Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Collocating
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-25
2001-11-06
Fulton, Christopher W. (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Collocating
C033S392000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311407
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to aids for hanging pictures. More specifically it performs two functions: it holds the wire out from the back of the picture to ease placing the wire over the hook or nail in the wall; and it acts as an adjustable length plumb bob for straightening the picture after hanging.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hanging a picture on the wall is a task familiar to most people. Equally familiar is the frustration of trying to slip the limp picture wire into the hook on the wall and then straightening the picture when it is finally hung.
A variety of devices have been invented to assist with placing the wire over the hook. Typical is a rigid hook which can be used to reach down behind the picture, pull up on the picture wire, and slip the wire into the hook. While effective for small pictures, it is inconvenient for larger pictures because only one hand is available to hold the picture. Further, the person hanging the picture must be able to reach over the top of the picture to use this type of device which may not be possible when the picture is being hung above eye level.
Once the picture is hung, it must be straightened. Many people will do so visually. Others will use a spirit level if one is available. A conventional plumb bob is also applicable to verify that one edge of the picture is vertical. Spirit levels and plumb bobs, while effective, are also relatively expensive, especially where the person only expects to hang one or two pictures. The plumb bob is also typically designed for use with the full length of attached string, or cord, unrolled and hanging free. Where a small picture is being hung, the excess cord may exceed the amount is use by many times. This excess cord may hang free, becoming tangled or interfering with the visual comparison of the straight point of the cord and the picture frame. Further, conventional plumb bobs are relatively heavy, to assure that the cord is straight. Where it is desired to support the plumb bob by attaching it to the wall (as where one person is hanging the picture and needs to step back to view the relationship) it may be necessary to use a relatively large item, such as a nail to support the plumb bob. This would typically leave a visible mark in the wall.
There is a need for a device to assist in the hanging and straightening of picture. This device should hold the picture wire in position away from the back of the picture and leave both hands free for supporting and maneuvering the picture. It should work with a variety of picture sizes. As a plumb bob, the device should provide an adjustable length string and should be relatively light in weight so that it can be hung from a small pin or tack, leaving a relatively small mark on the wall. This device should be easily and inexpensively manufactured so that it can be sold to the consumer at a fraction of the cost of the picture being hung. If it can be sold for only a few dollars, it would become a viable option for a person purchasing even the least expensive picture or poster.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an apparatus which serves to position a picture wire for easy placement over the supporting hook, or nail, and then serves as an adjustable length plumb bob to straighten the picture.
According to the invention there is provided a substantially flat body with a continuously curving edge; a string attached to the body; openings in the edges of the body in which the string can be wound; and a hook which engages the string in a partially unwound position providing for an adjustable length of string.
According to an aspect of the invention the hook is provided by shaping one of the openings for winding the string into a curved shape which prevents the string from slipping out when the device is hanging freely.
According to another aspect of the invention one or more notches are provided which are designed to engage the picture wire when the device is inserted between the wire and the picture, thus holding the wire away from the back of the picture, under slight tension. In the preferred embodiment, the body of the device is an oval and the notches are placed one at an end of the major axis and one at an end of the mirror axis. This provides two distinctly different dimensions across the body of the device to accommodate different picture sizes.
Further in accordance with the invention some method of attaching the loose end of the string to the wall upon which the picture is being hung may be provided. This may be a tack, pushpin, magnet, removable adhesive, or any other means of temporarily attaching the string to a wall. There may also be some means of attaching this tack, or other mechanism, to the body of the device for storage.
The advantages of such an apparatus are that a single item serves two functions commonly needed in hanging a picture: holding the wire and straightening the picture. The device is inexpensive to manufacture and sell, is lightweight, self storing, and adapts to variety of picture sizes in both of its roles.
The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more clear from the detailed description of a specific illustrative embodiment thereof, presented below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 461757 (1891-10-01), Huxtable
patent: 934531 (1909-09-01), Hover et al.
patent: 2422358 (1947-06-01), Lobl
patent: 2627124 (1953-02-01), Rock
patent: 3309089 (1967-03-01), Doyle
patent: 3866329 (1975-02-01), West
patent: 4382337 (1983-05-01), Bendick
patent: 5195248 (1993-03-01), Juhasz
patent: 5974676 (1999-11-01), Beall et al.
Fulton Christopher W.
Hanson Thomas W.
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