SELF-LEVELING MOUNTING DEVICE FOR MOUNTABLE OBJECTS

Abstract

A self-leveling mounting assembly for mounting a mountable object on a vertical surface is described. The assembly includes: an engagement member structurally integrated in or securable to a mountable object, and providing a cavity; a fixturing plate adapted for securement to a vertical surface; and a retention member coupleable with the fixturing plate and with the cavity of the engagement member. The retention member includes first and second portions that are rotatable in relation to one another, with the first portion being fixedly positioned in relation to the fixturing plate, and with the second portion being positioned in the cavity to allow self-leveling movement of the mountable object on the vertical surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/732,743 filed Dec. 3, 2012 is hereby claimed under the provisions of 35 USC 119. The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/732,743 is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, for all purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a self-leveling mounting assembly for mountable objects such as picture frames.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

In the mounting of mountable objects such as pictures, frames, mirrors, clocks, and other decorative and/or functional objects on vertical surfaces such as walls, doors, and the like, it is desirable for aesthetic and practical considerations to ensure that the method object is properly aligned with respect to the horizontal. This is particularly important where the object has a rectilinear and especially a square, rectangular, or rectangular solid character.

To achieve the desired horizontal alignment character, various techniques and devices have come into use, including approaches of measurement at laterally spaced intervals from a floor or ceiling intersecting with a wall, alignment with or in relation to window frames, door frames, and other structural components associated with the vertical surface on which the object is to be mounted. These approaches, however, depend on referential structures that themselves may be non-horizontal in character, as a result of which the mounted object may be skewed from the horizontal. Even if accurate, the associated positioning of mechanical fasteners to accommodate the mounting operation may be time-consuming and tedious.

Various mechanical level and electro-mechanical level devices are known.

Mechanical levels utilizing a gas bubble in a fluid in a transparent chamber are known, which require adjustment of positioning of the mechanical level device so that the gas bubble is centered on a registered scale, so that the associated edge or edges of the mechanical level device have a horizontal orientation. It then is necessary to mark such horizontal line or scribe or puncture the vertical surface against which the mechanical level devices held, and thereafter to affix a mechanical fastener to the vertical surface at the specific marked position or positions, for mounting of the specific object.

Electro-mechanical leveling devices are known that may be temporarily secured to a vertical surface, e.g., by a push-pin arrangement, with the device then being swingable about the axis of such push-pin so that it assumes a “down” position. Such leveling devices may have a laser apparatus that generates a beam from each of the respective sides of the device, so that when the devices in the down position, the laser beams from each of the sides illuminates the vertical surface with horizontal beam lines. It then is necessary to align mechanical fasteners, or framed picture bottom edges, or the like, with the horizontal beam line, to ensure that the mounted object has the desired horizontal alignment. Such laser devices require visibility of the laser beam lines, and therefore are difficult to utilize in illuminated spaces in which the beam lines generated by the laser may be poorly visible, or even not discernible at all.

Thus, although various approaches are known, these typically involve measurements, alignments, and extrapolations that render them less than satisfactory.

Further, as a related problem, even if an object is initially properly positioned on a vertical surface, it may subsequently shift position from the original horizontal alignment and become skewed with respect to such desired alignment. Such shifting may occur as a result of impact, vibration, or differential thermal expansion/contraction cycles incident to changes in weather, as well as “settling” of the vertical surface structure in a building or other fabricated construction.

It therefore is apparent that there is a continuing need for simple, inexpensive, and effective approaches for achieving and maintaining horizontal alignment of objects mounted on vertical surfaces.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a self-leveling mounting device that is useful for mounting objects on vertical surfaces such as walls, doors, and the like.

