Pin hanging system for track frames

A system for hanging a framed object using a pin hanger including a neck section having a top surface and two outer lateral edges. An intermediate shoulder section having two outer lateral edges extends outward beyond that of the outer lateral edges of the neck section forming substantially planar ledges. An inward tapered section starts from the outer lateral edges of the intermediate shoulder section and terminates in a substantially planar bottom surface that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the neck section. A pin projects from the top surface of the neck section at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the top surface of the neck section. The pin hanger is releasably secured at any desired location within the track frame section via a set screw received within a hole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a pin hanging system for track frames used to display photos, art work, objects, diplomas or any other item to be framed.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventional track frames used to frame an photographs, mirrors, diplomas or any other objects are known. These track frames are typically made of metal and represent multiple track frame sections assembled together end-to-end funning, a closed frame, typically in the shape of a rectangle or square.

Picture frames are generally hung from the wall using a wire. The use of a wire creates instability in the object being hung when the wire slides along the hook secured to the wall and/or the object hangs against the wall on which it is hung. Moreover, when hanging a framed object using a wire it is difficult to insure that it is level. It is thus desirable to develop a hanging system and apparatus that eliminates the use or need for any wires and insures that the frame is level, stable and completely flush against the wall or other vertical service to which it is to be mounted.

It would be further desirable to provide a hanging system that may be provided, with but disassembled from a framed object at the time of purchase from a manufacturer, distributor, retail outlet, or any other individual or establishment. On-line retail market sales are increasing every year. Thus, shipment of the framed object with its hanging system is another concern from the standpoint of safety, increased weight and ease of assembly by the consumer once they receive the package. It would be desirable to develop a hanging system that may be shipped to the consumer disassembled from but with the framed object and easily assembled within the frame thereafter using only tools commonly found in consumers homes.

As previously noted, when shipped to the consumer the framed object itself is fully assembled. Therefore, it would be further desirable to develop a hanging system and apparatus that would not require the disassembly of any part of the assembled frame to install. That is, it would be desirable for the hanging system to be fully insertable into/fully removable from any desired location along the assembled track frame using conventional tools available in almost every home without having to disassemble the frame or necessarily remove the pin hanger from the track frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an inventive hanging system for an assembled framed object to be hung on a wall or other surface that solves the aforementioned problems.

An aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for hanging a framed object that includes a pin hanger comprising: a neck section having a top surface and a width defined by two outer lateral edges defining a single step down transition region; an intermediate shoulder section having a width defined by two outer lateral edges extending outward beyond that of the outer lateral edges of the neck section forming substantially planar ledges; and an inward, tapered section starting from the outer lateral edges of the intermediate shoulder section and terminating in a substantially planar bottom surface that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the neck section; outer lateral edges of the inward tapered section are angled relative to the outer lateral edges of the intermediate shoulder section at an angle less than 90 degrees. A pin projects from the top surface of the neck section at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the top surface of the neck section. Defined in the pin hanger is a hole extending from the top surface of the neck section to the bottom surface of the tapered section with a screw receivable within the hole.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for hanging a framed object to a surface using the system in accordance with the system in the preceding paragraph. Initially, the pin hanger is positioned at a desired location along the track frame section with a pointed end of the pin facing outward away from the track frame section. Prior to insertion into the opening, the pin hanger is oriented so that the outer lateral edges the neck section are substantially aligned with terminating edges of the shoulders of track frame section; in this position, the intermediate shoulder section prevents the pin hanger from being fully insertable into the opening of the track frame section. Then one side of the pin hanger is rotated until one of the outer lateral edges of the intermediate shoulder section is insertable via the opening into the track frame section and an associated ledge of the intermediate shoulder section parallel to the top surface of the neck section is received beneath an associated shoulder of the track frame section of the same side. That side of the pin hanger inserted into the opening of the track frame section is shifted towards an interior surface of a side wall of the track frame section. While the one side ledge is maintained within the track frame section beneath the associated shoulder on the same side, the opposite side of pin hanger is rotated by substantially a same amount in an opposite direction relative until an opposing outer edge of the intermediate shoulder section clears the corresponding shoulder passing through the opening into the track frame section whereby the pin hanger is fully inserted within the track frame section. Thereafter, the outer edges of neck section are realigned with the shoulders of the track frame section. The pin hanger is pulled until the ledges of the intermediate shoulder section are in physical contact with respective interior surfaces of the shoulders of the track frame section. Lastly, the pin hanger is releasably secured in place within the track frame section at any desired location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a pin hanger sized and shaped to be received within a conventional standard size track frame section forming part of a frame (typically made of metal, plastic or other rigid material) for an object or picture such as but not limited to a photograph, piece of art, diploma or any other item to be framed and hung on a wall or other surface.FIG. 3Ais a top view of a single piece of a standard metal track frame section100. By way of illustrative example, the ends of four track frame sections100may be assembled together end-to-end forming a closed rectangular frame. However, other open or closed shape frames firmed by any number of one or more track frame sections are contemplated and within the intended scope of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 3B, track frame section100includes a substantially C-shaped channel with an L-shaped ledge projecting therefrom. The substantially C-shaped channel formed by a substantially planar bottom wall105; opposing side walls110,110′, each side wall is arranged substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall105and substantially parallel to one another; shoulders115,115′ extend toward one another substantially perpendicularly from the respective side walls110,110′ and substantially parallel with the bottom wall105. Terminating edges116,116′ of the respective shoulders115,115′ are separated from one another by a predetermined distance DT1thereby forming, an opening120of the substantially C-shaped channel. Opening120is defined in that surface of the frame that is in physical contact with the surface on which the object is to be mounted (e.g., wall). Each shoulder115,115′ has a height HT1(extending from its exterior surface117,117′ to its interior surface118,118′) and a length LT1(extending, from terminating edge116,116′ to an interior surface of the respective side wall110,110′). Still referring toFIG. 3B, the track100defines an internal cavity125defined by HT2(height of the internal cavity, measured from an interior surface118,118′ of the shoulder115to an interior surface of the bottom wall105) and LT2(length of the internal cavity between the interior surfaces of the respective side walls110,110′). The object to be framed (e.g., a photograph) is typically disposed between a transparent plate and a lower supporting mat/substrate, which all together are secured within the upper L-shaped ledge portion of the track frame section and the bottom wall105of the substantially C-shaped channel.

Pin hanger200is adapted to be received within and releasably securable at any desired position along the track frame section100without having to disassemble the closed frame. Accordingly, the pin hanger may be retrofit to a preassembled closed frame without having to disassemble the frame. The pin hanger in accordance with the present invention is therefore particularly well suited to be retrofit with assembled frames having no open terminating end.

Referring to the end view inFIG. 2D, pin hanger200includes a pin215having a pointed end216and an opposite end projecting from a substantially planar top surface205of a neck section220. The pointed end216allows the hanger to puncture the wall on which the object is to be hung by simply pressing firmly. At every point in an axial direction, the pin preferably has a circular cross-section. With the exception of the pointed end216, at every point in an axial direction pin215preferably has a substantially uniform diameter circular cross-section. The circular cross-section of the pin allows it to be inserted into a variety of surfaces such as wood, metal, cement, dry wall, etc. If the surface into which the pin is to be inserted is significantly hard as to preclude insertion by mere pushing, a pilot hole may be predrilled into the surface.

Instead of using a pin having a circular cross-section at all times in an axial direction, a two-dimensional prong having a non-circular cross-section and terminating in a pointed end may be stamped or struck from the material that forms the hanger itself. Due to its non-circular cross-section, the prong embodiment is restricted in use to hanging the framed object in drywall and not able to hold as much weight as the pin embodiment. Such stamped prong preferably has a uniform width with the exception of its pointed end. Once stamped from a metal plate, the manufactured prong may thereafter be mounted to the top surface205of the neck section220.

