Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to articles useful for mounting articles, and more particularly a rotatable apparatus for mounting pictures, frames, artwork and the like to a wall.

Background

[0002] Hanging pictures or other items on a wall often requires precise measurements to ensure that the picture is level, or that two pictures are aligned. Hanging a picture usually involves attachment means (e.g. , nails, screws hangers, or hooks) that secure the picture to a wall. Numerous attachment mechanisms exist. Conventional picture hangers often include a hook that is fastened to the wall. Such hooks typically curve upwards and are configured for receiving a support bracket of a picture frame or piece of art.

[0003] However, there are problems with the traditional method of hanging pictures. Many attachment mechanisms require expensive or cumbersome tools for insertion. Others are able to hold only a prescribed weight such that if you wish to hang initially a light item, and then later replace it with a heavier item, you must then remove the existing picture hanger and replace it with a different one that can accommodate the heavier weight. Some attachment mechanisms come out of the wall too easily, or fall out if not applied properly or if used to hang a heavy item. And, depending upon what type of backing hardware is on the back of the picture or item to be hung, a user might need to choose a different wall hanger to accommodate the hardware on the item to be hung.

[0004] Another problem is that when the user wants to place a picture in a precise position on a wall, it may be difficult because the hook(s) on the picture frame do not line up directly with where the nail or screw is located. Additional problems exist when trying to align two different pictures, because hooks on different picture frames are not in the same location on the frame with respect to the top of the picture frame. This presents a problem because merely aligning nails on a wall does not guarantee that the pictures themselves will be aligned with each other. Figuring out where to put a nail or screw into a wall is therefore often times-consuming and tedious.

[0005] Additional problems with hanging pictures in the standard way are related to how large pictures are hung on walls. Large pictures often have multiple hooks on the frame to distribute the weight of the picture. Consequently, a user must use multiple nails or hooks, creating numerous damaged locations to the wall. Further, the user has to get the multiple nails or hooks exactly level in order for the item to be hung to be level when hung, which can be a challenging and frustrating task.

[0006] Currently, the standard way to reposition a picture that is not level or at a proper height, is to take the picture off of the wall, then remove the nail or screw from the wall, then place that nail in a different location, re-hang the picture, and determine whether the picture is at the desired height. If the picture is not at the desired height, repeat the process all over again. This process of aligning and leveling pictures through trial error is time consuming, produces unnecessary holes, and reduces wall strength that might ultimately need to be repaired.

[0007] Some hangers have been designed that attempt to overcome at least some of the above mentioned problems. U.S. Patent No. 5,695, 147 to Zimmerman describes an adjustable hanging device that controls the length of a flexible line fixed at both ends for hanging objects by means of a rotatable body that can length or shorten a hanging wire, thereby shifting a picture up or down on a wall. U.S. Patent No.

6,666,425 to Ferguson describes a vertically-adjustable picture-hanger having a body with a plurality of vertically arranged teeth and an adjustable bracket such that the picture can be placed on any one of the vertically arranged teeth. U.S. Patent No. 8,061,054 to Rabin describes an adjustable picture-hanging device with an elongated strap and a pair of spaced sliders to enable marking spots on a wall for facilitating leveling of a picture to be mounted. U.S. Patent No. 6,572,067 to Kamenstein describes an adjustable picture -hanging hook having a gear coupled to a hook that can adjust a picture horizontally or vertically. U.S. Patent No. 4,892,284 to Kelrick describes an adjustable hanger having a rack and pinion for continuously moving an object horizontally and a treaded screw for continuously moving the object vertically.

Summary

[0008] The inventors of the present application recognized that there is a need for a system that is easy to use, does not necessarily need any tools to use, relatively inexpensive, provides secure hanging of items that come with various backing hardware configurations, and allows a user to quickly and accurately adjust the position of a picture with ease.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously address some or all of the above limitations on existing wall hanging devices. For example, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mounting apparatus having at least one of the following advantages: ( 1) is easier to hang; (2) is damage-free to walls; (3) allows for adjustment and leveling during application without requiring removal from the wall; (4) eliminates the need to use the hanger on the back of the frame/artwork to be hung, permitting the user greater ease and flexibility in mounting the item; (5) permits rotation of the item to be hung; and (6) provides improved load bearing capacity with a single device.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mounting device for hanging an object such as a picture or mirror that allows a picture (or item to be hung) to be adjusted after securing the picture-hanging device to a wall. This permits easier leveling of the item to be hung as well as potentially adjustment of the orientation of the item after installation of the mounting device.

