U.S. patent application number 16/076484 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-14 for rotatable apparatus for mounting an article.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. Invention is credited to Brian D. Gale.
Application Number | 20190045948 16/076484 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59563548 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190045948 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gale; Brian D. |
February 14, 2019 |
ROTATABLE APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING AN ARTICLE
Abstract
The present disclosure provides adjustable mounting devices that
allow the user to fine tune the placement of a mountable item
without concern about the precise placement of the mounting device.
Certain mounting devices may be used to hang pictures, and may be
rotated once mounted on a vertical surface.
Inventors: |
Gale; Brian D.; (Blaine,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES
COMPANY
St. Paul
MN
|
Family ID: |
59563548 |
Appl. No.: |
16/076484 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
February 2, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US17/16257 |
371 Date: |
August 8, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62292385 |
Feb 8, 2016 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 1/166 20130101;
A47G 1/17 20130101; A47G 1/1613 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/16 20060101
A47G001/16; A47G 1/17 20060101 A47G001/17 |
Claims
1. A mounting device, comprising: a first portion including a
protrusion; and a second portion including a receptacle capable of
mating to the protrusion of the first portion; wherein at least one
of the first and second portions includes a load bearing geometry;
and wherein the first and second portions are capable of being
mated together and, when mated, are able to rotate around a common
axis.
2. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the protrusion and
receptacle are each generally round or cylindrical.
3. The mounting device of claim 1 wherein the first portion
includes one or more teeth around the protrusion.
4. The mounting device of claim 1 wherein the second portion
includes detents around an outer side surface of the
protrusion.
5. The mounting device of claim 1 wherein the second portion
includes detents around an inner side surface of the
receptacle.
6. The mounting device of claim 4, wherein the detents around the
inner side surface of the receptacle and the teeth around the outer
side surface of the protrusion positively engage each other to hold
the first and second portions together in a static position.
7. The mounting device of claim 1 wherein the protrusion and
receptacle provide an audible sound and/or physical feedback to the
user when they are properly mated.
8. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device is
capable of being mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed
perpendicular to a flat plane.
9. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device
includes adhesive strips on one of the first and second portions to
permit the mounting device to be adhered to a wall.
10. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device
includes mechanical fasteners on one of the first and second
portions to permit the mounting device to be mounted, hung,
adhered, and/or affixed to a wall.
11. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device
includes adhesive strips on one of the first and second portions to
permit the mounting device to be adhered to a frame, photograph,
piece of art, or the like.
12. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the first portion
includes one or more reliefs around the protrusion.
13. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the second portion
includes detents around an outer side surface of the
protrusion.
14. The mounting device of claim 13, wherein the detents around the
inner side surface of the receptacle and the teeth around the outer
side surface of the protrusion positively engage each other to hold
the first and second portions together in a static position.
15. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the protrusion and
receptacle provide an audible sound and/or physical feedback to the
user when they are properly mated.
16. A method of preparing a mounting device capable of holding an
article on a wall, comprising: providing (1) a first portion
including a protrusion and (2) a second portion including a
receptacle into which the protrusion of the first portion can mate,
wherein at least one of the first and second portions includes an
angular load bearing geometry; and joining the first and second
portions together such that the protrusion fits within the
receptacle such that, when mated, the first and second portions are
able to rotate around a common axis.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: rotating the first
and second portions relative to one another to properly mate
them.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: rotating the first
and second portions relative to one another until the portions make
an audible sound and/or provide feedback to the user to confirm
that they are properly mated.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: applying an
adhesive strip to a back major surface of one of the first and
second portions and mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing
that first or second portion to a wall; and applying an adhesive
strip to a front major surface of the other of the first and second
portions and mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing that
first or second portion to a frame, photograph, piece of art, or
the like.
