Angulated wall hanging device

Abstract

A wall hanging system includes an angle setting device or element for adjustably supporting and/or positioning a wall hanging or article, such as a framed picture, painting or mirror, or a wall-mounted movie screen or television or the like, at an angle relative to a generally vertical surface, such as a wall, when the article is hung or supported at the wall. The angle setting element may mount at the article or at the wall, and may be adjustably mounted so as to facilitate adjustment of the angle of the article relative to the wall. The wall hanging system thus tilts the article relative to the wall to enhance the viewing experience for a viewer by tilting an article toward the eyes or eye level of a typical viewer so that the viewer's line of sight is more directly toward the viewing surface of the article.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/962,154, filed Nov. 7, 2004, by Ian K. Rosen, entitled ANGULATED PACKAGE AND DISPLAY SYSTEM (Attorney Docket AME03 P-112A), which claims benefit of U.S. provisional application, Ser. No. 60/521,332, filed Apr. 2, 2004, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices used to hang and display articles on walls and, more particularly, to devices for positioning displayed articles to enhance the viewing of the articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Articles hung on walls for viewing, such as pictures, paintings, mirrors, pieces of art, wall-mounted movie screens or televisions or the like, are generally hung such that they lie flat on an essentially vertical surface, such as a wall or the like. A common problem with this configuration is the unfavorable viewing angle that is created when an article is not hung at a viewer's eye level. However, in many cases, hanging an article above or below a viewer's eye level cannot be avoided. For example, in art galleries, retail stores, or even in the home, there may be limited wall space for displaying such articles. If an article is displayed below eye level, the viewing experience may be poor because of the lack of illumination, or worse yet, the article may go unnoticed. If an article is displayed above eye level, a viewer may view the article at an undesirable angle, and the light from above the article may cause glare on the article and thus detract from the viewing experience. With some types of articles, the desired or appropriate viewing angle may be substantially directed toward or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the article (such as some television screens and the like), or else the article may appear dark to the viewer. Thus, it is undesirable to hang or support such articles at a level above or below the eye level of a typical viewer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a wall hanging system for adjustably supporting and/or positioning a wall hanging or article, such as a framed picture, painting, mirror or piece of art, or a wall-mounted movie screen or television or the like, at an angle when the article is hanging from or supported at a generally vertical surface, such as a wall or the like. The device of the present invention thus may enhance the viewing experience for a viewer by tilting an article toward the eyes or eye level of a typical viewer so that the viewer's line of sight is more directly toward the viewing surface of the wall hanging or article.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a wall hanging system establishes an angle between a wall hanging or article and a generally vertical surface or wall. The wall hanging system includes an article configured to be supported or hung at a generally vertical support surface or wall by a support element or fastener. The article has a front viewing surface and a mounting surface that opposes the wall when the article is supported at the wall. An angle setting element is mounted to either the mounting surface of the article or to the generally vertical surface. When the support element supports the article at the generally vertical surface, the angle setting element, which extends from either the mounting surface or the generally vertical surface, engages the generally vertical surface or the mounting surface, respectively. Accordingly, the angle setting element spaces a portion of the article from the generally vertical surface so as to establish an angle between the article and the generally vertical surface.

The angle setting element may be adjustable to selectively adjust the angle between the article and the generally vertical surface. For example, the angle setting element may be movable along the article or the wall, or the angle setting element may be pivotable or extendable/retractable or otherwise adjustable relative to the article or the wall, in order to adjust the viewing angle of the article.

Optionally, the angle setting element may be mounted to the mounting surface of the article or to the generally vertical surface using a mounting element. The mounting element may be mountable to the mounting surface of the article or wall hanging, such as at a rear surface of the article, and may be configured to attach or mount the angle setting element to the article. Alternately, the mounting element may be mountable to the generally vertical surface or wall, and may be configured to attach or mount the angle setting element to the wall. The angle setting element may be adjustable relative to the mounting element to adjust the viewing angle of the article.

Optionally, the angle setting element may be formed to define or establish the desired or appropriate angle between the wall hanging and the wall. For example, the angle setting element may have an inclined surface that defines or sets or corresponds to the desired viewing angle of the article. The inclined surface of the angle setting element may engage the mounting element, and the angle setting element may extend from either the mounting surface or the wall at that angle so as to establish the angle between the article and the wall. The end of the angle setting element opposite the inclined surface may be substantially flat or may be curved or rounded to provide a contact surface for engaging the wall or article that will reduce damage or indentations at the wall or article. The angle setting element may be configured to be positioned at different locations along the article or the wall or to otherwise establish different angles between the article and the wall.

