CA2677614A1 - Device for hanging and levelling an item - Google Patents
Device for hanging and levelling an item Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2677614A1 CA2677614A1 CA 2677614 CA2677614A CA2677614A1 CA 2677614 A1 CA2677614 A1 CA 2677614A1 CA 2677614 CA2677614 CA 2677614 CA 2677614 A CA2677614 A CA 2677614A CA 2677614 A1 CA2677614 A1 CA 2677614A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- rod
- item
- bend
- attaching means
- hanging
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
- A47G1/16—Devices for hanging or supporting pictures, mirrors, or the like
- A47G1/162—Picture members for connection to a conventional wall hook or nail
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
- A47G1/16—Devices for hanging or supporting pictures, mirrors, or the like
- A47G1/18—Picture loops or the like
Landscapes
- Mirrors, Picture Frames, Photograph Stands, And Related Fastening Devices (AREA)
- Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)
Abstract
A device for hanging an item is provided. The device is comprised of a rod. The rod has a bend that constitutes a fulcrum. The rod also has an attaching means proximate to each end of the rod for releasably attaching the rod to the item. A method for manufacturing the device is also provided. The method comprises the steps of first making a first bend in the rod. Further, the rod is bent proximate to each of its ends to form attaching means for releasably attaching the rod to the item. Also, methods for hanging an item using the device are provided.
Description
DEVICE FOR HANGING AND LEVELLING AN ITEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for hanging and levelling an item from a wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hanging a decorative item from a wall so that the item is securely fastened and appears level can be difficult. Prior art systems employ a wire extending between points at or approximate to the edges of the item and engaged with the item. The wire is then hung from a nail or hook driven into a wall. Preferably, the wire is cut to a length that avoids significant slack in the wire when the wire is engaged with the item. This permits the item to obstruct the nail or the hook from which the item hangs when the item is hung from the wall. If the wire is too long and thus has extra slack, the top of the item would hang below the nail or hook.
There are number of drawbacks associated with the existing wire system for hanging items from a wall. First, given the necessity of limiting the length of the wire, it is difficult to attach the wire to the nail or hook when hanging the item from the wall. Frequently this step in the hanging process occurs blindly because the item being hung blocks the view of the individual hanging the item, such that he or she cannot see the hook or nail and must resort to feel to identify the place at which the nail or hook extends from the wall. This process becomes significantly awkward when there is little slack in the wire and the individual hanging the item is also attempting to lift the item, which may be heavy. Frequently, if there is not sufficient slack in the wire, the individual hanging the item resorts to simply holding the item above the wire or nail and lowering it downward, hoping that the wire catches on the nail or hook. If this does not occur, the nail or hook may engage the item or its frame, causing damage. Further, the individual hanging the item may not realize that the item is hanging directly upon the hook or nail. In this circumstance, the downward gravitational force is concentrated at the point where the hook or nail engages the item and is not distributed between the two points where the wire attaches to the item. As a result, there is a greater likelihood that the item will become damaged. Also, where the mass of the item is unevenly distributed along its width and/or length, levelling the item once hung is difficult because the wire may unintentionally slide upon the hook or nail. This also may occur where the two points at which the wire engages the item are at different heights.
Even if the individual hanging the item successfully engages the wire upon the hook or nail, the item frequently must then be shifted and/or tilted to ensure that it is centred and level. Once level, there is no assurance that the item will maintain its position on the wall if it is inadvertently bumped. Even a slight disturbance could slide the wire upon the nail or hook from a position pursuant to which the item is level and centred to a position where the item is uneven.
A
further drawback regarding the conventional wire and hook system for hanging is that the entire mass of the item is centred on a single engagement point on the wire, thus causing stress to the wire and potentially damaging the wire.
One improvement proposed in the prior art to address the issue of a single engagement point is multiple engagement points. For example, at public art exhibitions, items are frequently hung using a grid and S-hook system.
Artists hang items from one or more S-hooks attached to an upright grid. When two or more S-hooks are used, the downward force applied by the wall hanging is spread among multiple points on the grid. However, the S-hooks must be at the same vertical level and the same distance from the item being hung for the item to be level. Also, the uprights of the grid limit the position of the S-hooks.
A further drawback of the multiple S-hook system is that it is even more difficult to engage the wire on multiple engagement points than it is to do so upon a single attaching point, as described above.
