EZ-Mark Picture Hanging Marker

Abstract

EZ-Mark Picture Hanging Marker consists of a head that has an adhesive coating on one side and a marking device, like a pin or marker on the other side. On the other side of the marking device is an encasement sleeve that protrudes further than the marker. The adhesive coating of the head is attached to the back of a picture frame or other object that needs hanging. Once the adhesive coating or other attachment mechanism is put in place, the frame may be moved along the wall into the desired location of hanging. The EZ-Hang Picture Hanging Marker user is then able to mark the desired location of where they would like to place their nail by pressing on the picture frame or hanging instrument. Only when significant force is applied to the picture frame, does a marking device protrude from EZ-Hang's encasement sleeve and mark the wall.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional Patent Application does not claim priority to any U.S. application or any foreign patent applications.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM, LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many persons choose to accessorize their house with various pictures, paintings, diplomas or other knickknacks that must be hung on a wall. Often, hanging a frame or other object entails at least some trial and error, guesswork or a lengthy process of measuring and leveling. The ordinary manner of picture hanging can lead to frustration and often multiple holes in a wall that need to be filled after the hanging is complete.

Hence, there is a need in hanging pictures or other objects for an easy to use device that is inexpensive, effective and takes the guesswork out of the process.

In addition, there is a need for a picture marking device that will not damage walls when the user is in the process of using it. While similar devices have been made to mark the exact location of where holes should be made to hang a picture; what makes the EZ-Hang picture marking device different is that it allows the user to hold and move a picture along a wall without marking the wall. Only when significant pressure is applied to the picture frame does a marker protrude from an encasement sleeve and mark the wall.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

EZ-Hang consists of at least some of the following: a marker or some other marking device having an adhesive coating on one side and the marker encased in a foam sheath on the other side. Also instead of an adhesive coating the marker may instead have an alternate attachment mechanism. The adhesive coating on the back of the marking device is attached to the back of a picture frame or other instrument in approximately the spot where a nail or hanger will support it. Once the adhesive coating or other attachment mechanism is in place, the frame is moved into the desired position and then pressed firmly into the wall, allowing the encasement foam to recess, from the normal force of the wall, so that the marker may mark where the nail or nails will be placed as to allow for the hanging of the frame or other instrument.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a picture-hanging device that allows a user to easily mark locations on a wall for inserting nails or hangers.

Another object of this invention is to provide an affordable picture-hanging device.

Another object of this invention is to provide a picture hanging device that will not unnecessarily mark or create abrasions on a wall.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device that allows efficient hanging of pictures or other items on a wall.

Yet another object of this invention is that it allows the user to hold the picture up against the wall without marking the wall. Because the marking device is covered with a sheath that is made out of foam or some other material, the picture can be moved along the wall and adjusted, until the user has reached the desired location, and wishes to make their mark. Only when significant pressure is applied, does the marker protrude from the encasement foam and mark the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of EZ-Hang is comprised of at least some of the following: a foam pad with an adhesive coating on one side and a marking device on the opposite side. An encasement foam sheath that sticks out further from the foam padding than the marking device. A foam layer or other type of cushioned layer with an adhesive strip and protective coating may also be utilized.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 1, an approximately circular head 1 made of foam has a marker 2 protruding from approximately the center of one side. The marker 2 is made of felt and encased in a plastic coating, similar to other felt markers. Surrounding the marker is an encasement sleeve 3 that is made out of foam in this preferred embodiment. On the other side of the head 1, an approximately circular foam disc 4 is attached. The outer side of the foam disc 4 has an adhesive coating (not shown) and a protective film 5 that can be peeled away to reveal the adhesive coating. The adhesive coating and protective film are also approximately circular in shape and cover the entirety of the foam disc 4.