20. A kit, comprising: a first portion including a protrusion; a
second portion including a receptacle into which the protrusion of
the first portion can mate; mechanical or adhesive fasteners
capable of mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing one of the
first and second portions to a wall; and mechanical or adhesive
fasteners capable of mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing
one of the first and second portions to a frame, photograph, piece
of art, or the like; wherein at least one of the first and second
portions including an angular load bearing geometry; and wherein
the first and second portions are capable of being mated together
and, when mated, are able to rotate around a common axis.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to articles useful
for mounting articles, and more particularly a rotatable apparatus
for mounting pictures, frames, artwork and the like to a wall.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Hanging pictures or other items on a wall often requires
precise measurements to ensure that the picture is level, or that
two pictures are aligned. Hanging a picture usually involves
attachment means (e.g., nails, screws hangers, or hooks) that
secure the picture to a wall. Numerous attachment mechanisms exist.
Conventional picture hangers often include a hook that is fastened
to the wall. Such hooks typically curve upwards and are configured
for receiving a support bracket of a picture frame or piece of
art.
[0003] However, there are problems with the traditional method of
hanging pictures. Many attachment mechanisms require expensive or
cumbersome tools for insertion. Others are able to hold only a
prescribed weight such that if you wish to hang initially a light
item, and then later replace it with a heavier item, you must then
remove the existing picture hanger and replace it with a different
one that can accommodate the heavier weight. Some attachment
mechanisms come out of the wall too easily, or fall out if not
applied properly or if used to hang a heavy item. And, depending
upon what type of backing hardware is on the back of the picture or
item to be hung, a user might need to choose a different wall
hanger to accommodate the hardware on the item to be hung.
[0004] Another problem is that when the user wants to place a
picture in a precise position on a wall, it may be difficult
because the hook(s) on the picture frame do not line up directly
with where the nail or screw is located. Additional problems exist
when trying to align two different pictures, because hooks on
different picture frames are not in the same location on the frame
with respect to the top of the picture frame. This presents a
problem because merely aligning nails on a wall does not guarantee
that the pictures themselves will be aligned with each other.
Figuring out where to put a nail or screw into a wall is therefore
often times-consuming and tedious.
[0005] Additional problems with hanging pictures in the standard
way are related to how large pictures are hung on walls. Large
pictures often have multiple hooks on the frame to distribute the
weight of the picture. Consequently, a user must use multiple nails
or hooks, creating numerous damaged locations to the wall. Further,
the user has to get the multiple nails or hooks exactly level in
order for the item to be hung to be level when hung, which can be a
challenging and frustrating task.
[0006] Currently, the standard way to reposition a picture that is
not level or at a proper height, is to take the picture off of the
wall, then remove the nail or screw from the wall, then place that
nail in a different location, re-hang the picture, and determine
whether the picture is at the desired height. If the picture is not
at the desired height, repeat the process all over again. This
process of aligning and leveling pictures through trial error is
time consuming, produces unnecessary holes, and reduces wall
strength that might ultimately need to be repaired.
[0007] Some hangers have been designed that attempt to overcome at
least some of the above mentioned problems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,147
to Zimmerman describes an adjustable hanging device that controls
the length of a flexible line fixed at both ends for hanging
objects by means of a rotatable body that can length or shorten a
hanging wire, thereby shifting a picture up or down on a wall. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,666,425 to Ferguson describes a vertically-adjustable
picture-hanger having a body with a plurality of vertically
arranged teeth and an adjustable bracket such that the picture can
be placed on any one of the vertically arranged teeth. U.S. Pat.
No. 8,061,054 to Rabin describes an adjustable picture-hanging
device with an elongated strap and a pair of spaced sliders to
enable marking spots on a wall for facilitating leveling of a
picture to be mounted. U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,067 to Kamenstein
describes an adjustable picture-hanging hook having a gear coupled
to a hook that can adjust a picture horizontally or vertically.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,284 to Kelrick describes an adjustable hanger
having a rack and pinion for continuously moving an object
horizontally and a treaded screw for continuously moving the object
vertically.
SUMMARY
[0008] The inventors of the present application recognized that
there is a need for a system that is easy to use, does not
necessarily need any tools to use, relatively inexpensive, provides
secure hanging of items that come with various backing hardware
configurations, and allows a user to quickly and accurately adjust
the position of a picture with ease.
