portion 610. More specifically, each of the engagement members 620 may comprise a hook that is configured to be inserted into the opening 430 of the hanging bracket 400 and engage the lower edge 424 of the hanging bracket 400. In alternative embodiments, the engagement members 620 may comprise openings and edges and the hanging bracket 400 may comprise a protrusion that is inserted into the openings of the engagement members 620 and engages the edges of the engagement members 620. Different structures for the engagement members 620 are possible in alternative embodiments.

The hanging height of the frame apparatus 100 may be adjusted based on which of the plurality of engagement members 620 is engaged with the second portion 420 of the hanging bracket 400. For example, in FIG. 14 the lowermost engagement member 620 is engaged with the hanging bracket 400. If there were a desire to raise the hanging height of the frame apparatus 100, then one of the engagement members 620 that is at a higher elevation than the lowermost engagement member 620 may be engaged with the hanging bracket 400.

The over-door hanger 600 may further comprise an over-door bracket 630 extending from the top end 612 of the elongated portion 610. The over-door bracket 630 may extend from the rear surface 614 of the elongated portion 610 of the over-door hanger 600. The over-door bracket 630 may comprise a first portion 631 that extends from the rear surface 614 of the elongated portion 610 at the top end 612 of the elongated portion 610 and a second portion 632 that extends downwardly from the distal end of the first portion 631. The first and second portions 631, 632 of the over-door bracket 630, along with a top portion of the elongated portion 610, may form a U-shaped portion of the over-door hanger 600 that is configured to be positioned over a top edge of a door to attach the over-door hanger 600 to the top edge of the door. Thus, the over-door hanger 600 may be hung from a top edge of a door and may be coupled to the frame apparatus 100 via the hanger bracket 400 and one or more of the engagement members 620 of the over-door hanger 600 to hang the frame apparatus 100 from the top edge of the door.

FIG. 15 illustrates the hanging apparatus 1000 hanging from a top edge 11 of a door 10. As noted, the over-door bracket 630 (not visible in FIG. 15) extends over the top edge 11 of the door 10 and the elongated portion 610 of the over-door hanger 600 extends down along a top portion of a front or rear surface of the door 10. One or more of the engagement members 620 of the over-door hanger 600 engage with the second portion 420 of the hanger bracket 400 that is attached to the rear surface of the frame apparatus 100. Thus, the over-door hanger 600 is configured to hang the frame apparatus 100 from the top edge 11 of the door 10.

The frame apparatus 100, the hanging bracket 400, and the rear cover 200 when coupled together may collectively be referred to herein as a frame assembly. The tape member 500 and the reinforcement member 300 may also be part of the frame assembly. Thus, the hanging apparatus 1000 may comprise the hanging member (e.g., the over-door hanger 600) and the the frame assembly. The frame assembly may comprise the frame apparatus 100, the hanging bracket 400, the rear cover 200, and optionally the tape member 500 and the reinforcement member 300

FIG. 16 illustrates a hanging apparatus 2000 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The hanging apparatus 2000 is identical to the hanging apparatus 1000 except that the hanging apparatus 2000 comprises two of the hanging brackets 400 instead of just one of the hanging brackets 400. Thus, the hanging apparatus 2000 comprises the frame apparatus 100 (which comprises the frame member 110 and the article 120), the rear cover 200, the reinforcement member 300, and the tape member 500, although each of the reinforcement member 300 and the tape member 500 may be omitted in some embodiments. Furthermore, the hanging apparatus 2000 may include one of the reinforcement members 300 and one of the tape members 500 for each of the hanging brackets 400. Thus, in this embodiment there are two of the hanging bracket 400, and there may therefore be two of the reinforcement members 300 and two of the tape members 500, once associated with each of the hanging brackets 400. While the frame apparatus 100, the reinforcement member(s) 300, and the tape member(s) 500 are not visible in FIG. 16, it should be appreciated that the depiction of those parts in FIGS. 1-15 and the description above is entirely applicable.

The components are all coupled together in the same manner as described above, except instead of having one hanging bracket 400 centered between the two sides, one of the hanging brackets 400 is located closer to one side and the other hanging bracket 400 is located closer to the other side. In this embodiment, the hanging member may comprise two hanging members, one for engagement with each of the hanging brackets 400. Thus, there may be two screws or nails, or there may be two over-door hangers 600.

In another alternative embodiment, there may be a plurality of the hanging brackets 400 positioned in vertically spaced positioned along the rear surface of the frame apparatus 100. That is, the hanging brackets 400 may be coupled to the rear surface of the frame apparatus 100 at different distances relative to a top edge of the frame apparatus 100. This spacing of multiple hanging brackets 400 may be used to adjust a hanging height of the frame apparatus. That is, depending on which of the hanging brackets 400 is engaged with the hanging member (e.g., screw, nail, over-door hanger 600), the hanging height of the frame apparatus may be adjusted.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hanging apparatus comprising: a frame apparatus comprising a rear surface;a hanging bracket comprising a first portion that is coupled to the rear surface of the frame apparatus and a second portion;a rear cover attached to the rear surface of the frame apparatus and overlying the first portion of the hanging bracket, the rear cover comprising a cover slit; andthe second portion of the hanging bracket extending through the cover slit of the rear cover and protruding from an exterior surface of the rear cover, the second portion of the hanging bracket being configured to engage a hanging member to hang the hanging apparatus.

2. The hanging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second portion of the hanging bracket is not directly affixed to the rear surface of the frame apparatus.

