DUAL HOOK WIRE-SNAGGING HANGER

Abstract

A hanger for pictures and the like is provided that includes at least one elongate bar. Two openings (e.g., thru-holes or slots) extend between corresponding planar front and back surfaces of the bar(s). The two openings are configured to receive fasteners for attaching the bar(s) to the support surface. The two openings are spaced from one another along the lengthwise dimension of the bar(s). Two hooks extend forward and upward from the at least one planar front surface. The two hooks are spaced from one another along the lengthwise dimension of the bar(s). Each hook includes a transition from a planar front surface of the bar(s). Methods of fabricating the hangar and methods of use are also described and claimed.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to hangars that are used to secure pictures, artwork, diplomas, mirrors, etc. to vertical support surfaces, such as walls or columns.

2. Related Art

Pictures, artwork, diplomas, mirrors etc. are typically secured to vertical support surfaces, such as walls or columns, using a single hook that is fastened to the support surface by a nail, screw, or wall molly. A wire is fastened to the back side of the item and hung on the single hook. The problem is that the item can tilt about the single hook. To address this issue, a multitude of hooks can be fastened to the wall along a horizonal line and offset laterally with respect to one another, and the wire can be hung on the multitude of hooks. The problem with this approach is that the multitude of hooks need to be approximately level with each other or the item will hang cockeyed, and placing the multitude of hooks level with one another is a laborious task. Also, when someone passes the item hung on the support surface and inadvertently hits the item, or if the support surface shakes, the item can move off center and tilt. Thus, there is a need for a simple hanger that solves these problems.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a new and improved hanger for pictures, artwork, diplomas, mirrors, glass panes, or other items.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a hanger for pictures, artwork, diplomas, mirrors, glass panes, or other items is provided that includes at least one elongate bar. Two openings (e.g., thru-holes or slots) extend between corresponding planar front and back surfaces of the bar(s). The two openings are configured to receive fasteners for attaching the bar(s) to the support surface. The two openings are spaced from one another along the lengthwise dimension of the bar(s). Two hooks extend forward and upward from the at least one planar front surface. The two hooks are spaced from one another along the lengthwise dimension of the bar(s). Each hook includes a transition from a planar front surface of the bar(s).

In embodiments, the two openings can include at least one thru-hole or elongate slot.

In embodiments, the fasteners can include a screw or nail.

In embodiments, the two hooks can be configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of the item.

In embodiments, the at least one elongate bar can be a single elongate bar.

In embodiments, a center notch can be disposed at the top edge of the bar.

In embodiments, the at least one elongate bar can include first and second bar members that are moveable relative to one another to selectively adjust effective length of the first and second bar members.

In embodiments, the first bar member can include one of the two openings and one of the two hooks, and the second bar member can include another of the two openings and another of the two hooks.

In embodiments, the first bar member is disposed in front of the second bar member and includes an elongate slot that receives a threaded post of the second bar member. A nut or bolt can be operably disposed on the threaded post of the second bar member and configured to selectively fix the first bar member to the second bar member and set the effective length of the first and second bar members.

In embodiments, a spirit level can be secured to a planar front surface of the least one elongate bar.

In another aspect, a method of fabricating a hanger for supporting an item on a vertical support surface, involves the following:

providing at least one elongate flat bar;

forming two openings extending between corresponding planar front and back surfaces of the at least one elongate flat bar, wherein the two opening are each configured to receive a fastener for attachment to the support surface; and

bending a portion of the at least one elongate flat bar to form two hooks that extend forward and upward from the at least one planar front surface.

In embodiments, the two hooks formed by the method each include a transition from the at least one planar front surface.

In embodiments, the two hooks can be defined by bending two corresponding tabs forward and upward from the at least one planar front surface.

In other embodiments, the two hooks can be defined by bending two corresponding tabs forward and downward from the at least one planar front surface.

In embodiments, the two tabs can be formed by parallel cuts through a top edge of the at least one elongate flat bar.

In embodiments, the two openings formed by the method can include at least one thru-hole or elongate slot.

In embodiments, the two hooks formed by the method can be configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of the item.

In embodiments, a center notch can be formed at a top edge of the elongate bar.

In another aspect, a method for supporting an item on a vertical support surface uses the hanger as described herein. While locating the hanger at a desired position on the support surface, fasteners that extend through the two openings of the hanger are used to secure the hanger to the support surface. The two hooks of the hanger are used to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of the item to thereby support the item on the support surface.

