U.S. patent application number 11/472001 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for angulated wall hanging device.
Invention is credited to Ian K. Rosen.
Application Number | 20060237380 11/472001 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35053146 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060237380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosen; Ian K. |
October 26, 2006 |
Angulated wall hanging device
Abstract
A wall hanging system includes an angle setting device or
element for adjustably supporting and/or positioning a wall hanging
or article, such as a framed picture, painting or mirror, or a
wall-mounted movie screen or television or the like, at an angle
relative to a generally vertical surface, such as a wall, when the
article is hung or supported at the wall. The angle setting element
may mount at the article or at the wall, and may be adjustably
mounted so as to facilitate adjustment of the angle of the article
relative to the wall. The wall hanging system thus tilts the
article relative to the wall to enhance the viewing experience for
a viewer by tilting an article toward the eyes or eye level of a
typical viewer so that the viewer's line of sight is more directly
toward the viewing surface of the article.
Inventors: |
Rosen; Ian K.; (North
Muskegon, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VAN DYKE, GARDNER, LINN AND BURKHART, LLP
2851 CHARLEVOIX DRIVE, S.E.
P.O. BOX 888695
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49588-8695
US
|
Family ID: |
35053146 |
Appl. No.: |
11/472001 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10962154 |
Oct 7, 2004 |
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11472001 |
Jun 21, 2006 |
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60521332 |
Apr 2, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/4208 20130101;
B65D 5/001 20130101; B65D 5/42 20130101; B65D 2207/00 20130101;
A47F 5/0006 20130101; B65D 2303/00 20130101; A47F 5/16 20130101;
A47F 11/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/052 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/14 20060101
A47F007/14 |
Claims
1. A wall hanging system for adjustably supporting an article at a
generally vertical support surface, said wall hanging system
comprising: an article configured to be supported at a generally
vertical support surface, said article having a front viewing
surface and a mounting surface; an angle setting element mounted at
said mounting surface of said article; a support element for
supporting said article at the generally vertical support surface;
and wherein said angle setting element extends from said mounting
surface and is configured to engage the generally vertical support
surface when said support element supports said article at the
generally vertical support surface, said angle setting element
spacing a portion of said article from the generally vertical
support surface so as to establish an angle between said article
and the generally vertical support surface.
2. The wall hanging system of claim 1, wherein said angle setting
element is selectively adjustable to selectively adjust said angle
between said article and the generally vertical support
surface.
3. The wall hanging system of claim 2, wherein said angle setting
element is movable along said mounting surface of said article to
adjust said angle.
4. The wall hanging system of claim 2, wherein said angle setting
element is pivotable relative to said mounting surface of said
article to adjust said angle.
5. The wall hanging system of claim 1, wherein said article
comprises a frame structure having a pair of opposite supporting
members, said wall hanging system comprising a pair of angle
setting elements with each of said angle setting elements being
mounted to said mounting surface of a respective one of said
supporting members.
6. The wall hanging system of claim 1, wherein said angle setting
element spaces a lower portion of said article from the generally
vertical support surface so as to establish an upward angle of said
article relative to the generally vertical support surface.
7. The wall hanging system of claim 1, wherein said angle setting
element spaces an upper portion of said article from the generally
vertical support surface so as to establish a downward angle of
said article relative to the generally vertical support
surface.
8. The wall hanging system of claim 1, wherein said angle setting
element spaces a side portion of said article from the generally
vertical support surface so as to establish a sideward angle of
said article relative to the generally vertical support
surface.
9. The wall hanging system of claim 1, wherein said angle setting
element is located remotely from said support element.
10. A wall hanging system for adjustably supporting an article at a
generally vertical support surface, said wall hanging system
comprising: an article configured to be supported at a generally
vertical surface, said article having a front viewing surface and a
mounting surface; an angle setting element mounted at one of said
mounting surface of said article and the generally vertical support
surface; a support element for supporting said article at the
generally vertical support surface; wherein said angle setting
element extends from one of said mounting surface and said
generally vertical support surface and is configured to engage the
other of said mounting surface and said generally vertical support
surface when said support element supports said article at the
generally vertical support surface, said angle setting element
spacing a portion of said article from the generally vertical
support surface so as to establish an angle between said article
and the generally vertical support surface; and wherein said angle
setting element is adjustable to selectively adjust said angle
between said article and the generally vertical support
surface.
11. The wall hanging system of claim 10, including a mounting
element configured to mount said angle setting element to said one
of said mounting surface and the generally vertical support
surface, said angle setting element being adjustable relative to
said mounting element.
12. The wall hanging system of claim 11, wherein said angle setting
element has an inclined surface at an end thereof, said inclined
surface being adjustably mounted to said mounting element.
13. The wall hanging system of claim 10, including an illumination
source for illuminating said article.
14. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting
element includes a wheel that rollingly engages said one of said
mounting surface and said generally vertical support surface.
15. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting
element is configured to move along a track, said track being
fastened to said one of said mounting surface and the generally
vertical support surface, said angle setting element being movable
along said track to adjust said angle between said article and the
generally vertical support surface.
