ROTATABLE APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING AN ARTICLE
The present disclosure provides adjustable mounting devices that allow the user to fine tune the placement of a mountable item without concern about the precise placement of the mounting device. Certain mounting devices may be used to hang pictures, and may be rotated once mounted on a vertical surface.
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The present disclosure relates generally to articles useful for mounting articles, and more particularly a rotatable apparatus for mounting pictures, frames, artwork and the like to a wall.
BACKGROUNDHanging pictures or other items on a wall often requires precise measurements to ensure that the picture is level, or that two pictures are aligned. Hanging a picture usually involves attachment means (e.g., nails, screws hangers, or hooks) that secure the picture to a wall. Numerous attachment mechanisms exist. Conventional picture hangers often include a hook that is fastened to the wall. Such hooks typically curve upwards and are configured for receiving a support bracket of a picture frame or piece of art.
However, there are problems with the traditional method of hanging pictures. Many attachment mechanisms require expensive or cumbersome tools for insertion. Others are able to hold only a prescribed weight such that if you wish to hang initially a light item, and then later replace it with a heavier item, you must then remove the existing picture hanger and replace it with a different one that can accommodate the heavier weight. Some attachment mechanisms come out of the wall too easily, or fall out if not applied properly or if used to hang a heavy item. And, depending upon what type of backing hardware is on the back of the picture or item to be hung, a user might need to choose a different wall hanger to accommodate the hardware on the item to be hung.
Another problem is that when the user wants to place a picture in a precise position on a wall, it may be difficult because the hook(s) on the picture frame do not line up directly with where the nail or screw is located. Additional problems exist when trying to align two different pictures, because hooks on different picture frames are not in the same location on the frame with respect to the top of the picture frame. This presents a problem because merely aligning nails on a wall does not guarantee that the pictures themselves will be aligned with each other. Figuring out where to put a nail or screw into a wall is therefore often times-consuming and tedious.
Additional problems with hanging pictures in the standard way are related to how large pictures are hung on walls. Large pictures often have multiple hooks on the frame to distribute the weight of the picture. Consequently, a user must use multiple nails or hooks, creating numerous damaged locations to the wall. Further, the user has to get the multiple nails or hooks exactly level in order for the item to be hung to be level when hung, which can be a challenging and frustrating task.
Currently, the standard way to reposition a picture that is not level or at a proper height, is to take the picture off of the wall, then remove the nail or screw from the wall, then place that nail in a different location, re-hang the picture, and determine whether the picture is at the desired height. If the picture is not at the desired height, repeat the process all over again. This process of aligning and leveling pictures through trial error is time consuming, produces unnecessary holes, and reduces wall strength that might ultimately need to be repaired.
Some hangers have been designed that attempt to overcome at least some of the above mentioned problems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,147 to Zimmerman describes an adjustable hanging device that controls the length of a flexible line fixed at both ends for hanging objects by means of a rotatable body that can length or shorten a hanging wire, thereby shifting a picture up or down on a wall. U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,425 to Ferguson describes a vertically-adjustable picture-hanger having a body with a plurality of vertically arranged teeth and an adjustable bracket such that the picture can be placed on any one of the vertically arranged teeth. U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,054 to Rabin describes an adjustable picture-hanging device with an elongated strap and a pair of spaced sliders to enable marking spots on a wall for facilitating leveling of a picture to be mounted. U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,067 to Kamenstein describes an adjustable picture-hanging hook having a gear coupled to a hook that can adjust a picture horizontally or vertically. U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,284 to Kelrick describes an adjustable hanger having a rack and pinion for continuously moving an object horizontally and a treaded screw for continuously moving the object vertically.
SUMMARYThe inventors of the present application recognized that there is a need for a system that is easy to use, does not necessarily need any tools to use, relatively inexpensive, provides secure hanging of items that come with various backing hardware configurations, and allows a user to quickly and accurately adjust the position of a picture with ease.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously address some or all of the above limitations on existing wall hanging devices. For example, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mounting apparatus having at least one of the following advantages: (1) is easier to hang; (2) is damage-free to walls; (3) allows for adjustment and leveling during application without requiring removal from the wall; (4) eliminates the need to use the hanger on the back of the frame/artwork to be hung, permitting the user greater ease and flexibility in mounting the item; (5) permits rotation of the item to be hung; and (6) provides improved load bearing capacity with a single device.
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mounting device for hanging an object such as a picture or mirror that allows a picture (or item to be hung) to be adjusted after securing the picture-hanging device to a wall. This permits easier leveling of the item to be hung as well as potentially adjustment of the orientation of the item after installation of the mounting device.