In embodiments, the hanger can be positioned in a horizonal orientation on the support surface.

In embodiments, the hanger can incorporate a spirit level secured to the planar front surface of the least one elongate bar; and the sprit level can be used as a guide to position the hanger in a horizonal orientation on the support surface.

In embodiments, the hanger can include first and second bar members that are moveable relative to one another to selectively adjust effective length of the first and second bar members. The first bar member can include one of the two openings and one of the two hooks, and the second bar member can include another of the two openings and another of the two hooks. Prior to securing the hanger to the support surface, the first and second bar members can be moved relative to one another to selectively adjust and fix the effective length of the first and second bar members.

In embodiments, the first bar member can be operably disposed in front of the second bar member and include an elongate slot that receives a threaded post of the second bar member. A nut or bolt operably disposed on the threaded post of the second bar member can be configured to selectively fix the first bar member to the second bar member and set the effective length of the first and second bar members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a hanger according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A to 2D are views depicting steps in fabricating the hanger of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a hanger according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A to 4E are views depicting steps in fabricating the hanger of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a hanger according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A to 6D are views depicting steps in fabricating the hanger of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the use of the hanger of FIG. 5 in supporting an item on a vertical support surface, such as a wall or column.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a hanger according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are front view of hangers according to fifth and sixth embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A to 10D are views of a hanger according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A is a photo illustrating the use of conventional picture hangers for supporting a number of items in a home office.

FIG. 11B is a photo illustrating the use of the hanger of FIG. 5 in supporting the same items in the same home office.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, the term “item” refers to anything hangable, such as a glass pane, mirror, painting, photograph, display box, diploma, patent plaque, sign, etching, etc.

Referring to the drawings, a hanger is constructed in accordance with the present disclosure from one or more flat bars. As described herein, a flat bar is an elongate strip of metal or other rigid material of a predetermined length and thickness. In embodiments, the thickness can range from 0.067 inches to 0.25 inches, and the length can range from 1 inch to 36 inches to support smaller size and larger size items as desired. The flat bar includes planar front and back surfaces as well as the top, bottom, left and right edges as shown. The planar front and back surfaces as well as the edges of the flat bar can have a smooth finish. The flat bar can be produced by drawing metal material through a die, cutting or milling, stamping, or other suitable method.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a hanger 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The hanger 100 includes a bar 101 with two thru-holes 103A, 103B that extend between the planar front and back surfaces of the bar 101. The thru-holes 103A, 103B can be formed by drilling, punching, or other metal processing. The thru-holes 103A, 103B are disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of a center line 106A. In embodiments, the thru-holes 103A, 103B can be disposed at or near the opposed ends of the bar 101 as shown. The thru-holes 103A, 103B are configured to receive nails or screws or other fasteners to attach the bar 101 to a vertical support surface, such as a wall or column (similar to FIG. 7). In other embodiments, one or more of the thru-holes can be substituted by an elongate slot. The elongate slot(s) can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar (see FIG. 9). The slot(s) can be configured to receive a nail, molly, lug or screw or other fastener to attach the bar to the vertical support surface.

A center notch 105 can be printed, etched, engraved, cut, or otherwise formed in the bar 101 at or near the center of the top edge of the bar 101, which lies along the center line 106A as shown.

A portion of bar 101 can be bent to define two hooks 104A, 104B disposed at or near the opposed ends of the bar 101. The two hooks 104A, 104B extend outward and upward from the planar front surface of the bar 101 as shown. The two hooks 104A, 104B are configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of an item.