[0011] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mounting device, comprising: a first portion including a protrusion; and a second portion including a receptacle capable of mating to the protrusion of the first portion; wherein at least one of the first and second portions includes a load bearing geometry; and wherein the first and second portions are capable of being mated together and, when mated, are able to rotate around a common axis. [0012] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of preparing a mounting device capable of holding an article on a wall, comprising: providing (1) a first portion including a protrusion and (2) a second portion including a receptacle into which the protrusion of the first portion can mate, wherein at least one of the first and second portions includes an angular load bearing geometry; and joining the first and second portions together such that the protrusion fits within the receptacle such that, when mated, the first and second portions are able to rotate around a common axis.

[0013] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a kit, comprising: a first portion including a protrusion; a second portion including a receptacle into which the protrusion of the first portion can mate; mechanical or adhesive fasteners capable of mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing one of the first and second portions to a wall; and mechanical or adhesive fasteners capable of mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing one of the first and second portions to a frame, photograph, piece of art, or the like; wherein at least one of the first and second portions including an angular load bearing geometry; and wherein the first and second portions are capable of being mated together and, when mated, are able to rotate around a common axis.

[0014] In some embodiments, the protrusion and receptacle are each generally round or cylindrical. In some embodiments, the first portion includes one or more teeth around the protrusion. In some embodiments, the second portion includes detents around an outer side surface of the protrusion. In some embodiments, the second portion includes detents around an inner side surface of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the detents around the inner side surface of the receptacle and the teeth around the outer side surface of the protrusion positively engage each other to hold the first and second portions together in a static position. In some embodiments, the protrusion and receptacle provide an audible sound and/or physical feedback to the user when they are properly mated. In some embodiments, the mounting device is capable of being mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed perpendicular to a flat plane. In some embodiments, the mounting device includes adhesive strips on one of the first and second portions to permit the mounting device to be adhered to a wall. In some embodiments, the mounting device includes mechanical fasteners on one of the first and second portions to permit the mounting device to be mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed to a wall. In some embodiments, the mounting device includes adhesive strips on one of the first and second portions to permit the mounting device to be adhered to a frame, photograph, piece of art, or the like. In some embodiments, the first portion includes one or more reliefs around the protrusion. In some embodiments, the second portion includes detents around an outer side surface of the protrusion. In some embodiments, the detents around the inner side surface of the receptacle and the teeth around the outer side surface of the protrusion positively engage each other to hold the first and second portions together in a static position. In some embodiments, the protrusion and receptacle provide an audible sound and/or physical feedback to the user when they are properly mated. Brief Description of Drawings

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mounting device as generally described in the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing how the first and second portions are mated together.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mounting device as generally described in the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mounting device as generally described in the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a photograph of the front side of an exemplary embodiment of a mounting device as generally described in the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a photograph of the back side of the exemplary embodiment whose front side is shown in FIG. 7.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a photograph of the front side of a portion of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 applied to a wall.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a photograph of the back side of a portion of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9 applied to an item to be mounted.

[0025] FIGS. 11 and 12 are photographs of the front side of the mounted item shown in Fig. 10. The item can be rotated as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0026] The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0027] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. The scope of this disclosure, however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth or shown herein.

[0028] The adjustable picture-hanging devices of the present disclosure allow the user to fine tune the placement of a picture without having worry about the precise placement of the picture -hanging device. In some embodiments, the device also prevents unnecessarily creating holes in a wall. [0029] Figures 1-3

[0030] One exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-3 in which a mounting device 100 includes a first portion 1 10 (also referred to as "A") and a second portion 120 (also referred to as "B"). In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first and second portions have a generally square shape (although those of skill in the art will appreciate that many alternative shapes can be used such as, for example, a rectangle, a pentagon, a rhombus, etc.). First and second portions 1 10 and 120 can have the same or different shape. Each of first and second portions 1 10 and 120 have a thickness. Any desired thickness may be used. Exemplary desired thicknesses are between about 0.65 inch and about 0.125 inch. First and second portions can be made of any desired material, such as, for example, plastic.

