Self-levelling Toolless Wall Hanger

Abstract

A self-levelling toolless wall hanger for supporting articles on a vertical flat surface, comprising: a generally block-shaped rectangular ledge; a generally block-shaped rectangular base portion positioned on top of and along a length of the ledge, comprising an insert molded fastener for securing the base portion to the vertical flat surface; a generally block-shaped rectangular lip positioned on top of and along the first length of the ledge and spaced a first distance from the base portion; wherein the fastener is positioned in the base portion above the ledge, thereby enabling the wall hanger to rotate about the fastener and thereby self-level when the lip is engaged.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None.STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.BACKGROUND

[0003] The embodiments of the present invention satisfy the needs of having a better self-levelling toolless wall hanger.

[0004] Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,510, which is not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by its mention in this Background Section. However, it is desirable to have a better apparatus and / or method than is disclosed in the reference.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,510 discloses and claims a wall hanger with a first fastener positioned above a ledge, but it also claims a second fastener below the ledge, which prevents the wall hanger from rotating about the first fastener. It also claims a ledge with a radius of curvature which provides less stability than a straight ledge and complicates manual levelling. The fasteners are not insert molded and so fastening the wall hanger to a wall requires a tool such as a hammer or screwdriver. The height of the front lip is low, so it provides less security than a higher lip.SUMMARY

[0006] The embodiments of the present invention are directed to a device that satisfies the needs set out in the Background section.

[0007] The embodiments of the present invention comprise a self-levelling toolless wall hanger for supporting articles on a vertical flat surface, in a first embodiment, adapted for holding a picture frame by a wire or wires, comprising:

[0008] a generally block-shaped rectangular ledge having a first length along a ledge longitudinal axis, a first width along a ledge latitudinal axis, and a first thickness; wherein the first length is greater than the first width and the first width is greater than the first thickness;

[0009] a generally block-shaped rectangular base portion positioned on top of and along the first length of the ledge; the base portion having a second length along a base portion longitudinal axis, a second width along a base portion latitudinal axis, and a second thickness; wherein the second length is greater than the second width and the second width is greater than the second thickness;

[0010] the base portion having at least one flat side for placing against the vertical flat surface, and an insert molded fastener for securing the base portion to the vertical flat surface;

[0011] a generally block-shaped rectangular lip positioned on top of and along the first length of the ledge and spaced a first distance from the base portion; the lip having a third length along a lip longitudinal axis, a third width along a lip latitudinal axis, and a third thickness; wherein the third length is greater than the third width and the third width is greater than the third thickness;

[0012] the lip adapted for receiving a hook or hanger wire;

[0013] wherein the first, second and third lengths are equal, and wherein the second and third widths are equal;

[0014] wherein the base portion comprises an interior surface adjacent the ledge, wherein the upwardly extending lip comprises an interior surface adjacent the ledge, wherein a terminal portion of the base portion interior surface is beveled, wherein a terminal portion of the upwardly extending lip interior surface is beveled; and

[0015] wherein the fastener is positioned in the base portion above the ledge, thereby enabling the wall hanger to rotate about the fastener and thereby self-level when the lip is engaged.

[0016] The first length is between 5 mm and 300 mm, preferably 25 mm.

[0017] The second width is between 5 mm and 80 mm, preferably 19 mm.

[0018] The second thickness is between 1 mm and 25 mm, preferably 3 mm.

[0019] The third thickness is between 0.5 mm and 25 mm, preferably 3 mm.

[0020] The first distance is between 0.5 mm and 50 mm, preferably 2.6 mm.

[0021] The ledge is planar along the base portion longitudinal axis.

[0022] The fastener is either a nail or a pin.

[0023] In a second embodiment for holding a picture frame by a sawtooth hook, a terminal portion of the base portion and a terminal portion of the lip each has a radius of curvature.

[0024] The first length is between 5 mm and 60 mm, preferably 19 mm.

[0025] The second width is between 5 mm and 30 mm, preferably 9 mm.

[0026] The second thickness is between 1 mm and 25 mm, preferably 2 mm.

[0027] The third thickness is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably 1.15 mm.

[0028] The first distance is between 0.3 mm and 15 mm, preferably 1.5 mm.

[0029] The ledge is planar along the base portion longitudinal axis.

[0030] The fastener is either a nail or a pin.

[0031] The radius of curvature is 37 mm.