In a similar prior art system also used frequently at art exhibitions, one or more chains is hung from a point at or near the top of the wall and one or more S-hooks are attached to links on the chains. The S-hook(s) engage the wire attached to the wall hanging. In addition to the previously described difficulties involved with engaging the wire upon two S-hooks, a further drawback of this system is that wall hangings hang precariously from the chain system and can easily be upset. Also, it is even more difficult with these systems to set the S-hooks in positions where the item will be level. Further, this system is rather complicated and unless the width of the chains is altered, is limited to wall hangings within a certain range of widths. Altering the width between the chains can be difficult.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, a device is provided for hanging and levelling an item, along with a method for manufacturing the device and a method for hanging an item.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, a device for hanging an item is provided. The device comprises a rod with a bend that constitutes a fulcrum.
The device also has an attaching means proximate to each end of the rod for releasably attaching the rod to the item being hung.
A further aspect of the invention comprises the device described above plus the item itself.
In a further aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a device for hanging an item is provided. The method comprises the first step of making a first bend in a rod. Additionally, the method includes bending the rod proximate to each of its ends to form attaching means for releasably attaching the rod to the item.
In a further aspect of the invention, a method for hanging an item using a device having a bend and attaching means is provided. The method comprises the steps of engaging the item with the attaching means. The second step involves placing the bend on a hanging means.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for hanging and levelling an item from a wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hanging a decorative item from a wall so that the item is securely fastened and appears level can be difficult. Prior art systems employ a wire extending between points at or approximate to the edges of the item and engaged with the item. The wire is then hung from a nail or hook driven into a wall. Preferably, the wire is cut to a length that avoids significant slack in the wire when the wire is engaged with the item. This permits the item to obstruct the nail or the hook from which the item hangs when the item is hung from the wall. If the wire is too long and thus has extra slack, the top of the item would hang below the nail or hook.
There are number of drawbacks associated with the existing wire system for hanging items from a wall. First, given the necessity of limiting the length of the wire, it is difficult to attach the wire to the nail or hook when hanging the item from the wall. Frequently this step in the hanging process occurs blindly because the item being hung blocks the view of the individual hanging the item, such that he or she cannot see the hook or nail and must resort to feel to identify the place at which the nail or hook extends from the wall. This process becomes significantly awkward when there is little slack in the wire and the individual hanging the item is also attempting to lift the item, which may be heavy. Frequently, if there is not sufficient slack in the wire, the individual hanging the item resorts to simply holding the item above the wire or nail and lowering it downward, hoping that the wire catches on the nail or hook. If this does not occur, the nail or hook may engage the item or its frame, causing damage. Further, the individual hanging the item may not realize that the item is hanging directly upon the hook or nail. In this circumstance, the downward gravitational force is concentrated at the point where the hook or nail engages the item and is not distributed between the two points where the wire attaches to the item. As a result, there is a greater likelihood that the item will become damaged. Also, where the mass of the item is unevenly distributed along its width and/or length, levelling the item once hung is difficult because the wire may unintentionally slide upon the hook or nail. This also may occur where the two points at which the wire engages the item are at different heights.
Even if the individual hanging the item successfully engages the wire upon the hook or nail, the item frequently must then be shifted and/or tilted to ensure that it is centred and level. Once level, there is no assurance that the item will maintain its position on the wall if it is inadvertently bumped. Even a slight disturbance could slide the wire upon the nail or hook from a position pursuant to which the item is level and centred to a position where the item is uneven.
A
further drawback regarding the conventional wire and hook system for hanging is that the entire mass of the item is centred on a single engagement point on the wire, thus causing stress to the wire and potentially damaging the wire.
One improvement proposed in the prior art to address the issue of a single engagement point is multiple engagement points. For example, at public art exhibitions, items are frequently hung using a grid and S-hook system.
Artists hang items from one or more S-hooks attached to an upright grid. When two or more S-hooks are used, the downward force applied by the wall hanging is spread among multiple points on the grid. However, the S-hooks must be at the same vertical level and the same distance from the item being hung for the item to be level. Also, the uprights of the grid limit the position of the S-hooks.
A further drawback of the multiple S-hook system is that it is even more difficult to engage the wire on multiple engagement points than it is to do so upon a single attaching point, as described above.
