BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

1000 J I The present invention is directed to a pin hanging system for track frames used to display photos, art work, objects, diplomas or any other item to be framed.

[0002] Conventional track frames used to frame art, photographs, .minors, diplomas or any other objects are known. These track frames are typically made of metal and represent multiple track ^' frame sections assembled together end-to-end forming a closed frame, typically in the shape of a rectangle or square.

[0003] Picture frames are generally hung from the wall using a wire. The use of a wire creates instability in the object being hung when the wire slides along the hook secured to the wall and/or the object bangs against the wall on which it is hung. Moreover, when hanging a framed object using a wire it is difficult to insure that it is level It is thus desirable to develop a hanging system and apparatus that eliminates the use or need for any wires and insures that the frame is level, stable and completely flush against the wall or other vertical sen-ice to which it is to be mounted, [0004] It would be further desirable to provide a hanging system that may be provided with but disassembled from a framed object at the time of purchase from a manufacturer, distributor, retail outlet, or any other individual or establishment. On-line retail market sales are increasing every year. Thus, shipment of the framed object with its hanging system is another concern from the standpoint of safety, increased weight and ease of assembly by the consumer once they receive the package. It would be desirable to develop a hanging system that may be shipped to the consumer disassembled from but with the framed object and easily assembled within the frame thereafter using onl tools commonly found in consumers homes. [0005] As previously noted, when shipped to the consumer the framed object itself is folly assembled. Therefore, it would be further desirable to develo a hanging system and apparatus that would not require the disassembly of any part of the assembled frame to install. That is, it would be desirable for the hanging system to be fully insertable into/fully removable from any desired location along the assembled track frame using conventional tools available in almost every home without having to disassemble the frame or necessarily remove the pin hanger from the track frame. Summary ^

[0006] The present invention is directed to an inventive hanging system for an assembled framed object to be hung on a wall or other surface that solves the aforementioned problems.

[0007] An aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for hanging a framed object that includes a pin hanger comprising: a neck section having a top surface and a width defined by two outer lateral edges defining a single step down transition region; an intermediate shoulder section having a width defined by two outer lateral edges extending outward beyond that of the outer lateral edges of the neck section forming substantially planar ledges; and an inward tapered section starting from the outer lateral edges of the intermediate shoulder section and terminating i a substantially planar bottom surface that is substantially parallel to the top sur face of the neck section; outer lateral edges of the inward tapered section are angled relative to the outer lateral edges of the intermediate shoulder section at an angle less than 90 degrees. A pin projects from the top surface of the neck, section at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the top surface of the neck section. Defined in the pin hanger is a hole extending from the to surface of the neck section to the bottom surface of the tapered section with a screw receivable within the hole.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for hanging a framed object t a surface using the system in accordance with the system in the preceding paragraph. Initially, the pin hanger is positioned at a desired location along the track frame section with a pointed end of the pin facing outward away fr om the track fr ame section. Prior to insertion into the opening, the pin hanger is oriented so that the outer lateral edges the neck section are substantially aligned with terminating edges of the shoulders of track frame section; in this position, the intermediate shoulder section prevents the pin hanger from being fully insertable into the opening of the track frame section. Then one side of the in hanger is rotated until one of the outer lateral edges of the intermediate shoulder section is insertabie via the opening into the track frame section and an associated Sedge of the intermediate shoulder section parailei to the top surface of the neck section is received beneath an associated shoulder of the track frame section of the same side. That side of the pin hanger inserted into the opening of the track frame section is shifted towards an interior surface of a side wall of the track frame section. While the one side ledge is maintained within the track frame section beneath the associated shoulder on the same side, the opposite side of pin hanger is rotated by

substantially a same amount in an opposite direction relative until an opposing outer edge of the intermediate shoulder section clears the corresponding shoulder passing through the opening into the track frame sectio whereby the pin hanger is fully inserted within the track frame section. Thereafter, t he outer edges of neck section are realigned with the sho ulders of the Mack frame section. The pin hanger is pulled until the ledges of the intermediate shoulder section are in physical contact with respective interior surfaces of the shoulders of the track frame section. Lastly, the pin hanger is releasably secured in plac within th track frame section at any desired location, Brief Descri tion of the Drawing