[0032] In a third embodiment for holding a picture frame by sawtooth hook, the interior surface of the base portion comprises a first rib and a second rib, and the interior surface of the upwardly extending lip comprises a third rib and a fourth rib, wherein the first rib is positioned at a first outer edge of the ledge and the second rib is positioned at a second outer edge of the ledge, wherein positions of the third and fourth ribs are staggered between the first and second ribs, and wherein each of the four ribs is tapered and beveled; and wherein an outer edge of the base portion interior surface and an outer edge of the upwardly extending lip interior surface are both beveled.

[0033] The first length is between 5 mm and 60 mm, preferably 19 mm.

[0034] The second width is between 5 mm and 30 mm, preferably 9 mm.

[0035] The second thickness is between 1 mm and 25 mm, preferably 3 mm.

[0036] The third thickness is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably 1.15 mm.

[0037] The first distance is between 0.3 mm and 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm.

[0038] The invention also generally comprises a self-levelling toolless wall hanger for supporting articles on a vertical flat surface, comprising:

[0039] a generally block-shaped rectangular ledge;

[0040] a generally block-shaped rectangular base portion positioned on top of and along a length of the ledge, comprising an insert molded fastener for securing the base portion to the vertical flat surface;

[0041] a generally block-shaped rectangular lip positioned on top of and along the first length of the ledge and spaced a first distance from the base;

[0042] wherein the fastener is positioned in the base portion above the ledge, thereby enabling the wall hanger to rotate about the fastener and thereby self-level when the lip is engaged.

[0043] The hanger is self-levelling because, by positioning the fastener above the ledge, without an additional fastener below it, the hanger is able to rotate about the fastener and thus self-level when weighted. The hanger is toolless because the insert molded fastener enables it to be pushed into a wall. The beveled terminal portions help funnel a picture frame wire or hook into the recess, which is important as hanging a picture is usually a blind fit.

[0044] Regarding the first embodiment for holding a picture frame by a wire or wires, the beveled top and opening are exaggerated, relative to the other two embodiments, to facilitate accepting the wire or wires.

[0045] Regarding the ledge, in the first embodiment the planar ledge it contributes to stability by providing a longer zero-sloped platform for engaging a hanger wire or wires. Regarding the second embodiment, the planar ledge allows for small left to right movements of the picture in order to level the picture: since the width of the hanger is shorter than the length of the undulating portion of the sawtooth hanger that is fastened to a picture frame, then it is possible to make adjustments left to right because the sawtooth teeth are not caught up in a nail.

[0046] The width of the lip adds security by providing more of a gripping surface for a wire or for a hanger.

[0047] In the embodiment with the radius of curvature, the curvature facilitates capturing a sawtooth hook. The greater width down the lip enables a more secure grip on a sawtooth hook.

[0048] In the embodiment with the internal ribs, the staggered vertical ribs and beveled rib tops help funnel the sawtooth hook into the recess and hold it because a tight fit is required to secure the sawtooth hook.

[0049] These and other advantages will become apparent as the embodiments of the invention are used.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the method will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claim and accompanying drawings where:

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a front elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention,

[0052] FIG. 2 shows rear elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention,

[0053] FIG. 3 shows a left elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention,

[0054] FIG. 4 shows right elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention,

[0055] FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of a first embodiment of the invention,

[0056] FIG. 6 shows a bottom plan view of a first embodiment of the invention,

[0057] FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention,

[0058] FIG. 8 shows a front elevation view of a second embodiment of the invention,

[0059] FIG. 9 shows rear elevation view of a second embodiment of the invention,

[0060] FIG. 10 shows a left elevation view of a second embodiment of the invention,

[0061] FIG. 11 shows right elevation view of a second embodiment of the invention,

[0062] FIG. 12 shows a top plan view of a second embodiment of the invention,

[0063] FIG. 13 shows a bottom plan view of a second embodiment of the invention,

[0064] FIG. 14 shows a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention,

[0065] FIG. 15 shows a front elevation view of a third embodiment of the invention,

[0066] FIG. 16 shows rear elevation view of a third embodiment of the invention,

[0067] FIG. 17 shows a left elevation view of a third embodiment of the invention,

[0068] FIG. 18 shows right elevation view of a third embodiment of the invention,

[0069] FIG. 19 shows a top plan view of a third embodiment of the invention,

[0070] FIG. 20 shows a bottom plan view of a third embodiment of the invention, and

[0071] FIG. 21 shows a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.