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a self-leveling mounting assembly for leveled mounting of a mountable object, such self-leveling mounting assembly comprising:

an engagement member structurally integrated in or securable to a mountable object, said engagement member comprising a cavity;
a fixturing plate adapted for securement to a vertical wall; and
a retention member coupleable with the fixturing plate and with the cavity of the engagement member, the retention member comprising first and second portions that are rotatable in relation to one another, with the first portion being fixedly positioned in relation to the fixturing plate, and with the second portion being positioned in the cavity to allow self-leveling movement of the mountable object.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a self-leveling mounting assembly for leveled mounting of a mountable object, such self-leveling mounting assembly comprising:

• • (a) a fixturing assembly comprising:
    • (i) a fixturing plate adapted for securement to a vertical wall, the fixturing plate including a main surface, and an axle member extending outwardly from the main surface;
    • (ii) a ring bearing including a central opening circumscribed by an annular inner portion, and an annular outer rotatable portion that is coaxial with and rotatable with respect to the annular inner portion, wherein the axle member of the fixturing plate is secured in the central opening of the ring bearing; and
    • (iii) a mounting block having a recess therein adapted to receive the ring bearing so that the ring bearing is secured to the mounting block and the mounting block is freely rotatable in relation to the fixturing plate; and
  • (b) an engagement member adapted for securement to a mountable object, the engagement member being adapted for coupling with the mounting block so that upon coupling of the mounting block and engagement member when the fixturing plate is secured to the vertical wall and the engagement member is secured to a mountable object, the mountable object is self-leveling on the vertical wall.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a self-leveling mounting assembly for mounting a mountable object on a vertical surface, such assembly comprising:

a vertical surface mounting assembly adapted for attachment to the vertical surface and including a rotatable bearing arranged for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the vertical surface, and an engagement member adapted for attachment to a mountable object and for coupling with the rotatable bearing so that when the engagement member is attached to the mountable object, coupled with the rotatable bearing, and the vertical surface mounting assembly is attached to the vertical surface, the mountable object is positionally self-leveling on the vertical surface.

In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to a wall-mountable article, comprising a self-leveling mounting assembly of the present disclosure, and a mountable object secured to the engagement member thereof.

Other aspects, features and embodiments of the disclosure will be more fully apparent from the ensuing description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fixturing plate of the self-leveling mounting assembly of the disclosure, in one embodiment thereof.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a ring bearing suitable for use in the self-leveling mounting assembly of the disclosure, in connection with the fixturing plate of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mounting block employed in the self-leveling mounting assembly of the disclosure, in connection with the components of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an engagement member may be employed with a fixturing assembly comprising the components of FIGS. 1-3, in a self-leveling mounting assembly according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the mounting block and engagement member of FIGS. 3 and 4, showing the coupling of such components.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a framed picture on a vertical wall surface, mounted using a self-leveling mounting assembly of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view, and FIG. 8 is a front perspective view, of an engagement member according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective front view, and FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of a bearing retention member that can be disposed in the cavity of the engagement member of FIGS. 7-8.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of a frame according to another embodiment of the disclosure, comprising an upper frame member providing an engagement member of the self-leveling mounting assembly, so that the engagement member is structurally integrated in the mountable object.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are enlarged views of the structure of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of a framed object including a frame comprising a frame member of the type shown in FIGS. 11-13.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of an engagement member according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of an alternative engagement member for use in a self-leveling mounting assembly of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of a framed object in which an engagement member of a general type as shown in FIG. 16, is affixed to a rear portion of the framed object, to permit subsequent self-leveling mounting of the framed object when the engagement member is interconnected with a retention member that in turn is coupled to a fixturing plate that has been secured to a vertical surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a self-leveling assembly for placement of mountable objects on vertical surfaces such as walls, doors, and the like. The disclosure also relates to a wall-mountable article, comprising a self-leveling mounting assembly of the present disclosure, and a mountable object secured to the engagement member thereof, as hereinafter more fully described.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “and”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a self-leveling mounting assembly for leveled mounting of a mountable object, such self-leveling mounting assembly comprising:

an engagement member structurally integrated in or securable to a mountable object, said engagement member comprising a cavity;
a fixturing plate adapted for securement to a vertical surface, e.g., vertical wall; and
a retention member coupleable with the fixturing plate and with the cavity of the engagement member, the retention member comprising first and second portions that are rotatable in relation to one another, with the first portion being fixedly positioned in relation to the fixturing plate, and with the second portion being positioned in the cavity to allow self-leveling movement of the mountable object.

