PICTURE HANGER AND METHODS OF USE

Abstract

A hanger apparatus includes a body having front and back sides both extending between top and bottom edges, and two spaced-apart lateral sides. The back side defines a backplane for positioning against a wall. The body has a hole inclined toward the bottom edge from the front toward the back to form a first angle θ1 within 15° to 75°. The body further defines a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots, each extending horizontally through both sidewalls across the middle portion of the front side and having a front side vertical width sized to allow picture hanging wire to be inserted into the slot from the front side. The wire-receiving slots further have a lower slot edge that is inclined toward the bottom edge extending from the front side toward the back side forming a second angle θ2 within 15° to 75°.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/102,923, filed Jan. 13, 2015, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following disclosure relates to apparatus for hanging a picture or similar object on a wall and methods of using same, and in particular, to apparatus for hanging an object suspended by a wire or cord fastened to the object and extending across at least a portion of the back side of the object.

BACKGROUND

It is well known to hang a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or other similar object (referred to collectively herein as a “picture”) on a wall by attaching a wire or cord (typically called “picture hanging wire”) across the back side of the picture, and then draping the picture hanging wire across a single conventional nail or single conventional picture hook fastened to the wall. One of several problems may occur when using such conventional picture hanging systems.

First, slack and/or elasticity in the picture hanging wire (required for stable hanging) may result in the picture hanging on the wall at a vertical position that is not the desired vertical position. To remedy this situation, the conventional nail or picture hook must be removed from the wall and refastened at a new position estimated to produce the desired vertical position for the picture. Each change of position for the nail/hook leaves an unsightly hole in the wall that must be repaired. In addition, if the change of position of the nail/hook on the wall is not correctly estimated, then the picture will still not hang at the desired vertical position. The nail/hook removal and refastening procedure must then be repeated again and again until the desired vertical position of the picture is achieved.

Alternatively, instead of repositioning the nail/hook, the length of the picture hanging wire can be changed (i.e., to increase/decrease the amount of slack) to change the vertical position of the hanging picture. Typically, however, it is very difficult to properly estimate how much length must be added or subtracted to the picture hanging wire to provide a desired vertical change. Thus, multiple changes to the length of the picture hanging wire are often required. A need therefore exists, for a picture hanger apparatus that allows the vertical position of a picture suspended from a picture hanging wire to be changed without changing the vertical position of the hanger apparatus on the wall or adjusting the length of the picture hanging wire.

Second, when hanging a picture by means of picture hanging wire draped across a single conventional nail or picture hook, the horizontal position of the picture typically cannot be changed by a significant amount without the picture tilting (i.e., not maintaining the desired orientation). To remedy this situation, the conventional nail or picture hook must be removed from the wall and refastened at a new position estimated to produce the desired horizontal position for the picture. As previously described, each change of position for the nail/hook takes time and leaves an unsightly hole in the wall that must be repaired.

Alternatively, instead of repositioning the nail/hook on the wall, a second nail or picture hook may be fastened to the wall a short horizontal distance from the first nail/hook, and the picture hanging wire draped across both nails/hooks. Although using two nail/hooks will allow the horizontal position of the picture to be moved a short distance without tilting, it greatly complicates the task of adjusting the vertical position, if necessary. A need therefore exists, for a picture hanger apparatus that allows the horizontal position of a picture suspended from a picture hanging wire to be changed a short distance without changing the horizontal position of the hanger apparatus on the wall or requiring the use of two hanger apparatus for the same picture.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a hanger apparatus is provided for hanging a picture assembly on a wall, wherein the picture assembly includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side and a picture hanging wire fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side. The hanger apparatus comprises a body defining a front side and a back side that both extend between a top edge and a bottom edge, and two spaced-apart lateral sides that each extend between the front side and the back side. The front side of the body includes an upper portion disposed adjacent to the top edge of the body, a lower portion disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and a middle portion disposed therebetween. The back side of the body defines a backplane for positioning against a wall, a vertical axis extending along the backplane between the top edge and the bottom edge of the body, and a horizontal axis extending along the backplane between the two lateral sides of the body. The body further defines at least one hole extending along a hole axis from a first position on the upper portion of the front side to a second position on the back side, the hole axis being inclined toward the bottom edge as the hole axis extends from the front side toward the back side to form a first angle θ₁ with the backplane, the first angle θ₁, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees. The body further defines a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots, each wire-receiving slot extending horizontally through both sidewalls across the middle portion of the front side of the body. Each wire-receiving slot further has a slot floor disposed at the bottom thereof and a slot roof disposed at the top thereof, the slot floor being inclined toward the bottom edge as the slot floor extends from the front side toward the back side such that a line extending from the slot floor forms a second angle θ₂ with the backplane, the second angle θ₂, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees. Each wire-receiving slot further has a front side vertical width measured vertically between the slot roof and the slot floor that is sized to allow a picture hanging wire to be inserted into the wire-receiving slot from the front side.

