Suspended Patents (Class 248/489)
  • Patent number: 5685516
    Abstract: A wall hanger is disclosed for securing an object having a suspension element to a surface. In its basic embodiment, the wall hanger comprises a first and second portion and restrictive mechanism. The first portion has opposing first and second sides, a top and bottom, and a first bore substantially normal to the sides which is adapted to receive the shaft of a fastener. About the first bore on the second side is an annular seating region to accommodate the head of the fastener such that the head of the fastener presses against the seating region when the first portion is in a mounted position. The second portion has opposing third and fourth sides, a top and bottom, and a second bore larger than the head of the fastener such that the fastener passes through it. The first and second portions are contiguous at the bottom when in the mounted position such that the second side faces the third side to define an intermediate region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Simmons
  • Patent number: 5669593
    Abstract: A hanging device includes a wall mount and an adjustable weight device for hanging pictures. The adjustable weight being slidably adjusted on the wall mount for properly positioning a picture in a desired position. The hanging device can also be used to mount other items on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Richard N. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 5636825
    Abstract: A hanging device for frames comprising a supporting assembly that is mounted to a vertical wall and a hanging assembly that is rigidly mounted to the back of a frame or other object to be hung. The hanging assembly has front and rear walls separated by an upper wall. The upper wall is removably mounted to the supporting assembly. The supporting assembly has a tubular shape with a rectangular cross-section. The supporting assembly includes a straight edge against which the straight upper wall of the hanging assembly rests ensuring that the frame will conform to the same orientation, typically horizontal, of the straight edge. A leveling device is mounted to the supporting assembly to facilitate the determination of the position of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Carlos Pernas
  • Patent number: 5542641
    Abstract: The wall hanger of the present invention is designed to minimize the damage done to a wall when hung thereon. The wall hanger has a plurality of narrow bores angling generally downward through which straight pins may be inserted to anchor the wall hanger. A variety of embodiments are provided, including hangers for pictures, plates, and curtains, and a combination frame-hanger unit. In addition, a mounting tool is disclosed that bores a hole in the wall through the bores in the hanger and then is used to push a straight pin through the bore and into the hole in the wall. A removal tool is also provided for removing pins from a mounted wall hanger. A kit is provided that consists of a wall hanger, a mounting tool, and a removal tool. In addition, methods are provided for mounting a wall hanger to a wall and for removing the wall hanger from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Charles A. Donovan
  • Patent number: 5507462
    Abstract: A hanger for supporting objects such as pictures and mirrors is made of a bendable metal strip or from a molded plastic, having on one end a groove which is parallel to a wall and uppermost when mounted on the wall for supporting a picture. This groove is particularly suitable for fitting into and supporting a saw tooth clip installed on the top frame of a picture, mirror, or the like, but it is also suitable for supporting a picture hanger wire, without being exposed to view above the frame when supporting either the clip or the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph F. Hickey
  • Patent number: 5499789
    Abstract: An anti-rotation assembly for supportively hanging signs or the like, comprising a ceiling anchor having a clip which permits attachment of a suspender rod thereto. Each clip/anchor relationship with the suspender rod prevents rotation therebetween. The lower end of the suspender rod also has a hooked end which engages a further clip attached to a sign. This further clip and hook relationship at the lower end of the suspender rod also prevents rotation therebetween. The complete assembly being sufficiently rigid so as to prevent any rotation of the sign with respect to the anchor which itself is attachable to a horizontal portion of a window casing or a ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Rose Displays Ltd.