FIGS. 2A to 2D illustrate a method of fabricating the hanger 100 from a flat bar 101′ as shown in FIG. 2A. The flat bar 101′ can be formed from aluminum, steel, or other metal. The two thru-holes 103A, 103B extend between the planar front and back surfaces of the flat bar 101′ as shown in FIG. 2B. The two thru-holes 103A, 103B can be formed by drilling, punching, or other metal processing. The thru-holes 103A, 103B are disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of the center line 106A as shown. The center notch 105 can be printed, etched, engraved, cut, or otherwise formed in the flat bar 101 at or near the center of the top edge of the flat bar 101, which lies along the center line 106A as shown. The two hooks 104A, 104B are formed by first bending the bottom edge of a flat bar 101′ upward about a longitudinal fold line 107A (which extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the flat bar 101′ as evident from FIGS. 2A and 2B), and then further bending the opposed corners of the bent bottom edge upward about fold lines 107B, 107C to form the two hooks 104A, 104B that extend outward and upward from the planar front surface as shown in FIG. 2C. The bending of the bottom edge of a flat bar 101′ upward about the longitudinal fold line 107A to form the hooks 104A, 104B can define a bend or transition from the planar front surface of the bar 101 as shown in FIG. 2D. Alternatively, instead of using flat bar 101′ an angle extrusion drawn from aluminum, steel or other metal can be used as the hanger support. A cross-sectional view of hanger 100 is shown in FIG. 2D where the angle θ of the hook 104A is in the range of 20 degrees to 50 degrees (and preferably 30 degrees).

In use, the bar 101 (FIGS. 1 and 2C) is held in a horizontal orientation at a desired location on a vertical support surface. The center notch 105 of the bar 101 can be used as a guide to position the center of the bar 101 at the desired location on the vertical support surface. Horizontal pencil markings disposed adjacent the top edge of the bar 101 on the support surface can be used as guide for holding the bar 101 in the horizontal orientation. Nails or screws or other fasteners are inserted into and through the thru-holes 103A, 103B and secured to support surface to attach the bar 101 to the support surface such that the planar back surface of the bar 101 is secured against the vertical support surface. With the bar 101 secured to the vertical support surface, a wire, cable, or other filament fastened to the back side of an item is captured or snagged by the two hooks 104A, 104B such that the two hooks 104A, 104B of the bar 101 support the item on the vertical support surface.

In embodiments, the two thru-holes 103A, 103B are offset from the center line 106a by a dimension L1 as shown in FIG. 2C. For example, the L1 dimension can be in the range of six to eight inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes 103A, 103B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L1 dimension can be configured to cover the typical spacing for wall studs (e.g., sixteen inches between wall studs in the United States). In yet other examples, the L1 dimension can be in the range of two to six inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes 103A, 103B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L1 dimension can be more than eight inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes 103A, 103B is greater than sixteen inches.

In embodiments, the two hooks 104A, 104B are offset from the center line 106a by a dimension L2 that is equal to or greater than the L1 dimension as shown in FIG. 2C. For example, the L2 dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks 104A, 104B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L2 dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks 104A, 104B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L2 dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks 104A, 104B is greater than sixteen inches. Although hanger 100 shows only two holes additional holes can be drilled through bar 101′ in the event it is necessary to secure the hanger 100 to a stud, or the like.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a hanger 200 in accordance with the present disclosure. The hanger 200 includes a bar 201 with two thru-holes 203A, 203B that extend between the planar front and back surfaces of the bar 201. The thru-holes 203A, 203B can be formed by drilling, punching, or other metal processing. The thru-holes 203A, 203B are disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of a center line 206A. In embodiments, the thru-holes 203A, 203B can be disposed near the opposed ends of the bar 201 as shown. The thru-holes 203A, 203B are configured to receive nails or screws or other fasteners to attach the bar 201 to a vertical support surface, such as a wall or column (similar to FIG. 7). In other embodiments, one or more of the thru-holes can be substituted by an elongate slot (e.g., 203B′ of FIG. 9). The elongate slot(s) can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar (see FIG. 9). The slot(s) can be configured to receive a nail or screw or other fastener to attach the bar to the vertical support surface.

A center notch 205 can be printed, etched, engraved, cut, or otherwise formed in the bar 201 at or near the center of the top edge of the bar 201, which lies along the center line 206A as shown.

Two tabs can be formed adjacent the bottom edge of the bar 201 on opposite ends of the bar 201, for example, by stamping or otherwise forming the metal material of the bar 201. The two tabs can be bent forward and upward to form two opposed hooks 204A, 204B that extend outward and upward from the planar front surface of the bar 201 as shown. The two hooks 204A, 204B are configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of an item.

FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate a method of fabricating the hanger 200 from a flat bar 201′ as shown in FIG. 4A. The flat bar 201′ can be formed from aluminum, steel, brass, or other metal. The two thru-holes 203A, 203B extend between the planar front and back surfaces of the flat bar 201′ as shown in FIG. 4B. The two thru-holes 203A, 203B can be formed by drilling, punching, or other metal processing. The thru-holes 203A, 203B are disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of the center line 206A as shown. The center notch 205 can be printed, etched, engraved, cut or otherwise formed in the flat bar 201 at or near the center of the top edge of the flat bar 201′, which lies along the center line 206A as shown. Two tabs 208A, 208B are disposed adjacent the bottom edge of the flat bar 201′ on opposite ends of the flat bar 201. The two tabs 208A, 208B can be formed, for example, by stamping or otherwise forming the metal material of the bar 201. The two tabs 208A, 208B can be bent upward about fold lines 209A, 209B to form the two opposed hooks 204A, 204B that extend outward and upward from the planar front surface of the bar 201 as shown in FIG. 2C. The bending of the tab 208A about the fold line 209A to form the hook 204A defines a bend or transition from the planar front surface of the bar 201 as shown in FIGS. 4D and 4E. FIG. 4D shows a cross-sectional view of hanger 200 where the bending of the tab 208A forms the hook 204A with a gradual J-like bend 211 relative to the bar 201. FIG. 4E shows a cross-sectional view of hanger 200 where the bending of the tab 208A forms the hook 204A with a sharp bend or transition 211′ at an angle θ relative to the bar 201 where the angle θ is in the range of 20 degrees to 50 degrees (and preferably 30 degrees). This configuration is better suited to snag a wire or other filamentous support. Similarly, the bending of the tab 208B about the fold line 209B to form the hook 204B defines another bend or transition from the planar front surface of the bar 201.

In use, the bar 201 (FIGS. 3 and 4C) is held in a horizontal orientation at a desired location on a vertical support surface. The center notch 205 of the bar 201 can be used as a guide to position the bar 201 at the desired location on the vertical support surface. Horizontal pencil markings disposed adjacent the top edge of the bar 201 on the support surface can be used as guide for holding the bar 201 in the horizontal orientation. Nails or screws or other fasteners are inserted into and through the thru-holes 203A, 203B and secured to the support surface to attach the bar 201 to the support surface such that the planar back surface of the bar 201 is secured against the vertical support surface. With the bar 201 secured to the vertical support surface, a wire, cable, or other filament fastened to the back side of an item is captured or snagged by the two hooks 204A, 204B such that the two hooks 204A, 204B of the bar 201 support the item on the vertical support surface.

In embodiments, the two thru-holes 203A, 203B are offset from the center line 206a by a dimension L1 as shown in FIG. 4C. For example, the L1 dimension can be in the range of six to eight inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes 203A, 203B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L1 dimension can be configured to cover the typical spacing for wall studs (e.g., sixteen inches between wall studs in the United States). In yet other examples, the L1 dimension can be in the range of two to six inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes 203A, 203B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L1 dimension can be more than eight inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes 203A, 203B is greater than sixteen inches.

In embodiments, the two hooks 204A, 204B are offset from the center line 106a by a dimension L2 that is equal to or greater than the L1 dimension as shown in FIG. 4C. For example, the L2 dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks 204A, 204B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L2 dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks 204A, 204B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L2 dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks 204A, 204B is greater than sixteen inches.

FIG. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of a hanger 300 in accordance with the present disclosure. The hanger 300 includes a bar 301 with two thru-holes 303A, 303B that extend between the planar front and back surfaces of the bar 301. The thru-holes 303A, 303B can be formed by drilling, punching, or other metal processing. The thru-holes 303A, 303B are disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of a center line 306A. In embodiments, the thru-holes 303A, 303B can be disposed near the opposed ends of the bar 301 as shown. The thru-holes 303A, 303B are configured to receive nails or screws or other fasteners to attach the bar 301 to a vertical support surface, such as a wall or column (similar to FIG. 7). In other embodiments, one or more of the thru-holes can be substituted by an elongate slot (e.g., 203B′ of FIG. 9). The elongate slot(s) can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar (see FIG. 9). The slot(s) can be configured to receive a nail or screw or other fastener to attach the bar to the vertical support surface.

A center notch 305 can be printed, etched, engraved, cut, or otherwise formed in the bar 301 at or near the center of the top edge of the bar 301, which lies along the center line 306a as shown.