In another aspect, a method for hanging a picture assembly on a wall is provided, wherein the picture assembly includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side and a picture hanging wire fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side. The method comprises the following steps. First, providing a hanger apparatus including a body with a plurality of horizontally oriented slots as described herein. Next, attaching the hanger apparatus to a wall using a nail passing from the front side along the hole axis through the hole and into the wall. Next, aligning at least a portion of the picture hanging wire of the picture assembly with a selected one of the plurality of wire-receiving slots of the hanger apparatus. Next, moving the aligned portion of the picture hanging wire of the picture assembly rearward into the selected one of the plurality of wire-receiving slots.

Additional aspects are listed below:

Basic design of multiple slots cut across the face of the device to allow easy height adjustability without moving, touching or adjusting device.

Wide surface allows picture wire or bracket to slide horizontally to allow easy side-to-side adjustability.

Built in level/leveling device to ensure level hang.

Body tapered front to back, top to bottom to provide additional leverage and strength.

Tapered top allows nail holes to be at optimum angle to ensure maximum strength.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a picture hanger in accordance with one aspect;

FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c are, respectively, top, side and front views of a preferred embodiment of the picture hanger of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3a and 3b are, respectively, front and back perspective views of a picture hanger apparatus in accordance with another aspect;

FIGS. 4a and 4b are, respectively, front and side views of a preferred embodiment of the picture hanger of FIGS. 3a and 3b;

FIGS. 5a and 5b are, respectively, front and back views of a picture hanger in accordance with a further aspect; and

FIG. 5c is an enlarged portion of FIG. 5a showing further detail of the picture hanger apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout, the various views and embodiments of the picture hanger and methods of use are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations based on the following examples of possible embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a hanger apparatus for hanging a picture assembly on a wall in accordance with one aspect. The picture assembly (not shown) includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side. The picture assembly further includes a “picture hanging wire” comprising a wire, cord or bracket fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side.

The hanger apparatus 100 comprises a body 102 defining a front side 104 and a back side 106, both of which extend between a top edge 108 and a bottom edge 110, and two spaced-apart lateral sides 112 that each extend between the front side and the back side. The front side 104 of the body 102 includes an upper portion 114 disposed adjacent to the top edge 108 of the body, a lower portion 116 disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and a middle portion 118 disposed therebetween. The back side 106 of the body 102 defines a backplane 120 for positioning against a wall 122 (shown in phantom), a vertical axis 124 extending along the backplane between the top edge 108 and the bottom edge 110 of the body, and a horizontal axis 126 extending along the backplane between the two lateral sides 112 of the body.