16. The wall hanging system of claim 15, wherein said angle setting
element is selectively securable at one of a plurality of positions
along said track.
17. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting
element comprises a support arm and a mounting arm, said support
arm and said mounting arm being connected at opposed ends, wherein
said mounting arm is configured to attach to said one of said
mounting surface and the generally vertical support surface, said
support arm establishing said angle between said article and the
generally vertical support surface.
18. The wall hanging system of claim 17, wherein said support arm
and said mounting arm are pivotally connected at said opposed ends,
said support arm being pivotable relative to said mounting arm to
adjust an arm angle between said mounting arm and said support arm
to adjust said angle between said article and the generally
vertical support surface.
19. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting
element is mounted such that a bottom edge of said article is
spaced from the generally vertical support surface.
20. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting
element is mounted such that a top edge of said article is spaced
from the generally vertical support surface.
21. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting
element is mounted such that a side edge of the article is spaced
from the generally vertical support surface.
22. The wall hanging system of claim 10, wherein said angle setting
element is located remotely from said support element.
23. A method of supporting an article at a generally vertical
support surface at an angle relative to the support surface,
comprising: providing an angle setting device; attaching the angle
setting device to one of an article and the generally vertical
support surface; supporting said article at a generally vertical
support surface; and tilting said article relative to the generally
vertical support surface by said angle setting device extending
from one of said article and said generally vertical support
surface and engaging the other of said article and said generally
vertical support surface, said angle setting device spacing a
portion of said article from the generally vertical support
surface, wherein said article is displayed in a tilted
configuration to enhance a viewing angle of said article.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising adjusting said angle
setting device to adjust said angle between said article and the
generally vertical support surface.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein adjusting said angle setting
device comprises moving said angle setting device along said
article.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein adjusting said angle setting
device comprises pivotally adjusting said angle setting device
relative to said article.
27. The method of claim 23, wherein supporting said article
comprises supporting an article at a generally vertical support
surface via an angle setting device attached to the generally
vertical support surface and extending therefrom.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein supporting said article further
comprises supporting said article at a lower edge of said
article.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein supporting said article further
comprises selectively receiving a lower edge of said article in one
of a plurality of channels formed along said angle setting device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/962,154, filed Nov. 7, 2004, by Ian
K. Rosen, entitled ANGULATED PACKAGE AND DISPLAY SYSTEM (Attorney
Docket AME03 P-112A), which claims benefit of U.S. provisional
application, Ser. No. 60/521,332, filed Apr. 2, 2004, which are
hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices used to
hang and display articles on walls and, more particularly, to
devices for positioning displayed articles to enhance the viewing
of the articles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Articles hung on walls for viewing, such as pictures,
paintings, mirrors, pieces of art, wall-mounted movie screens or
televisions or the like, are generally hung such that they lie flat
on an essentially vertical surface, such as a wall or the like. A
common problem with this configuration is the unfavorable viewing
angle that is created when an article is not hung at a viewer's eye
level. However, in many cases, hanging an article above or below a
viewer's eye level cannot be avoided. For example, in art
galleries, retail stores, or even in the home, there may be limited
wall space for displaying such articles. If an article is displayed
below eye level, the viewing experience may be poor because of the
lack of illumination, or worse yet, the article may go unnoticed.
If an article is displayed above eye level, a viewer may view the
article at an undesirable angle, and the light from above the
article may cause glare on the article and thus detract from the
viewing experience. With some types of articles, the desired or
appropriate viewing angle may be substantially directed toward or
substantially perpendicular to the plane of the article (such as
some television screens and the like), or else the article may
appear dark to the viewer. Thus, it is undesirable to hang or
support such articles at a level above or below the eye level of a
typical viewer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a wall hanging system for
adjustably supporting and/or positioning a wall hanging or article,
such as a framed picture, painting, mirror or piece of art, or a
wall-mounted movie screen or television or the like, at an angle
when the article is hanging from or supported at a generally
vertical surface, such as a wall or the like. The device of the
present invention thus may enhance the viewing experience for a
viewer by tilting an article toward the eyes or eye level of a
typical viewer so that the viewer's line of sight is more directly
toward the viewing surface of the wall hanging or article.
[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, a wall
hanging system establishes an angle between a wall hanging or
article and a generally vertical surface or wall. The wall hanging
system includes an article configured to be supported or hung at a
generally vertical support surface or wall by a support element or
fastener. The article has a front viewing surface and a mounting
surface that opposes the wall when the article is supported at the
wall. An angle setting element is mounted to either the mounting
surface of the article or to the generally vertical surface. When
the support element supports the article at the generally vertical
surface, the angle setting element, which extends from either the
mounting surface or the generally vertical surface, engages the
generally vertical surface or the mounting surface, respectively.
Accordingly, the angle setting element spaces a portion of the
article from the generally vertical surface so as to establish an
angle between the article and the generally vertical surface.