    Inventor: Sidney Rose
  • Patent number: 5482244
    Abstract: A hanger for supporting objects such as pictures and mirrors is made of a bendable metal strip or from a molded plastic, having on one end a groove which is parallel to a wall and uppermost when mounted on the wall for supporting a picture. This groove is particularly suitable for fitting into and supporting a saw tooth clip installed on the top frame of a picture, mirror, or the like, but it is also suitable for supporting a picture hanger wire, without being exposed to view above the frame when supporting either the clip or the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph F. Hickey
  • Patent number: 5452140
    Abstract: A mirror and holder, and method of using the same, is provided for supporting and protecting a mirror. In particular, the holder comprises an elongate strap having a first weighted end and a length of hook and loop type fastening means on one side. A user may hang the strap from a door or ledge, or roll it up into a coil by locating the first end of the strap on said ledge or over said door. The mirror includes a first side with a reflective surface, and a second side having mating hook and loop type fastening means. A user can removably attach the mirror to the strap anywhere along the length of the strap for use when the strap is suspended from a door or the like, or can use the mirror on a flat surface by attaching it to the coiled up strap. A user may also wind the Strap around the mirror to protect the mirror during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Louise B. Kody
  • Patent number: 5425524
    Abstract: A hanging device for wall mountable objects comprising a wall mountable support and an object mountable support wherein the wall mountable support defines a structure with inertial properties for self-leveling and retentive and guidance features and wherein the object mountable support defines a complimentary form sized for receipt into the wall mountable support and wherein engaged the object mountable support is oriented into a horizontal attitude for display of wall mountable objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Sebastian J. Messina, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5323993
    Abstract: A molded plastic load-bearing support device with an adhesive coated fabric backing member is disclosed. The fabric backing member is adhesive coated so that the molded plastic, load-bearing support device will adhere to a surface. The fabric backing member is integrally associated with the molded plastic load-bearing support device. The adhesive coating at least partially penetrates the surface of the fabric backing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Selfix, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Questel, Daniel T. Pogany, Thomas E. Lakinger, David F. Koeneman
  • Patent number: 5314160
    Abstract: A hanger assembly particularly useful for hanging objects on a masonry wall includes a body for receiving case hardened nails and having attached thereto by a frangible connection one end of a handle which can be broken away from the body after the nail has been driven into the wall. A second hanger body can be connected to the opposite end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Larsen Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Larsen
  • Patent number: 5269487
    Abstract: A flexible link and snap, the function of which is to limit the fall of a wall hanging if the hanging becomes dislodged from its hanger. The device is easily connected and disconnected and does not complicate the aesthetic positioning of the wall hanging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: William B. Heitzman
  • Patent number: 5255885
    Abstract: A device can be secured to wall and have at least one mounting for hanging an item on a wall. The device can include three mounting points for a heavy item. The device can also include two linear mounting points, which may be extended or capped, conform to a room deviation. The device to receive the item to be hung or mounted can further have one mounting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Edward P. Iversen
  • Patent number: 5223984
    Abstract: The hair grooming mirror apparatus comprised of a mounting assembly for securement of the mirror apparatus to a ceiling or other overhead structure. A mirror frame is suspended from and carried by the mirror assembly such that it can be raised and lowered with respect to the mounting assembly. A mechanism similar to a mechanism used in louvered blinds of the kind which can be raised and lowered vertically is also employed in the mirror apparatus of the present invention. The mirror frame carries a pair of mirror panels which are angulated with respect to one another at an angle which is preferably an obtuse angle. In accordance with this mirror apparatus, a user can first comb a front portion of his or her hair by looking into a fixed supported mirror. The user can then lower the mirror frame and position the pair of mirror panels in front of the user and look into the mirror panels then positioned in front of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Ferdinand Schmid
  • Patent number: 5178355
    Abstract: A picture hanging device for use with or without pictures having elongate support means. The device has a curved surface for supporting a picture wire in an unstressed and even manner and adjacent thereto, and a lip and a straight, support surface for supporting a frame directly. The device is fastened to a surface and an article, such as a picture, is then fastened to the device using the curved surface, or straight, support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventor: Ernest Herzig
  • Patent number: 5125614
    Abstract: A device for replaceable hanging display of information having a planar hanger member with an elongate slot and at least one permanent display portion adjacent thereto on at least one side thereof, the permanent display portion having an opening spaced from the slot, and at least one substantially planar replaceable display member extending through the slot and divided by a fold into overlying portions, the fold extending along the slot. Different information on different portions of the display member may be selected for display by the manner in which the display member is inserted into the hanger member. Different information on different permanent display portions of the hanger can be displayed by use of different hanging orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Ko Kryger
  • Patent number: 5103347