In a similar prior art system also used frequently at art exhibitions, one or more chains is hung from a point at or near the top of the wall and one or more S-hooks are attached to links on the chains. The S-hook(s) engage the wire attached to the wall hanging. In addition to the previously described difficulties involved with engaging the wire upon two S-hooks, a further drawback of this system is that wall hangings hang precariously from the chain system and can easily be upset. Also, it is even more difficult with these systems to set the S-hooks in positions where the item will be level. Further, this system is rather complicated and unless the width of the chains is altered, is limited to wall hangings within a certain range of widths. Altering the width between the chains can be difficult.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, a device is provided for hanging and levelling an item, along with a method for manufacturing the device and a method for hanging an item.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, a device for hanging an item is provided. The device comprises a rod with a bend that constitutes a fulcrum.
The device also has an attaching means proximate to each end of the rod for releasably attaching the rod to the item being hung.
A further aspect of the invention comprises the device described above plus the item itself.
In a further aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a device for hanging an item is provided. The method comprises the first step of making a first bend in a rod. Additionally, the method includes bending the rod proximate to each of its ends to form attaching means for releasably attaching the rod to the item.
In a further aspect of the invention, a method for hanging an item using a device having a bend and attaching means is provided. The method comprises the steps of engaging the item with the attaching means. The second step involves placing the bend on a hanging means.
In a further aspect of the invention, a method for hanging an item using a device having a bend and attaching means is provided. The method comprises the steps of placing the bend on a hanging means. The second step provided is hanging the item from the device by engaging the item with the attaching means.
Directional references herein such as "upward", "downward", "upright"
and the like are used herein merely for convenience of description and do not limit the scope of the invention. All such directional references, whether in the present specification or claims, are defined as being purely relational in nature.
It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the invention may be oriented in essentially any direction when being manufactured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in combination with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a front view of the first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a side view of the second embodiment of the invention;
Directional references herein such as "upward", "downward", "upright"
and the like are used herein merely for convenience of description and do not limit the scope of the invention. All such directional references, whether in the present specification or claims, are defined as being purely relational in nature.
It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the invention may be oriented in essentially any direction when being manufactured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in combination with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a front view of the first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a side view of the second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 is a front view of the second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view showing in enlargement the attaching means of the second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention;
and Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention in situ relative to an item hung from a wall.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A device 10 for hanging an item is shown in Figure 1. The item 10 is generally comprised of a rod 12. The rod 12 is desirably cylindrical and may be formed of a metal alloy such as steel. However, other substances such as plastic or wood may be used to form the rod 12. The substance used to form the rod 12 should preferably be capable of being bent and should be sufficiently resilient such that the device into which the rod is formed maintains its shape when an item is hung from it or regains its shape when the item is removed.
The rod 12 should ideally have a diameter such that the rod is not permanently misshapen after an item is hung from the device. Where an alloy such as steel is used, the ideal diameter is within the range of 2 mm to 3 mm for most wall hangings. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter is 2 mm, which is the approximate diameter of a conventional wire clothes hanger.
The rod 12 has a bend 20. The bend 20 bisects the rod 12 into two portions preferably having equal lengths. The bend 20 creates a fulcrum. The rod 12 is bent at an angle x. The angle x is not so small that ends of the rod are overly proximate to one another. A possible range of angles for the angle x is between 120 degrees and 160 degrees. The optimal measurement for the angle x is 140 degrees.
Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view showing in enlargement the attaching means of the second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention;
and Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention in situ relative to an item hung from a wall.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A device 10 for hanging an item is shown in Figure 1. The item 10 is generally comprised of a rod 12. The rod 12 is desirably cylindrical and may be formed of a metal alloy such as steel. However, other substances such as plastic or wood may be used to form the rod 12. The substance used to form the rod 12 should preferably be capable of being bent and should be sufficiently resilient such that the device into which the rod is formed maintains its shape when an item is hung from it or regains its shape when the item is removed.
The rod 12 should ideally have a diameter such that the rod is not permanently misshapen after an item is hung from the device. Where an alloy such as steel is used, the ideal diameter is within the range of 2 mm to 3 mm for most wall hangings. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter is 2 mm, which is the approximate diameter of a conventional wire clothes hanger.