[0006] The angle setting element may be adjustable to selectively
adjust the angle between the article and the generally vertical
surface. For example, the angle setting element may be movable
along the article or the wall, or the angle setting element may be
pivotable or extendable/retractable or otherwise adjustable
relative to the article or the wall, in order to adjust the viewing
angle of the article.
[0007] Optionally, the angle setting element may be mounted to the
mounting surface of the article or to the generally vertical
surface using a mounting element. The mounting element may be
mountable to the mounting surface of the article or wall hanging,
such as at a rear surface of the article, and may be configured to
attach or mount the angle setting element to the article.
Alternately, the mounting element may be mountable to the generally
vertical surface or wall, and may be configured to attach or mount
the angle setting element to the wall. The angle setting element
may be adjustable relative to the mounting element to adjust the
viewing angle of the article.
[0008] Optionally, the angle setting element may be formed to
define or establish the desired or appropriate angle between the
wall hanging and the wall. For example, the angle setting element
may have an inclined surface that defines or sets or corresponds to
the desired viewing angle of the article. The inclined surface of
the angle setting element may engage the mounting element, and the
angle setting element may extend from either the mounting surface
or the wall at that angle so as to establish the angle between the
article and the wall. The end of the angle setting element opposite
the inclined surface may be substantially flat or may be curved or
rounded to provide a contact surface for engaging the wall or
article that will reduce damage or indentations at the wall or
article. The angle setting element may be configured to be
positioned at different locations along the article or the wall or
to otherwise establish different angles between the article and the
wall.
[0009] Optionally, the wall hanging system may include an
illumination source either above or below the article to enhance
the reflectivity of the light off of the article and further
enhance the viewing experience.
[0010] Optionally, the angle established between the article and
the generally vertical surface or wall may be adjustable by
selectively changing the position of the angle setting element
along the wall hanging or wall. For example, the angle setting
element may be moved or slid or rolled along a rear surface of the
wall hanging or along the wall itself.
[0011] For example, the angulated wall hanging device may be
movably attached to the article or wall hanging and may be rollable
along the article, such as via a roller or wheel. Optionally, the
angle setting element may include a track or guide member along
which the wheel is configured to travel. The track may be fastened
to a rear mounting surface or back portion of the article, or to
the surface or wall at which the article is supported or hung. The
wheel may be movably attached to the track so as to be selectively
movable along the track. The angle between the article and the wall
may be adjustable by moving the wheel along the track.
[0012] Optionally, the wheel may be selectively securable at one of
a plurality of positions along the track, such that the angle
between the wall hanging and the wall may be substantially locked
or retained at the desired or appropriate or selected angle. For
example, the wheel may rotate via a ratcheting device or element
that allows for selective rotation of the wheel while substantially
non-rotatably retaining the wheel at one of a plurality of
locations along the article or wall.
[0013] Optionally, the angle setting element may comprise a
generally V-shaped element having a support arm or portion and a
mounting arm or portion, wherein the arms are connected or joined
at their opposed ends. The mounting arm may be configured to attach
to the mounting surface of the article or wall hanging. When the
article is supported or hung at the generally vertical surface or
wall, the support arm may rest against the wall, thus establishing
an angle between the article and the wall (where the angle between
the article and the wall may be defined by the angle between the
support arm and the mounting arm). Optionally, the mounting arm may
be configured to be mountable to the wall to support the article at
the wall while the support arm tilts the article away from the
wall.
[0014] Optionally, the mounting arm and the support arm may be
pivotally or adjustably connected at their opposed ends. For
example, a pivot joint or pivot means may allow the support arm to
pivot or rotate with respect to the mounting arm. Thus, the angle
between the article and the generally vertical surface may be
selectively adjustable by pivoting or rotating the support arm with
respect to the mounting arm.
[0015] Optionally, the angle setting element may be positioned such
that a lower or bottom edge of the article is tilted upward and
away from the generally vertical surface, such as may be desired
when the article is mounted at a level below the eye level of a
viewer. Optionally, the angle setting element may be positioned
such that an upper or top edge of the article is tilted downward
and away from the generally vertical surface, such as may be
desired when the article is mounted at a level above the eye level
of a viewer. Optionally, the angle setting element may be
positioned such that a side edge of the article is tilted outward
and away from the generally vertical surface, so as to enhance the
viewing of the article from a sideward viewing angle.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a wall
hanging system includes an article having a front viewing surface
and a mounting surface, such as a rear surface of the article,
configured to be supported or hung at a generally vertical surface
or wall by a support element or fastener. An angle setting element
is mounted at the mounting surface of the article and extends
rearwardly therefrom. When the support element supports the article
at the generally vertical surface, the angle setting element
engages the generally vertical surface and spaces a portion of the
article from the generally vertical surface so as to establish an
angle between the article and the generally vertical surface. The
angle setting element is adjustable to selectively adjust the angle
between the article and the generally vertical surface.
[0017] Optionally, the angle setting element may be movable along
the mounting surface of the article to adjust the angle.
Optionally, the angle setting element may be pivotable relative to
the mounting surface of the article to adjust the angle.