[0009] The foregoing and other features of the present: invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and drawings of illustrative embodiments of the invention wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the several views and in which:

[0010] Figur 1A is a rear view of an exemplary assembled pin hanger and track frame section in accordance with the present invention assembled within a metal track frame section; [001 1 ] Figure IB is a front view of the assembled pin hanger and track frame section of Figure 1 A; [0012] Figure !C is side view of the assembled pin hanger and track frame section of Figure 1 A;

[0013] Figure ID is an. end vie of the assembled pin hanger and track frame section of Figure 1A;

[0014] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the pin hanger in accordance with the present invention; [0015] Figure 2B is a side view of the pin hanger of Figure 2 A;

[0016] Figure 2C is a fron t view of die pin hanger of Figure 2A;

[0017] Figure 2D is an end view of the pin hanger of Figure 2 A;

[0018] Figure 2E is a back view of the pin hanger of Figure 2A;

[001.9] Figure 3.A is a front view of a prior art track frame section; [0020] Figure 3B is an end view of the prior art track frame section of Figure 3 A;

[0021] Figures 4A - 4C are sequential drawings depicting each step in the process of installing the pin hanger in the track frame section in accordance with the present invention; and

[0022] Figure 5 is side view of the assembled pin hanger and frame mounted to a wail. Detailed Description of the invention

[0023] The present invention is directed to a pin hange sized and shaped to he received within a conventional standard size track frame section forming part of a frame (typically made of metal plastic or other rigid material) for an object or picture such as but not limited to a photograph, piece of art, diploma or any other item to be framed and hung on a wall or other surface. Figure 3A is a top view of a single piece of a standard metal track frame section 100. By way of illustrative example, the ends of four track frame sections 100 may be assembled together end-to-end forming a closed rectangular frame. However, other open or closed shape frames formed by any number of one or more track frame sections are contemplated and within the intended scope of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3B, track fram section 300 includes a substantially C-shaped channel with an L-shaped ledg projecting therefrom. The substantially C-shaped channel formed by a substantially planar bottom wall 105; opposing side walls 110, 1 10', each side wall is arranged substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 105 and substantially parallel to one another; shoulders 1 15, 1 15' extend toward one another substantially perpendicularly from the respective sid walls 1 10, 1.10' and substantiall parallel with the bottom wall 105, Terminating edges .1 16, 1 16' of the respective shoulders 1 .15, 1 15' are separated from one another by a edetermined distance DTI thereby forming an opening 120 of the substantially C-shaped channel. Opening 120 is defined in that surface of the frame that is in physical contact with the surface on which the object is to be mounted (e.g., wall). Each shoulder 1 15, 1 15 ^* has a height Hn (extending from its exterior surface 1 17, 1 17' to its interior surface 1 18. 1 1 8 ^* ) and a length LTJ (extending from terminating edge 1 16, 1 1 6' to an interior surface of the respective side wall 1 10, 1 10'). Still referring to Figure 3B, the track 100 defines an internal cavity 125 defined by in (height of the internal cavity, measured from an interior surface 118, 1 1 8' of the shoulder 1 15 to an interior surface of the bottom wall 105) and Ln (length of the internal cavity between the interior surfaces of the respective side walls 1 10, 110'). The object to be framed (e.g., a photograph) is typically disposed between a transparent plate and a lower supporting mat/substrate, which all together are secured within the upper L-shaped ledge portion of the track frame section and the bottom wall 105 of the substantially C-shaped channel.

[0024] Pin hange 200 is adapted to be received within and releasabiy secitrable at any desired position along the track frame section. 100 without having to disassemble the closed frame. Accordingly, the pin hanger may be retrofit to a preassembled closed frame without ha ving to disassemble the frame. The pin hanger in accordance with the present invention is therefore particularly well suited to be retrofit with assembled frames having no open terminating end,