[0031] In some embodiments, at least one of first and second portions 110 and 120 have a load bearing geometry. As used herein, the term "load bearing geometry" means that the construction or shape provides load bearing capacity. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the top minor surface 122 (or the first and second minor side surfaces 124, 126 or the bottom minor surface 128) of the first or second portion 1 10 or 120 has a shape or construction that is capable of holding the weight of an item to be hung. In this specific embodiment, the item to be hung rests on the top minor surface 122. In at least some embodiments, the mounting device has a greatly increased effective mounting area or target compared to traditional nails or hooks. Because the nails and hooks are relatively small in comparison to the item to be hung, obtaining perfect alignment of the nail/hook and the item to be hung is challenging. By increasing the size of the portion of the mounting device on which the item is hung (e.g., the size of the top minor surface as compared to a nail or hook), the user has significantly greater flexibility when positioning the mounting device on the wall and when positioning the item on the mounting device. Moreover, a minor surface of either or both first and second portions 1 10, 120 can be provided with an adhesive strip (as exemplified below) or other fastening surface to assisting in the mounting of larger or heavier items, such as wood engravings and canvases.

[0032] First portion 1 10 includes a protrusion 130 that extends outwardly from at least one major surface of first portion 1 10. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 1, protrusion 130 extends outwardly from front major surface 140 (which is opposite from back major surface 145) of first portion 1 10. Protrusion

130 can have any desired thickness and diameter. In some embodiments, the thickness is between about

0.100 inch and about 0.380 inch. In some embodiments, the diameter is between about 1 inch and about 4 inches. In some embodiments, protrusion 130 occupies at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least

60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of the total area of first portion 1 10. In some embodiments, the thickness of protrusion 130 is less than, equal to, or greater than the thickness of first portion 1 10. Protrusion 130 is shown as round in the specific embodiment of FIG. 1. However, the protrusion may have any desired shape such as, for example, round or cylindrical. As depicted, the protrusion 130 tapers as it approaches the front major surface 140.

[0033] Second portion 120 includes a first major surface 154 opposite a second major surface 156 and a receptacle 150 capable of mating to protrusion 130. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 1, receptacle 150 is an indentation of a similar but slightly larger shape and size to permit protrusion 130 to fit snugly within receptacle 150. In some embodiments, protrusion 130 can rotate within receptacle 150, so receptacle should be sized and shaped accordingly.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, receptacle 150 can be rotationally mated with protrusion 130 to attach first portion 1 10 to second portion 120. The resulting mounting device 100 can be rotated around axis of rotation 180.

[0035] In some embodiments, the mounting device provides the user with feedback when the device has been correctly or effectively mated. Any desired feedback mechanism may be used. Some exemplary feedback mechanisms include, for example, auditory or physical.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, protrusion 130 of first portion 1 10 includes a plurality of relief structures that extend outwardly from the outer perimeter surface of protrusion 130. FIGS. 1-3 show teeth 160; however, relief structures can be any design with a texture or protrusion (e.g., sandpaper) projecting from the outer perimeter surface. In some embodiments, receptacle 150 of second portion 120 includes a plurality of detents 165 into which teeth 160 fit. In some embodiments, detents 165 around the inner side surface of receptacle 150 and teeth 160 around the outer side surface of protrusion 130 positively engage each other to hold the first and second portions 1 10 and 120 together in a static position. In some embodiments, when teeth 160 fit into detents 165, there is an audible noise (e.g., click) and/or physical "click" that alerts the user to the fact that these two structures have been correctly or effectively mated. In some embodiments, the first and second portions index with one another. In some embodiments, teeth 160 are substantially evenly spaced. In some embodiments, the teeth are spaced between 0.5 and 3.0 mm from one another.

[0037] In some embodiments including teeth 160 and detents 165, the first and second portions 1 10 and 120 can be rotated in a ratchet-like manner to provide for easy leveling of the mounting device 100 (and thus the item to be hung). This can be done easily even after the mounting device 100 has been applied, attached, or mounted on the wall.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the teeth 160 are shown on the first portion 1 1 and the detents 165 are show on second portion 120. However, those of skill in the art will recognize that teeth 160 can be on either first or second portion (or on another portion of the mounting device); and detents can be on either first or second portion (or on another portion of the mounting device) as long as the teeth/relief structures and detents are aligned when the mounting device is assembled.

[0039] Figures 4 and 5

[0040] FIGS. 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment of a mounting device 200 generally as described herein. Mounting device 200 includes a first portion 210 and a second portion 220. First and second portions 210 and 220 have different shapes (second portion has a generally square shape) in the specific embodiment of Figs. 4 and 5. First portion 210 includes a receptacle 250 and second portion 220 includes a protrusion 230 that can be mated together as described generally above and herein. FIG. 5 is a cross- sectional view.