Two tabs can be formed adjacent the top edge of the bar 301 on opposite ends of the bar 301, for example, by cuts downward through the top edge. The two tabs can be bent downward to form two opposed hooks 304A, 304B that extend outward and upward from the planar front surface of the bar 301 as shown. The two hooks 304A, 304B are configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of an item.

FIGS. 6A to 6D illustrate a method of fabricating the hanger 300 from a flat bar 301′ as shown in FIG. 6A. The flat bar 301′ can be formed from aluminum, brass, steel, or other metal. For example, the flat bar 301′ can be a flat bar or piece of aluminum that is 1/16 inches thick, 0.75 inches in height and 6 inches or more in length. The two thru-holes 303A, 303B extend between the planar front and back surfaces of the flat bar 301′ as shown in FIG. 6B. The two thru-holes 303A, 303B can be formed by drilling, punching, or other metal processing. For example, the two thru-holes 303A, 303B can be drilled with an 11/64″ drill. The thru-holes 303A, 303B are disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of the center line 306A as shown. The center notch 305 can be printed, etched, engraved, cut or otherwise formed in the flat bar 301 at or near the center of the top edge of the flat bar 301′, which lies along the center line 306A as shown. For example, the center notch 305 can be cut on a band saw to a length of approximately 0.1 inches. Two tabs 308A, 308B are disposed adjacent the top edge of the flat bar 301′ on opposite ends of the flat bar 301. In embodiments, the two tabs 308A, 308B (and the corresponding hooks 304A, 304B) can have a width in the range of 0.25 inches to 2 inches. The two tabs 308A, 308B can be formed, for example, by parallel cuts downward through the top edge of the flat bar 301′. The parallel cuts can made by a band saw with a length of approximately 0.5 inches. The two tabs 308A, 308B can be bent forward and downward about fold lines 309A, 309B (for example, by 30 to 60 degrees) to form the two opposed hooks 304A, 304B that extend outward and upward from the planar front surface of the bar 301 as shown in FIG. 6C. The two tabs 308A, 308B can be bent forward and downward using a simple bending fixture or a pneumatic ram. Note that a rig can be made to enable drilling thru-hole 303A and making the parallel cuts for tab 308A. The rig can be turned over to drill thru-hole 303B and make the parallel cuts for tab 308B. Also note that the entire hanger 300 can also be stamped out of a sheet of metal with the proper tabs 308A, 208B bent as described above. The bending of the tab 308A about the fold line 309A to form the hook 304A defines a bend or transition relative to the bar 301 that forms a transition from the planar front surface of the bar 301. FIG. 6D shows a cross-sectional view of hanger 300 where the bending of the tab 308A forms the hook 304A with a sharp bend or transition 311 at an angle θ relative to the bar 301 where the angle θ is in the range of 20 degrees to 50 degrees (and preferably 30 degrees). This configuration is better suited to snag a wire or other filamentous support. Similarly, the bending of the tab 308B about the fold line 309B to form the hook 304B that defines another bend or transition from the planar front surface of the bar 301.

In use, the bar 301 (FIGS. 5 and 6C) is held in a horizontal orientation at a desired location on a vertical support surface 500 as shown in FIG. 7. The center notch 305 of the bar 301 can be used as a guide to position the bar 301 at the desired location on the vertical support surface. The center notch 305 on the bar 301 is also aligned with the center of the item to be hung. Horizontal pencil markings disposed adjacent the top edge of the bar 301 on the support surface 500 can be used as guide for holding the bar 301 in the horizontal orientation. Nails or screws or other fasteners 375A, 375B (FIG. 7) are inserted into and through the thru-holes 303A, 303B and manipulated to attach the bar 301 to the support surface such that the planar back surface of the bar 301 is secured against the vertical support surface. Lugs can be inserted into the support surface and configured to receive fasteners/screws 375A, 375B for higher load applications. With the bar 301 secured to the vertical support surface, a wire, cable, or other filament 401 is fastened to the back side of an item by suitable fasteners 402A, 402B. The wire, cable, or other filament 401 is captured or snagged by the two hooks 304A, 304B such that the two hooks 304A, 304B of the bar 301 support the item 400 (shown as phantom shading) on the vertical support surface 500.