[0009] Various embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously
address some or all of the above limitations on existing wall
hanging devices. For example, various embodiments of the present
disclosure provide a mounting apparatus having at least one of the
following advantages: (1) is easier to hang; (2) is damage-free to
walls; (3) allows for adjustment and leveling during application
without requiring removal from the wall; (4) eliminates the need to
use the hanger on the back of the frame/artwork to be hung,
permitting the user greater ease and flexibility in mounting the
item; (5) permits rotation of the item to be hung; and (6) provides
improved load bearing capacity with a single device.
[0010] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a
mounting device for hanging an object such as a picture or mirror
that allows a picture (or item to be hung) to be adjusted after
securing the picture-hanging device to a wall. This permits easier
leveling of the item to be hung as well as potentially adjustment
of the orientation of the item after installation of the mounting
device.
[0011] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a
mounting device, comprising: a first portion including a
protrusion; and a second portion including a receptacle capable of
mating to the protrusion of the first portion; wherein at least one
of the first and second portions includes a load bearing geometry;
and wherein the first and second portions are capable of being
mated together and, when mated, are able to rotate around a common
axis.
[0012] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a
method of preparing a mounting device capable of holding an article
on a wall, comprising: providing (1) a first portion including a
protrusion and (2) a second portion including a receptacle into
which the protrusion of the first portion can mate, wherein at
least one of the first and second portions includes an angular load
bearing geometry; and joining the first and second portions
together such that the protrusion fits within the receptacle such
that, when mated, the first and second portions are able to rotate
around a common axis.
[0013] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a kit,
comprising: a first portion including a protrusion; a second
portion including a receptacle into which the protrusion of the
first portion can mate; mechanical or adhesive fasteners capable of
mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing one of the first and
second portions to a wall; and mechanical or adhesive fasteners
capable of mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing one of the
first and second portions to a frame, photograph, piece of art, or
the like; wherein at least one of the first and second portions
including an angular load bearing geometry; and wherein the first
and second portions are capable of being mated together and, when
mated, are able to rotate around a common axis.
[0014] In some embodiments, the protrusion and receptacle are each
generally round or cylindrical. In some embodiments, the first
portion includes one or more teeth around the protrusion. In some
embodiments, the second portion includes detents around an outer
side surface of the protrusion. In some embodiments, the second
portion includes detents around an inner side surface of the
receptacle. In some embodiments, the detents around the inner side
surface of the receptacle and the teeth around the outer side
surface of the protrusion positively engage each other to hold the
first and second portions together in a static position. In some
embodiments, the protrusion and receptacle provide an audible sound
and/or physical feedback to the user when they are properly mated.
In some embodiments, the mounting device is capable of being
mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed perpendicular to a flat
plane. In some embodiments, the mounting device includes adhesive
strips on one of the first and second portions to permit the
mounting device to be adhered to a wall. In some embodiments, the
mounting device includes mechanical fasteners on one of the first
and second portions to permit the mounting device to be mounted,
hung, adhered, and/or affixed to a wall. In some embodiments, the
mounting device includes adhesive strips on one of the first and
second portions to permit the mounting device to be adhered to a
frame, photograph, piece of art, or the like. In some embodiments,
the first portion includes one or more reliefs around the
protrusion. In some embodiments, the second portion includes
detents around an outer side surface of the protrusion. In some
embodiments, the detents around the inner side surface of the
receptacle and the teeth around the outer side surface of the
protrusion positively engage each other to hold the first and
second portions together in a static position. In some embodiments,
the protrusion and receptacle provide an audible sound and/or
physical feedback to the user when they are properly mated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a mounting device as generally described in the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the exemplary embodiment of
FIGS. 1 and 2 showing how the first and second portions are mated
together.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a mounting device as generally described in the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 4.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a mounting device as generally described in the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a photograph of the front side of an exemplary
embodiment of a mounting device as generally described in the
present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a photograph of the back side of the exemplary
embodiment whose front side is shown in FIG. 7.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a photograph of the front side of a portion of the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 applied to a wall.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a photograph of the back side of a portion of the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9 applied to an item to be
mounted.