    Abstract: A mirror for attachment to an article including a frame having a reflective surface on one side and a plurality of straps including fasteners for attachment to the article with the reflective surface facing away from the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventors: Clayton Lumbra, Tracy Bazzano
  • Patent number: 5100094
    Abstract: An angled picture frame hanger assures safe and secure hanging of wooden picture frames with narrow moldings under heavy weight loading and/or soft wood moldings of all widths. The hanger includes a flat metal plate with two screw holes. At right angles to the plate are flange portions that overlap and butt against an inner edge of a rear of the frame. An angled hook portion is connected to the flat plate. Wire or cord is attached through the angled hook portion and the frame is ready for hanging on a wall or other support. The flange portions act as a brace against the weakening of the frame due to splitting of the wood fibers by the fastening screws. The angled hook portion reduces the forces of the pull of wire or cord to lessen the stress upon the attached flat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Break Through Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Leroy Handwerger, James I. Seybold
  • Patent number: 5018697
    Abstract: A hanger for suspending objects (framed pictures, knickknacks) for use on building interior wall surfaces of semi-permeable composition such as drywall. The hanger attaches to drywall by a straight pin instead of nails or screws, thereby dramatically reducing the hole size remaining when the hanger is removed. The hanger includes a body connected to a hanger inserter by a hinge. A pin is inserted in an aperture formed through the body. The head of the pin is positioned in a channel created by a recessed U-shaped arcing groove in the inserter. The groove has a concave curvature matching the convex curvature of the pinhead. By applying force to the inserter push surface, the inserter rotates downward about the hinge and the pin penetrates the drywall. The hanger is used for suspending objects on a wall surface. The hanger is removed by pulling upward and away from the wall by gripping the body side surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventors: David H. Treanor, Tracy B. Treanor
  • Patent number: 4967993
    Abstract: A support bracket for an artwork frame comprising a first arm which is permanently secured to the frame by screws and has an eyelet to receive a picture wire, and a second arm which may project from the first arm to receive a securing bolt or other fastener through a hole at the distant end thereof. The second arm is thus used to secure the artwork during transport and/or for securing the artwork to the wall. The second arm may be pivoted as to be located behind the frame when the artwork is mounted, or removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Neil Wilson
    Inventor: Neil Wilson
  • Patent number: 4883247
    Abstract: A picture hanger having a T-shaped wall mount member for fastening to a wall and a picture mount member for fastening to a picture frame or the like, the T-shaped wall mount member having a pendulum member for determining horizontal level of the T-shaped wall mount member on the wall and being connectable to the picture mount member and attached picture frame or the like to form an assembly; and the method of using the picture hanger by mounting the assembly on the wall temporarily at an approximate desired location, separating the picture mount member and attached picture frame from the T-shaped wall mount member, leveling the T-shaped wall mount member on the wall to establish an exact desired location and re-forming the assembly by securing the picture mount member and picture frame to the T-shaped wall mount member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Neil H. Crandall
  • Patent number: 4874446
    Abstract: A method of making a jewelry display card includes the steps of welding a plastic hanger member on the rear side of a plastic card member so that the hanger member is spaced inwardly by at least approximately one-sixteenth of an inch from the perimeter of the card member, overlaying a foam pad on the front side of the card member, overlaying a flexible, plastic sheet on the foam pad and welding the flexible, plastic sheet to the card member along a welded seam which extends around substantially the entire perimeter of the card member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Plastic Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Elkin, Alfred A., Sylvestre M. Costa
  • Patent number: 4870725
    Abstract: A touch fastener component for flush-mounting a first planar surface to a second planar surface and comprising a piece of resiliently flexible material having one portion of touch fastener material attached to a surface thereof adjacent a center portion thereof and means for holding the piece of material in a foreshortened bi-stable state disposed over a hole in one of the surfaces and for allowing the piece of material to move between a first stable position arched over the hole and a second stable position depressed into the hole with the one portion of touch fastener material slightly below the one of the surface whereby it can grip the mating portion of touch fastener material disposed on the other of the surfaces to maintain the first and second planar surfaces flush with one another under a biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventor: John M. Dubowik
  • Patent number: 4858351
    Abstract: The invention relates to a securing arrangement for securing an article, for example a painting in a frame, to a wall or surface. Engagement means are provided and are adapted to be mounted on or secured to the article. Mounting means are provided and are adapted to be attached to a wall or surface to which the article is to be mounted. The mounting means includes a location portion, such as for example a bore. The engagement means passes into the location portion to locate the engagement means and article relative to the mounting means and wall or surface. In one form the arrangement includes locking means to prevent unauthorized or desired removal of said article from said wall or surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventors: Charles P. B. Sewell, Michael J. B. Sewell, Margaret I. Sewell
  • Patent number: 4858871
    Abstract: The clip of the present invention consists of a sheet which is made up of a first, second and third section. The first section contains a hole. The second sections forms an obtuse angle with the first section and has a central cutout. The third section is folded back along the second section such that the third section does not lie in the obtuse angle. The third section has two points for penetrating an object that is to be fastened by means of a hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Robert Romano