The body 102 further defines at least one hole 128 extending along a hole axis 130 (see FIG. 2b) from a first position 132 (see FIG. 2b) on the upper portion 114 of the front side 104 to a second position 134 (see FIG. 2b) on the back side 106. In the illustrated embodiment, two holes 128 are provided. Each hole 128 is configured to receive a nail 135 (shown in phantom) passing through the hanger 100 into the wall 122 to fasten the hanger to the wall. The hole axis 130 may be inclined toward the bottom edge 110 of the body 102 as the hole 128 extends from the front side 104 toward the back side 106 to form a first angle θ₁ (see FIG. 2b) with the backplane 120. The first angle θ₁, when viewed in the horizontal direction, is within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees. The first angle θ₁ directs the nail 135 to enter the wall 122 at a similar angle, and thereby biases the hanger 100 that is suspended by the nail to press against the wall 122. In a preferred embodiment, the first angle θ₁ between the hole axis 130 and the backplane 120 is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the first angle θ₁ is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the first angle θ₁ is about 45 degrees.

The body 102 further defines a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots 136. Each wire-receiving slot extends horizontally through both sidewalls 112 across the middle portion 118 of the front side 104 of the body. Each wire-receiving slot has a slot floor 142 disposed at the bottom thereof and a slot roof 143 disposed at the top thereof. Each wire-receiving slot 136 has a front side vertical width W_F (i.e., the width of the slot's opening measured in the vertical direction between the slot floor 142 and the slot roof 143) that allows a picture hanging wire 140 (shown in phantom) of a desired thickness to be inserted into the slot from the front side 104.

The slot floor 142 of the wire-receiving slots 136 may be inclined toward the bottom edge 110 as the slot floor extends from the front side 104 toward the back side 106 such that a line 144 (see FIG. 2b) extending from the slot floor forms a second angle θ₂ with the backplane 120. The second angle θ₂, when viewed in the horizontal direction, is within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees. The second angle θ₂ biases any picture hanging wire 140 that is placed in the wire-receiving slot 136 to move towards the back of the slot (i.e. towards the back side 106) when the wire is pulled downward (i.e., towards the bottom edge 110) so that the wire remains in the slot. In a preferred embodiment, the second angle θ₂ of the slot floor 142 is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the second angle θ₂ is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the second angle θ₂ is about 45 degrees.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the hanger 100 has thirteen wire-receiving slots 136. In other embodiments (not shown), the hanger 100 has at least eight wire-receiving slots 136. In still other embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b), the hanger 100 has at least four wire-receiving slots 136. As further described below, the plurality of wire-receiving slots 136 allows the picture hanging wire 140 to be repositioned (i.e., from slot to slot) to change the vertical position of the hanging picture without requiring the hanger 100 to be vertically repositioned. Increasing the number of wire-receiving slots 136 provides finer adjustment (i.e., smaller increments) in successive vertical positions for the picture hanging wire, and thus for the picture suspended therefrom. Increasing the overall distance between the uppermost and lowermost wire-receiving slots 136 provides a greater amount (i.e., larger distance) of overall vertical adjustment from the highest vertical position to the lowest vertical position.

In some embodiments, the hanger apparatus 100 further comprises a bubble level 146 (see FIGS. 2b and 2c) mounted on the body 102 parallel to the horizontal axis 126 so as to indicate the orientation of the body. When the body 102 includes two or more nail holes 128, the bubble level 146 can be used to ensure the horizontal axis 126 of the body is oriented horizontally (with reference to gravity) when the nails 135 are driven into the wall 122. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the body 102 further defines a front-facing rectangular recess 148 in the lower portion 116 of the front side 104, the rectangular recess being sized to receive the bubble level 146 therein. For purposes of clearly illustrating the recess 148, the bubble level 146 is not illustrated in FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, the body 102 of the hanger 100 further defines a rear-facing recess 150 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2b and 3b) in the back side 106 that extends forward of the backplane 120. The rear-facing recess 150 may be sized to receive one or more nails 135 lying flat within the recess, thereby allowing convenient storage of the nails (e.g., during store display of the product) within the overall dimensions of the hanger.

In some embodiments, the upper portion 114 of the front side 104 is configured to define an upper surface plane 152 that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the hole axis 130 of the at least one hole 128 extending through the body 102. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the upper surface plane 152 is oriented at about 90 degrees with respect to the nail hole 128 and the hole axis 130, and at about 45 degrees with respect to the backplane 120. The angled upper portion 114 allows each nail 135 to be conveniently driven into the wall 122, and may prevent the head of the nail from protruding into the back side of the picture suspended from the hanger.