[0018] Optionally, the article may comprise a frame structure
having a pair of opposite supporting members or frame members. The
wall hanging system may comprise a pair of angle setting elements
with each of the angle setting elements being mounted to the
mounting surface of a respective one of the supporting members.
[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method of supporting an article at a generally vertical surface at
an angle includes providing an angle setting device and attaching
the angle setting device to a mounting surface of an article. The
method further comprises supporting the article at a generally
vertical surface and tilting the article relative to the generally
vertical surface by the angle setting device contacting the
generally vertical surface and spacing a portion of the article
from the generally vertical surface. Accordingly, the article is
displayed in a tilted configuration to enhance a viewing angle of
the article.
[0020] Optionally, the method may include adjusting the angle
setting element to adjust the angle between the article and the
generally vertical surface or wall. Optionally, adjusting the angle
setting device may comprise moving the angle setting device along
the mounting surface of the article. Optionally, adjusting the
angle setting device may comprise pivotally adjusting the angle
setting device relative to the mounting surface of the article.
[0021] Therefore, the present invention provides a wall hanging
system for positioning and/or supporting an article at an angle
relative to a generally vertical surface when the article is
hanging from or supported at the generally vertical surface, such
as a wall or the like. The wall hanging system of the present
invention thus may enhance the viewing experience for a viewer by
tilting the article either upward, downward or sideward toward the
eye level of a typical viewer so that the viewer's line of sight is
substantially perpendicular to the viewing plane of the article.
The wall hanging system of the present invention may provide
adjustability of the angle or tilt of the article to adapt the
angle for different applications of the system and/or for different
mounting levels of the article relative to the typical eye level or
viewing angle of a person or persons viewing the article.
[0022] These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features
of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the
following specification in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall hanging system
according to the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a wall hanging and angle
setting element according to the present invention, with the angle
setting element at a lower portion of the wall hanging;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the wall hanging and angle
setting element of the present invention, with the angle setting
element at a middle region of the wall hanging;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of an angle setting element
according to the present invention, with the angle setting element
at an upper portion of a wall hanging to tilt the article in a
downward direction;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a top elevation of an angle setting element
according to the present invention, with the angle setting element
at a side portion of a wall hanging to tilt the article in a
sideward direction;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a wall hanging with a movable
or adjustable angle setting element according to the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a side elevation of another angle setting element
according to the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a side elevation of another adjustable angle
setting element according to the present invention; and
[0031] FIG. 9 is a rear elevation of an article including two angle
setting elements according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative
embodiments depicted therein, a wall hanging system 8 includes an
angulated wall hanging device 10, which is used to position an
article or wall hanging 16, such as a frame, picture, painting,
mirror, piece of art, wall-mounted movie screen or television or
the like, at an angle relative to a generally vertical surface or
wall 18, when the article is hanging from or supported at the
generally vertical surface, such as a wall or the like (FIGS. 1-3).
Wall hanging device 10 includes an angle setting element 12, which
may be attached to and/or selectively positioned at the mounting
surface of the article (such as a rear surface of the article or an
edge portion or region or even a forward portion or surface of the
article) to lift or support or raise an edge of an article upward,
downward, or outward, and away from the wall, depending on the
location of the article on the wall with respect to the eye level
of a viewer and thus the desired angle of the wall hanging at the
wall.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a mounting element 14 functions
to mount or attach or fasten angle setting element 12 to the back
of the article at the desired or appropriate location. Angle
setting element 12 may be fastened to mounting element 14 using any
known fastening means, such as an adhesive or other bonding agent,
or a nail, screw, fastener, or the like, or may be adjustably
mounted to the mounting element, such as discussed below. Mounting
element 14 may be mounted to article 16 using any suitable mounting
means, such as an adhesive, or a nail, screw, fastener, or the
like. Although shown and described as being mounted to or attached
to a rear surface of the article, it is envisioned that the angle
setting element may be otherwise attached to the article, such as
to a side edge or perimeter region or such as to an upper or lower
edge or perimeter region or such as to a forward surface or portion
of the article (where the angle setting element may curve around
the article to extend rearwardly for contacting the wall and
spacing a portion of the article from the wall) or the like, while
remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0034] Optionally, the angle setting element may be mountable to
the generally vertical surface or wall (not shown). The mounting
element may be configured to attach or mount to the wall, and the
angle setting element may mount or attach to the mounting element
using any known fastening means as described above. In such an
application, when an article is hung or supported at the wall, the
angle setting element may engage the rear surface of the article
(or may be formed to engage a side, upper or lower edge or
perimeter region or may engage a forward portion or surface of the
article), thus spacing a portion of the article from the wall so as
to establish an angle between the article and the wall.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the angle
setting element has an inclined or angled end portion 12a and an
opposite end portion 12b. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inclined
end portion may be mounted to or positioned at the rear surface of
the article 16, whereby the angle of the inclined end portion may
correspond with the desired or appropriate angle of the article.