  • Patent number: 4840342
    Abstract: A standoff is provided for use with picture frames having extruded frame members with a rearwardly opening channel. The standoff is lockably engageable with the flanges of the channel and projects rearwardly therefrom so that when the picture is hung on a wall the standoff will engage the wall and space the picture a short distance away therefrom. The standoff has a central wall-engaging portion and a pair of flexible leg portions connected thereto. At the distal end thereof each leg portion has a hook portion for engagement with the flange of the frame member. The hook portion may comprise a groove or a shoulder. The standoff may be injection molded or extruded and is made from a non-slip, non-marring plastic or rubber material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Swenco Limited
    Inventors: Henry D. Sweeny, Antonio D. Sabbadin
  • Patent number: 4804161
    Abstract: A hanging device and method for picture frames or like objects wherein the device comprises a pair of spaced horizontally positionable prongs which are adapted to be secured in accurate horizontal alignment on a vertical supporting surface such as a wall. The prongs extend upwardly and outwardly from the wall and have upwardly extending points and may have downwardly and rearwardly extending cam surfaces so that a variety of different types of frame top moldings or other hanging devices are adapted to be efficiently engaged for supporting the hanging objects in a stable, non-skewing hanging position. By having the tips of the prongs project upwardly above the structure such as a bar by which the prongs are mounted, the object as hung is adapted to be engaged flat against a wall surface. The device is especially well adapted for supporting extruded aluminum picture frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: W. H. Wallo & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Wallo
  • Patent number: 4779368
    Abstract: A frame for displaying one or more photographs or the like on a wall has parallel front and back panels between which the photographs or the like may be disposed. The frame is suspended from a hook or other projection on the wall by a length of flexible filament which has end portions that extend through passages at opposite side regions of the back panel and engage the front panel. Consequently the weight of the suspended frame urges the two panels together and additional fasteners are not necessarily needed. All components including the front and back panels and the filament are formed of transparent material in embodiments where it is desired to de-emphasize the presence of a display frame and to simulate the appearance of photographs or the like that are directly attached to a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventor: James S. Thede
  • Patent number: 4777902
    Abstract: A combined information retrieval device comprises an elongated strip of material. A coating of an adhesive is applied to one surface of the strip. Holes are formed along the edges of the strip which are sized and spaced apart so they can be interlocked with the rings of the binder of a loose leaf notebook to identify and conveniently locate a page containing information that must be dealt with. Status indicting devices, in the form of loops which can be interlocked together, are interlocked with a hole in the strip. The adhesive holds the strip in position on a page in the binder to indicate both a page and a line on the page containing information that must be dealt with. The number of loops attached to the strip indicate the operations that have been completed and the next operation required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Inventor: Fernando E. Martinez
  • Patent number: 4775127
    Abstract: A member for mounting a suspension rail for hanging exhibits such as paintings is adapted to be secured to a wall near the ceiling by screws. The member has a base plate and a supporting projection extending horizontally from the base plate. The base plate has a pair of inclined surfaces at both sides of the supporting projection. The projection is formed with a horizontal slit to form an elastic piece to facilitate the engagement of the suspension rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Inventor: Masazo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 4722648
    Abstract: An adjustable back clip for mounting a shelf to a wall comprising a clip body and a drive pin. A hook member on the body receives a shelf wire. A stop is hinged to the body by an internal short plastic strap and is pivotable to block the open side of the hook member and to hide the head of the drive pin. Notches on the end of the stop reduce the width of the stop end and can receive a cross wire of a shelf. A wall anchor is integral with the clip body and has fingers laterally expandable when the drive pin is driven through the anchor. The fingers have transverse wall portions engageable by the drive pin to swing the fingers to substantially ninety degree angles to the axis of the drive pin and anchor. A web is in front of the transverse wall portions in the path of the drive pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Lee-Rowan Company
    Inventor: Charles F. Camilleri
  • Patent number: 4712761
    Abstract: A picture frame corner bracket is provided with a downwardly extending flange for parallel engagement with a trough that extends from an elongated wall mounting strip. The bracket includes an upper straight edge extending to a square upper corner that permit a self-alignment and accurate securement to each upper corner of a picture frame. The flange of the bracket is disposed parallel with the upper edge so that when the bracket is engaged with the wall strip, the picture frame will automatically assume the same alignment as the wall strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventor: Edward T. Wassell
  • Patent number: 4610489
    Abstract: A medicine cabinet assembly has a removable closure member which is readily installed to a cabinet body after the cabinet body has been secured to the wall by inserting a pair of downwardly depending mounting pins secured to the closure member into a correspondingly spaced and sized pair of apertures defined in hinge leaves secured to the cabinet body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: Kent Subsidiary of Kidde Inc.