In order to use the EZ-Hang Picture Hanging Marker, one would first choose the item and location for the item to be hung on the wall. Depending on the weight and size of the object to be hung, multiple nails or screw holes may be necessary, and therefore multiple EZ-Hang Markers may be used. The protective film of the adhesive coating on the foam disc is removed and each EZ-Hang Marker is placed on the location of the frame or other wall-hanging item where nails will eventually be used. The foam layer provides protection for the frame against damage. The encasement sleeve provides protection for the wall against unwanted markings. The frame or wall-hanging item is then moved into the desired location and pressed evenly against the wall in the chosen location, resulting in a small mark from the marker, where nails or screws will be placed. EZ-Hang markers are then removed from the frame or item and discarded. Nails or hangers with nails are then hammered into place at the designated locations and the frame or other item is hung on the wall.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the EZ-Hang Marker could be left on the frame to be reused at a later time.

The components of the EZ-Hang Marker may vary widely but will likely include plastic, metal, foam and other components. The metals would ideally be selected from available steel or alloys of steel and aluminum. The production process related to the use of these metals insures that the metal is non-corrosive, durable and strong. The selected metal should have high impact strength and be capable of accepting and retaining coloring materials for an extended length of time.

The plastic used in production will ideally be selected for durability and longevity. Thermoplastics are commonly used in the manufacturing of components similar to those used in this invention. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and other similar thermoplastic material would be among those with the necessary traits. Members of this family are recognized universally as being versatile and of high quality.

The plastic components of the EZ-Hang Marker can also be formed with the use of plastic molding techniques, such as injection molding or blow molding, Injection molding requires melted plastic to be forcefully injected into relatively cool molds. As the plastic begins to harden, it takes on mass the shape of the mold cavity. This technique is ideal for the mass production of products. Alternatively, blow molding involves a molten tube being pushed into a mold. Compressed air then forces the molten tube against the cold walls of the mold.

The foam components of the EZ-Hang Marker will be ideally selected for durability and longevity. Foam of the correct density must be used in order for there to be a perpendicular resistance to the wall as to prevent the marker from protruding from the encasement sleeve until significant pressure is applied to the frame.

It should be obvious that the head, marker and other components of the present invention can be of various shapes and sizes. The preferred embodiment of the head and foam disc are approximately 1 inch in diameter and ⅛ inch width. The marker is approximately ⅛ inch in length. The encasement sleeve is approximately ⅓ inch in length.

It should be obvious that the components of the invention can be made of different types of foam, plastics, or other suitable materials and can be of any color. For example the marker could be made of painters chalk or could be simply be made out of a plastic or metal pin that will leave a mark on the wall. It should further be obvious that while the device discussed herein is generally used to hang pictures, it could be used to hang anything. It should also be obvious that the foam disc with adhesive coating could be replaced by simply making the head of the devise have an adhesive coating. However, in the preferred embodiment, a foam layer or other cushioning item is used to minimize damage to the frame or other hanging instrument.

While foam will most likely be the desired material to be used for the encasement sleeve, a plastic ring that is attached to the head of the EZ-Hang marker coupled with a spring could also be used. With this type of setup the marking device would not mark the wall until significant pressure is applied to the frame and the marker protrudes from the plastic made encasement sleeve. The spring would act to prevent the protrusion of the marker from the encasement sleeve until significant pressure is applied to the frame or hanging device. Likewise the encasement sleeve could also be made out of rubber or metal.

It will be recognized that those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A hanging device comprising:

(a) a head attached on a first side to a marking device;

(b) an adhesive coating on a second side of the head; and

(c) an encasement sleeve that prevents the marker from marking a wall until the sleeve is compressed.

2. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the marker is felt

3. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the marker is made out of painter's chalk.

4. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the marker is made out of metal.

5. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the marker is made out of plastic.

6. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the head is approximately circular.

7. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the head is approximately square.

8. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the marker is attached to approximately the center of the first side of the head.

9. The hanging device of claim 1 further comprising a layer attached to the second side of the head opposite the marker wherein the exterior of the layer is covered by a second adhesive with a protective film.

10. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the head is made out of foam.

11. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the head is made out of plastic.

12. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the encasement sleeve is made out of foam.

13. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the encasement sleeve is made out of rubber.

14. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the encasement sleeve uses a spring to prevent the marker's protrusion until significant pressure is applied, resulting in the compression of the spring and sleeve and the marking of the wall.