Laterally adjustable self-interlocking hanger system

Abstract

An object hanger system provides multiple features that may be used independently or in combination to hang a variety of objects to a hanging surface (24). Interlocking hanger bodies (27) (28) allow the user to select from a variety of hanger technologies including, among others, two point, three point, or four point hanging systems. The hanger invention may comprise a hanger body (1) with an edge having a beveled surface (5) and a compression element (6) to resist movement of the interlocked hanger bodies.

Description

I. TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] Generally, a hanger system that provides adjustable securement of objects to a hanging surface. Specifically, a hanger that may be used independently, interlocked with itself, or with other types of securement hardware or mechanical fasteners to hang objects. II. BACKGROUND [0002] Hanging objects so that they are positioned correctly can be a difficult, frustrating, and time consuming task. “A little to the left. No just a bit to the right. There. No wait. Just a teensy bit to your right.” And so forth, until satisfaction is achieved. Or not “Oh just leave it!” For centuries people have been hanging a wide variety of objects such as fine art, mirrors, furniture, knick knacks, framed items, or the like to surfaces. At one time or another nearly every person will use a hanger to secure an object to a surface. Because there is a large commercial market for hanger devices, the manner of securing objects to surfaces has taken a variety of forms. In spite of the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a hanger system that helps to hang objects in a desired orientation. The system has various features such as dual point hanging, interlocking, and compression elements to resist displacement of the hung object. The system can be used with different types of hangers and can be adapted for various hanging applications. The technical effects of the invention include improved stability, adjustability, and compatibility with different types of hangers."

Problems solved by technology

Hanging objects so that they are positioned correctly can be a difficult, frustrating, and time consuming task.

In spite of the variety of hanger devices available to the consumer, substantial problems remain unresolved with respect to providing an object hanger that maintains objects in the desired orientation with respect to the hanging surface, and with respect to providing an object hanger that has a multiplex of hanger technologies in a single hanger device.

A significant problem with conventional hanger devices may be that the suspension element is responsive to a single point hanger.

If the object must be level with the horizon or parallel with an architectural line of a room (such as, the ceiling or floor) or other feature to which the object's orientation is made relative, it can be extremely difficult to find and position the exact portion of the suspension element that must be responsive to the single point hanger to orient the object properly.

Another significant problem with conventional hanger devices may be that they do not provide lateral or vertical adjustment of the object after it is hung.

The single point hanger typically does not allow for any other type of adjustment, such as lateral or vertical adjustment of the object.

Other configurations of hanger devices, such as the hanger device disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,117, hereby incorporated by reference, which may stabilize the orientation of objects relative to the hanging surface by providing rotatably adjustable interlocking pieces do not provide a manner of further adjustment of the object laterally or vertically.

Another significant problem with conventional hanger devices may be that the hanger devices do not provide sufficient compression of the suspension element or interlocking components to provide sufficient resistance to movement of the hung object.

With respect to conventional single point hangers, insufficient friction may be placed on the suspension element to maintain the object in the desired orientation once hung.

With respect to other types of hangers, the weight of the object may be insufficient to develop sufficient frictional forces between conventional hanger components to maintain their relative positions.

Another significant problem with conventional hanger devices may be that they are comprised of multiple components designed to mate together have different configurations.

Moreover, these types of hanger devices may only function when mating these unique components together.

Additionally, these types of hanger devices may have only limited application.

Yet another significant problem with conventional hanger devices may be that they cannot be used for a multiple applications.

Yet another problem with conventional hanger devices may be that they have too many components or may be difficult to use.

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