The rod 12 has a bend 20. The bend 20 bisects the rod 12 into two portions preferably having equal lengths. The bend 20 creates a fulcrum. The rod 12 is bent at an angle x. The angle x is not so small that ends of the rod are overly proximate to one another. A possible range of angles for the angle x is between 120 degrees and 160 degrees. The optimal measurement for the angle x is 140 degrees.
The device 10 also has attaching means for attaching the device 10 to an item being hung from an upright surface. The attaching means can be any means for attaching the device to an item, including an adhesive or a mechanical fastener such as a button, clip or a magnet. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the attaching means may attach to the rod 12 at any place along the length of the rod 12. In a preferred embodiment, the attaching means are integral with the rod 12 and are formed from the rod 12.
Forming the attaching means from the rod leaves portions 22 and 24 of the rod on either side of the bend 20. The attaching means are oriented in a manner that permits the mass of the item hanging on the device to be distributed equally on either side of the bend 20. In the embodiment shown in the figures, there are two attaching means. The first attaching means is oriented at the end of the first portion and the second attaching means is oriented at the end of the second portion 24 of the rod 12. Both attaching means are distal from the bend 20.
As seen in Figures 1 to 3, attaching means are hooks 30 and 32, each having a U-shape. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the objects of the invention may be achieved if the attaching means are orientated in a manner such that they may engage an item to be hung from a surface or a wire attached to the item. Conventionally, the item to be hung has a length of wire 74 strung between opposing sides of the item. As seen in Figure 8, the hooks 30 and 32 should be formed and oriented in such a manner so that the wire 74 may engage the hooks 30 and 32 and remain engaged upon them when the item 72 is hung from a surface.
The hooks 30 and 32 may be shaped in any manner that permits them to support a wire hung upon them, which wire supports an item to be hung and levelled. The hooks 30 and 32 are preferably U-shaped. V-shaped hooks are also contemplated. Each hook should have two arms 50 and 52 of equal length such that the arm 52 that is not directly attached to the rod 12 extends upward to a point at the same level at which the rod 12 has been bent to form the hook.
The hooks 30 and 32 are curved such that the distance between upper ends of the arms 50 and 52 is in a range that permits the item being hung from a surface to rest flush with the surface from which it is hung.
The hooks 30 and 32 are cambered in relation to the portions 22 and 24.
In a preferred embodiment, the angles y between the portions 22 and 24 of the rod 12 and the hooks 30 and 32 is 95 degrees.
The hooks 30 and 32 may be modified in a manner that creates friction with the wire 74. The hooks 30 and 32 may be fitted with an anti-slip material such as rubber sleeves 34 and 36. Alternatively, the hooks may have etchings or be scored (not shown).
The hooks 30 and 32 are formed by bending ends of the rod 12 to form a U-shape and then bending the U-shaped portions downward through 85 degrees so that the U-shaped portions (the hooks 30 and 32) form a 95 degree angle with the portions 22 and 24. The portion of the arm 52 extending above the height at which the arm 50 meets the portion 22 or 24 of the rod 12 is then cut so that the arms 50 and 52 are of equal length.
In a preferred embodiment, the angle x and the length of rod 12 (and the length of portions 22 and 24) will be such that the distance between the attaching means is equal to one third of the width of the item to be hung from the surface.
In a second embodiment of the invention, seen in Figures 4 to 7, the attaching means are loops 60 and 62. The attaching means of this embodiment are formed by bending the ends of the rod 12 to form a U-shape as described above in respect of the first embodiment of the invention. The U-shaped ends of the rod 12 are then bent downward through 85 degrees to form a 95 degree angle in respect of the portions 22 and 24. The portion of the rod 12 extending to a height above the point at which the attaching means meets the portion 22 or 24 is then trimmed. Subsequently, the arms of the attaching means are folded toward the portions 22 or 24, as the case may be, to form the loops 60 and 62. The attaching means are then trimmed so that ends of the attaching means do not extend beyond a vertical plane in which the portions 22 and 24 reside. Further, the loops 60 and 62 each have an opening 64 so as to accommodate a wire extending between the sides of the item being hung from the surface.
In a preferred embodiment, the circumference of the loops 60 and 62 is such that the item being hung rests flush with the surface from which it is hung.