It will be appreciated that each slot floor 142 of the slots 136 has a front edge 154 disposed at the front side 104. In some embodiments, the front edges 154 of the slot floors 142 collectively define a front plane 156 of the body 102 that is inclined away from the backplane 120 from top to bottom so as to form a third angle θ₃ (see FIG. 3b) with the backplane. The third angle θ₃ results in the front edge 154 of each successively lower slot 136 extending further frontward than the previous slot, thereby facilitating the repositioning of the picture hanging wire 140 from one slot to another when the hanger 100 is hidden from the user's view by the picture being hung. In a preferred embodiment, the third angle θ₃ between the front plane 156 and the backplane 120 is, when viewed in the horizontal direction, within the range of 1.0 degrees to 3.0 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the third angle θ₃ is within the range of 1.5 degrees to 2.0 degrees.

The body 102 of the hanger apparatus 100 may be formed by molding, e.g., injection molding, or die casting. In some embodiments, the body 102 is formed of an injectable plastic material. In a preferred embodiment, the body 102 is formed of a polypropylene plastic material that is injection molded. In other embodiments, the body 102 may be formed of a die-castable metal or metal alloy. In a preferred embodiment, the body 102 is formed of a zinc alloy that is die cast.

Referring now also to FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c, there are shown, respectively, top, side and front views of a preferred embodiment of the picture hanger of FIG. 1. Whereas the picture hanger 100 of FIG. 1 is not shown to scale, the picture hanger 200 of FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c is shown to scale, and selected dimensions (in inches) are provided. Unless otherwise noted, the features of the hanger 200 are substantially similar (with the exception of dimensions) to those of the hanger 100; therefore identical reference numbers are used to identify such features.

Referring still to FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c, the hanger 200 of this embodiment is a single, molded piece of plastic material having overall dimensions of 4.5 inches×1.75 inches. The hanger 200 is also tapered back to front, top to bottom as follows: 0.25 inches at the bottom of the upper portion 114 (i.e., below the inclined surface 152) tapered out to 0.38 inches at the bottom portion 116. The hanger 200 has a plurality of slots 136 cut across its face at 0.25 inch increments. The slots 136 are angled at 45 degrees to the backplane 120 and are 0.2 inches in depth (measured from the front side 104 or front plane 156 toward the back 106). The top of the upper front portion 114 of the hanger 200 has a surface plane 152 angled at 45 degrees from the backplane 120. The top, front end 114 contains two nail holes 128 that are perpendicular to the front end surface plane 152 that pass completely through the hanger 200. A cavity 148 is molded into the lower front surface 116 of the hanger 200 to allow a bubble level 146 or leveling measure to be inserted. A cavity 150 on the rear surface 106 of the hanger 200 just above the level 146 allows for the storage of nails 135 to be used in the hanging process.

Referring now also to FIGS. 3a and 3b, there is illustrated a hanger apparatus for hanging a picture assembly on a wall in accordance with another aspect. FIG. 3a provides a front perspective view of the hanger and FIG. 3b provides a rear prospective view. The picture hanger 300 of FIGS. 3a and 3b is similar to the hangers 100 and 200 previously described, therefore identical reference number are used to identify substantially similar features. However, the picture hanger 300 provides only four wire-receiving slots 136, and the proportions of selected features are changed.

Referring now also to FIGS. 4a and 4b, there are shown, respectively, front and side views of a preferred embodiment of the picture hanger of FIGS. 3a and 3b. Whereas the picture hanger 300 of FIGS. 3a and 3b is not shown to scale, the picture hanger 400 of FIGS. 4a and 4b is shown to scale, and selected dimensions (in millimeters) are provided. Unless otherwise noted, the features of the hanger 400 are substantially similar (with the exception of dimensions) to those of the hanger 300; therefore identical reference number are used to identify such features.