In such self-leveling mounting assembly, the engagement member cavity may comprise an elongate slot in which the retention member is selectively positionable. The engagement member in such arrangement may comprise a main elongate portion comprising the elongate slot therein, with the main elongate portion at its extremities being joined to flange extensions that are adapted for securement to the mountable object. These flange extensions in various embodiments may be perpendicular to the main elongate portion of the engagement member. In specific embodiments, the main elongate portion may comprise a medial opening communicating with the elongate slot in the engagement member, to allow the retention member to be inserted into and selectively positioned in the elongate slot.

In various embodiments, the engagement member may comprise a frame member of a frame for the mountable object, in which the cavity comprises a slot that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the frame member and configured for coupling of the retention member therewith. The mountable object for such purpose may be a frameable object, such as a photograph, painting, drawing, or the like.

The retention member of the self-leveling assembly may be of any suitable type, and may for example comprise a bearing that is positioned to allow rotational movement of the first and second portions of the retention member in relation to one another.

The retention member in various embodiments may comprise bearing surface that is situated to enable rotational movement of the first and second portions of the retention member in relation to one another.

In specific embodiments, the retention member may comprise a ring bearing, and a mounting block to which the ring bearing is secured, with the mounting block being configured to be received in the engagement member cavity. In such arrangement, the fixturing plate may include a main surface, and an axle member extending outwardly from the main surface, and the ring bearing may have a central opening that is engageable with the axle member, as hereinafter more fully described.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a self-leveling mounting device for leveled mounting of a mountable object, such self-leveling mounting assembly comprising:

• • (a) a fixturing assembly comprising:
    • (i) a fixturing plate adapted for securement to a vertical surface, the fixturing plate including a main surface, and an axle member extending outwardly from the main surface;
    • (ii) a ring bearing including a central opening circumscribed by an annular inner portion, and an annular outer rotatable portion that is coaxial with and rotatable with respect to the annular inner portion, wherein the axle member of the fixturing plate is secured in the central opening of the ring bearing; and
    • (iii) a mounting block having a recess therein adapted to receive the ring bearing so that the ring bearing is secured to the mounting block and the mounting block is freely rotatable in relation to the fixturing plate; and
  • (b) an engagement member adapted for securement to a mountable object, the engagement member being adapted for coupling with the mounting block so that upon coupling of the mounting block and engagement member when the fixturing plate is secured to the vertical wall and the engagement member is secured to a mountable object, the mountable object is self-leveling on the vertical wall.

The ring bearing may be of any suitable type in such device, as comprising an inner concentric portion and an outer concentric portion that are arranged with bearing or bearings elements, so that when the inner concentric portion is fixed by securement to the axle member of the fixturing plate, and the outer concentric portion is fixed by securement to the mounting block recess, the inner and outer concentric portions are freely rotatable in relation to one another. Accordingly, the inner and outer concentric portions may have an intermediate ball bearing, roller bearing, sleeve bearing, or other bearing structure therebetween, to enable such relative rotational movement. In one embodiment, the ring bearing comprises a double-sealed ball bearing ring bearing.

The fixturing plate may be of any suitable form, and may for example comprise at least one hole therein, for mechanical fastener attachment of the fixturing plate to the vertical wall. For example, the fixturing plate may be of circular disk-like form, with a radial protrusion having a hole therein, through which a nail, screw or other mechanical fastener can be driven, to secure the fixturing plate to a wall or other vertical surface, in the use of the self-leveling mounting device. Alternatively, the fixturing plate may be of square, rectangular, or other regular or irregular geometric form, and may have one or multiple holes therein, adapted for attachment of the fixturing plate to a vertical wall or other vertical surface.

In one embodiment, the axle member of the fixturing plate is secured in the central opening of the ring bearing by press-fitting of the axle member in the central opening. Such press-fit may be sufficient to frictionally retain the axle member in the central opening of the ring bearing. Alternatively, the securement of the axle member to the ring bearing may involve matable engageable structure, such as complementary threading, bayonet-type coupling structure, coupling structures including detents, spring-biased or deformable fixturing or retention elements, or any other securement structure or arrangement that is effective to secure the axle member to the ring bearing.

The engagement member and mounting block are adapted for coupling with one another. In various embodiments, the mounting block and engagement member are mechanically interlockable with one another with one another for such coupling. It will be appreciated that numerous arrangements and structures may be employed in particular configurations of the mounting block and engagement member, to effect the desired coupling.