The loops 60 and 62 may be fitted with an anti-slip material such as rubber sleeves 66 and 68. Alternatively, the hooks may have etchings or be scored (no shown).
An embodiment of the device incorporating a discontinuity at the point where portions 22 and 24 meet is also contemplated. The discontinuity interrupts the uniform progression of the portions 22 and 24 toward an apex, distal from the attachment means. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the discontinuity is a raised portion 69. The raised portion 69 is orientated equidistant from each of the attaching means.
In operation, as seen in Figure 8, the device 10 is attached to a protrusion 70 extending from a surface from which an item 72 is to be hung. The protrusion may be a nail, a hook, a tack or the like. Ideally the device 10 is placed so that the bend 20 engages the protrusion 70. Alternatively, the device 10 may be placed such that a portion of the rod 12 proximate to the bend 20 engages the protrusion 70, in which case the device 10 may be slid along the protrusion 70 so that the bend 20 engages the protrusion 70. If the device 10 has U-shaped hooks as attaching means, the device 10 is placed so that the space between the arms 50 and 52 of each of the hooks is orientated away from the surface from which the item 72 is to be hung. If the attaching means are loops, the device is hung from the protrusion 70 so that the openings 64 of the loops 60 and 62 are orientated proximate to the surface from which the item 72 is hung.
Forming the attaching means from the rod leaves portions 22 and 24 of the rod on either side of the bend 20. The attaching means are oriented in a manner that permits the mass of the item hanging on the device to be distributed equally on either side of the bend 20. In the embodiment shown in the figures, there are two attaching means. The first attaching means is oriented at the end of the first portion and the second attaching means is oriented at the end of the second portion 24 of the rod 12. Both attaching means are distal from the bend 20.
As seen in Figures 1 to 3, attaching means are hooks 30 and 32, each having a U-shape. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the objects of the invention may be achieved if the attaching means are orientated in a manner such that they may engage an item to be hung from a surface or a wire attached to the item. Conventionally, the item to be hung has a length of wire 74 strung between opposing sides of the item. As seen in Figure 8, the hooks 30 and 32 should be formed and oriented in such a manner so that the wire 74 may engage the hooks 30 and 32 and remain engaged upon them when the item 72 is hung from a surface.
The hooks 30 and 32 may be shaped in any manner that permits them to support a wire hung upon them, which wire supports an item to be hung and levelled. The hooks 30 and 32 are preferably U-shaped. V-shaped hooks are also contemplated. Each hook should have two arms 50 and 52 of equal length such that the arm 52 that is not directly attached to the rod 12 extends upward to a point at the same level at which the rod 12 has been bent to form the hook.
The hooks 30 and 32 are curved such that the distance between upper ends of the arms 50 and 52 is in a range that permits the item being hung from a surface to rest flush with the surface from which it is hung.
The hooks 30 and 32 are cambered in relation to the portions 22 and 24.
In a preferred embodiment, the angles y between the portions 22 and 24 of the rod 12 and the hooks 30 and 32 is 95 degrees.
The hooks 30 and 32 may be modified in a manner that creates friction with the wire 74. The hooks 30 and 32 may be fitted with an anti-slip material such as rubber sleeves 34 and 36. Alternatively, the hooks may have etchings or be scored (not shown).
The hooks 30 and 32 are formed by bending ends of the rod 12 to form a U-shape and then bending the U-shaped portions downward through 85 degrees so that the U-shaped portions (the hooks 30 and 32) form a 95 degree angle with the portions 22 and 24. The portion of the arm 52 extending above the height at which the arm 50 meets the portion 22 or 24 of the rod 12 is then cut so that the arms 50 and 52 are of equal length.
In a preferred embodiment, the angle x and the length of rod 12 (and the length of portions 22 and 24) will be such that the distance between the attaching means is equal to one third of the width of the item to be hung from the surface.
In a second embodiment of the invention, seen in Figures 4 to 7, the attaching means are loops 60 and 62. The attaching means of this embodiment are formed by bending the ends of the rod 12 to form a U-shape as described above in respect of the first embodiment of the invention. The U-shaped ends of the rod 12 are then bent downward through 85 degrees to form a 95 degree angle in respect of the portions 22 and 24. The portion of the rod 12 extending to a height above the point at which the attaching means meets the portion 22 or 24 is then trimmed. Subsequently, the arms of the attaching means are folded toward the portions 22 or 24, as the case may be, to form the loops 60 and 62. The attaching means are then trimmed so that ends of the attaching means do not extend beyond a vertical plane in which the portions 22 and 24 reside. Further, the loops 60 and 62 each have an opening 64 so as to accommodate a wire extending between the sides of the item being hung from the surface.