In embodiments, the two thru-holes 303A, 303B are offset from the center line 306A by a dimension L1 as shown in FIG. 6C. For example, the L1 dimension can be in the range of six to eight inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes 303A, 303B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L1 dimension can be configured to cover the typical spacing for wall studs (e.g., sixteen inches between wall studs in the United States). In yet other examples, the L1 dimension can be in the range of two to six inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes 303A, 303B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L1 dimension can be more than eight inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes 303A, 303B is greater than sixteen inches.

In embodiments, the two hooks 304A, 304B are offset from the center line 306A by a dimension L2 that is equal to or less than the L1 dimension as shown in FIG. 6C. For example, the L2 dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks 304A, 304B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L2 dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks 304A, 304B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L2 dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks 304A, 304B is greater than sixteen inches.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a hanger 300′ in accordance with the present disclosure. The hanger 300′ is similar to the hanger 300 of FIG. 6 with the addition of a spirit level 380 removably secured to the planar front surface of the bar 301 and located at the center line 306A of the bar 301. The spirit level 380 can be used as a guide to hold the bar 301 in a horizontal orientation at a desired location on a vertical support surface 500 while the fasteners are engaged to secure the hanger in place.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate fifth and sixth embodiments of a hanger in accordance with the present disclosure. The hanger 200′ of FIG. 9A is similar to the hanger 200 of FIG. 3 with an elongate slot 203B′ replacing one thru-hole. The slot 203B′ extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar as shown. The slot 203B′ can be configured to receive a nail or screw or other fastener to attach the bar to the vertical support surface. The hanger 200″ of FIG. 9B is similar to FIG. 9A with both thru-holes 203A and 203B replaced by slots 203A′ and 203B′. The advantage of slots is that a fastener can be located to better snag a stud or other support to provide more secure anchorage.

In embodiments, the thru-hole 203A and the far right end of slot 203B′ are offset from the center line 206A by a dimension L1 as shown in FIG. 9A. For example, the L1 dimension can be in the range of six to eight inches such that the spacing between the thru-hole 203A and the far right end of slot 203B′ is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L1 dimension can be configured to cover the typical spacing for wall studs (e.g., sixteen inches between wall studs in the United States). In yet other examples, the L1 dimension can be in the range of two to six inches such that the spacing between the thru-hole 203A and the far-right end of slot 203B′ is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L1 dimension can be more than eight inches such that the spacing between the thru-hole 203A and the far right end of slot 203B′ is greater than sixteen inches.

In embodiments, the two hooks 204A, 204B are offset from the center line 206A by a dimension L2 that is equal to or greater than the L1 dimension as shown in FIG. 9A. For example, the L2 dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks 304A, 304B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L2 dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks 304A, 304B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L2 dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks 304A, 304B is greater than sixteen inches.

In other embodiments, the hanger can include two bar members that can slide (translate) relative to one another for adjustment of the effective length of the two bar members. With the effective length of the two bar members set as desired, the two bar members can be fixed in position relative to another by a suitable fastener, such as by a threaded post and bolt connection and the hanger fixed to the vertical support surface as described herein. The opposed ends of the two bar members include a thru-hole and bent hook that extends outward and upward from the planar front surface of the respective bar member. The thru-holes are configured to receive nails or screws or other fasteners to attach the bar members to a vertical support surface, such as a wall or column (similar to FIG. 7). The hooks are configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of an item. Such length adjustment permits the hanger to effectively support different size items on the support surface.

FIGS. 10A to 10D illustrate a seventh embodiment of a hanger 1000 in accordance with the present disclosure. The hanger 1000 includes a left bar member 1001A (FIG. 10A) and a right bar member 1001B (FIG. 10B). The left bar member 1001A includes a thru-hole 1003A that extends between the planar front and back surfaces of the left bar member 1001A. In embodiments, the thru-hole 1003A can be disposed at or near the left end of the left bar member 1001A as shown. The thru-hole 1003A is configured to receive a nail or screw or other fastener to attach the left bar member 1001A to a vertical support surface, such as a wall or column (similar to FIG. 7). A tab can be formed adjacent the top edge of the left bar member 1001A near the left end of the left bar member 1001A, for example, by cuts downward through the top edge. The tab can be bent downward to form a hook 1004A that extends outward and upward from the planar front surface of the left bar member 1001A as shown. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6A to 6D, the bending of the tab to form the hook 1004A can define a bend or transition from the planar front surface of the left bar member 1001A. The hook 1004A is configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of an item. The left bar member 1001A also includes an elongate slot 1011 that extends along the longitudinal axis of the left bar member 1001A as shown. The slot 1011 can be configured to receive the threaded post 1015 of the right bar member 1001B as described below.

