Wall Cleat and System for Hanging Items

Abstract

A frame mounting system for hanging frames on a wall surface includes a wall-mount cleat and a product-side cleat that is integrally-formed in at least one side frame rails of a frame during the manufacture of the frame. The two cleats are sized and shaped to selectively and snugly engage each other. A user simply mounts the wall-mount cleat level to a wall surface and then engages the product-side cleat with the wall mount cleat. An additional feature of the present invention is a flat surface that is formed in the frame rail adjacent to the integrally formed cleat. This flat surface is sized and shaped to receive and support a backing material by either staples or an appropriate adhesive to help protect the rear of the picture or painting.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 816,110, filed Mar. 9, 2020, entitled: “Wall Cleat and System for Hanging Items,” the contents of which are incorporated herein, in their entirety.BACKGROUNDa) Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention generally relates to hanging hardware and, more particularly to such hardware used to hang framed pictures and other items on a wall surface.b) Description of the Prior Art[0003]A variety of different types of hardware and hanging systems have been developed over the years to secure items to a wall. A seemingly simple task, yet each year improvements continue to be found. Typically, for lightweight picture frames, for example, a simple nail or screw in the wall can be used adequately for hanging. In such instance, the head of the nail or screw merely abuts against a portion of the frame, along an inside surface. With this simple arrangement, the nail or screw does not mechan...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a hanging system for picture frames that is easy to use and inexpensive. The system includes a wall-mount cleat and a product-side cleat that are integrally formed in the frame during manufacture. The two cleats snugly engage each other, allowing the user to securely mount the frame to a wall surface. Additionally, the frame has a flat surface adjacent to the cleat that can support a backing material for added protection of the rear of the picture or painting.

Problems solved by technology

This delicate balance of the frame on the nail or screw fastener is such that it is susceptible to shifting, tilting or possibly even falling from the perch at the slightest bump or perhaps during some event (e.g., an earthquake or the vibrations caused by a truck passing nearby).

For one picture frame, this is a relatively simple task, but if you're in the business of selling picture frames and assemble perhaps thousands of frames a week, then the time spent to install the D-ring hardware to each frame quickly adds up and affects the unit cost of each picture frame and the overall cost of doing business.

Other issues related to the use of D-rings include installation accuracy.

If the D-rings are not installed to the frame in close horizontal alignment with respect to each other, the user who mounts the frame to a wall will encounter difficulties in accurately positioning the wall-hardware (screws and anchors, or nails) so that they align with the D-rings and provide a level frame arrangement.

Unfortunately, keyhole brackets must also be accurately horizontally aligned and secured to the frame using screws and, as in the case with the D-rings, this takes time and time is a cost.

Although the French cleat system has a proven track record at effectively and safely supporting even the heaviest of frames to walls, the frame installer is still burdened with the task of accurately mounting the product side cleat to the back of the frame.

If the installer secures this product side cleat slanted or off-centered, the wall-mounted process will be difficult.

Another problem with French cleats is that they often require access to the inside edge of the upper member of the frame.

This is typically where the product-side cleat is secured since it is a strong part of the frame, but unfortunately it makes it difficult to include a backing paper to the frame.

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