Optionally, the wall hanging system may include an illumination source either above or below the article to enhance the reflectivity of the light off of the article and further enhance the viewing experience.

Optionally, the angle established between the article and the generally vertical surface or wall may be adjustable by selectively changing the position of the angle setting element along the wall hanging or wall. For example, the angle setting element may be moved or slid or rolled along a rear surface of the wall hanging or along the wall itself.

For example, the angulated wall hanging device may be movably attached to the article or wall hanging and may be rollable along the article, such as via a roller or wheel. Optionally, the angle setting element may include a track or guide member along which the wheel is configured to travel. The track may be fastened to a rear mounting surface or back portion of the article, or to the surface or wall at which the article is supported or hung. The wheel may be movably attached to the track so as to be selectively movable along the track. The angle between the article and the wall may be adjustable by moving the wheel along the track.

Optionally, the wheel may be selectively securable at one of a plurality of positions along the track, such that the angle between the wall hanging and the wall may be substantially locked or retained at the desired or appropriate or selected angle. For example, the wheel may rotate via a ratcheting device or element that allows for selective rotation of the wheel while substantially non-rotatably retaining the wheel at one of a plurality of locations along the article or wall.

Optionally, the angle setting element may comprise a generally V-shaped element having a support arm or portion and a mounting arm or portion, wherein the arms are connected or joined at their opposed ends. The mounting arm may be configured to attach to the mounting surface of the article or wall hanging. When the article is supported or hung at the generally vertical surface or wall, the support arm may rest against the wall, thus establishing an angle between the article and the wall (where the angle between the article and the wall may be defined by the angle between the support arm and the mounting arm). Optionally, the mounting arm may be configured to be mountable to the wall to support the article at the wall while the support arm tilts the article away from the wall.

Optionally, the mounting arm and the support arm may be pivotally or adjustably connected at their opposed ends. For example, a pivot joint or pivot means may allow the support arm to pivot or rotate with respect to the mounting arm. Thus, the angle between the article and the generally vertical surface may be selectively adjustable by pivoting or rotating the support arm with respect to the mounting arm.

Optionally, the angle setting element may be positioned such that a lower or bottom edge of the article is tilted upward and away from the generally vertical surface, such as may be desired when the article is mounted at a level below the eye level of a viewer. Optionally, the angle setting element may be positioned such that an upper or top edge of the article is tilted downward and away from the generally vertical surface, such as may be desired when the article is mounted at a level above the eye level of a viewer. Optionally, the angle setting element may be positioned such that a side edge of the article is tilted outward and away from the generally vertical surface, so as to enhance the viewing of the article from a sideward viewing angle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a wall hanging system includes an article having a front viewing surface and a mounting surface, such as a rear surface of the article, configured to be supported or hung at a generally vertical surface or wall by a support element or fastener. An angle setting element is mounted at the mounting surface of the article and extends rearwardly therefrom. When the support element supports the article at the generally vertical surface, the angle setting element engages the generally vertical surface and spaces a portion of the article from the generally vertical surface so as to establish an angle between the article and the generally vertical surface. The angle setting element is adjustable to selectively adjust the angle between the article and the generally vertical surface.

Optionally, the angle setting element may be movable along the mounting surface of the article to adjust the angle. Optionally, the angle setting element may be pivotable relative to the mounting surface of the article to adjust the angle.

Optionally, the article may comprise a frame structure having a pair of opposite supporting members or frame members. The wall hanging system may comprise a pair of angle setting elements with each of the angle setting elements being mounted to the mounting surface of a respective one of the supporting members.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of supporting an article at a generally vertical surface at an angle includes providing an angle setting device and attaching the angle setting device to a mounting surface of an article. The method further comprises supporting the article at a generally vertical surface and tilting the article relative to the generally vertical surface by the angle setting device contacting the generally vertical surface and spacing a portion of the article from the generally vertical surface. Accordingly, the article is displayed in a tilted configuration to enhance a viewing angle of the article.

Optionally, the method may include adjusting the angle setting element to adjust the angle between the article and the generally vertical surface or wall. Optionally, adjusting the angle setting device may comprise moving the angle setting device along the mounting surface of the article. Optionally, adjusting the angle setting device may comprise pivotally adjusting the angle setting device relative to the mounting surface of the article.