In a preferred embodiment, the circumference of the loops 60 and 62 is such that the item being hung rests flush with the surface from which it is hung.
The loops 60 and 62 may be fitted with an anti-slip material such as rubber sleeves 66 and 68. Alternatively, the hooks may have etchings or be scored (no shown).
An embodiment of the device incorporating a discontinuity at the point where portions 22 and 24 meet is also contemplated. The discontinuity interrupts the uniform progression of the portions 22 and 24 toward an apex, distal from the attachment means. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the discontinuity is a raised portion 69. The raised portion 69 is orientated equidistant from each of the attaching means.
In operation, as seen in Figure 8, the device 10 is attached to a protrusion 70 extending from a surface from which an item 72 is to be hung. The protrusion may be a nail, a hook, a tack or the like. Ideally the device 10 is placed so that the bend 20 engages the protrusion 70. Alternatively, the device 10 may be placed such that a portion of the rod 12 proximate to the bend 20 engages the protrusion 70, in which case the device 10 may be slid along the protrusion 70 so that the bend 20 engages the protrusion 70. If the device 10 has U-shaped hooks as attaching means, the device 10 is placed so that the space between the arms 50 and 52 of each of the hooks is orientated away from the surface from which the item 72 is to be hung. If the attaching means are loops, the device is hung from the protrusion 70 so that the openings 64 of the loops 60 and 62 are orientated proximate to the surface from which the item 72 is hung.
Once the device 10 is hung from the protrusion 70, the item 72 to be hung is orientated above the device 10 and lowered so that a wire 74 extending between the sides of the item 72 to be hung engages the attaching means. The device 10 engages the wire 74 at two points of contact.
Alternatively, before the device 10 is hung from the protrusion 70, the device 10 is attached to the item 72 by placing the wire 74 on the hooks or leading the wire 74 through the openings of the loops. The device 10 can then be slid along the length of the wire 74 so that it is centred along the length of the wire 74. Subsequently, the device 10 can be attached to the protrusion 70 extending from the surface from which the item 72 is being hung. Ideally, the bend 20 of the rod 12 is placed upon the protrusion 70. Alternatively, if a portion of the rod 12 proximate to the bend 20 is placed upon the protrusion 70, the device 10 can be slid so that the bend 20 is placed upon the protrusion 70.
In a further alternative, if the device 10 has a discontinuity such as the raised portion 69, the device 10 is slid upon the protrusion 70 until the edge of the raised portion 69 contacts an edge of the protrusion 70. The item 72 will then drop slightly so that the centre or top of the raised portion 69 engages the protrusion 70. The slight drop will notify the individual hanging the item 72 that the device 10 is in the correct place.
Numerous modifications may be made to the embodiments as described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is described by the claims.
Alternatively, before the device 10 is hung from the protrusion 70, the device 10 is attached to the item 72 by placing the wire 74 on the hooks or leading the wire 74 through the openings of the loops. The device 10 can then be slid along the length of the wire 74 so that it is centred along the length of the wire 74. Subsequently, the device 10 can be attached to the protrusion 70 extending from the surface from which the item 72 is being hung. Ideally, the bend 20 of the rod 12 is placed upon the protrusion 70. Alternatively, if a portion of the rod 12 proximate to the bend 20 is placed upon the protrusion 70, the device 10 can be slid so that the bend 20 is placed upon the protrusion 70.
In a further alternative, if the device 10 has a discontinuity such as the raised portion 69, the device 10 is slid upon the protrusion 70 until the edge of the raised portion 69 contacts an edge of the protrusion 70. The item 72 will then drop slightly so that the centre or top of the raised portion 69 engages the protrusion 70. The slight drop will notify the individual hanging the item 72 that the device 10 is in the correct place.
Numerous modifications may be made to the embodiments as described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is described by the claims.