[0072] Reference Numerals for Drawings:

[0073] 100 self-levelling toolless wall hanger

[0074] 110 base portion

[0075] 120 flat side

[0076] 130 fastener

[0077] 140 ledge

[0078] 150 upwardly extending lip

[0079] 160 terminal portion of the base portion interior surface

[0080] 170 terminal portion of the upwardly extending lip interior surface

[0081] 185 curved edge

[0082] 190 first rib

[0083] 200 second rib

[0084] 210 third rib

[0085] 220 fourth ribDESCRIPTIONDefinitions

[0086] Overmolding is a multi-step injection molding process where two or more components are molded over top of one another.

[0087] Insert molding is injection molding in which a secondary part is formed over a substrate. Insert molding utilizes a pre-existing substrate. A prefabricated part is inserted into a mold and a secondary layer is formed around it.Description of the Preferred Embodiment and Best Mode

[0088] As shown in the figures, the preferred embodiment and best mode of the present invention comprise a self-levelling toolless wall hanger 100 for supporting articles on a vertical flat surface, comprising:

[0089] a generally block-shaped rectangular ledge 140 having a first length along a ledge 140 longitudinal axis, a first width along a ledge 140 latitudinal axis, and a first thickness; wherein the first length is greater than the first width and the first width is greater than the first thickness;

[0090] a generally block-shaped rectangular base portion 110 positioned on top of and along the first length of the ledge 140; the base portion 110 having a second length along a base portion 110 longitudinal axis, a second width along a base portion 110 latitudinal axis, and a second thickness; wherein the second length is greater than the second width and the second width is greater than the second thickness; the base portion 110 having at least one flat side for placing against the vertical flat surface, and an insert molded fastener 130 for securing the base portion 110 to the vertical flat surface;

[0091] a generally block-shaped rectangular lip 150 positioned on top of and along the first length of the ledge 140 and spaced a first distance from the base portion 110; the lip 150 having a third length along a lip longitudinal axis, a third width along a lip latitudinal axis, and a third thickness;

[0092] wherein the third length is greater than the third width and the third width is greater than the third thickness; the lip 150 adapted for receiving a hook or hanger wire;

[0093] wherein the first, second and third lengths are equal, and wherein the second and third widths are equal;

[0094] wherein the base portion 110 comprises an interior surface adjacent the ledge 140, wherein the upwardly extending lip comprises an interior surface adjacent the ledge 140, wherein a terminal portion of the base portion interior surface 160 is beveled, wherein a terminal portion of the upwardly extending lip interior surface 170 is beveled; and

[0095] wherein the fastener is positioned in the base portion 110 above the ledge 140, thereby enabling the wall hanger to rotate about the fastener 130 and thereby self-level when the lip 150 is engaged.

[0096] The interior surface of the base portion 110 comprises a first rib 190 and a second rib 200, and the interior surface of the upwardly extending lip 170 comprises a third rib 210 and a fourth rib 220, wherein the first rib 190 is positioned at a first outer edge of the ledge 140 and the second rib 200 is positioned at a second outer edge of the ledge 140, wherein positions of the third and fourth ribs 210,220 are staggered between the first and second ribs 190,200, and wherein each of the four ribs 190,200,210,220 is tapered and beveled; and wherein an outer edge of the base portion interior surface and an outer edge of the upwardly extending lip interior surface are both beveled.

[0097] The first length is 19 mm.

[0098] The second width is 9 mm.

[0099] The second thickness is 3 mm.

[0100] The third thickness is 1.15 mm.

[0101] The first distance is 1.5 mm.

[0102] In a second preferred embodiment for receiving a sawtooth hook, a terminal portion of the base portion 110 and a terminal portion of the lip 150 each has a radius of curvature forming a curved edge 185.

[0103] Some advantages of the embodiments of the apparatus were previously enumerated in the Summary section. Every advantageous feature does not need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the apparatus and / or methods.

[0104] Although these versions of the invention have been described in considerable detail, other versions are possible. For example, embodiments can comprise combinations of the features described herein, such as combinations of the dependent claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the versions contained therein.

Claims

1. A self-levelling toolless wall hanger for supporting articles on a vertical flat surface, comprising:a generally block-shaped rectangular ledge having a first length along a ledge longitudinal axis, a first width along a ledge latitudinal axis, and a first thickness; wherein the first length is greater than the first width and the first width is greater than the first thickness;a generally block-shaped rectangular base portion positioned on top of and along the first length of the ledge; the base portion having a second length along a base portion longitudinal axis, a second width along a base portion latitudinal axis, and a second thickness; wherein the second length is greater than the second width and the second width is greater than the second thickness; the base portion having at least one flat side for placing against the vertical flat surface, and an insert molded fastener for securing the base portion to the vertical flat surface;a generally block-shaped rectangular lip positioned on top of and along the first length of the ledge and spaced a first distance from the base portion; the lip having a third length along a lip longitudinal axis, a third width along a lip latitudinal axis, and a third thickness; wherein the third length is greater than the third width and the third width is greater than the third thickness; the lip adapted for receiving a hook or hanger wire;wherein the first, second and third lengths are equal, and wherein the second and third widths are equal;wherein the base portion comprises an interior surface adjacent the ledge, wherein the upwardly extending lip comprises an interior surface adjacent the ledge, wherein a terminal portion of the base portion interior surface is beveled, wherein a terminal portion of the upwardly extending lip interior surface is beveled; andwherein the fastener is positioned in the base portion above the ledge, thereby enabling the wall hanger to rotate about the fastener and thereby self-level when the lip is engaged.

2. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 1, wherein the first length is between 5 mm and 300 mm.

3. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 2, wherein the first length is 25 mm.

4. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 1, wherein the second width is between 5 mm and 80 mm.

5. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 4, wherein the second width is 19 mm.

6. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 1, wherein the second thickness is between 1 mm and 25 mm.

7. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 6, wherein the second thickness is 3 mm.

8. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 1, wherein the third thickness is between 0.5 mm and 25 mm.

9. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 8, wherein the third thickness is 3 mm.

10. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 1, wherein the first distance is between 0.5 mm and 50 mm.

11. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 10, wherein the first distance is 2.6 mm.

12. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 1, wherein the ledge is planar along the base portion longitudinal axis.

13. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a nail.

14. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a pin.

15. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 1, wherein a terminal portion of the base portion and a terminal portion of the lip each has a radius of curvature.

16. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 15, wherein the first length is between 5 mm and 60 mm.

17. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 16, wherein the first length is 19 mm.

18. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 15, wherein the second width is between 5 mm and 30 mm.

19. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 18, wherein the second width is 9 mm.

20. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 15, wherein the second thickness is between 1 mm and 25 mm.

21. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 20, wherein the second thickness is 2 mm.

22. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 15, wherein the third thickness is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

23. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 22, wherein the third thickness is 1.15 mm.

24. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 15, wherein the first distance is between 0.3 mm and 15 mm.

25. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 24, wherein the first distance is 1.5 mm.

26. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 15, wherein the ledge is planar along the base portion longitudinal axis.

27. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 15, wherein the fastener is a nail.

28. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 15, wherein the fastener is a pin.

29. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 15, wherein the radius of curvature is 37 mm.

30. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of the base portion comprises a first rib and a second rib, and the interior surface of the upwardly extending lip comprises a third rib and a fourth rib, wherein the first rib is positioned at a first outer edge of the ledge and the second rib is positioned at a second outer edge of the ledge, wherein positions of the third and fourth ribs are staggered between the first and second ribs, and wherein each of the four ribs is tapered and beveled; and wherein an outer edge of the base portion interior surface and an outer edge of the upwardly extending lip interior surface are both beveled.

31. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 30, wherein the first length is between 5 mm and 60 mm.

32. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 31, wherein the first length is 19 mm.

33. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 30, wherein the second width is between 5 mm and 30 mm.

34. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 33, wherein the second width is 9 mm.

35. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 30, wherein the second thickness is between 1 mm and 25 mm.

36. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 35, wherein the second thickness is 3 mm.

37. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 30, wherein the third thickness is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

38. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 37, wherein the third thickness is 1.15 mm.

39. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 30, wherein the first distance is between 0.3 mm and 5 mm.

40. The self-levelling toolless wall hanger of claim 39, wherein the first distance is 1.5 mm.

41. A self-levelling toolless wall hanger for supporting articles on a vertical flat surface, comprising:a generally block-shaped rectangular ledge;a generally block-shaped rectangular base portion positioned on top of and along a length of the ledge, comprising an insert molded fastener for securing the base portion to the vertical flat surface;a generally block-shaped rectangular lip positioned on top of and along the first length of the ledge and spaced a first distance from the base portion;wherein the fastener is positioned in the base portion above the ledge, thereby enabling the wall hanger to rotate about the fastener and thereby self-level when the lip is engaged.

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