Multipurpose apparatus for mounting objects and repairing drywall

Abstract

A mounting apparatus includes a releasable adhesive layer and an engaging layer. In one embodiment the mounting apparatus includes an elongate support member having an attaching face comprising a removable protective layer and an adhesive layer that is exposed when the protective layer is removed. The engagable layer may include a face portion angled from the attaching face that is adapted to engage with another mounting apparatus. A system of the invention includes two spaced apart mounting apparatus that define a receiving track for receiving a mounting apparatus attached to an object to be mounted. The mounting system comprises a first engagable mounting apparatus track attachable to an object and a second track attachable to a wall. The first track and the second track cooperatively engage one another such that the object will be secured in a level orientation on the wall with the first and second tracks.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11 / 406,761, filed Apr. 19, 2006.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to mounting devices and systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a non-invasive mounting system that may be used for a variety of applications such as repairing drywall and mounting an object to a wall.BACKGROUND[0003]Drywall, also commonly referred to as wall board, gypsum panel, or sheetrock, is often used in homes, buildings, and other structures. Drywall is essentially a chalk-like gypsum pressed between layers of paperboard. Typically, sheets of drywall are nailed or screwed to a structure's framing with a plurality of sheets “hung” next to each other in an abutted fashion to form a wall. The gaps between the drywall sheets are then filled with joint compound or vinyl spackling commonly referred to as “mud.” When the mud dries the surface may be sand...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0025]Still further, the mounting member may be size adjustable. For example, the desired size of the mounting apparatus may be adjusted for the size or weight of the object to be mounted. To assist a user in obtaining a mounting apparatus of desired size-the mounting apparatus may be provided with measurement indicia and perforations. For example, perforations may be provided at predetermined intervals, such as by way of example and not limitation every inch so as to assist a user in quickly and easily separating the mounting apparatus at those points. A user can place the mounting member against the object to determine a desira...

Problems solved by technology

While drywall provides an aesthetically pleasing look, it is easily damaged when it is struck by an object and therefore often needs repair.

For example, drywall can be damaged when it is struck by a doorknob when opening a door or when it is struck by piece of furniture when moving the furniture.

A disadvantage of this technique is that the material generally produces a raised portion that must be heavily sanded.

Furthermore, such techniques only work for small holes and are inapplicable for larger holes because such a repair technique does not provide adequate support.

While this technique may work when there is framing located directly behind the hole that provides support for the plug, holes are often located where there is no framing on which to mount the plug.

Thus, providing sufficient support to the plug can prove difficult.

While the devices of the prior art are suited for their intended purposes, they are complex and often require special equipment.

They also often require that paper or other materials be provided atop the wall surface, thus producing an undesirable raised portion.

In addition, the prior art methods can be expensive, or limited to repairing holes of a particular size.

Furthermore, repairs by the methods of the prior art can result in a weakened area of the wall.

While it is known to mount an object to a wall using invasive hardware, such as by driving a nail into the wall to provide structure upon which to hang the picture, or screwing a bracket into the wall, such invasive mounting methods are often undesirable.

But the piercing of the wall can damage structu...

Images