Patent Application
20250064231
The present disclosure relates to the field of picture hanging devices. More specifically, the present disclosure pertains to a novel and improved picture hanger device for simplifying the process of hanging pictures, artwork, and other decorative items securely and conveniently.
Hanging pictures or artwork has always been a common task for homeowners, art enthusiasts, and professionals alike. However, the traditional methods of picture hanging often present challenges and drawbacks. Frequently encountered issues include the need for precise measurements, multiple tools, potential damage to walls, and the difficulty of achieving a level or aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Existing picture hanging solutions include hooks, nails, screws, adhesive strips, and wire-based systems. While these solutions have served their purpose to some extent, they are not without limitations. They often require measuring, marking, and manual alignment, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. Additionally, these methods may cause damage to walls, and readjustments or repositioning can be cumbersome.
As introduced in
It should also be recognized that a user may wish to display a plurality of objects together as a set, such as plurality of pieces of art horizontally aligned with one another and spaced apart equidistantly, or horizontally spaced apart but vertically displaced so they are displayed along a sloped orientation. These represent only a few possibilities, but the artisan will appreciate that multiple hanging devices 10 as described herein can be used for such purposes.
Hanging device 10 comprises a first piece 100 and a second piece 200. First piece 100, sometimes referred to herein as a wall mount, may be an elongate rectangular member formed from any suitable material and process, such as injection molded plastic. First piece 100 comprises a base surface 118 which is attachable to the mounting surface 30 (
Second piece 200, sometimes referred to herein as a picture frame mount, is introduced in
Once first and second pieces 100, 200 are attached to the wall 30 and picture frame 124, respectively, the picture 20 may be easily mounted on the wall 30 as illustrated in
Channel 120 and key 220 preferably extend along a majority of a length of their respective pieces. These relative lengths allow the picture to be position at a desired horizontal position. For example, the picture 20 may be oriented with the key 220 centrally located within channel 120, or the key 220 could be oriented at either a left or right offset locations within channel 120. This allows a user the freedom to orient the picture 20 at different horizontal positions even after the first piece 100 is attached to the wall 30. This feature can be particularly advantageous, for example, where multiple pictures are hung in alignment and it is desirable to have a common horizontal spacing between them such that they are equidistantly spaced apart along a horizontal axis. In such a situation, even if their associated first pieces are not initially positioned equidistantly from one another, this can be rectified once the pictures are mounted by making appropriate left and/or right incremental adjustments.
Once the picture 20 is mounted on the wall 30, it may also become desirable to make incremental vertical adjustments. This might arise for a variety of reasons. For example, over time it is common for objects displayed on walls to become displaced from their original positions due to forces of gravity, or movement of walls caused by structural changes, foundational adjustments of a building, etc. Even movement of individuals or objects in a room can cause objects to become displaced from their originally mounted positions. Irrespective of the cause, it can be appreciated that certain features of hanging device 10 discussed herein are provided to make incremental vertical adjustments either when the object is initially placed on the wall, or such adjustments can subsequently be made over time as needed.
To this end, the channel 120 associated with first piece 100 is slightly wider than the width of the key 220 associated with second piece 200, which allows the second piece to move incrementally up once the key 220 is seated within channel 120. In order to make the incremental adjustments and retain the key 220 and its associated piece 200 at the desired orientation relative to channel 120 and its associated piece 100, sets screws 114 are provided (
A first alternative embodiment of a second piece 200(1) and its associated key 220(1) is shown in
With the foregoing in mind, a method of hanging an object for display is also provided. According to the method a first mounting piece is attached to one of the mounting surface or the object for display, and a second mounting piece is attached to another of the mounting surface or the object for display. At least a portion of the first mounting piece is then moveably registered relative to at least a portion of the second mounting piece, thereby orienting the object for display at a selected position on the mounting surface.
In one aspect of the method, the first mounting piece is attached to the mounting surface and the second mounting piece is attached to the object for display. The second mounting piece of moveably registered within a channel of the first mounting piece to orient the object for display at a selected position on the mounting surface. The second mounting piece may be moveably registered by sliding the second mounting piece horizontally within a channel of the first mounting piece to orient the object for display at a selected horizontal position on the mounting surface. The method may also comprise vertically adjusting the first mounting piece on the mounting surface.
The terms “example,” “embodiment,” and “implementation” may be used interchangeably herein. For example, references to “one example” or “an example” in the disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references to the same implementation; and such references mean at least one of the implementations. The appearances of the phrase “in one example” are not necessarily all referring to the same example, nor are separate or alternative examples mutually exclusive of other examples. A feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an example can be included in another example of the disclosure. Moreover, various features are described that can be exhibited by some examples and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described that can be requirements for some examples but not for other examples.
The terminology used herein should be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with certain specific examples of the disclosure. The terms used in the disclosure generally have their ordinary meanings in the relevant technical art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. A recital of alternative language or synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. Special significance should not be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term. Further, it will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense-that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and any variants thereof mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import can refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number, respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.
Details of the disclosed implementations can vary considerably in specific implementations while still being encompassed by the disclosed teachings. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing features or aspects of the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed herein, unless the above Detailed Description explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims. Some alternative implementations can include additional elements to those implementations described above or include fewer elements.
Any patents and applications and other references noted above, and any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, except for any subject matter disclaimers or disavowals, and except to the extent that the incorporated material is inconsistent with the express disclosure herein, in which case the language in this disclosure controls. Aspects of the invention can be modified to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further implementations of the invention.