The right bar member 1001B includes a thru-hole 1003B that extends between the planar front and back surfaces of the right bar member 1001B. In embodiments, the thru-hole 1003B can be disposed at or near the right end of the right bar member as shown. The thru-hole 1003B is configured to receive a nail or screw or other fastener to attach the right bar member 1001B to the vertical support surface (similar to FIG. 7). The right bar member 1001B also includes a threaded post 1015 that projects outward from the planar front surface of the right bar member. The threaded post 1015 is received by the slot 1011 of the left bar member as described above. A tab can be formed adjacent the top edge of the right bar member 1001B near the right end of the right bar member 1001B, for example, by cuts downward through the top edge. The tab can be bent downward to form a hook 1004B that extends outward and upward from the planar front surface of the right bar member 1001B as shown. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6A to 6D, the bending of the tab to form the hook 1004B can define a bend or transition from the planar front surface of the right bar member 1001B. The hook 1004B is configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of an item. The right bar member 1001B also includes guide walls 1013A, 1013B that project forward from the planar front surface of the right bar member along the opposed top and bottom edges of the right bar member 1001B as shown. The guide walls 1013A, 1013B are spaced from one another and configured to receive the left bar member 1001A therebetween such that it rests between the guide walls with the left bar member 1001A in front of the right bar member 1001B.

The guide walls 1013A, 1013B are configured to guide sliding (translation) movement of the left bar member 1001A relative to the right bar member 1001B for adjustment of the effective length of the bar members 1001A, 1001B as shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D. With the effective length of the bar members 1001A, 1001B set as desired, the bar members 1001A, 1001B can be fixed in position relative to another by tightening a bolt or nut 1017 to the thread post 1015 as shown. When the bolt is tightened on the threaded post 1015, the bar members 1001A, 1001B can be tightly clamped together and the effective length of the bar members 1001A, 1001B is set. After the effective length of the bar members 1001A, 1001B is set, nails or screws or other fasteners can be used to attach the left bar member 1001A and the right bar member 1001B to the support surface (similar to FIG. 7). The length adjustment permits the hanger 1000 to effectively support different size items on the support surface. For example, the configuration of the hanger 1000 of FIG. 10C can be used to support a smaller sized item than the configuration of the hanger 1000 of FIG. 10D.

Note that the offset between the thru-holes 1003A and 1003B as well as the offset between the hooks 1004A and 1004B is variable in nature and dictated by the fixed length of the left and right bar members 1001A, 1001B as well as the adjustment of effective length of the left and right bar members 1001A, 1001B. In embodiments, the range of variable offset between the thru-holes 1003A and 1003B as well as the range of variable offset between the hooks 1004A and 1004B can be similar to the spacings described above for the other embodiments. Note that once fasteners are inserted through holes 1003A and 1003B and secure the hanger to the vertical surface, tightening a bolt or nut 1017 to the thread post 1015 is not entirely necessary, in fact slot 1011, post 1015 and nut 1017 are not necessary.

The hanger(s) of the present disclosure has several advantages over conventional hooks. For example, FIG. 11A shows many diplomas, patent plaques and pictures that are secured to an office wall by a conventional hook. When the door to the office is closed, the items can wobble and tilt, and become decentralized as shown. FIG. 11B shows the same diplomas, patent plaques and pictures that are secured to the same office wall by the hanger of FIG. 5. In this case, when the door to the office is closed, the items remain level as shown and thus do not wobble and tilt and become decentralized.

There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of hangers for items and methods of fabricating and using the same. While particular materials and methods of fabrication have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other methods of fabricating the hangers could be used as well. For example, the hangers (or hanger components) as described herein can be formed from molded polymeric material(s). It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed.

Claims

1. A hanger for supporting an item on a vertical support surface, the hanger comprising:

at least one elongate bar having at least one planar front surface disposed opposite at least one planar back surface, two openings extending between corresponding planar front and back surfaces of the at least one elongate bar and configured to receive fasteners for attaching the at least one bar to the support surface, and two hooks that extend forward and upward from the at least one planar front surface;

wherein the two openings are spaced from one another along the lengthwise dimension of the at least one elongate bar;

wherein the two hooks are spaced from one another along the lengthwise dimension of the at least one elongate bar; and

wherein the two hooks each include a respective transition from the at least one planar front surface.