Method of Use:

The hanger 100, 200, 300, 400 allows a user to quickly and easily hang pictures or art on the wall 122 at the desired vertical height and horizontal location without needing to relocate, touch or adjust the hanger. Described generally, use of the hanger is as follows: First, the user chooses the approximate location desired to hang the picture or art. Next, the user nails the hanger in place on the wall 122, optionally utilizing the built-in level 146. Next, the hanging mechanism 140 on the back of the picture/art (i.e., usually a wire or bracket) is moved up and down the hanger allowing the wire/bracket to engage the device along a variable height spectrum (e.g., spanning about 2 inches in the case of hanger 200) created by the slots 136 in the front of the hanger. The picture/art can also be adjusted horizontally (e.g., by 1 inch or more in the case of hanger 200) by sliding the picture/art to the side with the wire/bracket 140 still engaged with the desired height slot 136 of the hanger.

To hang another picture or piece of art in substantial alignment with the first, the user simply levels and attaches another hanger 100, 200, 300, 400 at the approximate height and horizontal location relative to the first piece and repeats the moving up or down, sliding left or right process from the first time. The pictures/art can be easily, exactly aligned.

Describing the use of the hanger apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400 in more detail, the hanger may be fastened to a wall 122 using a nail or nails 135 passing through the hole or holes 128 and driven into the wall. When the hanger apparatus includes a bubble level 146, then the bubble level may be used to orient the hanger so that the horizontal axis 126 is parallel to the external horizontal plane (defined by gravity) before fastening the nails 135 into the wall 122, thereby ensuring that the wire-receiving slots 136 will also be oriented parallel to the external horizontal plane.

After the hanger 100, 200, 300, 400 is fastened to the wall 122 with the nails 135, then a picture hanging wire 140 attached to a picture may be inserted into one of the wire-receiving slots 136 by moving the picture hanging wire into the slot from the front side 104. After the picture hanging wire 140 is moved rearward past the front edge 154 of the slot 136, then downward tension on the wire (e.g., caused by the weight of the suspended picture) will cause the wire to move downward and rearward along the slot floor 142 until the wire rests securely against the back wall 158 of the slot.

If the current vertical hanging position of a picture assembly suspended from the hanger 100, 200, 300, 400 attached to the wall 122 is not the desired vertical hanging position, the picture assembly may be vertically repositioned using the following steps: a) the picture hanging wire 140 is moved forward past the front edge 154 of the current slot 136 within which the wire is disposed; b) the picture hanging wire is moved vertically up or down (as necessary) until aligned with a new, vertically higher or lower, wire-receiving slot; c) the picture hanging wire is moved rearward past the front edge of the new slot; and d) the picture is allowed to hang from the picture hanging wire to determine a new vertical hanging position. It will be appreciated that the hanger 100, 200, 300, 400 itself is not vertically repositioned during the previously described steps a)-d); only the picture hanging wire 140 and the picture suspended therefrom are vertically repositioned. Optionally, additional steps may be taken next, namely: e) the new vertical hanging position of the picture is compared to the desired vertical position; f) if the current vertical hanging position of the picture is not sufficiently close to the desired vertical position, then steps a)-d) may be repeated.

If the current horizontal hanging position of a picture assembly suspended from the hanger 100, 200, 300, 400 attached to the wall 122 is not the desired horizontal hanging position, the picture assembly may be horizontally repositioned by moving the picture hanging wire 140 laterally along the current slot 136 within which the wire is disposed. Since the hanger is biased against the wall 122 by the weight of the suspended picture acting along the inclined nail 135, considerable friction is present between the wall and the hanger to resist movement of the hanger. Because of this friction, and because the slot 136 is relatively wide in the horizontal direction, the slot floor 142 of the slot supports the picture hanging wire 140 so as to provide a (twisting) moment that may prevent the tilting of the picture when the picture hanging wire is moved horizontally within the slot. It will be appreciated that the hanger 100, 200, 300, 400 itself is not horizontally repositioned during the previously described step; only the picture hanging wire 140 and the picture suspended therefrom are horizontally repositioned.