[0025] Referring to the end view in Figur 2D, pin hanger 200 includes a pin 215 having a pointed end 216 and an. opposite end projecting from a substantially planar top surface 205 of a neck section 220. The pointed end 216 allows the hanger to puncture the wall on which the object is to be hung by simply pressing firmly. At every point in an axial direction, the pin preferably has a circular cross-section. With the exception of the pointed end 216, at every point in an axial direction pin 215 preferably has a substantially uniform diameter circular cross-section. The circular cross-section of the pin allows it to be inserted into a variety of surfaces such as wood, metal, cement, dry wall, etc. If the surface into which the pin is to be inserted is significantly hard as to preclude insertion by mere pushing, a pilot hole may be predriiled into the surface. [0026] Instead of using a pin having a circular cross-section at al! times in an axiai direction, a two-dimensional prone having a non-circular cross-section and terminatina in a pointed end may be stamped or stock from the material that forms the hanger itself. Due to its non- circular cross-section, the prong embodiment is restricted in use to hanging the framed object in drywall and not able to bold as much weight as the pin embodiment Such stamped prong preferably has a uniform width with the exception of its pointed end. Once stamped from a metal plate, the manufactured prong may thereafter be mounted to the top surface 205 of the neck section 220.

[0027] The pin hanger may be any desired longitudinal length so long as it does not exceed the longitudinal length of the track frame section 100 into which it is to be received, in a lateral direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) the top surface 205 of the neck section 220 has a length Lm. In order to maximize stability by minimizing any movement of the hanger 200 when assembled within the track .frame section. 100, the length Lm of the top surface 205 of the neck section 220 is preferably approximately equal to the distance D-π in a lateral direction of opening 120 of the substantially C-shaped track. Outer lateral edges 222, 222' of the neck section 220 define a single step down transition of a height ¾.ι to an mtennediate shoulder section 225. The height %i of the neck section. 220 is preferably substantially equal to the height Hn of the shoulders 1 15, 115' so that when assembled the top surface 205 of the neck section 220 of the hanger 200 is substantially flush with the exposed outer surfaces 1 1 7. .1 1 7' of the shoulders 1 1 5, .1 .15' of the track frame section 100. This allows the assembled hanger and frame to be flush with the wall or other surface on which it is hung, hi turn, outer lateral edges 223, 223 ' of the intermediate shoulder section 225 extend outward in a lateral direction relative to the outer lateral edges 222, 222 ^' of the neck section 205 forming substantially planar ledges 226, 226' having a length LH2 that is less than LTI (the length of the respective shoulders 1 15, 115' from its terminating edges 116, 1 .16' to where it reaches the interior surface of the side walls 1 10, 1 10'). Preferably, the top surface 205 of the neck section 220 is substantially parallel to the substantially planar ledges 226, 226'. When the hanger 200 is assembled within the track frame section 100 with the neck section 220 secured between the shoulders 1 15, 1 15', a clearance exists between the outer lateral edges 223, 223' of the intermediate shoulder section 225 and the respective interior surfaces of the side walls 130, 1 10' of the track frame section 100. Th is clearance is sufficient so that when one of the later edges 223, 223' is in physical contact with the interior surface of the side walls 1 1 0, 1 10 ^* , by rotating or tilting the pin hanger 200 its opposiie edge 223, 223' is able to clear the terminating end 1 16, 116' of the shoulder 1 15, 115 ^* allowing the pin hanger 200 to be readily removed at any desired position from the track. Outer lateral edges 223, 223" of the intermediate shoulder section 225 have a height Hm- intermediate shoulder section 225 is immediatel followed by an inward tapered section 230 starting from the outer lateral edges 223 , 223' of the intermediate shoulder section 225 and terminating at a substantially planar bottom surface 210 that is substantially parallel with that of top surface 205 of the neck section 220. Each outer lateral edges 224, 224' of the inward tapered section 230 is defined b an angle |3 (Figure 2D), preferably approximately 45 degrees, relative to a plane defined by respective outer lateral edges 223, 223 ^* of intermediate section 225. Bottom surface 210 has a length L¾ in a lateral direction that is less than, the opening 120 of the substantially C-shaped track, most preferably less than the distance Lm of the neck section 220. The inward tapered section 230 has a height Sections 220, 225, 230 as well as the pin 215 may be formed as a integral unit or separate pieces secured or attached together. Preferably, sections 220, 225, 230 are a single integral unit may of the same material. [0028] A hole or aperture 235 is defined in the pin hanger .200 extending therethrough between top surface 205 aud bottom surface 210. with an axial direction of the hole being oriented substantially perpendicular to these surfaces. A set screw 240 or other releasable securing hardware is received within the hole or aperture 235 temporaril securing the pin hanger 200 in place at any desired position along the track frame section 100. When the set screw 240 is screwed in tightly securing the pin hanger in place die terminating end of die set screw, opposite its head, extends physically beyond the bottom surfac 210 of the pin hanger 210 and is in physical contact with an interior surface of the bottom wall 105 of the substantially C-shaped channel,