Claims (22)
1. A device for hanging an item comprising:
a rod with a bend that constitutes a fulcrum;
an attaching means proximate to each end of the rod for releasably attaching the rod to the item.
a rod with a bend that constitutes a fulcrum;
an attaching means proximate to each end of the rod for releasably attaching the rod to the item.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein portions of the rod between the bend and the attaching means have equal lengths.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein a distance directly between the attaching means is one third of the width of the item.
4. The device of claim 2 wherein the portions of the rod are bent at an angle between 120 degrees and 160 degrees.
5. The device of claim 2 wherein the portions of the rod are bent at an angle of 140 degrees.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the item incorporates a wire and the attaching means releasably attach the rod to the wire.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the attaching means are formed from the rod.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein the attaching means are U-shaped hooks.
9. The device of claim 7 wherein the attaching means are loops and the loops each have a small opening.
10. The device of claim 1 further comprising an anti-slip material to hold the attaching means in place.
11. The device of claim 1 further comprising a raised portion distal from the attachment means.
12. The device of claim 1 plus the item.
13. A method for manufacturing a device for hanging an item, comprising the steps of:
making a first bend in a rod; and bending the rod proximate to each of its ends to form attaching means for releasably attaching the rod to the item.
making a first bend in a rod; and bending the rod proximate to each of its ends to form attaching means for releasably attaching the rod to the item.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the first bend is made at an angle between 120 degrees and 160 degrees.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the first bend is made at an angle of 140 degrees.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the attaching means are formed by the steps of:
forming a first U-shaped hook by making a second bend in the rod proximate to a first end of the rod;
forming a second U-shaped hook by making a third bend in the rod proximate to a second end of the rod;
making a fourth bend in the rod proximate to the point at which the rod meets the first U-shaped hook; and making a fifth bend in the rod proximate to the point at which the rod meets the second U-shaped hook.
forming a first U-shaped hook by making a second bend in the rod proximate to a first end of the rod;
forming a second U-shaped hook by making a third bend in the rod proximate to a second end of the rod;
making a fourth bend in the rod proximate to the point at which the rod meets the first U-shaped hook; and making a fifth bend in the rod proximate to the point at which the rod meets the second U-shaped hook.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the fourth and fifth bends are made by bending the points at which the rod meets the U-shaped hooks 85 degrees to form an angle of 95 degrees.
18. The method of claim 13 wherein the attaching means are formed by the steps of:
forming a first loop with an opening by making a second bend in the rod proximate to a first end of the rod;
forming a second loop with an opening by making a third bend in the rod proximate to a second end of the rod;
making a fourth bend in the rod proximate to the point at which the rod meets the first loop with an opening; and making a fifth bend in the rod proximate to the point at which the rod meets the second loop with an opening.
forming a first loop with an opening by making a second bend in the rod proximate to a first end of the rod;
forming a second loop with an opening by making a third bend in the rod proximate to a second end of the rod;
making a fourth bend in the rod proximate to the point at which the rod meets the first loop with an opening; and making a fifth bend in the rod proximate to the point at which the rod meets the second loop with an opening.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the forth and fifth bends are made by bending the points at which the rod meets the loops 85 degrees.
20. The method of any one of claims 13 to 19 further comprising the step of placing an anti-slip material upon the attaching means.
21. A method for hanging an item using a device having a bend and attaching means, comprising the steps of:
engaging the item with the attaching means; and placing the bend on a hanging means.
engaging the item with the attaching means; and placing the bend on a hanging means.
22. A method for hanging an item using a device having a bend and attaching means, comprising the steps of:
placing the bend on a hanging means; and hanging the item from the device by engaging the item with the attaching means.
placing the bend on a hanging means; and hanging the item from the device by engaging the item with the attaching means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2677614 CA2677614A1 (en) | 2009-09-04 | 2009-09-04 | Device for hanging and levelling an item |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2677614 CA2677614A1 (en) | 2009-09-04 | 2009-09-04 | Device for hanging and levelling an item |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2677614A1 true CA2677614A1 (en) | 2011-03-04 |
Family
ID=43646003
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2677614 Abandoned CA2677614A1 (en) | 2009-09-04 | 2009-09-04 | Device for hanging and levelling an item |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2677614A1 (en) |
-
2009
- 2009-09-04 CA CA 2677614 patent/CA2677614A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |