WALL MOUNTING KIT AND SYSTEM

Abstract

A mounting system for making, moving, leveling, or locking wall décor on a generally vertical surface comprising a hanger having a front face and a rear face, said rear face including a series of gear like teeth, said front face having a flat outwardly protruding flange; a locking mechanism in the form of a generally rectangular plate having an inset series of teeth formed to mate with said series of gear like teeth of said hanger; said hanger having an adhesive affixed to said rear face thereof, whereby said hanger may be positioned at a desired location on a vertical surface; a fastener for securely attaching said hanger to said wall at said desired location on said vertical surface after said hanger is positioned using said adhesive; and said locking receiver being first attached to said wall décor and thereafter positioned over said hanger by mating one or more of said inset series of teeth over one or more of said series of gear like teeth of said hanger to thereby hang said wall décor from said vertical surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a wall mounting kit and system. More particularly, this invention relates to a kit and system that allows for marking, moving, leveling and locking when hanging pictures, shelves, wall décor, and the like on walls or flat surfaces via a hanger with repositioning technology that allows for easy transfers of position, a locking receiver with fasteners, anchors with and without stops, and bumpers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a kit and system that enables a user to install many types of hanging wall décor, such as pictures and shelves on a vertical surface at a location such as a residence or commercial building or on an end user's moveable storyboard. The kit and system is capable of keeping wall décor level using a movable positioning hanger and a locking receiver having mating interlocking gears. The kit and system also has anchors with and without stops and bumpers to protect the wall or surface where the wall décor is being mounted. The invention provides the ability to reposition any hanging object using transfer technology. The invention includes the following features.

Precision Hanger

The hanger is a circular piece, which may be made of metal or plastic with a raised gear tooth positioned around an inner open shaft of the piece. This piece may typically be anchored to the wall and can accept both wire hanging methods as well as the traditional saw tooth hanger. Additionally, each piece may have an adhesive backing applied to its inward wall sides prior to final packaging. The adhesive backing will be protected with a release paper and a tab so consumers can easily remove before installation. See below for the Precision Reposition Technology™ description.

Precision Locking Receiver

The locking receiver is a rectangular design with a circular cut out portion that is designed to mount over and connect over to the Precision Hanger. The receiver also has a gear tooth design in the circular center that mates with the gear tooth design of the hanger, creating a locking effect, and eliminating any unintended movement. The locking receiver may be used for items with no hanging hardware already installed and is described more fully below.

Precision Reposition Technology

A special adhesive washer can be pre-placed on the back of each Precision Hanger prior to packaging that will have an easy-to-pull off release paper, which will protect the adhesive from drying out as it is packaged and sitting on a retail shelf. This allows a user to peel off the release paper and place the Precision Hanger on the wall where their item is to be hung. The adhesive allows the hanger to stick to the wall so the user can easily grab the necessary tools and anchor it in place. Furthermore, if the Precision Hanger is not placed correctly initially, the user may simply remove the hanger from the wall and place it in a different location. The adhesive is strong enough to the hold part in place for any given period of time, but gentle enough to not remove paint from the wall if the piece is moved.

Precision Lock Technology

The Precision Hanger and the Precision Locking Receiver, each have a gear tooth design incorporated into the parts. The gear tooth design on the receiver mates with the gear tooth design of hanger, creating a locking feature. Once the picture is hung, the respective gear teeth mate with each other and it is locked in place, but a simple lifting and rotating movement will move the gears relative to one another and level the item with ease.

Users can use the system and kit for items which do not have any hanging hardware such as wire or brackets. Once the locking receiver has been fastened to a frame, a consumer can remove the release paper from the hanger and snap it into the receiver. The consumer can now, lift the item with the attached hanger and receiver and place it on the wall at the location they desire. Simply press the item into the wall and lift up. The hanger disengages from the receiver and is left on the wall in the exact place the consumer wanted, thanks to the reposition adhesive backing. With the hanger sticking on the wall, the consumer is free to grab the necessary tools and anchor the hanger in place. Once anchored, simply place the item back onto the wall by locking the receiver with hanger; once locked, simply rotate left or right to level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference may now be had to the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1-11 illustrates the hanger;

FIGS. 12-21 illustrates the locking receiver;

FIGS. 22-26 illustrates the wall mounting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in relation to the figures. Person having ordinary skill will understand that use of the directional words such as up, down, left, and right, refers to the direction of the properly oriented figure, and it is not otherwise intended to be limiting.