In specific implementations, the mounting block and engagement member may be slidably engageable with one another for coupling thereof. In one such arrangement, the engagement member may comprise a cavity including marginal groove portions overlaid by laterally inwardly extending flange elements, and the mounting block may comprise laterally outwardly extending tongue elements that slidably engage the marginal groove portions of the cavity when the mounting block and engagement member are coupled with one another. In such arrangement, the cavity may be bounded by a laterally extending stop surface of the engagement member. The laterally extending stop surface at its respective ends may intersect with convexly arcuate surfaces of protuberant stop elements bounding the cavity. In such self-leveling mounting device, the engagement member may include a main back wall bounding the cavity, and such main back wall may have at least one hole therein for mechanical fastener attachment of the engagement member to the mountable object.

The self-leveling mounting device of the present disclosure may be formed of any suitable materials of construction. In various embodiments, the fixturing plate, mounting block, and engagement member are constructed of material selected from the group consisting of metals, ceramics, plastics, wood, graphite, and composite materials. Thus, the fixturing plate, mounting block, and engagement member may be constructed of metal, such as aluminum or steel.

The disclosure therefore contemplates a wall-mountable article, comprising a self-leveling mounting device of the present disclosure, and a mountable object secured to the engagement member thereof. The mountable object may be of any suitable type, and may for example include a picture frame, shadowbox, poster, wall sculpture, mirror, banner, pendant, flag, or any other object that is desired to be mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall, door, etc.

The disclosure in another aspect relates to a self-leveling mounting device for mounting a mountable object on a vertical surface, such device comprising a vertical surface mounting assembly adapted for attachment to the vertical surface and including a rotatable bearing arranged for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the vertical surface, and an engagement member adapted for attachment to a mountable object and for coupling with the rotatable bearing so that when the engagement member is attached to the mountable object, coupled with the rotatable bearing, and the vertical surface mounting assembly is attached to the vertical surface, the mountable object is positionally self-leveling on the vertical surface. A further aspect of the disclosure relates to a wall-mountable article, comprising a self-leveling mounting device of such type, and a mountable object, e.g., a picture frame, or other object, attached to the engagement member thereof.

In use, the self-leveling mounting device is mounted so that it is secured to the mountable object at a point that is above the center of mass of the mountable object, so that when mounted on a wall or other vertical surface, the now-mounted object will be freely rotatable about the axis of the axle member of the fixturing plate so that it self-levels to a position aligned with the horizontal. In such manner, the self-leveling mounting device simply and easily achieves proper horizontal alignment of the mounted object on the vertical surface, it being necessary only that the engagement member be properly positioned when secured to the mountable object, e.g., at a central point of the lateral extent of the object.

The disclosure further contemplates a wall-mountable article comprising a picture frame to which the engagement member is already secured, in an as-supplied form to a purchaser, together with the other components of the self-leveling mounting assembly, so that the purchaser needs only to insert a photograph or other graphic work in the frame, and mount the article on a wall using the other components. For such purpose, the fixturing assembly comprising the fixturing plate, ring bearing, and mounting block may be pre-assembled, so that it is readily secured to a wall or other vertical surface at a desired location, and the framed graphic work bearing the engagement member on the frame thereof can then be coupled by the engagement member to the mounting block to complete the wall mounting operation. As discussed hereinabove, the mounting block and engagement member may be arranged for slidable engagement with one another, whereby the fixturing assembly and the engagement member may be slidably engaged to effect the mounting operation.

