Adjustable hanger and kit incorporating the same

Abstract

An adjustable hanger is adapted to be secured to a surface to support and object. The hanger includes a support member with a longitudinal channel defining a raceway that is mountable to the surface. A slide member is slideably received in the raceway. Cooperative ratchet structures in the raceway and on the slide member engage one another to permit sliding movement in one direction but to resist sliding movement in the opposite direction. A hook is formed on the slide member to mount the object. A kit is disclosed to include a plurality of hangers, a level device and a flexible tape measure. Fasteners may also be included. A chart may be provided that is correlated to the width of the object, and the tape measure may be is color-coded to correspond to the chart.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to hangers that may be employed to mount objects such as, and without limitation, pictures, mirrors and the like to a surface. It is contemplated that such objects will be mounted to an upright support surface such as the wall of a room, a door, etc. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Throughout history, humans have sought to enhance their surroundings by the use of decorative items. Such items have included such diverse elements as wall paintings, tiles, tapestries and two-dimensional art, to name a few. In many instances, such decorative elements become a relatively permanent part of the environment in which they are placed, remaining on display for years on end. Such decorations may include framed artwork and photographs, to name a few, which are mounted on an upright surface such as a wall or door. In addition, mirrors, flat screen televisions and like are often mounted to such upright surfaces. [0003] In the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes an adjustable hanger that can be attached to a wall to support objects. The hanger has a support member with a channel for a slide member to move in and out. The slide member has ratchet structures that allow for sliding in one direction and preventing it in the other. The hanger can be adjusted after being secured to the wall to change the height at which the object is supported. The patent also includes a kit for hanging objects from a wall with the hanger and other accessories such as fasteners and a level device. The patent also provides a chart that correlates the width of the object to be hung with the recommended number of hangers and their spacing."

Problems solved by technology

These conditions often require the person trying to place the fixtures to remeasure multiple times. Inexact measurements themselves further exacerbate the problem.

Without a means to vertically adjust the nail or hook the only way to level the object is by trial and error.

Inevitably this trial and error process leaves a multitude of unsightly holes in the wall that also further weaken the wall.

This is particularly an issue when multiple pictures or objects are to be hung from the wall at a consistent level.

Since the human eye is very good at detecting slight misalignments and differences in height, misalignment of an ensemble of pictures or objects at differing levels and angles may be more annoying than aesthetically pleasing.

Even careful measurement from the floor does not resolve this problem because picture frame wires vary in where they are attached to the frame as well as in length.

Therefore, it is nearly impossible to hang a row of pictures at the same height on the first try.

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