FIGS. 1-11 illustrate a hanger 10.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of the hanger 10. The circular hanger 10 includes a generally flat front section 11 and a geared section 12. The geared section 12 includes at least one gear 12a. The number of gears 12a can be increase without deviation from the core of the invention. In an alternate embodiment, the geared section 12 may include gears 12a only in the upper half part of the geared section 12. In alternative embodiments, the geared section 12 may include any number of gears 12a. Preferably, the geared section 12 includes one gear 12a per 0.25 inch. The geared section 12 is preferably smaller than the front section 11. In alternative embodiments, the geared section may include more teeth 12a. In alternative embodiments, the geared section 12 may be equal to or larger than the front section 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front section 11 is formed as a single piece with the geared section 12. In alternative embodiments, the front section 11 and the geared section 12 may be produced as two pieces and connected together using adhesives or mechanical fasteners.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the hanger 10. As seen in FIG. 2, the hanger 10 has a hollow central interior 14. The geared section also includes a shaft or hole 13 through which a fastener (not shown) can pass. Preferably, the hollow central interior 14 of the front section 11 has a larger diameter than the shaft or hole 13. In alternative embodiments, the hanger 10 may not have the hollow central interior 14, and instead the shaft or hole may be a through hole.

FIG. 3 illustrates the front view of the hanger 10. The front section 11 has a substantially flat face. The flat face may be textured and may have branding. As described in detail below, the front section includes adhesive material in the form of an adhesive washer to engage another surface such as a vertical surface or a wall.

FIG. 4 illustrates the right view of the hanger 10.

FIG. 5 illustrates a prospective view of the hanger 10 looking at the geared section 11 of the hanger 10. In this embodiment, the hanger includes the hole 13 through which a mechanical fastener may pass through to engage another surface. In alternative embodiments, the hole 13 may include a threaded insert to which a threaded fastener can engage through rotational force.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the hanger 10 looking at the front section 11.

FIG. 7 illustrates the perspective view of the hanger 10. The back view shows the geared section 12.

FIG. 8 illustrates another top view of the hanger 10.

FIG. 9 illustrates another back view of the hanger 10.

FIG. 10 illustrates another front view of the hanger 10.

FIG. 11 illustrates another side view of the hanger 10.

As seen in FIGS. 1-11, the front section 11 of the hanger 10 has a substantially circular shape. In alternative embodiments, the front section 11 may be formed in a rectangular or elliptical shapes without deviating from the invention. When formed in a rectangular shape, the front section may include a level to determine whether the hanger is flat when pressed on the surface.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a locking receiver 20. The locking receiver includes a locking section 21, and a back section 22. The locking section 21 is preferably smaller than the back section 22. The locking section 21 is raised from the back section 22 and creates a hollow interior 25 as seen and described in FIGS. 14 and 16.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the locking receiver 20. The locking section 21 also includes several teeth 21a in its inside edge pointing towards the center of the locking section 21, in the form of the reverse outline of the gears 12a as described above in relation to the hanger 10 in FIGS. 1-11. Preferably, the gears 12a in the geared section 11 of the hanger 10 match the teeth 21a in spacing and depth. The locking receiver 20 also includes two fastener holes 23-24 towards the sides of the locking receivers to receive fasteners (not shown). The locking section 21 has a substantially circular outer edge. In other embodiments, the locking section's 21 outer edge may be elliptical or rectangular.

FIG. 14 shows the cross sectional view of the locking receiver 20 as depicted by the A-A as shown in FIG. 13. The raised locking section 21 creates the hollow interior 25 covered on 3 sides by the raised outline of the locking section 21. As described fully below, in operation, the gears 12a of the hanger 10 is received in the hollow interior 25 of the locking receiver 20.

FIG. 15 illustrates the right view of the locking receiver 20.

FIG. 16 illustrates the perspective view of the locking receiver 20 from the direction of the back section 22.

FIG. 17 illustrates the perspective view of the locking receiver 20 from the direction of the locking section.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16-17, the locking section 21 is raised above the back section 22 such that it creates a hollow section 25. As will be described more fully below, this hollow section allows the gears 12a of the hanger 10 to engage the locking section 21 of the locking receiver 20.

FIG. 18 illustrates another top view of the locking receiver 20.

FIG. 19 illustrates another back view of the locking receiver 20.

FIG. 20 illustrates another front view of the locking receiver 20.

FIG. 21 illustrates another side view of the locking receiver 20.

FIGS. 22-26 illustrates a wall mounting system 30.

FIG. 22 illustrates the top view of the wall mounting system 30 includes the hanger 10, the locking receiver 20, a fastener 40, and an adhesive washer 50. The fastener 40 is loosely connected to the hanger 10. The gears 12a of the hanger 10 are physically engaged with the teeth 21a of the locking receiver 20. The adhesive washer 50 is glued to the hanger 10. The wall mounting system 30 may also include a peel off paper (not shown) at the top of the adhesive washer 50 to prevent the adhesive washer 50 from unintentionally sticking to objects.

In an alternative embodiment, the fastener 50 is a screw. In a further alternative, the hole in the center of the hanger 10 may be narrower than the threads of the screw. In such alternative, the fastener 50 is threaded into the hanger 10.

In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive washer 50 may be omitted. In such alternative an adhesive material is directly applied to the hanger 10.

FIG. 23 illustrates the front view of the wall mounting system 30.

FIG. 24 illustrates the cross section view of the wall mounting system 30.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the wall mounting system 30 looking from the front of the wall mounting system 30.

FIG. 26 illustrates another perspective view of the wall mounting system 30 looking from the back of the wall mounting system 30.

An exemplary operation of the wall mounting kit and system will now be described. In operation, the locking receiver 20 is securely attached to the back of an article, such as a frame, using threaded fasteners. The threaded fasteners are passed through the two holes 23-24 in the locking receiver 20 and screwed into the section of the article that is desired to be hung on a wall or other vertical surface. In an alternative embodiment, the locking receiver may be glued to the article.

Then the hanger 10 is placed in the locking receiver 20. The teeth 21a of the locking receiver 20 engage the gears 12 in the hanger 10. The locking receiver 20 and the hanger 10 combination is then pressed onto a wall or other vertical surface to thereby engage the adhesive washer 50 with the vertical surface. The hanger 10 then adheres with the vertical surface. At this point, the strength of the engagement between the hanger 10 and the vertical surface is strong enough to allow the locking receiver 20 to be vertically moved away from the hanger 10 and the locking receiver 20 and the hanger 10 disengage. The hanger 10 remains attached to the vertical surface.

Preferably, the strength of the adhesive is light and not permanent, although permanent adhesive may be used. Weak adhesive allows the hanger 10 to be removed from the vertical surface and moved to a different position without damaging the surface.

The fastener 40 then passes through the central hole of the hanger 10 and engages the vertical surface. In an alternative embodiment, the fastener 40 is a threaded fastener, and it is engaged by rotating the threaded fastener. In another alternative, the fastener 40 may be a nail. Other attachment methods may be used. Preferably, the attachment means is removable without creating substantial damage to the vertical surface.

After the fastener 40 fastens the hanger 10 to the vertical surface, the article with the locking receiver 20 may be attached to the vertical surface by vertically engaging the teeth of the locking receiver with the gears of the hanger 10.

Another exemplary operation of the wall mounting kit and system as described in relation to FIGS. 1-26 will not be described.

In operation, a user places the locking receiver 20 on the center backside of the upper edge of a wall decor, and secures the locking receiver 20 with two receiver threaded fasteners 40. The user then inserts the hanger 10 into the locking receiver 20 and peels of the protective peel-off paper from the hanger 10. The user then positions the wall décor and presses against a desired location on a vertical surface. The user then lifts the wall décor. The hanger remains at the desired location. The user then secures the hanger 10 in place using the threaded fastener 40 by engaging the fastener through the central hole 13. The user then places the wall décor in place by lowering the wall décor to engage the locking receiver 20 with the hanger 10. The user may also straighten the wall décor by adjusting the engagement of the teeth 21a with the gears 12a. The user can change the desired location by removing the wall mounting kit.

Nothing in the above description is meant to limit the invention to any specific materials, geometry, or orientation of elements. Many part/orientation substitutions are contemplated within the scope of the invention and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments described herein were presented by way of example only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments in this application, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of the teachings herein, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of, or exceeding the scope of, the described invention. Accordingly, it is understood that the drawings and the descriptions herein are proffered only to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

Claims

1. A mounting system for making, moving, leveling, or locking wall décor on a generally vertical surface comprising: a. a hanger having a front face and a rear face, said rear face including a series of gear like teeth, said front face having a flat outwardly protruding flange;b. a locking mechanism in the form of a generally rectangular plate having an inset series of teeth formed to mate with said series of gear like teeth of said hanger;c. said hanger having an adhesive affixed to said rear face thereof, whereby said hanger may be positioned at a desired location on a vertical surface;d. a fastener for securely attaching said hanger to said wall at said desired location on said vertical surface after said hanger is positioned using said adhesive; andd. said locking receiver being first attached to said wall décor and thereafter positioned over said hanger by mating one or more of said inset series of teeth over one or more of said series of gear like teeth of said hanger to thereby hang said wall décor from said vertical surface.

2. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said fastener is a threaded fastener.

3. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said fastener is a screw.

4. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said fastener is a nail.

5. A mounting kit for use in making, leveling, and locking a piece of wall décor on a generally vertical surface including: a. a hanger having a front face and a rear face, said rear face includes a raised arrangement of gear like teeth, said front face having a flat outwardly intruding flange;b. a locking mechanism in said form of a generally rectangular plate having an insert series of teeth formed to mate with said gear like series of teeth of said hanger, said locking receiver configured to be attached to said wall décor;c. said hanger having an adhesive affixed to said rear face thereof, whereby said hanger may be positioned at a desired location on a vertical surface; andd. a fastener for securely attaching said hanger to said wall at said desired location on said vertical surface.

6. The mounting system of claim 5, wherein the fastener is a threaded fastener.

7. The mounting system of claim 5, wherein the fastener is a screw.

8. The mounting system of claim 5, wherein the fastener is a nail.