[0025] FIGS. 11 and 12 are photographs of the front side of the
mounted item shown in FIG. 10. The item can be rotated as shown in
FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0026] The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may
be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular
components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The present disclosure will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
exemplary embodiments are shown. The scope of this disclosure,
however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth or shown
herein.
[0028] The adjustable picture-hanging devices of the present
disclosure allow the user to fine tune the placement of a picture
without having worry about the precise placement of the
picture-hanging device. In some embodiments, the device also
prevents unnecessarily creating holes in a wall.
[0029] FIGS. 1-3
[0030] One exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-3 in which a
mounting device 100 includes a first portion 110 (also referred to
as "A") and a second portion 120 (also referred to as "B"). In the
specific embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first and second portions
have a generally square shape (although those of skill in the art
will appreciate that many alternative shapes can be used such as,
for example, a rectangle, a pentagon, a rhombus, etc.). First and
second portions 110 and 120 can have the same or different shape.
Each of first and second portions 110 and 120 have a thickness. Any
desired thickness may be used. Exemplary desired thicknesses are
between about 0.65 inch and about 0.125 inch. First and second
portions can be made of any desired material, such as, for example,
plastic.
[0031] In some embodiments, at least one of first and second
portions 110 and 120 have a load bearing geometry. As used herein,
the term "load bearing geometry" means that the construction or
shape provides load bearing capacity. For the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, the top minor surface 122 (or the first and second minor
side surfaces 124, 126 or the bottom minor surface 128) of the
first or second portion 110 or 120 has a shape or construction that
is capable of holding the weight of an item to be hung. In this
specific embodiment, the item to be hung rests on the top minor
surface 122. In at least some embodiments, the mounting device has
a greatly increased effective mounting area or target compared to
traditional nails or hooks. Because the nails and hooks are
relatively small in comparison to the item to be hung, obtaining
perfect alignment of the nail/hook and the item to be hung is
challenging. By increasing the size of the portion of the mounting
device on which the item is hung (e.g., the size of the top minor
surface as compared to a nail or hook), the user has significantly
greater flexibility when positioning the mounting device on the
wall and when positioning the item on the mounting device.
Moreover, a minor surface of either or both first and second
portions 110, 120 can be provided with an adhesive strip (as
exemplified below) or other fastening surface to assisting in the
mounting of larger or heavier items, such as wood engravings and
canvases.
[0032] First portion 110 includes a protrusion 130 that extends
outwardly from at least one major surface of first portion 110. In
the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 1, protrusion 130 extends
outwardly from front major surface 140 (which is opposite from back
major surface 145) of first portion 110. Protrusion 130 can have
any desired thickness and diameter. In some embodiments, the
thickness is between about 0.100 inch and about 0.380 inch. In some
embodiments, the diameter is between about 1 inch and about 4
inches. In some embodiments, protrusion 130 occupies at least 30%,
at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least
75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of
the total area of first portion 110. In some embodiments, the
thickness of protrusion 130 is less than, equal to, or greater than
the thickness of first portion 110. Protrusion 130 is shown as
round in the specific embodiment of FIG. 1. However, the protrusion
may have any desired shape such as, for example, round or
cylindrical. As depicted, the protrusion 130 tapers as it
approaches the front major surface 140.
[0033] Second portion 120 includes a first major surface 154
opposite a second major surface 156 and a receptacle 150 capable of
mating to protrusion 130. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG.
1, receptacle 150 is an indentation of a similar but slightly
larger shape and size to permit protrusion 130 to fit snugly within
receptacle 150. In some embodiments, protrusion 130 can rotate
within receptacle 150, so receptacle should be sized and shaped
accordingly.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, receptacle 150 can be rotationally mated
with protrusion 130 to attach first portion 110 to second portion
120. The resulting mounting device 100 can be rotated around axis
of rotation 180.