    Inventors: Grant Dibert, Jr., David Shelton
  • Patent number: 4606526
    Abstract: A picture frame hanger according to the invention comprises a block of material, e.g. plastic, metal, or wood, having at least one lateral projection extending along one side thereof, to define a lip receivable into the inwardly-facing groove or channel of a picture frame which is hung thereupon. The said projection may be parallelepiped in form, e.g. of rectangular cross-section and of a thickness less than that of the block; or the projection may comprise a bevelled surface defined at one lateral side of the block, which bevel diverges in the direction opposite the support wall. Preferably the hanger includes both parallelepiped and bevelled projections on alternate edges to enable a wide flexibility in application of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Inventor: Fred Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 4572470
    Abstract: A non-removable hanger for a picture frame comprises a pair of flat hanger members having openings at each end, threaded fasteners for pivotably attaching lower ends of the hanger members to opposite vertical sides of the frames and threaded fasteners for attaching upper ends of the hanger members to the wall. The hanger members are attached to the wall after being attached to the back of the frame by rotating or pivoting the picture frame against the wall so that the ends of the hanger members are alternately exposed. The exposed ends are screwed into the wall. A spring lock engages the hanger members and prevents them from pivoting once the frame is mounted and positioned in its proper vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: David E. Siffert
    Inventor: David W. Siffert
  • Patent number: 4561617
    Abstract: A support device for displaying objects such as plates or framed pictures includes a mounting bracket attached to a support pole and a spring wire member for attaching the object to be displayed to the mounting bracket. The bracket includes a pole-engaging member with an inner surface generally conforming to the contour of the pole. The inner surface frictionally engages at least a portion of the outer surface of the pole. The pole-engaging member has a pair of legs, each with an outwardly extending tab portion. A connecting member engages the legs of the pole-engaging member proximate the tab portions with first and second slots securing the bracket in frictional engagement with the support pole. The connecting member also has at least one hook eyelet extending outwardly therefrom with an opening for accepting a portion of the spring wire member. The spring wire member has a pair of outwardly extending arms for attachment to the object to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Inventor: William E. Hafner
  • Patent number: 4557457
    Abstract: An attachment assembly for lockably but releasably securing a picture frame or the like to a wall surface. The assembly includes a plurality of bracket plates each having a keyhole opening for coaction with a respective headed fastener element secured to the wall surface, and a locking plate mounted for pivotal movement on one of the bracket plates between an unlocked position in which a mask opening in the locking plate unmasks the head portion of the keyhole opening, to allow passage of the head of the wall fastener element, and a locked position in which the mask opening unmasks the slot portion of the keyhole opening. The mask opening includes a edge surface that extends obliquely across the entrance to the keyhole opening slot portion in the unlocked position of the locking plate and coacts with the shank portion of the wall fastener to rotate the locking plate to its locked position as the shank portion advances into the slot portion of the keyhole opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Frame-Lok, Inc.