Thus, the angle setting element may extend generally horizontally
from the rear of the article, and the opposite end portion 12b may
engage the wall or support surface to space the portion of the
article from the wall. Optionally, the end portion 12b may comprise
a generally flat surface that is generally vertical and generally
parallel to the wall surface for substantial engagement with the
wall when the article is supported at the wall. Optionally, the end
portion 12b may be curved or rounded to allow for engagement with
the wall at other angles (such as, for example, when the angle
setting element is adjustable relative to the article) without
harming or causing indentations in the wall (such as may otherwise
occur if a point or corner or edge of the angle setting element
were to engage the wall). Other forms of engaging ends or surfaces
may be implemented without affecting the scope of the present
invention.
[0036] Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 1-3, angulated wall
hanging device 10 is used to tilt article 16 upward, so that when
the article is positioned below a viewer's eye level, the viewer's
line of sight is generally perpendicular to the plane of the
article or wall hanging. In such an application, angle setting
element 12 may be positioned at or near the lower or bottom edge of
article 16 (such as shown in FIG. 2) and may be attached or
fastened to the back or rear surface of article 16 (or elsewhere at
the rear or perimeter region of the article), such as via mounting
element 14. Angle setting element 12 may extend rearward from the
rear surface of article 16 so as to space a portion of the article
from the wall via engagement of the angle setting element with the
wall when the article is supported at the wall.
[0037] Article 16 may be hung or supported at wall 18 using any
suitable hanging or supporting element 20, such as a fastener,
nail, screw, hook or the like, or any other suitable hanging or
supporting means. For example, the supporting element may be
attached to the wall and may extend therefrom for engaging a
portion of the article, such as a notch or opening at the rear of
the article or a wire or cable extending across the rear of the
article or any other suitable hanging means such as are known in
the art. In the illustrated embodiment, angle setting element 12 is
located remotely from the supporting element 20 and extends from
the rear of the article and contacts wall 18 and functions to space
the lower portion of the article from the wall, while the upper
portion of the article is near or at or lying adjacent to the wall
(such as by the attachment or support of the article by and at the
supporting element), thus creating an angle between article 16 and
wall 18. Preferably, article 16 is tilted toward the eye level of a
viewer, such as upward toward the eye level of a typical viewer
viewing an article positioned generally below eye level.
Accordingly, the viewing experience of a person viewing the article
is enhanced, such as by looking generally downward toward the
upwardly angled article. Optionally, the angle setting element may
be larger, or may be positioned higher up along the article (such
as shown in FIG. 3), to increase the angle between the article and
the wall.
[0038] Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, an angulated wall
hanging system 8' may include an angulated wall hanging device 10',
which may be configured to tilt an article 16' downward. In such an
application, an angle setting element 12' is positioned at or near
the upper or top edge of article 16' and may be attached to the
back or rear surface of article 16' using a mounting element 14' or
the like. A support element or fastener 20' supports article 16' at
a wall 18' and allows the upper portion of article 16' to tilt away
from wall 18'. In such a configuration, the viewing experience is
enhanced for a viewer that is looking generally upward toward the
downwardly angled article. Angulated wall hanging device 10' may
otherwise be substantially similar to angulated wall hanging device
10 discussed above, and may be substantially the same as wall
hanging device 10 but flipped about 180 degrees, such that a
detailed discussion of the angulated wall hanging device need not
be repeated herein.
[0039] Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 5, an angulated wall
hanging system 8'' may include an angulated wall hanging device
10'', which may be configured to tilt an article 16'' sideward,
such that a side edge of the article is tilted outward and away
from the generally vertical surface. In this application, an angle
setting element 12'' is positioned at or near a side edge of
article 16'' and may be attached to the back or rear surface of
article 16'' using a mounting element 14'' or the like. A support
element or fastener 20'' supports article 16'' at a wall 18'' and
may allow the side portion of article 16'' to tilt away from wall
18''. In this configuration, the viewing experience is enhanced for
a viewer that is looking generally from the side opposite that
which is tilted away from the generally vertical surface. Angulated
wall hanging device 10'' may otherwise be substantially similar to
angulated wall hanging devices 10 and 10' discussed above, and may
be substantially the same as wall hanging devices 10 and 10' but
flipped 90.degree., such that a detailed discussion of the
angulated wall hanging device need not be repeated herein.
[0040] Optionally, when an article is hung or supported below eye
level and tilted upward, such as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6-8, an
overhead illumination source or light may be included to direct
illumination generally downward to enhance the reflectivity of the
light off of the article and further enhance the viewing
experience. For example, and as shown in FIG. 1, an illumination
source 22 may be positioned above article 16 and may be directed
generally downward at article 16, which is tilted upward by angle
setting element 12. Such overhead illumination is desirable when
displaying an article such as a picture, painting, mirror or piece
of art or the like. The illumination angle of the illumination
source may be selected to reduce or limit glare as viewed by a
person viewing the upwardly angled or tilted article.