Therefore, the present invention provides a wall hanging system for positioning and/or supporting an article at an angle relative to a generally vertical surface when the article is hanging from or supported at the generally vertical surface, such as a wall or the like. The wall hanging system of the present invention thus may enhance the viewing experience for a viewer by tilting the article either upward, downward or sideward toward the eye level of a typical viewer so that the viewer's line of sight is substantially perpendicular to the viewing plane of the article. The wall hanging system of the present invention may provide adjustability of the angle or tilt of the article to adapt the angle for different applications of the system and/or for different mounting levels of the article relative to the typical eye level or viewing angle of a person or persons viewing the article.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall hanging system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a wall hanging and angle setting element according to the present invention, with the angle setting element at a lower portion of the wall hanging;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the wall hanging and angle setting element of the present invention, with the angle setting element at a middle region of the wall hanging;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of an angle setting element according to the present invention, with the angle setting element at an upper portion of a wall hanging to tilt the article in a downward direction;

FIG. 5 is a top elevation of an angle setting element according to the present invention, with the angle setting element at a side portion of a wall hanging to tilt the article in a sideward direction;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a wall hanging with a movable or adjustable angle setting element according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of another angle setting element according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of another adjustable angle setting element according to the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a rear elevation of an article including two angle setting elements according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a wall hanging system 8 includes an angulated wall hanging device 10, which is used to position an article or wall hanging 16, such as a frame, picture, painting, mirror, piece of art, wall-mounted movie screen or television or the like, at an angle relative to a generally vertical surface or wall 18, when the article is hanging from or supported at the generally vertical surface, such as a wall or the like (FIGS. 1-3). Wall hanging device 10 includes an angle setting element 12, which may be attached to and/or selectively positioned at the mounting surface of the article (such as a rear surface of the article or an edge portion or region or even a forward portion or surface of the article) to lift or support or raise an edge of an article upward, downward, or outward, and away from the wall, depending on the location of the article on the wall with respect to the eye level of a viewer and thus the desired angle of the wall hanging at the wall.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a mounting element 14 functions to mount or attach or fasten angle setting element 12 to the back of the article at the desired or appropriate location. Angle setting element 12 may be fastened to mounting element 14 using any known fastening means, such as an adhesive or other bonding agent, or a nail, screw, fastener, or the like, or may be adjustably mounted to the mounting element, such as discussed below. Mounting element 14 may be mounted to article 16 using any suitable mounting means, such as an adhesive, or a nail, screw, fastener, or the like. Although shown and described as being mounted to or attached to a rear surface of the article, it is envisioned that the angle setting element may be otherwise attached to the article, such as to a side edge or perimeter region or such as to an upper or lower edge or perimeter region or such as to a forward surface or portion of the article (where the angle setting element may curve around the article to extend rearwardly for contacting the wall and spacing a portion of the article from the wall) or the like, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Optionally, the angle setting element may be mountable to the generally vertical surface or wall (not shown). The mounting element may be configured to attach or mount to the wall, and the angle setting element may mount or attach to the mounting element using any known fastening means as described above. In such an application, when an article is hung or supported at the wall, the angle setting element may engage the rear surface of the article (or may be formed to engage a side, upper or lower edge or perimeter region or may engage a forward portion or surface of the article), thus spacing a portion of the article from the wall so as to establish an angle between the article and the wall.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the angle setting element has an inclined or angled end portion 12a and an opposite end portion 12b. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inclined end portion may be mounted to or positioned at the rear surface of the article 16, whereby the angle of the inclined end portion may correspond with the desired or appropriate angle of the article. Thus, the angle setting element may extend generally horizontally from the rear of the article, and the opposite end portion 12b may engage the wall or support surface to space the portion of the article from the wall. Optionally, the end portion 12b may comprise a generally flat surface that is generally vertical and generally parallel to the wall surface for substantial engagement with the wall when the article is supported at the wall. Optionally, the end portion 12b may be curved or rounded to allow for engagement with the wall at other angles (such as, for example, when the angle setting element is adjustable relative to the article) without harming or causing indentations in the wall (such as may otherwise occur if a point or corner or edge of the angle setting element were to engage the wall). Other forms of engaging ends or surfaces may be implemented without affecting the scope of the present invention.

Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 1-3, angulated wall hanging device 10 is used to tilt article 16 upward, so that when the article is positioned below a viewer's eye level, the viewer's line of sight is generally perpendicular to the plane of the article or wall hanging. In such an application, angle setting element 12 may be positioned at or near the lower or bottom edge of article 16 (such as shown in FIG. 2) and may be attached or fastened to the back or rear surface of article 16 (or elsewhere at the rear or perimeter region of the article), such as via mounting element 14. Angle setting element 12 may extend rearward from the rear surface of article 16 so as to space a portion of the article from the wall via engagement of the angle setting element with the wall when the article is supported at the wall.