    Inventors: William Cockfield, Nancy Martin, Barbara Murray
  • Patent number: 4520984
    Abstract: An improved adjustable overhead sign bracket system of the type having: a supporting cable clamp, adjustment in the plane of a supporting cable for setting lateral angle of a sign, adjustment about a substantially vertical axis for setting direction in which a sign is to face, and provision permitting a sign to swing in the plane of the direction in which facing to lessen the magnitude of wind loads, provides improved access and swinging clearance at the adjustment about a substantially vertical axis, in the form of a centrally located vertical locking bolt as slim shank portion of an integral inverted "T" member, the lower, substantially horizontal portion of which is a compact sleeve for a pivot bolt providing for the swinging of a sign suspended from it by a sign frame having upward arms engaging the pivot bolt; for economy and versatility in wrenching operations and adjustment in fabrication if desired, the vertical locking bolt may be a conventional bolt with head welded to the sleeve, and a nut and back
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: Robert J. Rouleau
  • Patent number: 4510189
    Abstract: A Christmas tree ornament and Christmas tree is disclosed. The ornament is in the form of a card made of a rectangular support sheet with a hole through its center. A picture is supported behind the hole and a backing is supported behind the picture. The card has a support attached to one corner which is the top of the picture and a plurality of the cards are attached to the branches of the tree holding the picture in erect position and providing ornaments for the tree. The second embodiment is in the form of a front sheet and a back sheet hinged together along one edge. A picture display opening is cut out of the front or both the front and the back. Clear plastic domes are mounted in the display openings to cover pictures which are secured between the front and back sheets. Wire or string is passed through a small hole in the ornament to hang the ornament on the tree. The sheets may be a plurality in number and the ornaments may be hung from top inserts in another embodiment of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Inventor: Leroy Girard
  • Patent number: 4482121
    Abstract: A wall fastener for releasable attachment to a wallboard having an angled slot formed therethrough includes a one-piece, elongated, flat, resilient base plate having a substantially rectilinear first element which has opposite ends and at least one bore hole formed therethrough between the opposite ends thereof, a substantially rectilinear second element disposed at an acute angle to the first element, which has opposite ends, one end of which is integrally joined to one of the ends of the first element, and a substantially rectilinear third element. The third element has opposite ends, one end of which is integrally joined to the other end of the second element, and the third element is disposed at an angle to the second element which is substantially complementary to the acute angle so that the third element is substantially parallel to the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Inventor: Carl J. Fink
  • Patent number: 4466206
    Abstract: A picture frame for displaying graphics such as paintings, photographs, documents, diplomas and the like. The picture frame comprises a plurality of marginal frame members, a window affixed within the frame members, a hinged closure back panel with compression pads for pressing a graphic against the window and a pivotable latch member for holding the closure back panel in a set position. The latch member, formed in the shape of an arrowhead, also serves as means for mounting the picture frame to a hook or nail by a recess formed in one surface of the latch member. The recess is provided with converging sidewalls which guide the nail or hook to a top portion of the recess provided with increased depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Inventor: Roy N. Meadows
  • Patent number: 4437639
    Abstract: A self-adjusting picture hanger having a wall mount member fixedly attached to the wall which rotatably coacts with a picture mount member secured to the rear of the picture. In one orientation, the members are free to rotate with each other so that the picture seeks and maintains a true vertical position. In a second orientation, a key on the wall mount member engages a notch on the picture mount member to fix the picture in a vertical position. The wall mount member is provided with notches which accept a plumb line for easily orienting the wall mount member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Inventor: Alvin W. Stein
  • Patent number: 4392316
    Abstract: A ceiling suspended product display is shown for advertising sale product. The ceiling suspended product display a plurality of display panels suspended from a ceiling hook by suspension attachments. The display panels are interconnected by flexible hinges which permit the display panels to be folded into a compact package for storage and shipment. Upon arrival to the place of sale, the display panels may be unfolded to form a display and secured by twist ties. The ceiling hook is designed to be suspended from the rib of a false ceiling. A cord extends downwardly from the ceiling hook to a swivel. Three equal length chains are connected from the lower portion of the swivel and each of the chains are connected to eyelets in the display panels. The swivel permits the display panel to rotate under the influence of drafts in the store to attract the attention of the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Inventor: Paul D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4378926