[0041] Similarly, when such an article is hung or supported above a
viewer's eye level and tilted downward (so that the person viewing
the article has an upward viewing angle toward the downwardly
angled article), an illumination or lighting source may be
incorporated from below the article, to achieve the same enhanced
reflectivity. For example, and as also shown in FIG. 1, an
illumination source 22' may be positioned below article 16' and may
be directed generally upward at article 16', which is angled
downwardly by angle setting element 12'. The illumination angle of
the illumination source may be selected to reduce or limit glare as
viewed by a person viewing the downwardly angled or tilted
article.
[0042] However, in some cases it is not desirable to obtain a
reflection from an article, such as a wall-mounted television or
movie screen. Such an article thus may be mounted higher than or
above the eye level of a seated viewer. In such an application, the
present invention may help to minimize the glare or the reflection
of light (such as light from an overhead light source) incident on
the screen by tilting the article downward toward the eye level of
a viewer, and away from such overhead illumination or light
sources.
[0043] Optionally, and desirably, the angle setting element may be
adjustable to adjust the angle between the article and the wall.
For example, the angle setting element may be pivotally attached to
the article or wall or may be extendable/retractable or may be
movable along the wall or article. For example, and as best shown
by comparing FIGS. 2 and 3, when article 16 is tilted in an upward
direction, the angle between article 16 and wall 18 may be
increased by moving angle setting element 12 upward along the
article (and/or along the wall). Therefore, the angle between
article 16 and wall 18 is greater in FIG. 3 than in FIG. 2 due to
the height or level of the angle setting element relative to the
article. Conversely, when the article 16' is tilted in a downward
direction, as shown in FIG. 4, the angle between article 16' and
wall 18' may be increased by moving angle setting element 12'
downward relative to the article and/or wall.
[0044] As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 2-5, the wall hanging
system of the present invention can be used to create a variety of
viewing angles, depending on the position of an article with
respect to the eye level of a typical viewer. For example, and as
shown in FIG. 4, to create the desired viewing angle, the article
may be tilted in a downward direction. Accordingly, angle setting
element 12' is positioned near the top edge of article 16', and
supporting element or fastener 20' may allow for separation between
the top edge of article 16' and wall 18'. Optionally, other
suitable supporting or hanging means, such as a nail or hook or
shelf or the like, may be included at or near the bottom edge of
the article to hold the bottom edge or portion of the article near
or adjacent to the wall. Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,
article 16 may be tilted in an upward direction, whereby fastener
20 may be configured to hold the top edge of article 16 adjacent to
wall 18. Angle setting element 12 may be positioned near the bottom
edge of article 16 (or higher depending on the desired angle) to
create the appropriate or desired separation between the lower
portion of article 16 and wall 18, thus tilting article 16
upward.
[0045] Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 5, another viewing angle
may be achieved by tilting a side edge of an article outward, so as
to angle the article or wall hanging sidewardly to enhance sideward
viewing of the wall hanging. For example, such a configuration may
be useful when an article must be hung at or near a corner of a
room or the like. In such a configuration, a side edge or portion
of article 16'' remains at or near or adjacent to wall 18'', while
angle setting element 12'' creates the desired or appropriate
separation or gap between the opposite side portion of article 16''
and wall 18'', thus tilting the article toward one side or the
other. The hanging or support element or fastener may allow for
angled support along an upper or lower or middle region or portion
of the article.
[0046] The angle setting device or element of the present invention
thus may be mounted or attached to the article or the wall at any
desired or suitable or appropriate location to establish the
desired or selected viewing angle of the article. For example, and
as shown in FIG. 9, an angle setting element 12 may be mounted to
each of two side members or frame members or supporting members of
a frame 24 (such as a wooden or metallic or plastic frame that
frames and supports a picture or painting or poster or the like) so
that the two angle setting elements 12 function to correspondingly
space or set the sides of frame 24 from the wall at the desired
angle. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, angle setting
elements 12 are mounted to the side members of frame 24 using
mounting elements 14, but may be otherwise mounted or attached to
the side frame members (or the upper and lower frame members)
and/or may be movably mounted or attached at the frame members.
[0047] Optionally, one or more angle setting elements may be
located at a lower frame member or at a generally central location
of the article to establish the desired upward angle of the
article. Similarly, one or more angle setting elements may be
located at an upper frame member or portion of the article or at
opposite side frame members of the article to establish the desired
or appropriate downward angle of the article, and/or one or more
angle setting elements may be located at the upper and lower frame
members or elsewhere at the rear of the article to establish the
desired or appropriate sideward angle of the article, while
remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0048] Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 6, a wall hanging system
108 may include an angulated wall hanging device 110, which may be
movably attached to a wall hanging or article 116 and may be
movable along the wall hanging to selectively establish the desired
viewing angle. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, angulated
wall hanging device 110 includes an angle setting element 112, a
wheel or wheel assembly 113 and a guide member or track 114 (and
may comprise such a device at and at least partially along opposite
frame members of the article). Wheel assembly 113 may be rotatably
mounted or attached at one end of angle setting element 112. Track
114 is configured to be attached to a back portion or rear surface
of an article 116, whereby wheel assembly 113 is movable along
track 114 (such as via rolling engagement of the wheel along the
track where the wheel and/or track may include tracking means for
retaining the wheel at least partially within the track), such that
wheel assembly 113, and thus angle setting element 112, can move
into any desired position along track 114 and be substantially
retained thereat.