Article 16 may be hung or supported at wall 18 using any suitable hanging or supporting element 20, such as a fastener, nail, screw, hook or the like, or any other suitable hanging or supporting means. For example, the supporting element may be attached to the wall and may extend therefrom for engaging a portion of the article, such as a notch or opening at the rear of the article or a wire or cable extending across the rear of the article or any other suitable hanging means such as are known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, angle setting element 12 is located remotely from the supporting element 20 and extends from the rear of the article and contacts wall 18 and functions to space the lower portion of the article from the wall, while the upper portion of the article is near or at or lying adjacent to the wall (such as by the attachment or support of the article by and at the supporting element), thus creating an angle between article 16 and wall 18. Preferably, article 16 is tilted toward the eye level of a viewer, such as upward toward the eye level of a typical viewer viewing an article positioned generally below eye level. Accordingly, the viewing experience of a person viewing the article is enhanced, such as by looking generally downward toward the upwardly angled article. Optionally, the angle setting element may be larger, or may be positioned higher up along the article (such as shown in FIG. 3), to increase the angle between the article and the wall.

Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, an angulated wall hanging system 8′ may include an angulated wall hanging device 10′, which may be configured to tilt an article 16′ downward. In such an application, an angle setting element 12′ is positioned at or near the upper or top edge of article 16′ and may be attached to the back or rear surface of article 16′ using a mounting element 14′ or the like. A support element or fastener 20′ supports article 16′ at a wall 18′ and allows the upper portion of article 16′ to tilt away from wall 18′. In such a configuration, the viewing experience is enhanced for a viewer that is looking generally upward toward the downwardly angled article. Angulated wall hanging device 10′ may otherwise be substantially similar to angulated wall hanging device 10 discussed above, and may be substantially the same as wall hanging device 10 but flipped about 180 degrees, such that a detailed discussion of the angulated wall hanging device need not be repeated herein.

Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 5, an angulated wall hanging system 8″ may include an angulated wall hanging device 10″, which may be configured to tilt an article 16″ sideward, such that a side edge of the article is tilted outward and away from the generally vertical surface. In this application, an angle setting element 12″ is positioned at or near a side edge of article 16″ and may be attached to the back or rear surface of article 16″ using a mounting element 14″ or the like. A support element or fastener 20″ supports article 16″ at a wall 18″ and may allow the side portion of article 16″ to tilt away from wall 18″. In this configuration, the viewing experience is enhanced for a viewer that is looking generally from the side opposite that which is tilted away from the generally vertical surface. Angulated wall hanging device 10″ may otherwise be substantially similar to angulated wall hanging devices 10 and 10′ discussed above, and may be substantially the same as wall hanging devices 10 and 10′ but flipped 90°, such that a detailed discussion of the angulated wall hanging device need not be repeated herein.

Optionally, when an article is hung or supported below eye level and tilted upward, such as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6-8, an overhead illumination source or light may be included to direct illumination generally downward to enhance the reflectivity of the light off of the article and further enhance the viewing experience. For example, and as shown in FIG. 1, an illumination source 22 may be positioned above article 16 and may be directed generally downward at article 16, which is tilted upward by angle setting element 12. Such overhead illumination is desirable when displaying an article such as a picture, painting, mirror or piece of art or the like. The illumination angle of the illumination source may be selected to reduce or limit glare as viewed by a person viewing the upwardly angled or tilted article.

Similarly, when such an article is hung or supported above a viewer's eye level and tilted downward (so that the person viewing the article has an upward viewing angle toward the downwardly angled article), an illumination or lighting source may be incorporated from below the article, to achieve the same enhanced reflectivity. For example, and as also shown in FIG. 1, an illumination source 22′ may be positioned below article 16′ and may be directed generally upward at article 16′, which is angled downwardly by angle setting element 12′. The illumination angle of the illumination source may be selected to reduce or limit glare as viewed by a person viewing the downwardly angled or tilted article.

However, in some cases it is not desirable to obtain a reflection from an article, such as a wall-mounted television or movie screen. Such an article thus may be mounted higher than or above the eye level of a seated viewer. In such an application, the present invention may help to minimize the glare or the reflection of light (such as light from an overhead light source) incident on the screen by tilting the article downward toward the eye level of a viewer, and away from such overhead illumination or light sources.