The features and advantages of the self-leveling mounting device will be more fully appreciated from the ensuing description of the accompanying drawings figures hereof.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fixturing plate 20 of a self-leveling mounting assembly of the disclosure, in one embodiment thereof. The fixturing plate comprises a disk-shaped main body 22 having a main surface 24 and edge surface 26, as illustrated. Axle member 28 extends outwardly from the main surface 24. The fixturing plate includes a radial extension 30 having hole 32 therein to accommodate a nail, screw or other mechanical fastener for affixing the fixturing plate to a wall or other vertical surface. It will be appreciated that the fixturing plate may have more than one radial extension with a hole or opening therein to accommodate a mechanical fastener. For example, the fixturing plate may comprise two radial extensions diametrally opposite one another, so that the fixturing plate can correspondingly be affixed to a vertical surface by two mechanical fasteners, e.g., nails or screws.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a ring bearing 40 suitable for use in the self-leveling mounting assembly of the disclosure, in connection with the fixturing plate of FIG. 1. The ring bearing includes an annular inner portion 42 circumscribing a central opening 44, an intermediate bearing portion 46, and an outer annular rotatable portion 48 that is coaxial with and rotatable with respect to the annular inner portion 42. The ring bearing 40 is advantageously a double-sealed ball bearing ring bearing, although any other type of ring bearing that is effective for the self-leveling mounting device may alternatively be employed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mounting block 50 employed in the illustrative self-leveling mounting assembly of the disclosure, in connection with the components of FIGS. 1 and 2.

The mounting block 50 includes a main body portion 52 having a recess 54 therein bounded by side wall 56. The recess is adapted to receive the ring bearing (see FIG. 2) so that the ring bearing is secured to the mounting block and the mounting block is freely rotatable in relation to the fixturing plate in the self-leveling mounting assembly. The mounting block as illustrated includes laterally outwardly extending protrusions 58 and 60 along the sides of the main body portion 52. At its distal end, the mounting block comprises an end surface 64, and is formed with arcuate cutouts 58 and 62 to form a frontal tongue portion 66.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an engagement member 80 may be employed with a fixturing assembly comprising the components of FIGS. 1-3, in a self-leveling mounting assembly according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The engagement member 80 includes a main back wall 82, at the lateral edges of which are joined sidewalls 84 and 86, which in turn are joined to laterally inwardly extending flange elements 92 and 94. As illustrated, the main back wall 82 of the engagement member is provided with holes 88 and 90 therein, to facilitate mechanical fastener attachment of the engagement member to the mountable object, for securement of the mountable object and engagement member to one another.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the mounting block and engagement member of FIGS. 3 and 4, showing the coupling of such components. In FIG. 5, corresponding elements and features are correspondingly numbered to the same elements and features as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The engagement member 80 as shown comprises a cavity 96 including marginal groove portions 106 and 108 overlaid by the laterally inwardly extending flange elements 92 and 94, respectively. The cavity 96 is bounded at its longitudinal extremity by a laterally extending stop surface 104. At its respective ends, the stop surface 104 of the engagement member intersects with convexly arcuate surfaces of protruberant stop elements 100 and 102 bounding the cavity.

The mounting block 50 as illustrated includes laterally outwardly extending protrusions 58 and 60 as tongue elements that slidably engage the marginal groove portions 106 and 108 of cavity 96, with the distal tongue portion 66 engaging stop surface 104 and with arcuate cutouts 62 engaging protruberant stop elements 100 and 102, when the mounting block is fully inserted in the engagement member.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a framed picture 200 on a vertical wall surface 204, mounted using a self-leveling mounting assembly 206 of the present disclosure. As shown, the framed picture is swingable (in the directions indicated by bidirectional arrow A) about the axis 208 of the axle member of the self-leveling mounting device 206. The self-leveling mounting assembly 206 is mounted above the center of mass indicated by point 210, so that the framed picture is self-leveling to assume a leveled position in relation to the horizontal, as thus mounted on the vertical wall surface 204.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an engagement member 220 comprising a rear surface 222 having openings 224, 226, 228, 230, and 232, as shown, for securing the engagement member to the mountable object with screws, nails, or the like. The engagement member 220 defines a cavity 236 that is partially enclosed at its margins by flanges 238 and 240.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the engagement member 220, wherein all parts and features are numbered correspondingly with respect to the parts and features of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective front view, and FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of a bearing retention member 250 in which a ring bearing may be disposed, in a manner similar to that previously described in connection with FIGS. 2-4. The bearing retention member 250 can be disposed in the cavity of the engagement member of FIGS. 7-8.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of a frame 260 according to another embodiment of the disclosure, comprising an upper frame member 262 providing an engagement member of the self-leveling mounting assembly, so that the engagement member is structurally integrated in the mountable object. The frame member 262 comprises a cavity 264, the details of which are more fully shown in the enlarged perspective views of FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show the frame member 262 has comprising cavity 264 bounded by flanges 270 and 272 defining a slot 268 bounded at its upper end by the arcuate edge 274. The cavity 264 thereby is able to receive a bearing retention member such as that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of a framed object 280 including a frame 260 comprising a frame member 262 as above described, and shown as assembled with a fixturing plate 282 of the type shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of an engagement member 300, according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The engagement member 300 comprises a cavity 302 in the form of an elongate slot in the main elongate portion 304 of the engagement member, wherein the slot is configured to receive a retention member of the self-leveling mounting assembly. The slot 302 has shown is configured to enable repositioning of the retention member at selected positions along the length of the slot, and to accommodate insertion of the retention member, the main elongate portion 304 of the engagement member is provided with a medial opening 308.