[0049] When wheel assembly 113 is positioned in the desired
location, angle setting element 112 engages or contacts or rests
against wall 116 (while another portion of the article is at or
near or adjacent to the wall, such as the upper portion of the
article that is supported by a supporting element 120), thus
creating an angle or tilt between article 116 and wall 118.
Therefore, the angle between article 116 and wall 118 is adjustable
by moving wheel assembly 113 and angle setting element 112 along
track 114. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, article 116 is shown in
an upward tilt configuration when supported at a generally vertical
wall. To increase the angle between article 116 and wall 118, wheel
assembly 113 and angle setting element 112 may be moved in an
upward direction along track 114. When wheel assembly 113 reaches a
preferred position, angle setting element 112 rests against wall
118, thus creating the desired, increased angle between article 116
and wall 118. Optionally, wheel assembly 113 may be substantially
retained or secured or locked into one of a series of positions
along track 114, so as to selectively limit or substantially
preclude movement of angle setting element 112.
[0050] Optionally, the adjustable or movable wall hanging device
110 may be configured to tilt article 116 in either an upward or
downward direction without moving the track 114. For example, the
article may be tilted in either direction by moving or sliding
wheel assembly 113 along track 114 and adjusting the support
element or fastener 120. When article 116 is tilted in an upward
direction, fastener 120 may be configured to hold the top edge of
article 116 adjacent to wall 118 while allowing the lower portion
of the article to be spaced from the wall. However, if a downward
tilt is desired, fastener 120 may be configured to allow for
separation between the top edge of article 116 and wall 118.
Optionally, the track (or tracks) may be attached in a horizontal
configuration along the back or rear surface of article 116, thus
allowing for an adjustable, right or left sideways tilt, such as in
a similar manner as discussed above.
[0051] Although shown as having a wheel or wheel assembly movable
along a track at the rear of the article, it is envisioned that a
movable or adjustable angle setting element may be otherwise
movable along a track or mounting portion at the article or wall
hanging, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present
invention. For example, an angle setting element may be slidable or
otherwise movable along a track or guide element at the rear of the
wall hanging, and may have a roller or wheel at its distal end to
engage or contact the wall to facilitate movement or adjustment of
the angle setting element when the article is supported at the
wall. Optionally, the adjustable angle setting element may comprise
a roller that has its axle attached to and slidable along a channel
or track (such as by being received in a channel or slot along the
track), whereby the roller is movable along the article and engages
the wall at the desired or selected location to establish the
desired or appropriate or selected gap and angle between the
article and the wall. Other movable or adjustable angle setting
elements or devices may be implemented to provide selective setting
of the angle between the article and the wall without affecting the
scope of the present invention.
[0052] Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 7, a wall hanging system
208 includes an angulated wall hanging device 210, which comprises
a unitary angle setting element 212 that engages both the wall and
the article. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle setting
element comprises a generally V-shaped element having a support arm
or portion 212a and a mounting arm or portion 212b, which are
connected or joined at their opposed ends. Mounting arm 212b may
include a mounting aperture 213 and may be configured to attach to
a back portion or rear surface of article 216. Article 216 may be
hung or supported at a generally vertical surface, such as a wall
218, such as by using any suitable hanging or support element or
fastener 220. Optionally, the support arm 212a may be mounted to
the wall, such as via a suitable fastener, such as a nail or screw
or the like, in order to mount the article to the wall at the
desired angle. When article 216 is hung or supported at wall 218,
support arm 212a contacts wall 218, thus separating the article
from the wall and creating the desired or appropriate or suitable
viewing angle.
[0053] Wall hanging device 210 may be selectively positioned at the
back of an article or on a wall to tilt the article in either a
downward, upward or sideways direction, such as in a similar manner
as described above. Also, the mounting arm may be positioned and
attached to the article at any desired location along the article
or along one or more frame members of the article to set the angle
of the wall hanging to a desired or appropriate angle relative to
the wall.
[0054] Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 8, a wall hanging system
208' includes an angle setting device 210', which may comprise an
angle setting element 212'. In the illustrated embodiment, angle
setting element 212' comprises an adjustable element having a
support arm 212a' and a mounting arm 212b' that are adjustably or
pivotally joined or connected at pivot joint 212c'. Accordingly,
support arm 212a' may be rotated or pivoted relative to mounting
arm 212b' to a desired angle with respect to mounting arm 212b'.
Support arm 212a' may be further adjusted after the angle setting
element 212' is mounted to article 216', and even after article
216' has been hung at the wall, until a desired viewing angle is
achieved. Thus, pivot joint 212c' provides an adjustable angle
between article 216' and wall 218' without requiring movement of
angle setting element 212' along article 216' after the angle
setting element has been mounted to article 216'.