[0041] All of the features of the mounting device 200, first portion 210, and second portion 220 can be included in the embodiments that are similar to the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, one or both of the first and second portions in any of the embodiments described herein can include adhesive strips on one of the first and second portions to permit the mounting device to be adhered to a wall. Exemplary adhesive strips include, for example, any of the COMMAND™ brand products sold by 3M Company, including, for example, 3M's COMMAND™ picture hanging strips. In one embodiment, adhesive strips are adhered to a section of the first (or second) portion that will be adjacent to an item to be hung as well as to a section of the second (or first) portion that will be adjacent to the wall. Methods of applying, using, and forming adhesive strips as well as composition of these adhesive strips of this general type are described in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,672,402; 6,403,206; 7,781,056; 6,001471; 6,569,521; and 7,078,093, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0043] Alternatively, the mounting device includes mechanical fasteners on one of the first and second portions to permit the mounting device to be mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed to a wall

[0044] Figure 6

[0045] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a mounting device 300 generally as described herein. Mounting device 300 includes a first portion 310 and a second portion 320. First portion 310 corresponds to the easel backing 380 of a picture frame 370. The protrusion 330 on the easel backing 380 (i.e., first portion 310) can be made integral (i.e., the backing material and protrusion are monolithic) with the backing 380 or affixed thereto by, for example, the adhesive strips described above. Second portion 320 includes a receptacle 350 that can be mated together with protrusion 330 as described generally above and herein. While only a single protrusion 330 and corresponding receptacle 350 are shown, first portion 310 can also feature two or more protrusions in other embodiments of the disclosure (also with corresponding receptacles).

[0046] All of the features of the mounting device 300, first portion 310, and second portion 320 can be included in the embodiments that are similar to the specific embodiment shown in FIG.6. Such embodiments need not be limited to the mounting of a picture frame, as any item to be mounted can be provided with integral or coupled protrusion on a wall-facing surface. Such features may decrease the distance between the wall and the item relative to other embodiments described herein.

[0047] Figures 7-12

[0048] FIGS. 7-12 are photographs showing an exemplary mounting device construction following the general teachings herein. In FIG. 7, exemplary first and second portions 410, 420 (front view) are shown.

FIG. 8 shows the back side view of the first and second portions 410, 420 of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 shows the first portion 410 adhered to a wall. FIG. 10 shows the second portion 420 adhered to an item to be mounted/hung (a frame). The second portion of FIG. 10 is mated with the first portion of FIG. 9. The item to be hung is adjusted by rotating first and second portions relative to one another to achieve the desired leveling of the item to be hung. The resulting hung/mounted photo frame is shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 12 shows that the photo frame (or any mounted item) can be rotated along the axis of the mounting device even after it was mounted. This can provide practical (leveling) as well as aesthetic opportunities to the user.

[0049] Method

[0050] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of preparing a mounting device capable of holding an article on a wall, comprising: providing (1) a first portion including a protrusion and (2) a second portion including a receptacle into which the protrusion of the first portion can mate, wherein at least one of the first and second portions includes an angular load bearing geometry; and joining the first and second portions together such that the protrusion fits within the receptacle such that, when mated, the first and second portions are able to rotate around a common axis. In some

embodiments, the method further involves rotating the first and second portions relative to one another to properly mate them. In some embodiments, the method further involves rotating the first and second portions relative to one another until the portions make an audible sound and/or provide feedback to the user to confirm that they are properly mated. In some embodiments, the method further involves applying an adhesive strip to a back major surface of one of the first and second portions and mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing that first or second portion to a wall; and applying an adhesive strip to a front major surface of the other of the first and second portions and mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing that first or second portion to a frame, photograph, piece of art, or the like.

[0051] In addition to all of the various benefits described herein, the mounting devices described herein make hanging large items easier and allow for adjustment of the item to be level. In some embodiments, they permit the user to change the orientation of the item to be hung or mounted after installation of the mounting device. In some embodiments, the mounting devices are damage-free (to the wall and item to be hung). The mounting devices described herein are perfect for users who want flexibility. The mounting devices described herein provide easy adjustment by the user of the mounting device and article to be mounted even after these are both mounted on the wall. In some embodiments, the mounting described herein are capable of being mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed perpendicular to any flat plane.

[0052] The recitation of all numerical ranges by endpoint is meant to include all numbers subsumed within the range (i.e., the range 1 to 10 includes, for example, 1, 1.5, 3.33, and 10).

[0053] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," or "includes" and/or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0055] Furthermore, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top" and "front" or "back" may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another elements as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

[0056] All references to other materials made herein are meant to incorporate the reference herein in its entirety.

[0057] Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments and implementations without departing from the underlying principles thereof. Further, various modifications and alterations of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.