Additional Aspects:

Referring now to FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c, there is illustrated a picture hanger apparatus in accordance with a further aspect, wherein FIG. 5a is a front view of a picture hanger apparatus 500 and FIG. 5b is a rear view of same. The hanger apparatus 500 has many features substantially similar to those of the hanger apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400 previously described in connection with of FIGS. 1 and 2a-2c, 3a-3b and 4a-4b, therefore identical reference numbers are used to identify such features.

Similar to the hangers 100, 200, 300, 400 previously described, the hanger apparatus 500 comprises a body 102 defining a front side 104 and a back side 106, both of which extend between a top edge 108 and a bottom edge 110, and two spaced-apart lateral sides 112 that each extend between the front side and the back side. As best seen in FIG. 5a, the front side 104 of the body 102 includes an upper portion 114 disposed adjacent to the top edge 108 of the body, a lower portion 116 disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and a middle portion 118 disposed therebetween. As best seen in FIG. 5b, the back side 106 of the body 102 defines a backplane 120 (FIG. 2b) for positioning against a wall (i.e., the wall from which the picture will hang), a vertical axis 124 extending along the backplane between the top edge 108 and the bottom edge 110 of the body, and a horizontal axis 126 extending along the backplane between the two lateral sides 112 of the body.

The body 102 of the hanger apparatus 500 may define at least one angled hole 528 extending along a hole axis 130 (FIG. 2b) from a first position on the upper portion 114 of the front side 104 to a second position on the back side 106. In the illustrated embodiment, two angled holes 528 are provided. Each angled hole 528 is configured to receive a nail 135 (FIG. 1) passing through the hanger apparatus 500 into the wall to fasten the hanger apparatus to the wall. As best seen in FIG. 2b, the hole axis 130 may be inclined toward the bottom edge 110 of the body 102 as the angled hole 528 extends from the front side 104 toward the back side 106 to form a first angle θ₁ with the backplane 120. The first angle θ₁, when viewed in the horizontal direction, is within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees. The first angle θ₁ directs the nail 135 to enter the wall at a similar angle, and thereby biases the hanger apparatus 500 that is suspended by the nail to press against the wall. In a preferred embodiment, the first angle θ₁ between the hole axis 130 and the backplane 120 is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the first angle θ₁ is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the first angle θ₁ is about 45 degrees.

The body 102 of the hanger apparatus 500 may further define at least one perpendicular mounting hole 529 extending through the body from the front side 104 to the back side 106. Unlike the angled holes 528, the perpendicular mounting hole 529 is typically formed “straight through” the body 120 along an axis perpendicular to the backplane 120 (i.e., forming an angle between the hole axis and the backplane of 90 degrees). Although the perpendicular mounting hole 529 may be used to mount the hanger apparatus 500 to a wall using a nail, the preferred use of the mounting hole 529 is to accept a screw or similar fastener extending substantially perpendicular into/from the wall, or from a wall anchor installed in the wall. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side of the perpendicular mounting hole 529 has a conical opening to accommodate the head of a countersunk style screw, however, in other embodiments the mounting hole 529 may have straight sides.

As best seen in FIGS. 5a and 5c, the body 102 of the hanger apparatus 500 further defines a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots 136. Each wire-receiving slot 136 extends horizontally through both sidewalls 112 across the middle portion 118 of the front side 104 of the body. Each wire-receiving slot has a slot floor 142 disposed at the bottom thereof and a slot roof 143 disposed at the top thereof (see FIG. 2b). Each wire-receiving slot 136 has a front side vertical width W_F (i.e., the width of the slot's opening measured in the vertical direction between the slot floor 142 and the slot roof 143) that allows a picture hanging wire of a desired thickness to be inserted into the slot from the front side 104.