    Abstract: For amusement, and for utility as an article hanger, a molded plastic body simulates the head end of a full-size railroad-rail-anchoring spike. The head end of a relatively small screw is embedded in the molded body to extend therefrom for perpendicular insertion into a wall or partition or door, to create the illusion that a large spike has been surface-defacingly driven into the wall. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the screw extends perpendicularly from the beveledly truncated head-end portion of the spike to create the illusion that the spike has been driven angularly downwardly into a vertical structure. A smaller body, simulating the pointed end of a spike, is similarly constructed for aligned positioning on the opposite side of a partition or door to create the illusion that the spike has been driven downwardly-angled entirely through its supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Inventor: Robert J. Hodack
  • Patent number: 4337915
    Abstract: A fastening device for being mounting on bricks in a brick wall wherein the mortar is recessed, the fastening device having hooks for hanging framed pictures and other articles. The device is constructed of a single piece of spring steel and has generally three functional parts: a central flat part which bears against one side of the brick and has the hooks extending from the other side which have been stamped to protrude outwardly from the central part; an upper bent part which has been bent over and around in a direction away from the direction that the hooks protrude through an angle, as seen from the side, in a range of 135.degree. to 225.degree. relative to the flat part and preferably about 180.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Inventor: William V. Cali
  • Patent number: 4315615
    Abstract: A hanger device for positioning an object and maintaining the object in a level manner with respect to a support structure is disclosed. The hanger is comprised of two sections, each of which has a plurality of legs with an extended section forming a recess with the remainder of each of the respective legs. The extended section of the first unit mates with the recess of the second unit in a complementary fashion to form a firm engagement to prevent the object from tilting and flying off the support structure when the second unit is attached to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Inventor: Victor Scocozza
  • Patent number: 4309016
    Abstract: A wall hanger is disclosed in which a bow tie arrangement having porous end portions is mounted on the back of a picture to be hung on a wall. The bow tie is made to adhere to the back of the picture by the penetration of adhesive through the porous end portions, thereby to give strength to the hanging system. In one embodiment the adhesive is applied through the porous end portion and onto the picture backing, with the adhesive applied separately. In another embodiment, a bow tie type hanger is made of preformed and stretched nylon. In a still further embodiment, the hanger includes two separated pad portions with a flexible member between the pad portions in which the flexible member is offset from the plane of the pads to permit engagement of a hook when the hanger is adhesively attached to the back of a picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Inventor: Robert K. Tendler
  • Patent number: 4233764
    Abstract: An improved fastening device particularly adapted for hanging picture frames of the type provided with a channel section therein comprises an elongate, unitary element having intermediate portions thereof fashioned into a torsional spring which is inserted into the channel and grips portions of the latter without the need for anchoring screws. One extremity of the element extends longitudinally into the channel and abuts at least one sidewall thereof to prevent rotation of the device on the frame while the other extremity of the element projects out through an opening in the channel and has a hook member formed therein to allow attachment with a picture hanging wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Assignee: The Colonial Spring Company
    Inventor: Stuart R. Small
  • Patent number: 4225108
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a display hanger particularly adapted for use in suspending signs or other displays from various types of ceiling. The hanger comprises a spade member adapted to be secured to a suitable location to the ceiling and a removable pin member from which the display may be suspended. In one embodiment the spade includes a threaded projection adapted to be threaded into a portion of the ceiling. In other embodiments, the spade may be secured to a plate having an adhesive coating provided thereon or alternatively the spade may be secured to a clip for attachment to support members of suspended ceilings. An installation tool and method of installation is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: The Stroh Brewery Company
    Inventor: Ralph J. Jaroche
  • Patent number: RE31799
    Abstract: Picture frame assembly comprising a frame element having inwardly facing, opposed, generally U-shaped grooves in its opposite sides and a similar groove in one end, and a rigid back plate slidably receivable within the grooves, and an integral hanging clip having a U-shaped retaining portion slideably positioned between one of the grooves and one of the edges of the back plate, a spacing portion and a hanging portion extending inwardly from the frame element, offset from the exterior of the back plate, for receiving an external hanging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: M. W. Carr & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne H. Paskerian