[0029] Fin 215 is disposed at an angle a of less than. 90 degrees with respect to top surface 205. This acute angle assists in drawing the frame flush against the wall. The angle a may be between approximately 50 degrees and approximately 80 degrees. Preferably, the angle a is between approximately 75 degrees and approximately 80 degrees. Most preferably, angle a is approximately 75 degrees. Pin 215 is non-raoveably mounted to the neck section.

[0030] Figures 4A-4C illustrate sequential steps in assembly of the pin hanger 200 within the track frame section 100. To assemble the pin hanger 200 securely within the track frame section 100 prior to hanging the framed object on the wall or other surface, the hanger 200 is first arranged with the pointed end 216 of the pin 21.5 facing outward away from the bottom wall 105 of the substantially C-shaped channel During assembl the pin hanger 200 may be easily held by the pin 2 5. Prior to insertion into the opening 120 of the substantially C- shaped channel, the hanger 200 is oriented so that the outer lateral edges 222, 222' of the neck section 220 are substantially aligned with the respective terminating edges 116, 116' of the shoulders 1 15, 115 ^* of track 100, At this point in time, the enlarged intermediate shoulder section 225 (whose width in a lateral direction exceeds that of the opening 120 of the track 100} prevents hanger 200 from being fully inserted into the opening 120 of the track 1 0. To realize full insertion, the one side of the hanger 200 is tilted or rotated until one of the outer lateral edges 223, 223 ' of the intermediate shoulder section 225 is insertable via the opening 120 into the internal cavity 125 and the associated ledge 226, 226' is received beneath an associated shoulder 115, 115' on the same side. Preferably, the pin hanger is rotated approximately +/ ^« 45 degrees to enter the track frame channel. The side of the hanger 200 inserted into the internal cavit 125 is shifted so that the associated outer lateral edge 223, 223' on the same side physically comes closer, possibly even physically contacting, the interior surface of the side wall 0, 1 10' of the track. While the one side ledge 226, 226' is maintained within the internal cavity 125 beneath the shoulder 1 15, 1 15' on the same side, the opposite side of hanger 200 is tilted or rotated substantially the same amount in an opposite direction relative to the longitudinal axis until the other outer edge 223, 223' of the intermediate section 225 clears the associated terminating end 1 16, 1 16' of the corresponding shoulder 115, 1 15', At tins point in time, the hanger 200 is fully inserted with the inward tapered section 230, intermediate shoulder section 225 and neck section 220 all received within the internal cavity 125 of the track 100. Once fully inserted, the outer edges 222, 222' of neck section 220 are substan tially realigned in a longitudinal direction with the terminating ends 116, 1 16' of the shoulders 1 15, 1 15' of the track. Holding on to the pin 215, the user moves the hanger 200 upwards (in a direction away from the bottom wail 105) from the track until the ledges 226, 226' of the intermediate shoulder section 225 are in physical contact with the respective interior surfaces 118, 118' of the shoulders 115, 1 15', in this position, rocking movement of the hanger within the track is substantially reduced or prevented by terminating edges 1 16, 1 16' of the shoulders 1 1.5, 1 15 ^* . Temporary positioning of the hanger 200 at a desired location within the track 100 is secured in. place by a set screw 240 or other equivalent mechanical device received within the hole or opening 235. When fully inserted, set screw 240 projects from the bottom surface 210 of the pin hanger 200 and rests against the bottom wail 105 of the substantially C-shaped channel thereby temporarily securin the hanger therein at a desired location.