Optionally, and desirably, the angle setting element may be adjustable to adjust the angle between the article and the wall. For example, the angle setting element may be pivotally attached to the article or wall or may be extendable/retractable or may be movable along the wall or article. For example, and as best shown by comparing FIGS. 2 and 3, when article 16 is tilted in an upward direction, the angle between article 16 and wall 18 may be increased by moving angle setting element 12 upward along the article (and/or along the wall). Therefore, the angle between article 16 and wall 18 is greater in FIG. 3 than in FIG. 2 due to the height or level of the angle setting element relative to the article. Conversely, when the article 16′ is tilted in a downward direction, as shown in FIG. 4, the angle between article 16′ and wall 18′ may be increased by moving angle setting element 12′ downward relative to the article and/or wall.

As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 2-5, the wall hanging system of the present invention can be used to create a variety of viewing angles, depending on the position of an article with respect to the eye level of a typical viewer. For example, and as shown in FIG. 4, to create the desired viewing angle, the article may be tilted in a downward direction. Accordingly, angle setting element 12′ is positioned near the top edge of article 16′, and supporting element or fastener 20′ may allow for separation between the top edge of article 16′ and wall 18′. Optionally, other suitable supporting or hanging means, such as a nail or hook or shelf or the like, may be included at or near the bottom edge of the article to hold the bottom edge or portion of the article near or adjacent to the wall. Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, article 16 may be tilted in an upward direction, whereby fastener 20 may be configured to hold the top edge of article 16 adjacent to wall 18. Angle setting element 12 may be positioned near the bottom edge of article 16 (or higher depending on the desired angle) to create the appropriate or desired separation between the lower portion of article 16 and wall 18, thus tilting article 16 upward.

Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 5, another viewing angle may be achieved by tilting a side edge of an article outward, so as to angle the article or wall hanging sidewardly to enhance sideward viewing of the wall hanging. For example, such a configuration may be useful when an article must be hung at or near a corner of a room or the like. In such a configuration, a side edge or portion of article 16″ remains at or near or adjacent to wall 18″, while angle setting element 12″ creates the desired or appropriate separation or gap between the opposite side portion of article 16″ and wall 18″, thus tilting the article toward one side or the other. The hanging or support element or fastener may allow for angled support along an upper or lower or middle region or portion of the article.

The angle setting device or element of the present invention thus may be mounted or attached to the article or the wall at any desired or suitable or appropriate location to establish the desired or selected viewing angle of the article. For example, and as shown in FIG. 9, an angle setting element 12 may be mounted to each of two side members or frame members or supporting members of a frame 24 (such as a wooden or metallic or plastic frame that frames and supports a picture or painting or poster or the like) so that the two angle setting elements 12 function to correspondingly space or set the sides of frame 24 from the wall at the desired angle. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, angle setting elements 12 are mounted to the side members of frame 24 using mounting elements 14, but may be otherwise mounted or attached to the side frame members (or the upper and lower frame members) and/or may be movably mounted or attached at the frame members.

Optionally, one or more angle setting elements may be located at a lower frame member or at a generally central location of the article to establish the desired upward angle of the article. Similarly, one or more angle setting elements may be located at an upper frame member or portion of the article or at opposite side frame members of the article to establish the desired or appropriate downward angle of the article, and/or one or more angle setting elements may be located at the upper and lower frame members or elsewhere at the rear of the article to establish the desired or appropriate sideward angle of the article, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 6, a wall hanging system 108 may include an angulated wall hanging device 110, which may be movably attached to a wall hanging or article 116 and may be movable along the wall hanging to selectively establish the desired viewing angle. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, angulated wall hanging device 110 includes an angle setting element 112, a wheel or wheel assembly 113 and a guide member or track 114 (and may comprise such a device at and at least partially along opposite frame members of the article). Wheel assembly 113 may be rotatably mounted or attached at one end of angle setting element 112. Track 114 is configured to be attached to a back portion or rear surface of an article 116, whereby wheel assembly 113 is movable along track 114 (such as via rolling engagement of the wheel along the track where the wheel and/or track may include tracking means for retaining the wheel at least partially within the track), such that wheel assembly 113, and thus angle setting element 112, can move into any desired position along track 114 and be substantially retained thereat.

When wheel assembly 113 is positioned in the desired location, angle setting element 112 engages or contacts or rests against wall 116 (while another portion of the article is at or near or adjacent to the wall, such as the upper portion of the article that is supported by a supporting element 120), thus creating an angle or tilt between article 116 and wall 118. Therefore, the angle between article 116 and wall 118 is adjustable by moving wheel assembly 113 and angle setting element 112 along track 114. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, article 116 is shown in an upward tilt configuration when supported at a generally vertical wall. To increase the angle between article 116 and wall 118, wheel assembly 113 and angle setting element 112 may be moved in an upward direction along track 114. When wheel assembly 113 reaches a preferred position, angle setting element 112 rests against wall 118, thus creating the desired, increased angle between article 116 and wall 118. Optionally, wheel assembly 113 may be substantially retained or secured or locked into one of a series of positions along track 114, so as to selectively limit or substantially preclude movement of angle setting element 112.