3. The hanging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second portion of the hanging bracket comprises a downward facing edge that is configured to engage the hanging member, and wherein the hanging member comprises at least one of a fastener that is coupled to a support surface or an over-door hanger.

4. The hanging apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: a reinforcement member located between the rear cover and the rear surface of the frame apparatus, the reinforcement member comprising a reinforcement slit that is aligned with the cover slit of the rear cover, the second portion of the hanging bracket extending through the cover slit of the rear cover and through the reinforcement slit of the reinforcement member.

5. The hanging apparatus according to claim 4 further comprising: the rear cover comprising a first paper material having a first thickness; andthe reinforcement member comprising a second paper material having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness.

6. The hanging apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: a tape member having an adhesive surface that adhesively couples the first portion of the hanging bracket to the rear surface of the frame apparatus, the tape member comprising a tape slit, the second portion of the hanging bracket extending through the tape slit of the tape member.

7. The hanging apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: a tape member having an adhesive surface that adhesively couples the first portion of the hanging bracket to the rear surface of the frame apparatus, the tape member comprising a tape slit;a reinforcement member positioned between the tape member and the rear cover, the reinforcement member comprising a reinforcement slit; andwherein the second portion of the hanging bracket extends through each of the tape slit, the reinforcement slit, and the cover slit.

8. The hanging apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: wherein at least one of: the rear surface of the frame apparatus is at least partially coated with an adhesive; oran interior surface of the rear cover is at least partially coated with the adhesive; andwherein the rear cover is coupled to the rear surface of the frame apparatus by the adhesive, the first portion of the hanging bracket being positioned between the interior surface of the rear cover and the rear surface of the frame apparatus.

9. The hanging apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: the frame apparatus comprising: a frame member that defines a display opening; anda mirror coupled to the frame member and located within the display opening, the mirror having a mirrored front surface and a back surface, the back surface forming at least a portion of the rear surface of the frame apparatus; andwherein the first portion of the hanging bracket is coupled to the back surface of the mirror and the second portion of the hanging bracket protrudes from the back surface of the mirror and through the cover slit of the rear cover.

10. The hanging apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: the hanging member comprising: an elongated portion having a bottom end, a top end, a front surface, and a rear surface;at least one engagement member located on the front surface of the elongated portion, the at least one engagement member configured to engage the second portion of the hanging bracket to couple the hanging member to the frame apparatus; andan over-door bracket extending from the top end of the elongated portion and configured to engage a top edge of a door to hang the hanging member from the door.

11. The hanging apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the at least one engagement member comprises a plurality of the engagement members arranged on the front surface of the elongated portion in a spaced apart manner in a direction between the bottom and top ends of the elongated portion, each of the plurality of engagement members being configured to engage the second portion of the hanging bracket to adjust a hanging height of the frame apparatus.

12. The hanging apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the plurality of engagement members comprise hooks that protrude from the front surface of the elongated portion of the hanging member.

13. The hanging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the rear cover is coupled to the rear surface of the frame apparatus with an adhesive, and wherein the first portion of the hanging bracket is located between an interior surface of the rear cover and the rear surface of the frame apparatus.

14. The hanging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second portion of the hanging bracket comprises an opening that is configured to receive a portion of the hanging member.

15. A hanging apparatus comprising: a frame apparatus comprising a rear surface;a rear cover attached to at least a portion of the rear surface of the frame apparatus, the rear cover comprising a cover slit; anda hanging bracket comprising a first portion that is positioned between the rear cover and the rear surface of the frame apparatus and a second portion that extends through the cover slit of the rear cover and protrudes from an exterior surface of the rear cover, wherein the second portion of the hanging bracket is configured to engage a hanging member to hang the hanging apparatus from the hanging member.

16. A method of manufacturing a hanging apparatus, the method comprising: attaching a first portion of a hanging bracket to a rear surface of a frame apparatus;inserting a second portion of the hanging bracket through a cover slit of a rear cover; andattaching the rear cover to the rear surface of the frame apparatus so that the first portion of the hanging bracket is positioned between an interior surface of the rear cover and the frame apparatus and the second portion of the hanging bracket protrudes from an exterior surface of the rear cover.

17. The method according to claim 16 further comprising: prior to attaching the rear cover to the rear surface of the frame apparatus, applying an adhesive onto at least one of the interior surface of the rear cover or the rear surface of the frame apparatus so that attaching the rear cover to the rear surface of the frame apparatus comprises adhering the interior surface of the rear cover to the rear surface of the frame apparatus.

18. The method according to claim 16 further comprising, prior to inserting the second portion of the hanging bracket through the cover slit of the rear cover: inserting the second portion of the hanging bracket through a tape slit of an adhesive tape; andadhering the adhesive tape to the rear surface of the frame apparatus, the first portion of the hanging bracket being positioned between the adhesive tape and the rear surface of the frame apparatus and the second portion of the hanging bracket protruding from the adhesive tape.

19. The method according to claim 16 further comprising, prior to inserting the second portion of the hanging bracket through the cover slit of the rear cover and attaching the rear cover to the rear surface of the frame apparatus: attaching a reinforcement member to at least a portion of the interior surface of the rear cover so that a reinforcement slit of the reinforcement member is aligned with the cover slit of the cover member; andinserting the second portion of the hanging bracket through the reinforcement slit of the reinforcement member and through the cover slit of the rear cover.

20. The method according to claim 19 further comprising: the rear cover comprising a first material having a first bend strength; andthe reinforcement member comprising a second material having a second bend strength that is greater than the first bend strength.

21. (canceled)