[0031] Removal of the hanger 200 from within the track 100 follows a similar procedure in reverse. Set screw 240 is released from the hole or opening 235 by unscrewing it, preferably until it is at least flush with the bottom surface 210 of the pin hanger 200 so as not to be an obstruction during removal, of the pin hanger from the internal cavity 125 of the track -frame section.. While holding pin 215, the hanger 200 is pushed downward into the internal cavity 125 until the neck section 220 clears the opening 120. The pin hanger 200 is positioned so that one of the outer lateral edges 223, 223' is moved closer towards and perhaps in physical contact with the interior surface of the associated side wall .1 .10, 110'. Then the user tilts or rotates the hanger about its longitudinal axis until one of the opposi te outer lateral edges 223, 2.23' of the intermediate shoulder section 225 is able to pass through the opening 120. Once the one side of the pin hanger passes fully through the opening 120, the pin hanger is tiled or rotated about is longitudinal axis in an opposite direction until the other outer lateral edge 223, 223' of the intermediate shoulder section 225 is able to pass through the opening 120. Now that the hanger has been fully removed from within the track it may be relocated to a new position along the same or different track frame section,

[0032] Instead of removing the hanger from the frame, the pin hanger may be readily repositioned within the track frame section by simply releasing the set screw 240 and sliding the pin hanger 200 within the track 100 to a different location within the same track frame section . Repositionin of the hanger may therefore be realized by either sliding the hanger while being maintained within the interna! cavity or, alternatively, by removing the hanger from the track altogether and following the sequence of steps above at the new location. [0033] Once the hanger has been assembled and temporarily secured at a desired location within the metal frame, the assembly may readily be hung on the wall or other surface by simply push ing the framed object until the pointed end of the pin penetrates into the wall and the top surface 205 of the neck section 220 along with the exterior surfaces of the shoulders 1 15, 1 15' are all flush with the wall surface. Automatical iy, the hung framed object is level, stable (prevents rocking} and flush with the wall.

[0034] The present claimed invention has been illustrated and described with respect to a single pin hanger assembled in a metal track frame, it is, however, contemplated and within the intended scope of the present invention to use more than one pin hanger, with each hanger having its own associated pin, assembled in the same track frame section or different track frame sections that formed a closed assembled frame.

[0035] The measurements associated with the conventional trad frame are substantially standard. By way of illustrative, non-limiting example, the standardized measurements of the substantially€-shaped channel of the track frame section are typically as follows: Η·π is substantially 7/32"; H12 is substantially 5/32"; D-n is substantiall 3/8"; L-n is substantially 3/32"; j2 is substantially ½'\ Exemplary complementar size pin hanger measurements for such an. example standardized C-shaped channel are as follows: ¾) is substantially 7/32"; HH2 is substantially 5/32"; 1¾ is substantially 1/8"; LHI is substantially 5/16" ^* L¾2 is substantially 1/16"; LMA is substantially 5/1 "; a is approximately 75 degrees; and β is approximately 45 degrees.

The measurements of She L-shaped ledge portion of the track frame section have no bearing, whatsoever, on th scope of the present invention. As for the particular measurements of the substantially C-shaped channel section, these measurements may be varied, as desired. In such case, the corresponding measurements of the pin. banger may be appropriately varied to complement those of the substantially C-shaped channel section while satisfying the following conditions: (i) the hanger profile is specifically designed to be fully insertable within the within the substantially C-shaped channel only after tilting rotating in a longitudinal, direction from one side followed thereafter by its opposite side; (n) once inserted within the cavity of the channel, shifting of the hanger therein is prohibited by its complementary shape bounded between the terminating ends 116, 116'; {iiij once fully inserted within the substantially C-shaped track frame the pin hanger is releasab!y securabie therein at any desired location, along the track without having to be removed from th end of the track frame section or disassembie the closed frame; and (iv) when assembled and secured within the substantially C-shaped channel, a top surface 205 of the pin hanger together with the exterior surfaces 117, 1 17' of the shoulders 11 , .1 15\ all rest, flush, against, the surface on. which the framed object is to be hung.

[0036] The present inventive hanging system may be retrofit, to preassembled framed objects h ving a substantially C-shaped track frame without having to disassemble the frame.

[0037] Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and change in the form and details of the device illustrated, and in then operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without: departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or steps that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results be within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from on described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated, it is also to be understood that the drawings are not necessaril drawn to scale, but that they are merely conceptual in nature. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

[0038] Every issued patent, pending patent application, publication, journal article, book or any other reference cited herein is each incorporated by reference in their entirety.