[0055] In applications where angle setting element 212' is fixedly
secured to article 216', it may be desirable at some future time to
hang the article flat, i.e. with no tilt. In such situations, pivot
joint 212c' may allow support arm 212a' to be rotated to a 180
degree angle with respect to mounting arm 212b'. Thus, angle
setting element 212' may remain mounted to article 216', yet
article 216' may lie generally flat against a surface or wall.
[0056] Optionally, an angle setting element may mount or attach to
the wall or support surface and may support and angle the article
at the wall. The angle setting element may support the article at
an upper or lower region of the article. For example, and as shown
in FIG. 10, a wall hanging system 308 may include an angle setting
device 310, which has an angle setting element 324 attached to and
extending from a wall 318. Angle setting element 324 may comprise
an elongated strip or member mounted generally horizontally along
the wall and having two extensions or ribs 326 formed therealong,
which form or define a channel or groove 328 along the angle
setting element. A lower portion of an article 316 is supported and
retained in the groove to hold the article at the angle setting
element. As can be seen in FIG. 10, angle setting element 324 may
support and tilt article 316 with the lower portion of the article
spaced from the wall and with a top edge or portion of article 316
resting against or lying adjacent to wall 318. Thus, angle setting
device 310 functions to angle article 316 upward to enhance the
viewing experience for a viewer looking generally downward at the
article.
[0057] Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 11, a wall hanging system
308' may include an angle setting device 310', which includes an
angle setting element 324' attached to and extending from a wall
318', similar to angle setting element 324 discussed above. Angle
setting element 324' includes a plurality of ribs or extensions
326' extending therealong, which provide a series of channels or
grooves 328' into which article 316' may be selectively inserted
and supported. Thus, the angle formed between article 316' and wall
318' is adjustable by selectively positioning and supporting
article 316' in the desired groove 328' of angle setting element
324'. The angle between article 316' and wall 318' may be
selectively adjusted to tilt article 316' toward the eye level of a
typical viewer, so as to optimize the viewing experience.
[0058] Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 12, a wall hanging system
308'' may include an angle setting device 310'', which includes an
angle setting element 324'' attached to and extending from a wall
318''. A portion or edge of article 316'' may be supported and
spaced from wall 318'' by angle setting element 324'', which may
extend from wall 318'' at an angle, such as an upward angle to
limit or substantially preclude sliding of the article away from
the wall along the angle setting element. Optionally, article 316''
may include a flanged or curved or bent lower region or edge 317'',
which may rest against angle setting element 324'' and may function
to tilt article 316'' toward wall 318'' and to stabilize the
article at the angle setting element. Angle setting element 324''
thus supports and tilts article 316'' with a top edge or portion of
article 316'' resting against or lying adjacent to wall 318'' to
enhance viewing of the article by a person with his or her eye
level above the center region of the article.
[0059] Optionally, such a lower support or shelf type of angle
setting element may also be otherwise angled or canted, such as
with respect to the wall and along the wall in a horizontal
direction, so as to provide a sideward tilt or angle of the article
supported by the angle setting element. Such an angle setting
element thus may function to angle or tilt the article generally
upwardly and generally sidewardly to provide the desired or
appropriate angle of the article for enhanced viewing of the
article. Other angling means or techniques (or combination of the
different angling means or techniques described herein) may be
implemented to tilt the article upwardly, downwardly and/or
sidewardly while remaining within the spirit and scope of the
present invention. The angle setting element or elements may be
attached to the wall or to the article, and may be attached to or
contact the article at a rear surface of the article, a side, upper
or lower edge or perimeter region of the article, or a forward
portion or surface of the article, depending on the particular
application of the angle setting element or device of the present
invention.
[0060] Optionally, the wall hanging system and device of the
present invention may be configured to mount or support an article
at an angled or inclined support surface or wall, whereby the angle
setting element may establish an angle between the article and the
inclined surface to set the desired viewing angle for viewing the
article. For example, the angle setting element may establish an
angle between the article and the inclined surface such that the
article is generally vertical or more or less inclined than the
inclined surface at which the article is supported. Optionally, it
is envisioned that the preferred viewing angle can be achieved by
hanging an article on a generally vertical surface and then tilting
the surface itself. Thus, the article may be supported
substantially flat against the surface, yet the article may be
displayed at the desired viewing angle.
[0061] Therefore, the present invention provides an angulated wall
hanging system and device used to position an article at an angle
relative to a wall or support structure, when the article is
hanging from or supported at a generally or substantially vertical
surface or structure, such as a wall or the like. The angulated or
tilted article is angled or tilted toward the eye level of a
viewer, either upward or downward or sideward, to enhance the
viewing angle of the viewer to the article, and thus enhance the
viewing experience for the viewer. The present invention thus
enhances the appearance of an article, thus making the article
stand out in comparison to those hanging flat against a similar
surface. In a setting in which the articles are displayed for
potential purchasers, the present invention may enhance sales by
enhancing the appearance of articles displayed in this manner.
[0062] Changes and modifications to the specifically described
embodiments may be carried out without departing from the
principles of the present invention, which is intended to be
limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted
according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *