Supports – Mirror or picture type – Bracket
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-31
2001-02-13
Braun, Leslie A. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Mirror or picture type
Bracket
C248S467000, C248S497000, C248S547000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186466
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to wall hanging frames, and more particularly to a new and improved device for stabilizing the position of a picture frame hanging on a wall.
It is common to decorate interior and exterior walls by hanging things on them. Typical room decorations include such things as pictures, photographs, artwork and certificates which are usually mounted in decorative frames. These decorative frames may be hanged from the wall using one of several common devices.
One such device is a wire strung between two screw eyes that are attached to the back of the frame. A screw or nail is partially inserted into the wall, and the wire is placed over the head thereof. The position of the frame may then be adjusted by sliding the wire over the head. Another common frame hanging device is a metal bracket having a sawtooth bottom edge which is attached to the back of the top horizontal member of the frame. An opening or slot on the bottom edge of the bracket is placed over the head of the nail in the wall. Adjustment may be made by sliding along the bottom edge or selecting a different opening or slot in the bracket. In some cases, the frame molding itself or a slot carved therein is simply placed over the head of the nail in the wall.
Regardless of the frame hanging device selected, the position of the frame is invariably subject to movement as a result of such things as cleaning, dusting and the opening and closing of nearby doors. Every time such movement occurs, it becomes necessary to realign and straighten the frame. This can become a time consuming nuisance. It is therefore desirable to provide a device for stabilizing the position of a wall hanging frame.
One such device is a flat one-piece metallic member having a pair of spikes protruding out from one side, and a single spike protruding out from the opposite side. This device has several limitations. First, since it uses spikes it is only usable with wooden frames. It is unsuited for frames made of metal, porcelain, glass or other similar materials. In addition, the spikes are relatively large and are therefore likely to cause damage to the frame or the wall or both.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a simple and easy to use device for stabilizing the position of any frame hanging on a wall. The invention includes a small flat panel or medium having a thin pointed pin or other fastener protruding from one surface. An adhesive is provided on the opposite surface. The invention is designed for use in conjunction with a frame that has already been prepared for hanging on a wall (i.e., a hook, wire, bracket or other hanging means has already been attached to the frame).
To install the device, the frame is removed from the wall and placed face down on a flat surface. If the frame is new and/or has no hanging means, such a means must be installed on the frame The adhesive surface of the invention is then affixed to the back of the frame, preferably near the bottom, such that the pointed pin is protruding up and away from the frame.
To use the device after it is installed, the frame is first taken to the wall and hanged. Next, the frame is adjusted and straightened so that it is in the desired position. Once this position is attained, pressure is applied to the front of the frame in the vicinity of the invention. This causes the pin to be pushed into the wall, thereby holding the frame in place. For larger frames, a plurality of the stabilizing devices of the present invention may be affixed in order to provide additional stabilization.
The pin may be attached to the upper surface of the panel using any appropriate adhesive, or by applying adhesive tape over the pin to hold it in place, with the pin protruding through the tape. The lower surface of the panel may be provided with an adhesive appropriate for affixation to the material of the frame. One adhesive may be better for use with metal frames, and other adhesives better for use with plastic or wood frames.
Numerous alternative embodiments are available for use with different kinds of frames. In one such embodiment, flat dualsided adhesive material with protective coverings may be employed. A thumbtack or other similar device is inserted between the tape and the adhesive on one side of the material, such that the point of the tack or device protrudes through the tape, the adhesive holding the tack in place. The protective material is removed from the other side of the material in order to attach it to the frame. The frame is then mounted on the wall, adjusted, and pressure applied in the vicinity of the material causing the point to push into the wall thereby securing the frame's position.
In a very simple embodiment, an ordinary thumbtack is provided with an adhesive on the head and a protective covering for the adhesive. The covering is removed in order to allow the head to be adhered to the back of a frame. The frame is then mounted on the wall, adjusted, and pressure applied in the vicinity of the thumbtack to secure the position of the frame on the wall.
In another embodiment of the invention, a tack or other similar device may be slidably mounted on the upper surface of a flat panel between a pair of small flanges such that the head is between the flanges, and the point extends out and away therefrom. The tack is capable of sliding along this track. An adhesive is provided on the opposite surface of the panel, with a protective covering. The covering is removed in order to attach the invention to the back of the frame. The frame is then mounted on the wall. This embodiment is designed to allow for slight slidable movement of the frame on the wall, as when the support wire sags over time, with the tack sliding inside the track.
The present invention is generally designed for use in conjunction with some other frame hanging device. However, for very small frames, one or more of the devices of the present invention may be attached to the back of such small frames and used as the only means of supporting the frame on the wall. In such cases, a single device may be sufficient to support the frame on the wall; however, in order to accomplish the goal of stabilizing the frame on the wall, at least two of the devices must be employed (e.g. one in each upper corner of the frame).
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for stabilizing objects and frames hangings on walls.
It is a further important object of the present invention to provide a simple and reliable method and apparatus for holding a frame in place as it hangs on a wall.
It is a further important object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for stabilizing the position of a frame or other object which has already been outfitted with a means for hanging it on a wall.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for hanging a small frame on a wall.
Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed descriptions and the claims herein. It is to be noted that uses for the present invention extend to any object that hangs on a vertical wall.
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patent: 5992813 (1980-07-01), Keers
Baird Keith
Reinke Bob F.
Braun Leslie A.
Le Tan
Miller Mark D.
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