2. A hanger according to claim 1, wherein:

the two openings comprise at least one thru-hole or at least one elongate slot.

3. A hanger according to claim 1, wherein:

the fasteners comprise a screw or nail.

4. A hanger according to claim 1, wherein:

the two hooks are configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of the item.

5. A hanger according to claim 1, wherein:

the at least one elongate bar comprises a single elongate bar.

6. A hanger according to claim 5, wherein:

the single elongate bar includes a center notch disposed at the top edge of the bar.

7. A hanger according to claim 1, wherein:

the at least one elongate bar comprises first and second bar members that are moveable relative to one another to selectively adjust effective length of the first and second bar members.

8. A hanger according to claim 7, wherein:

the first bar member includes one of the two openings and one of the two hooks; and

the second bar member includes another of the two openings and another of the two hooks.

9. A hanger according to claim 7, wherein:

the first bar member is disposed in front of the second bar member and includes an elongate slot that receives a threaded post of the second bar member.

10. A hanger according to claim 9, wherein:

a nut or bolt operably disposed on the threaded post of the second bar member is configured to selectively fix the first bar member to the second bar member and set the effective length of the first and second bar members.

11. A hanger according to claim 1, further comprising:

a spirit level secured to a planar front surface of the least one elongate bar.

12. A hanger according to claim 1, which is formed from metal or other rigid material.

13. A method of fabricating a hanger for supporting an item on a vertical support surface, the method comprising:

providing at least one elongate flat bar;

forming two openings extending between corresponding planar front and back surfaces of the at least one elongate flat bar, wherein the two opening are each configured to receive a fastener for attachment to the support surface; and

bending a portion of the at least one elongate flat bar to form two hooks that extend forward and upward from the at least one planar front surface.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein:

the two hooks each include a respective transition from the at least one planar front surface.

15. A method according to claim 13, wherein:

the two hooks are defined by bending two corresponding tabs forward and upward from the at least one planar front surface.

16. A method according to claim 13, wherein:

the two hooks are defined by bending two corresponding tabs forward and downward from the at least one planar front surface.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein:

the two tabs are formed by parallel cuts through a top edge of the at least one elongate flat bar.

18. A method according to claim 13, wherein:

the two openings comprise at least one thru-hole or elongate slot.

19. A method according to claim 13, wherein:

the two hooks are configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of the item.

20. A method according to claim 13, further comprising:

forming a center notch disposed at a top edge of the elongate bar.

21. A method according to claim 13, wherein:

the flat bar is formed from metal or other rigid material.

22. A method for supporting an item on a vertical support surface, the method comprising:

providing the hanger of claim 1;

while locating the hanger at a desired position on the support surface, using fasteners that extend through the two openings of the hanger to secure the hanger to the support surface; and

using the two hooks of the hanger to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of the item to thereby support the item on the support surface.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein:

the hanger is positioned in a horizontal orientation on the support surface.

24. A method according to claim 22, wherein:

the hanger further comprises a spirit level secured to the planar front surface of the least one elongate bar; and

the sprit level is used as a guide to position the hanger in a horizontal orientation on the support surface.

25. A method according to claim 22, wherein:

the hanger comprises first and second bar members that are moveable relative to one another to selectively adjust effective length of the first and second bar members, wherein the first bar member includes one of the two openings and one of the two hooks, and wherein the second bar member includes another of the two openings and another of the two hooks.

26. A method according to claim 25, further comprising:

prior to securing the hanger to the support surface, moving the first and second bar members relative to one another to selectively adjust and fix the effective length of the first and second bar members.

27. A method according to claim 26, wherein:

the first bar member is disposed in front of the second bar member and includes an elongate slot that receives a threaded post of the second bar member; and

a nut or bolt operably disposed on the threaded post of the second bar member is configured to selectively fix the first bar member to the second bar member and set the effective length of the first and second bar members.

28. A method according to claim 26, wherein:

the first bar member is disposed within guide walls of a second bar member, and the first and second bar members move relative to one another to selectively adjust and fix the effective length of the first and second bar members by securing the first and second bar members to the support surface by means of fasteners.