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mounting device, comprising: a first portion including a protrusion; and a second portion including a receptacle capable of mating to the protrusion of the first portion; wherein at least one of the first and second portions includes a load bearing geometry; and wherein the first and second portions are capable of being mated together and, when mated, are able to rotate around a common axis.
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of preparing a mounting device capable of holding an article on a wall, comprising: providing (1) a first portion including a protrusion and (2) a second portion including a receptacle into which the protrusion of the first portion can mate, wherein at least one of the first and second portions includes an angular load bearing geometry; and joining the first and second portions together such that the protrusion fits within the receptacle such that, when mated, the first and second portions are able to rotate around a common axis.
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a kit, comprising: a first portion including a protrusion; a second portion including a receptacle into which the protrusion of the first portion can mate; mechanical or adhesive fasteners capable of mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing one of the first and second portions to a wall; and mechanical or adhesive fasteners capable of mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing one of the first and second portions to a frame, photograph, piece of art, or the like; wherein at least one of the first and second portions including an angular load bearing geometry; and wherein the first and second portions are capable of being mated together and, when mated, are able to rotate around a common axis.
In some embodiments, the protrusion and receptacle are each generally round or cylindrical. In some embodiments, the first portion includes one or more teeth around the protrusion. In some embodiments, the second portion includes detents around an outer side surface of the protrusion. In some embodiments, the second portion includes detents around an inner side surface of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the detents around the inner side surface of the receptacle and the teeth around the outer side surface of the protrusion positively engage each other to hold the first and second portions together in a static position. In some embodiments, the protrusion and receptacle provide an audible sound and/or physical feedback to the user when they are properly mated. In some embodiments, the mounting device is capable of being mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed perpendicular to a flat plane. In some embodiments, the mounting device includes adhesive strips on one of the first and second portions to permit the mounting device to be adhered to a wall. In some embodiments, the mounting device includes mechanical fasteners on one of the first and second portions to permit the mounting device to be mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed to a wall. In some embodiments, the mounting device includes adhesive strips on one of the first and second portions to permit the mounting device to be adhered to a frame, photograph, piece of art, or the like. In some embodiments, the first portion includes one or more reliefs around the protrusion. In some embodiments, the second portion includes detents around an outer side surface of the protrusion. In some embodiments, the detents around the inner side surface of the receptacle and the teeth around the outer side surface of the protrusion positively engage each other to hold the first and second portions together in a static position. In some embodiments, the protrusion and receptacle provide an audible sound and/or physical feedback to the user when they are properly mated.
The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. The scope of this disclosure, however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth or shown herein.
The adjustable picture-hanging devices of the present disclosure allow the user to fine tune the placement of a picture without having worry about the precise placement of the picture-hanging device. In some embodiments, the device also prevents unnecessarily creating holes in a wall.
One exemplary embodiment is shown in
In some embodiments, at least one of first and second portions 110 and 120 have a load bearing geometry. As used herein, the term “load bearing geometry” means that the construction or shape provides load bearing capacity. For the embodiment shown in
First portion 110 includes a protrusion 130 that extends outwardly from at least one major surface of first portion 110. In the specific embodiment shown in
Second portion 120 includes a first major surface 154 opposite a second major surface 156 and a receptacle 150 capable of mating to protrusion 130. In the specific embodiment shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, the mounting device provides the user with feedback when the device has been correctly or effectively mated. Any desired feedback mechanism may be used. Some exemplary feedback mechanisms include, for example, auditory or physical.
In some exemplary embodiments, protrusion 130 of first portion 110 includes a plurality of relief structures that extend outwardly from the outer perimeter surface of protrusion 130.
In some embodiments including teeth 160 and detents 165, the first and second portions 110 and 120 can be rotated in a ratchet-like manner to provide for easy leveling of the mounting device 100 (and thus the item to be hung). This can be done easily even after the mounting device 100 has been applied, attached, or mounted on the wall.
In the embodiment shown in
All of the features of the mounting device 200, first portion 210, and second portion 220 can be included in the embodiments that are similar to the specific embodiment shown in
As shown in
Alternatively, the mounting device includes mechanical fasteners on one of the first and second portions to permit the mounting device to be mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed to a wall
All of the features of the mounting device 300, first portion 310, and second portion 320 can be included in the embodiments that are similar to the specific embodiment shown in
Method
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of preparing a mounting device capable of holding an article on a wall, comprising: providing (1) a first portion including a protrusion and (2) a second portion including a receptacle into which the protrusion of the first portion can mate, wherein at least one of the first and second portions includes an angular load bearing geometry; and joining the first and second portions together such that the protrusion fits within the receptacle such that, when mated, the first and second portions are able to rotate around a common axis. In some embodiments, the method further involves rotating the first and second portions relative to one another to properly mate them. In some embodiments, the method further involves rotating the first and second portions relative to one another until the portions make an audible sound and/or provide feedback to the user to confirm that they are properly mated. In some embodiments, the method further involves applying an adhesive strip to a back major surface of one of the first and second portions and mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing that first or second portion to a wall; and applying an adhesive strip to a front major surface of the other of the first and second portions and mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing that first or second portion to a frame, photograph, piece of art, or the like.