As best seen in FIG. 5c, the ends of the wire receiving slots 136 may be locally widened by forming angled cuts 537 on the front surface 104 of the body at the lower corner of each slot 136. Note that the local widening at the angled cuts 537 is excluded from calculation of the slot's front side vertical width W_F previously described. The angled cuts 537 form an angle θ₄ with an extension of the horizontal portion of the slot floor 142 forming the lower boundary of the slot 136 (see FIG. 5c). In preferred embodiments, the angle θ₄ is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle θ₄ is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the angle θ₄ is about 45 degrees. Providing the angled cuts 537 may reduce the tendency of the picture wire to “hang” or “get caught” at the corners of the slots 136 when moving the wire from one slot to another, thereby simplifying the picture-hanging operation.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5a-5c, the hanger apparatus 500 has eight wire-receiving slots 136. In other embodiments, the hanger apparatus 500 has from four to thirteen wire-receiving slots 136. In still other embodiments, the hanger apparatus 500 may have fourteen or more wire-receiving slots 136.

In some embodiments, the hanger apparatus 500 further comprises a bubble level 146 mounted on the body 102 parallel to the horizontal axis 126 so as to indicate the orientation of the body. When the body 102 includes two or more angled holes 528, the bubble level 146 can be used to ensure the horizontal axis 126 of the body is oriented horizontally (with reference to gravity) when the nails 135 are driven into the wall. Alternatively, when the body 102 includes a perpendicular mounting hole 529, the bubble level 146 can be used to ensure the horizontal axis 126 of the body is oriented horizontally when the screw fastener is tightened to affix the hanger apparatus 500 against the wall.

As best seen in FIG. 5b, in the illustrated embodiment the back side 106 of the hanger apparatus 500 includes a rear-facing recess 150 sized to receive one or more nails 135 lying flat within the recess. The back side 106 may further include relief areas 530, 531, 532 and 533, wherein the material of the body 102 is recessed (i.e., when viewed from the back side) to a position well in front of the backplane 120. Preferably, the relief areas are formed behind forward-projecting features on the front surface 104 of the hanger apparatus. For example, in the illustrated example, the relief features 530 are formed directly behind the solid areas on the front face 104 between the wire-receiving slots 136. The relief areas 530, 531, 532 and 533 may serve to improve the moldability of the hanger apparatus 500 by providing a more uniform thickness of material, to reduce material usage and/or to reduce weight. The non-relieved areas 534, 535, 536 (i.e., those extending to the backplane 120) provide structural strength to the hanger apparatus 500 and a flat contact area for pressing the hanger apparatus against the wall. The number and configuration of the relief areas 530, 531, 532, 533 may vary from one embodiment of the hanger apparatus 500 to another.

The body 102 of the hanger apparatus 500 may be formed by molding, e.g., injection molding, or die casting. In some embodiments, the body 102 is formed of an injectable plastic material. In other embodiments, the body 102 is formed of an injectable fiber-reinforced plastic material. In one preferred embodiment, the body 102 is formed of a fiberglass reinforced plastic (“FRP”) that is injection molded. In another preferred embodiment, the body 102 is formed of a polypropylene plastic material that is injection molded. In other embodiments, the body 102 may be formed of a die-castable metal or metal alloy. In yet another preferred embodiment, the body 102 is formed of a zinc alloy that is die cast.

Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that these picture hangers and the associated methods of use provide time saving, accurate and easy-to-use solutions for hanging pictures and other framed articles on walls. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.

Claims

1. A hanger apparatus for hanging a picture assembly on a wall, wherein the picture assembly includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side and a picture hanging wire fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side, the hanger apparatus comprising:

a body defining a front side and a back side that both extend between a top edge and a bottom edge, and two spaced-apart lateral sides that each extend between the front side and the back side; the front side of the body including an upper portion disposed adjacent to the top edge of the body, a lower portion disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and a middle portion disposed therebetween; the back side of the body defining a backplane for positioning against a wall, a vertical axis extending along the backplane between the top edge and the bottom edge of the body, and a horizontal axis extending along the backplane between the two lateral sides of the body;

the body further defining at least one hole extending along a hole axis from a first position on the upper portion of the front side to a second position on the back side, the hole axis being inclined toward the bottom edge as the hole axis extends from the front side toward the back side to form a first angle θ1 with the backplane, the first angle θ1, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees;

the body further defining a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots, each wire-receiving slot extending horizontally through both sidewalls across the middle portion of the front side of the body; each wire-receiving slot further having a slot floor disposed at the bottom thereof and a slot roof disposed at the top thereof, the slot floor being inclined toward the bottom edge as the slot floor extends from the front side toward the back side such that a line extending from the slot floor forms a second angle θ2 with the backplane, the second angle θ2, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees; each wire-receiving slot further having a front side vertical width measured vertically between the slot roof and the slot floor that is sized to allow a picture hanging wire to be inserted into the wire-receiving slot from the front side.

2. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the body defines at least four wire-receiving slots.

3. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein the body defines at least eight wire-receiving slots.

4. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first angle first angle θ1 between the hole axis and the backplane is within the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees and the second angle θ2 between the slot floor and the backplane is within the range of 40 degrees to 50.

5. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the first angle first angle θ1 is about 45 degrees and the second angle θ2 is about 45 degrees.

6. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a bubble level mounted on the body parallel to the horizontal axis so as to indicate the orientation of the body.

7. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein the front side of the body further defines a rectangular recess in the lower portion, the rectangular recess being sized to receive the bubble level therein.

8. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the front side defines an upper surface plane oriented substantially perpendicular to the hole axis of the at least one hole extending therethrough.

9. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

each slot floor has a front edge on the front side thereof;

the slot floor front edges collectively define a front plane of the body; and

the front plane being inclined away from the backplane from top to bottom so as to form a third angle θ3 with the backplane, the third angle θ3, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 1.0 degrees to 3.0 degrees with the backplane.

10. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein third angle θ3 is within the range of 1.5 degrees to 2.0 degrees.

11. A hanger apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the back side of the body further defines a rectangular nail recess, the rectangular recess being sized to receive at least one nail for hanging the hanger apparatus.

12. A method for hanging a picture assembly on a wall, wherein the picture assembly includes a picture, plaque, frame, mirror or similar object having a front side and a back side and a picture hanging wire fastened to the object for the support thereof and disposed across at least a portion of the back side, the method comprising the following steps:

providing a hanger apparatus comprising a body defining a front side and a back side that both extend between a top edge and a bottom edge, and two spaced-apart lateral sides that each extend between the front side and the back side; the front side of the body including an upper portion disposed adjacent to the top edge of the body, a lower portion disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the body and a middle portion disposed therebetween; the back side of the body defining a backplane for positioning against a wall, a vertical axis extending along the backplane between the top edge and the bottom edge of the body, and a horizontal axis extending along the backplane between the two lateral sides of the body; the body further defining at least one hole extending along a hole axis from a first position on the upper portion of the front side to a second position on the back side, the hole axis being inclined toward the bottom edge as the hole axis extends from the front side toward the back side to form a first angle θ1 with the backplane, the first angle θ1, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees; the body further defining a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel wire-receiving slots, each wire-receiving slot extending horizontally through both sidewalls across the middle portion of the front side of the body; each wire-receiving slot further having a slot floor disposed at the bottom thereof and a slot roof disposed at the top thereof, the slot floor being inclined toward the bottom edge as the slot floor extends from the front side toward the back side such that a line extending from the slot floor forms a second angle θ2 with the backplane, the second angle θ2, when viewed in the horizontal direction, being within the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees; each wire-receiving slot further having a front side vertical width measured vertically between the slot roof and the slot floor that is sized to allow a picture hanging wire to be inserted into the wire-receiving slot from the front side; attaching the hanger apparatus to a wall using a nail passing from the front side along the hole axis through the hole and into the wall; aligning at least a portion of the picture hanging wire of the picture assembly with a selected one of the plurality of wire-receiving slots of the hanger apparatus; and

moving the aligned portion of the picture hanging wire of the picture assembly rearward into the selected one of the plurality of wire-receiving slots.