Optionally, the adjustable or movable wall hanging device 110 may be configured to tilt article 116 in either an upward or downward direction without moving the track 114. For example, the article may be tilted in either direction by moving or sliding wheel assembly 113 along track 114 and adjusting the support element or fastener 120. When article 116 is tilted in an upward direction, fastener 120 may be configured to hold the top edge of article 116 adjacent to wall 118 while allowing the lower portion of the article to be spaced from the wall. However, if a downward tilt is desired, fastener 120 may be configured to allow for separation between the top edge of article 116 and wall 118. Optionally, the track (or tracks) may be attached in a horizontal configuration along the back or rear surface of article 116, thus allowing for an adjustable, right or left sideways tilt, such as in a similar manner as discussed above.

Although shown as having a wheel or wheel assembly movable along a track at the rear of the article, it is envisioned that a movable or adjustable angle setting element may be otherwise movable along a track or mounting portion at the article or wall hanging, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, an angle setting element may be slidable or otherwise movable along a track or guide element at the rear of the wall hanging, and may have a roller or wheel at its distal end to engage or contact the wall to facilitate movement or adjustment of the angle setting element when the article is supported at the wall. Optionally, the adjustable angle setting element may comprise a roller that has its axle attached to and slidable along a channel or track (such as by being received in a channel or slot along the track), whereby the roller is movable along the article and engages the wall at the desired or selected location to establish the desired or appropriate or selected gap and angle between the article and the wall. Other movable or adjustable angle setting elements or devices may be implemented to provide selective setting of the angle between the article and the wall without affecting the scope of the present invention.

Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 7, a wall hanging system 208 includes an angulated wall hanging device 210, which comprises a unitary angle setting element 212 that engages both the wall and the article. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle setting element comprises a generally V-shaped element having a support arm or portion 212a and a mounting arm or portion 212b, which are connected or joined at their opposed ends. Mounting arm 212b may include a mounting aperture 213 and may be configured to attach to a back portion or rear surface of article 216. Article 216 may be hung or supported at a generally vertical surface, such as a wall 218, such as by using any suitable hanging or support element or fastener 220. Optionally, the support arm 212a may be mounted to the wall, such as via a suitable fastener, such as a nail or screw or the like, in order to mount the article to the wall at the desired angle. When article 216 is hung or supported at wall 218, support arm 212a contacts wall 218, thus separating the article from the wall and creating the desired or appropriate or suitable viewing angle.

Wall hanging device 210 may be selectively positioned at the back of an article or on a wall to tilt the article in either a downward, upward or sideways direction, such as in a similar manner as described above. Also, the mounting arm may be positioned and attached to the article at any desired location along the article or along one or more frame members of the article to set the angle of the wall hanging to a desired or appropriate angle relative to the wall.

Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 8, a wall hanging system 208′ includes an angle setting device 210′, which may comprise an angle setting element 212′. In the illustrated embodiment, angle setting element 212′ comprises an adjustable element having a support arm 212a′ and a mounting arm 212b′ that are adjustably or pivotally joined or connected at pivot joint 212c′. Accordingly, support arm 212a′ may be rotated or pivoted relative to mounting arm 212b′ to a desired angle with respect to mounting arm 212b′. Support arm 212a′ may be further adjusted after the angle setting element 212′ is mounted to article 216′, and even after article 216′ has been hung at the wall, until a desired viewing angle is achieved. Thus, pivot joint 212c′ provides an adjustable angle between article 216′ and wall 218′ without requiring movement of angle setting element 212′ along article 216′ after the angle setting element has been mounted to article 216′.

In applications where angle setting element 212′ is fixedly secured to article 216′, it may be desirable at some future time to hang the article flat, i.e. with no tilt. In such situations, pivot joint 212c′ may allow support arm 212a′ to be rotated to a 180 degree angle with respect to mounting arm 212b′. Thus, angle setting element 212′ may remain mounted to article 216′, yet article 216′ may lie generally flat against a surface or wall.

Optionally, an angle setting element may mount or attach to the wall or support surface and may support and angle the article at the wall. The angle setting element may support the article at an upper or lower region of the article. For example, and as shown in FIG. 10, a wall hanging system 308 may include an angle setting device 310, which has an angle setting element 324 attached to and extending from a wall 318. Angle setting element 324 may comprise an elongated strip or member mounted generally horizontally along the wall and having two extensions or ribs 326 formed therealong, which form or define a channel or groove 328 along the angle setting element. A lower portion of an article 316 is supported and retained in the groove to hold the article at the angle setting element. As can be seen in FIG. 10, angle setting element 324 may support and tilt article 316 with the lower portion of the article spaced from the wall and with a top edge or portion of article 316 resting against or lying adjacent to wall 318. Thus, angle setting device 310 functions to angle article 316 upward to enhance the viewing experience for a viewer looking generally downward at the article.

Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 11, a wall hanging system 308′ may include an angle setting device 310′, which includes an angle setting element 324′ attached to and extending from a wall 318′, similar to angle setting element 324 discussed above. Angle setting element 324′ includes a plurality of ribs or extensions 326′ extending therealong, which provide a series of channels or grooves 328′ into which article 316′ may be selectively inserted and supported. Thus, the angle formed between article 316′ and wall 318′ is adjustable by selectively positioning and supporting article 316′ in the desired groove 328′ of angle setting element 324′. The angle between article 316′ and wall 318′ may be selectively adjusted to tilt article 316′ toward the eye level of a typical viewer, so as to optimize the viewing experience.

Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 12, a wall hanging system 308″ may include an angle setting device 310″, which includes an angle setting element 324″ attached to and extending from a wall 318″. A portion or edge of article 316″ may be supported and spaced from wall 318″ by angle setting element 324″, which may extend from wall 318″ at an angle, such as an upward angle to limit or substantially preclude sliding of the article away from the wall along the angle setting element. Optionally, article 316″ may include a flanged or curved or bent lower region or edge 317″, which may rest against angle setting element 324″ and may function to tilt article 316″ toward wall 318″ and to stabilize the article at the angle setting element. Angle setting element 324″ thus supports and tilts article 316″ with a top edge or portion of article 316″ resting against or lying adjacent to wall 318″ to enhance viewing of the article by a person with his or her eye level above the center region of the article.

Optionally, such a lower support or shelf type of angle setting element may also be otherwise angled or canted, such as with respect to the wall and along the wall in a horizontal direction, so as to provide a sideward tilt or angle of the article supported by the angle setting element. Such an angle setting element thus may function to angle or tilt the article generally upwardly and generally sidewardly to provide the desired or appropriate angle of the article for enhanced viewing of the article. Other angling means or techniques (or combination of the different angling means or techniques described herein) may be implemented to tilt the article upwardly, downwardly and/or sidewardly while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The angle setting element or elements may be attached to the wall or to the article, and may be attached to or contact the article at a rear surface of the article, a side, upper or lower edge or perimeter region of the article, or a forward portion or surface of the article, depending on the particular application of the angle setting element or device of the present invention.

Optionally, the wall hanging system and device of the present invention may be configured to mount or support an article at an angled or inclined support surface or wall, whereby the angle setting element may establish an angle between the article and the inclined surface to set the desired viewing angle for viewing the article. For example, the angle setting element may establish an angle between the article and the inclined surface such that the article is generally vertical or more or less inclined than the inclined surface at which the article is supported. Optionally, it is envisioned that the preferred viewing angle can be achieved by hanging an article on a generally vertical surface and then tilting the surface itself. Thus, the article may be supported substantially flat against the surface, yet the article may be displayed at the desired viewing angle.

Therefore, the present invention provides an angulated wall hanging system and device used to position an article at an angle relative to a wall or support structure, when the article is hanging from or supported at a generally or substantially vertical surface or structure, such as a wall or the like. The angulated or tilted article is angled or tilted toward the eye level of a viewer, either upward or downward or sideward, to enhance the viewing angle of the viewer to the article, and thus enhance the viewing experience for the viewer. The present invention thus enhances the appearance of an article, thus making the article stand out in comparison to those hanging flat against a similar surface. In a setting in which the articles are displayed for potential purchasers, the present invention may enhance sales by enhancing the appearance of articles displayed in this manner.

Changes and modifications to the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A wall hanging system for adjustably supporting an article at a generally vertical support surface, said wall hanging system comprising:

an article configured to be supported at a generally vertical support surface, said article having a front viewing surface and a mounting surface;

an angle setting element mounted at said mounting surface of said article;

a support element for supporting said article at the generally vertical support surface; and

wherein said angle setting element extends from said mounting surface and is configured to engage the generally vertical support surface when said support element supports said article at the generally vertical support surface, said angle setting element spacing a portion of said article from the generally vertical support surface so as to establish an angle between said article and the generally vertical support surface.

2. The wall hanging system of claim 1, wherein said angle setting element is selectively adjustable to selectively adjust said angle between said article and the generally vertical support surface.