In addition to all of the various benefits described herein, the mounting devices described herein make hanging large items easier and allow for adjustment of the item to be level. In some embodiments, they permit the user to change the orientation of the item to be hung or mounted after installation of the mounting device. In some embodiments, the mounting devices are damage-free (to the wall and item to be hung). The mounting devices described herein are perfect for users who want flexibility. The mounting devices described herein provide easy adjustment by the user of the mounting device and article to be mounted even after these are both mounted on the wall. In some embodiments, the mounting described herein are capable of being mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed perpendicular to any flat plane.
The recitation of all numerical ranges by endpoint is meant to include all numbers subsumed within the range (i.e., the range 1 to 10 includes, for example, 1, 1.5, 3.33, and 10).
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top” and “front” or “back” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another elements as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.
All references to other materials made herein are meant to incorporate the reference herein in its entirety.
Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments and implementations without departing from the underlying principles thereof. Further, various modifications and alterations of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.
Claims
1. A mounting device, comprising:
- a first portion including a protrusion; and
- a second portion including a receptacle capable of mating to the protrusion of the first portion;
- wherein at least one of the first and second portions includes a load bearing geometry; and
- wherein the first and second portions are capable of being mated together and, when mated, are able to rotate around a common axis.
2. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the protrusion and receptacle are each generally round or cylindrical.
3. The mounting device of claim 1 wherein the first portion includes one or more teeth around the protrusion.
4. The mounting device of claim 1 wherein the second portion includes detents around an outer side surface of the protrusion.
5. The mounting device of claim 1 wherein the second portion includes detents around an inner side surface of the receptacle.
6. The mounting device of claim 4, wherein the detents around the inner side surface of the receptacle and the teeth around the outer side surface of the protrusion positively engage each other to hold the first and second portions together in a static position.
7. The mounting device of claim 1 wherein the protrusion and receptacle provide an audible sound and/or physical feedback to the user when they are properly mated.
8. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device is capable of being mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed perpendicular to a flat plane.
9. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device includes adhesive strips on one of the first and second portions to permit the mounting device to be adhered to a wall.
10. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device includes mechanical fasteners on one of the first and second portions to permit the mounting device to be mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed to a wall.
11. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device includes adhesive strips on one of the first and second portions to permit the mounting device to be adhered to a frame, photograph, piece of art, or the like.
12. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the first portion includes one or more reliefs around the protrusion.
13. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the second portion includes detents around an outer side surface of the protrusion.
14. The mounting device of claim 13, wherein the detents around the inner side surface of the receptacle and the teeth around the outer side surface of the protrusion positively engage each other to hold the first and second portions together in a static position.
15. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the protrusion and receptacle provide an audible sound and/or physical feedback to the user when they are properly mated.
16. A method of preparing a mounting device capable of holding an article on a wall, comprising:
- providing (1) a first portion including a protrusion and (2) a second portion including a receptacle into which the protrusion of the first portion can mate, wherein at least one of the first and second portions includes an angular load bearing geometry; and
- joining the first and second portions together such that the protrusion fits within the receptacle such that, when mated, the first and second portions are able to rotate around a common axis.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
- rotating the first and second portions relative to one another to properly mate them.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
- rotating the first and second portions relative to one another until the portions make an audible sound and/or provide feedback to the user to confirm that they are properly mated.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
- applying an adhesive strip to a back major surface of one of the first and second portions and mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing that first or second portion to a wall; and
- applying an adhesive strip to a front major surface of the other of the first and second portions and mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing that first or second portion to a frame, photograph, piece of art, or the like.
20. A kit, comprising:
- a first portion including a protrusion;
- a second portion including a receptacle into which the protrusion of the first portion can mate;
- mechanical or adhesive fasteners capable of mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing one of the first and second portions to a wall; and
- mechanical or adhesive fasteners capable of mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing one of the first and second portions to a frame, photograph, piece of art, or the like;
- wherein at least one of the first and second portions including an angular load bearing geometry; and
- wherein the first and second portions are capable of being mated together and, when mated, are able to rotate around a common axis.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 2, 2017
Publication Date: Feb 14, 2019
Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY (St. Paul, MN)
Inventor: Brian D. Gale (Blaine, MN)
Application Number: 16/076,484