[0035] In some embodiments, the mounting device provides the user
with feedback when the device has been correctly or effectively
mated. Any desired feedback mechanism may be used. Some exemplary
feedback mechanisms include, for example, auditory or physical.
[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, protrusion 130 of first
portion 110 includes a plurality of relief structures that extend
outwardly from the outer perimeter surface of protrusion 130. FIGS.
1-3 show teeth 160; however, relief structures can be any design
with a texture or protrusion (e.g., sandpaper) projecting from the
outer perimeter surface. In some embodiments, receptacle 150 of
second portion 120 includes a plurality of detents 165 into which
teeth 160 fit. In some embodiments, detents 165 around the inner
side surface of receptacle 150 and teeth 160 around the outer side
surface of protrusion 130 positively engage each other to hold the
first and second portions 110 and 120 together in a static
position. In some embodiments, when teeth 160 fit into detents 165,
there is an audible noise (e.g., click) and/or physical "click"
that alerts the user to the fact that these two structures have
been correctly or effectively mated. In some embodiments, the first
and second portions index with one another. In some embodiments,
teeth 160 are substantially evenly spaced. In some embodiments, the
teeth are spaced between 0.5 and 3.0 mm from one another.
[0037] In some embodiments including teeth 160 and detents 165, the
first and second portions 110 and 120 can be rotated in a
ratchet-like manner to provide for easy leveling of the mounting
device 100 (and thus the item to be hung). This can be done easily
even after the mounting device 100 has been applied, attached, or
mounted on the wall.
[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the teeth 160 are
shown on the first portion 11 and the detents 165 are show on
second portion 120. However, those of skill in the art will
recognize that teeth 160 can be on either first or second portion
(or on another portion of the mounting device); and detents can be
on either first or second portion (or on another portion of the
mounting device) as long as the teeth/relief structures and detents
are aligned when the mounting device is assembled.
[0039] FIGS. 4 and 5
[0040] FIGS. 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment of a mounting
device 200 generally as described herein. Mounting device 200
includes a first portion 210 and a second portion 220. First and
second portions 210 and 220 have different shapes (second portion
has a generally square shape) in the specific embodiment of FIGS. 4
and 5. First portion 210 includes a receptacle 250 and second
portion 220 includes a protrusion 230 that can be mated together as
described generally above and herein. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional
view.
[0041] All of the features of the mounting device 200, first
portion 210, and second portion 220 can be included in the
embodiments that are similar to the specific embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, one or both of the first and second
portions in any of the embodiments described herein can include
adhesive strips on one of the first and second portions to permit
the mounting device to be adhered to a wall. Exemplary adhesive
strips include, for example, any of the COMMAND.TM. brand products
sold by 3M Company, including, for example, 3M's COMMAND.TM.
picture hanging strips. In one embodiment, adhesive strips are
adhered to a section of the first (or second) portion that will be
adjacent to an item to be hung as well as to a section of the
second (or first) portion that will be adjacent to the wall.
Methods of applying, using, and forming adhesive strips as well as
composition of these adhesive strips of this general type are
described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,672,402; 6,403,206;
7,781,056; 6,001471; 6,569,521; and 7,078,093, all of which are
incorporated herein in their entirety.
[0043] Alternatively, the mounting device includes mechanical
fasteners on one of the first and second portions to permit the
mounting device to be mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed to a
wall
[0044] FIG. 6
[0045] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a mounting device
300 generally as described herein. Mounting device 300 includes a
first portion 310 and a second portion 320. First portion 310
corresponds to the easel backing 380 of a picture frame 370. The
protrusion 330 on the easel backing 380 (i.e., first portion 310)
can be made integral (i.e., the backing material and protrusion are
monolithic) with the backing 380 or affixed thereto by, for
example, the adhesive strips described above. Second portion 320
includes a receptacle 350 that can be mated together with
protrusion 330 as described generally above and herein. While only
a single protrusion 330 and corresponding receptacle 350 are shown,
first portion 310 can also feature two or more protrusions in other
embodiments of the disclosure (also with corresponding
receptacles).