3. The wall hanging system of claim 2, wherein said angle setting element is movable along said mounting surface of said article to adjust said angle.

4. The wall hanging system of claim 2, wherein said angle setting element is pivotable relative to said mounting surface of said article to adjust said angle.

5. The wall hanging system of claim 1, wherein said article comprises a frame structure having a pair of opposite supporting members, said wall hanging system comprising a pair of angle setting elements with each of said angle setting elements being mounted to said mounting surface of a respective one of said supporting members.

6. The wall hanging system of claim 1, wherein said angle setting element spaces a lower portion of said article from the generally vertical support surface so as to establish an upward angle of said article relative to the generally vertical support surface.

7. The wall hanging system of claim 1, wherein said angle setting element spaces an upper portion of said article from the generally vertical support surface so as to establish a downward angle of said article relative to the generally vertical support surface.

8. The wall hanging system of claim 1, wherein said angle setting element spaces a side portion of said article from the generally vertical support surface so as to establish a sideward angle of said article relative to the generally vertical support surface.

9. The wall hanging system of claim 1, wherein said angle setting element is located remotely from said support element.

10. A wall hanging system for adjustably supporting an article at a generally vertical support surface, said wall hanging system comprising:

an article configured to be supported at a generally vertical surface, said article having a front viewing surface and a mounting surface;

an angle setting element mounted at one of said mounting surface of said article and the generally vertical support surface;

a support element for supporting said article at the generally vertical support surface;

wherein said angle setting element extends from one of said mounting surface and said generally vertical support surface and is configured to engage the other of said mounting surface and said generally vertical support surface when said support element supports said article at the generally vertical support surface, said angle setting element spacing a portion of said article from the generally vertical support surface so as to establish an angle between said article and the generally vertical support surface; and

wherein said angle setting element is adjustable to selectively adjust said angle between said article and the generally vertical support surface.

11. The wall hanging system of claim 10, including a mounting element configured to mount said angle setting element to said one of said mounting surface and the generally vertical support surface, said angle setting element being adjustable relative to said mounting element.

12. The wall hanging system of claim 11, wherein said angle setting element has an inclined surface at an end thereof, said inclined surface being adjustably mounted to said mounting element.

13. The wall hanging system of claim 10, including an illumination source for illuminating said article.

14. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting element includes a wheel that rollingly engages said one of said mounting surface and said generally vertical support surface.

15. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting element is configured to move along a track, said track being fastened to said one of said mounting surface and the generally vertical support surface, said angle setting element being movable along said track to adjust said angle between said article and the generally vertical support surface.

16. The wall hanging system of claim 15, wherein said angle setting element is selectively securable at one of a plurality of positions along said track.

17. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting element comprises a support arm and a mounting arm, said support arm and said mounting arm being connected at opposed ends, wherein said mounting arm is configured to attach to said one of said mounting surface and the generally vertical support surface, said support arm establishing said angle between said article and the generally vertical support surface.

18. The wall hanging system of claim 17, wherein said support arm and said mounting arm are pivotally connected at said opposed ends, said support arm being pivotable relative to said mounting arm to adjust an arm angle between said mounting arm and said support arm to adjust said angle between said article and the generally vertical support surface.

19. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting element is mounted such that a bottom edge of said article is spaced from the generally vertical support surface.

20. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting element is mounted such that a top edge of said article is spaced from the generally vertical support surface.

21. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting element is mounted such that a side edge of the article is spaced from the generally vertical support surface.

22. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting element is located remotely from said support element.

23. A method of supporting an article at a generally vertical support surface at an angle relative to the support surface, comprising:

providing an angle setting device;

attaching the angle setting device to one of an article and the generally vertical support surface;

supporting said article at a generally vertical support surface; and

tilting said article relative to the generally vertical support surface by said angle setting device extending from one of said article and said generally vertical support surface and engaging the other of said article and said generally vertical support surface, said angle setting device spacing a portion of said article from the generally vertical support surface, wherein said article is displayed in a tilted configuration to enhance a viewing angle of said article.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising adjusting said angle setting device to adjust said angle between said article and the generally vertical support surface.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein adjusting said angle setting device comprises moving said angle setting device along said article.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein adjusting said angle setting device comprises pivotally adjusting said angle setting device relative to said article.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein supporting said article comprises supporting an article at a generally vertical support surface via an angle setting device attached to the generally vertical support surface and extending therefrom.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein supporting said article further comprises supporting said article at a lower edge of said article.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein supporting said article further comprises selectively receiving a lower edge of said article in one of a plurality of channels formed along said angle setting device.