The engagement member 300 at the extremities of the main elongate portion 304 is joined to flange extensions 310 and 312 having openings 314 and 316 therein, respectively, to allow affixation of the engagement member to the mountable object, e.g., by nails, screws or other mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, the flange extensions 310 and 312 may be provided on the rear surfaces with adhesive pads or other means of affixation to the mountable object.

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of an alternative engagement member 320, including a main elongate portion 322 having an elongate slot 324 therein as a cavity of the engagement member. The elongate slot 324 comprises an enlarged opening 326 at one end thereof, with the slot being configured to allow repositioning of the retention member of the self-leveling mounting assembly at selected intervals along the length of the slot. The main elongate portion 322 is joined at its extremities to flange extensions 330 and 332, each containing an opening for mechanical fastener affixation to the mountable object.

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of a framed object 350, and as illustrated, an engagement member 360, of a general type as shown in FIG. 16, is affixed to a rear portion of the framed object, to permit subsequent self-leveling mounting of the framed object when the engagement member is interconnected with a retention member that in turn is coupled to a fixturing plate that has been secured to a vertical surface.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the self-leveling mounting assembly of the present disclosure may be configured and embodied in a variety of ways, to provide self-leveling mounting of a mountable object on a vertical surface, in a ready, simple and economical manner.

While the disclosure has been set out herein in reference to specific aspects, features and illustrative embodiments, it will be appreciated that the utility of the disclosure is not thus limited, but rather extends to and encompasses numerous other variations, modifications and alternative embodiments, as will suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the field of the present disclosure, based on the description herein. Correspondingly, the invention as hereinafter claimed is intended to be broadly construed and interpreted, as including all such variations, modifications and alternative embodiments, within its spirit and scope.

The invention, as variously described herein in respect of features, aspects and embodiments thereof, may in particular implementations be constituted as comprising, consisting, or consisting essentially of, some or all of such features, aspects and embodiments, as well as elements and components thereof being aggregated to constitute various further implementations of the invention. The invention is described herein in various embodiments, and with reference to various features and aspects of the invention. The invention contemplates such features, aspects and embodiments in various permutations and combinations, as being within the scope of the invention. The invention may therefore be specified as comprising, consisting or consisting essentially of, any of such combinations and permutations of these specific features, aspects and embodiments, or a selected one or ones thereof.

Claims

1. A self-leveling mounting assembly for leveled mounting of a mountable object, such self-leveling mounting assembly comprising:

an engagement member structurally integrated in or securable to a mountable object, said engagement member comprising a cavity;

a fixturing plate adapted for securement to a vertical surface; and

a retention member coupleable with the fixturing plate and with the cavity of the engagement member, the retention member comprising first and second portions that are rotatable in relation to one another, with the first portion being fixedly positioned in relation to the fixturing plate, and with the second portion being positioned in the cavity to allow self-leveling movement of the mountable object.

2. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement member cavity comprises an elongate slot in which the retention member is selectively positionable.

3. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 2, wherein the engagement member comprises a main elongate portion comprising the elongate slot therein, the main elongate portion at its extremities being joined to flange extensions that are adapted for securement to the mountable object.

4. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 3, wherein the flange extensions are perpendicular to the main elongate portion of the engagement member.

5. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 4, wherein the main elongate portion comprises a medial opening communicating with the elongate slot in the engagement member.

6. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement member comprises a frame member of a frame for the mountable object, wherein the cavity comprises a slot that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the frame member and configured for coupling of the retention member therewith.

7. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention member comprises a bearing that is positioned to allow rotational movement of the first and second portions in relation to one another.

8. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention member comprises bearing surface enabling rotational movement of the first and second portions in relation to one another.

9. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention member comprises a ring bearing, and a mounting block to which the ring bearing is secured, with the mounting block being configured to be received in the engagement member cavity.

10. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 9, wherein the fixturing plate includes a main surface, and an axle member extending outwardly from the main surface, and the ring bearing has a central opening that is engageable with the axle member.

11. A self-leveling mounting assembly for leveled mounting of a mountable object, said self-leveling mounting assembly comprising:

(a) a fixturing assembly comprising: (i) a fixturing plate adapted for securement to a vertical surface, the fixturing plate including a main surface, and an axle member extending outwardly from the main surface; (ii) a ring bearing including a central opening circumscribed by an annular inner portion, and an annular outer rotatable portion that is coaxial with and rotatable with respect to the annular inner portion, wherein the axle member of the fixturing plate is secured in the central opening of the ring bearing; and (iii) a mounting block having a recess therein adapted to receive the ring bearing so that the ring bearing is secured to the mounting block and the mounting block is freely rotatable in relation to the fixturing plate; and

(b) an engagement member adapted for securement to a mountable object, the engagement member being adapted for coupling with the mounting block so that upon coupling of the mounting block and engagement member when the fixturing plate is secured to the vertical wall and the engagement member is secured to a mountable object, the mountable object is self-leveling on the vertical wall.

12. The self-leveling mounting device of claim 11, wherein the ring bearing comprises a double-sealed ball bearing ring bearing.

13. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein the fixturing plate comprises at least one hole therein, for mechanical fastener attachment of the fixturing plate to the vertical wall.

14. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein the axle member of the fixturing plate is secured in the central opening of the ring bearing by press-fitting of the axle member in the central opening.

15. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein the ring bearing is secured to the mounting block by press-fitting of the annular outer rotatable portion of the ring bearing in the recess of the mounting block.

16. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein the mounting block and engagement member are mechanically interlockable with one another with one another for said coupling.

17. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein the mounting block and engagement member are slidably engageable with one another for said coupling.

18. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 17, wherein the engagement member comprises a cavity including marginal groove portions overlaid by laterally inwardly extending flange elements, and the mounting block comprises laterally outwardly extending tongue elements that slidably engage the marginal groove portions of the cavity when the mounting block and engagement member are coupled with one another.

19. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 18, wherein the cavity is bounded by a laterally extending stop surface of the engagement member.

20. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 19, wherein the laterally extending stop surface of the engagement member at respective ends thereof intersects with convexly arcuate surfaces of protruberant stop elements bounding the cavity.

21. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 20, wherein the engagement member includes a main back wall bounding the cavity.

22. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 21, wherein the main back wall has at least one hole therein for mechanical fastener attachment of the engagement member to the mountable object.

23. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein the fixturing plate, mounting block, and engagement member are constructed of material selected from the group consisting of metals, ceramics, plastics, wood, graphite, and composite materials.

24. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein the fixturing plate, mounting block, and engagement member are constructed of metal.

25. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 24, wherein the metal comprises aluminum.

26. The self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 24, wherein the metal comprises steel.

27. A wall-mountable article, comprising a self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 11, and a mountable object secured to the engagement member thereof.

28. The wall-mountable article of claim 27, wherein the mountable object comprises a picture frame.

29. A self-leveling mounting assembly for mounting a mountable object on a vertical surface, said assembly comprising:

a vertical surface mounting assembly adapted for attachment to the vertical surface and including a rotatable bearing arranged for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the vertical surface, and an engagement member adapted for attachment to a mountable object and for coupling with the rotatable bearing so that when the engagement member is attached to the mountable object, coupled with the rotatable bearing, and the vertical surface mounting assembly is attached to the vertical surface, the mountable object is positionally self-leveling on the vertical surface.

30. A wall-mountable article, comprising a self-leveling mounting assembly of claim 29, and a mountable object attached to the engagement member thereof.

31. The wall-mountable article of claim 30, wherein the mountable object comprises a picture frame.