[0046] All of the features of the mounting device 300, first
portion 310, and second portion 320 can be included in the
embodiments that are similar to the specific embodiment shown in
FIG. 6. Such embodiments need not be limited to the mounting of a
picture frame, as any item to be mounted can be provided with
integral or coupled protrusion on a wall-facing surface. Such
features may decrease the distance between the wall and the item
relative to other embodiments described herein.
[0047] FIGS. 7-12
[0048] FIGS. 7-12 are photographs showing an exemplary mounting
device construction following the general teachings herein. In FIG.
7, exemplary first and second portions 410, 420 (front view) are
shown. FIG. 8 shows the back side view of the first and second
portions 410, 420 of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 shows the first portion 410
adhered to a wall. FIG. 10 shows the second portion 420 adhered to
an item to be mounted/hung (a frame). The second portion of FIG. 10
is mated with the first portion of FIG. 9. The item to be hung is
adjusted by rotating first and second portions relative to one
another to achieve the desired leveling of the item to be hung. The
resulting hung/mounted photo frame is shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 12
shows that the photo frame (or any mounted item) can be rotated
along the axis of the mounting device even after it was mounted.
This can provide practical (leveling) as well as aesthetic
opportunities to the user.
[0049] Method
[0050] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a
method of preparing a mounting device capable of holding an article
on a wall, comprising: providing (1) a first portion including a
protrusion and (2) a second portion including a receptacle into
which the protrusion of the first portion can mate, wherein at
least one of the first and second portions includes an angular load
bearing geometry; and joining the first and second portions
together such that the protrusion fits within the receptacle such
that, when mated, the first and second portions are able to rotate
around a common axis. In some embodiments, the method further
involves rotating the first and second portions relative to one
another to properly mate them. In some embodiments, the method
further involves rotating the first and second portions relative to
one another until the portions make an audible sound and/or provide
feedback to the user to confirm that they are properly mated. In
some embodiments, the method further involves applying an adhesive
strip to a back major surface of one of the first and second
portions and mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing that
first or second portion to a wall; and applying an adhesive strip
to a front major surface of the other of the first and second
portions and mounting, hanging, adhering, and/or affixing that
first or second portion to a frame, photograph, piece of art, or
the like.
[0051] In addition to all of the various benefits described herein,
the mounting devices described herein make hanging large items
easier and allow for adjustment of the item to be level. In some
embodiments, they permit the user to change the orientation of the
item to be hung or mounted after installation of the mounting
device. In some embodiments, the mounting devices are damage-free
(to the wall and item to be hung). The mounting devices described
herein are perfect for users who want flexibility. The mounting
devices described herein provide easy adjustment by the user of the
mounting device and article to be mounted even after these are both
mounted on the wall. In some embodiments, the mounting described
herein are capable of being mounted, hung, adhered, and/or affixed
perpendicular to any flat plane.
[0052] The recitation of all numerical ranges by endpoint is meant
to include all numbers subsumed within the range (i.e., the range 1
to 10 includes, for example, 1, 1.5, 3.33, and 10).
[0053] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited
by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another element,
component, region, layer or section and not necessarily for
describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be
understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention
described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than
described or illustrated herein.
[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and
"the," are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," or "includes"
and/or "including" when used in this specification, specify the
presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations,
elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or
addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps,
operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0055] Furthermore, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and
"upper" or "top" and "front" or "back" may be used herein to
describe one element's relationship to another elements as
illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative
terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the
device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.
[0056] All references to other materials made herein are meant to
incorporate the reference herein in its entirety.
[0057] Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many
changes may be made to the details of the above-described
embodiments and implementations without departing from the
underlying principles thereof. Further, various modifications and
alterations of the present disclosure will become apparent to those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of
the disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should,
therefore, be determined only by the following claims.
* * * * *