The pin hanger may be any desired longitudinal length so long as it does not exceed the longitudinal length of the track frame section100into which it is to be received. In a lateral direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) the top surface205of the neck section220has a length LH1. In order to maximize stability by minimizing any movement of the hanger200when assembled within the track frame section100, the length LH1of the top surface205of the neck section220is preferably approximately equal to the distance DT1in a lateral direction of opening120of the substantially C-shaped track. Outer lateral edges222,222′ of the neck section220define a single step down transition of a height HH1to an intermediate shoulder section225. The height HH1of the neck section220is preferably substantially equal to the height HT1of the shoulders115,115′ so that when assembled the top surface205of the neck section220of the hanger200is substantially flush with the exposed outer surfaces117,117′ of the shoulders115,115′ of the track frame section100. This allows the assembled hanger and frame to be flush with the wall or other surface on which it is hung. In turn, outer lateral edges223,223′ of the intermediate shoulder section225extend outward in a lateral direction relative to the outer lateral edges222,222′ of the neck section205forming substantially planar ledges226,226′ having a length LH2that is less than LT1(the length of the respective shoulders115,115′ from its terminating edges116,116′ to where it reaches the interior surface of the side walls110,110′). Preferably, the top surface205of the neck section220is substantially parallel to the substantially planar ledges226,226′. When the hanger200is assembled within the track frame section100with the neck section220secured between the shoulders115,115′, a clearance exists between the outer lateral edges223,223′ of the intermediate shoulder section225and the respective interior surfaces of the side walls110,110′ of the track frame section100. This clearance is sufficient so that when one of the later edges223,223′ is in physical contact with the interior surface of the side walls110,110′, by rotating or tilting the pin hanger200its opposite edge223,223′ is able to clear the terminating end116,116′ of the shoulder115,115′ allowing the pin hanger200to be readily removed at any desired position from the track. Outer lateral edges223,223′ of the intermediate shoulder section225have a height HH2. Intermediate shoulder section225is immediately followed by an inward tapered section230starting from the outer lateral edges223,223′ of the intermediate shoulder section225and terminating at a substantially planar bottom surface210that is substantially parallel with that of top surface205of the neck section220. Each outer lateral edges224,224′ of the inward tapered section230is defined by an angle β (FIG. 2D), preferably approximately 45 degrees, relative to a plane defined by respective outer lateral edges223,223′ of intermediate section225. Bottom surface210has a length LH4in a lateral direction that is less than the opening120of the substantially C-shaped track, most preferably less than the distance LH1of the neck section220. The inward tapered section230has a height HH3. Sections220,225,230as well as the pin215may be formed as an integral unit or separate pieces secured or attached together. Preferably, sections220,225,230are a single integral unit may of the same material.

A hole or aperture235is defined in the pin hanger200extending therethrough between top surface205and bottom surface210, with an axial direction of the hole being oriented substantially perpendicular to these surfaces. A set screw240or other releasable securing hardware is received within the hole or aperture235temporarily securing the pin hanger200in place at any desired position along the track frame section100. When the set screw240is screwed in tightly securing the pin hanger in place the terminating end of the set screw, opposite its head, extends physically beyond the bottom surface210of the pin hanger210and is in physical contact with an interior surface of the bottom wall105of the substantially C-shaped channel.

Pin215is disposed at an angle α of less than 90 degrees with respect to top surface205. This acute angle assists in drawing the frame flush against the wall. The angle α may be between approximately 50 degrees and approximately 80 degrees. Preferably, the angle α is between approximately 75 degrees and approximately 80 degrees. Most preferably, angle α is approximately 75 degrees. Pin215is non-moveably mounted to the neck section.

FIGS. 4A-4Cillustrate sequential steps in assembly of the pin hanger200within the track frame section100. To assemble the pin hanger200securely within the track frame section100prior to hanging the framed object on the wall or other surface, the hanger200is first arranged with the pointed, end.216of the pin215facing outward away from the bottom wall105of the substantially C-shaped channel. During assembly the pin hanger200may be easily held by the pin215. Prior to insertion into the opening120of the substantially C-shaped channel, the hanger200is oriented so that the outer lateral edges222,222′ of the neck section220are substantially aligned with the respective terminating edges116,116′ of the shoulders115,115′ of track100. At this point in time, the enlarged intermediate shoulder section225(whose width in a lateral direction exceeds that of the opening120of the track100) prevents hanger200from being fully inserted into the opening120of the track100. To realize full insertion, the one side of the hanger200is tilted or rotated until one of the outer lateral edges223,223′ of the intermediate shoulder section225is insertable via the opening120into the internal cavity125and the associated ledge226,226′ is received beneath an associated shoulder115,115′ on the same side. Preferably, the pin hanger is rotated approximately +/−45 degrees to enter the track frame channel. The side of the hanger200inserted into the internal cavity125is shifted so that the associated outer lateral edge223,223′ on the same side physically comes closer, possibly even physically contacting, the interior surface of the side wall110,110′ of the track. While the one side ledge226,226′ is maintained within the internal cavity125beneath the shoulder115,115′ on the same side, the opposite side of hanger200is tilted or rotated substantially the same amount in an opposite direction relative to the longitudinal axis until the other outer edge223,223′ of the intermediate section225clears the associated terminating end116,116′ of the corresponding shoulder115,115′. At this point in time, the hanger200is fully inserted with the inward tapered section230, intermediate shoulder section225and neck section220all received within the internal cavity125of the track100. Once fully inserted, the outer edges222,222′ of neck section220are substantially realigned in a longitudinal direction with the terminating ends116,116′ of the shoulders115,115′ of the track. Holding on to the pin215, the user moves the hanger200upwards (in a direction away from the bottom wall105) from the track until the ledges226,226′ of the intermediate shoulder section225are in physical contact with the respective interior surfaces118,118′ of the shoulders115,115′. In this position, rocking movement of the hanger within the track is substantially reduced or prevented by terminating edges116,116′ of the shoulders115,115′. Temporary positioning of the hanger200at a desired location within the track100is secured in place by a set screw240or other equivalent mechanical device received within the hole or opening235. When fully inserted, set screw240projects from the bottom surface210of the pin hanger200and rests against the bottom wall105of the substantially C-shaped channel thereby temporarily securing the hanger therein at a desired location.

Removal of the hanger200from within the track100follows a similar procedure in reverse. Set screw240is released from the hole or opening235by unscrewing it, preferably until it is at least flush with the bottom surface210of the pin hanger200so as not to be an obstruction during removal of the pin hanger from the internal cavity125of the track frame section. While holding pin215, the hanger200is pushed downward into the internal cavity125until the neck section220clears the opening120. The pin hanger200is positioned so that one of the outer lateral edges223,223′ is moved closer towards and perhaps in physical contact with the interior surface of the associated side wall110,110′. Then the user tilts or rotates the hanger about its longitudinal axis until one of the opposite outer lateral edges223,223′ of the intermediate shoulder section225is able to pass through the opening120. Once the one side of the pin hanger passes fully through the opening120, the pin hanger is tiled or rotated about is longitudinal axis in an opposite direction until the other outer lateral edge223,223′ of the intermediate shoulder section225is able to pass through the opening120. Now that the hanger has been fully removed from within the track it may be relocated to a new position along, the same or different track frame section.

Instead of removing the hanger from the frame, the pin hanger may be readily repositioned within the track frame section by simply releasing the set screw240and sliding the pin hanger200within the track100to a different location within the same track frame section. Repositioning of the hanger may therefore be realized by either sliding the hanger while being maintained within the internal cavity or, alternatively, by removing the hanger from the track altogether and following the sequence of steps above at the new location.

Once the hanger has been assembled and temporarily secured at a desired location within the metal frame, the assembly may readily be hung on the wall or other surface by simply pushing the framed object until the pointed end of the pin penetrates into the wall and the top surface205of the neck section220along with the exterior surfaces of the shoulders115,115′ are all flush with the wall surface. Automatically, the hung framed object is level, stable (prevents rocking) and flush with the wall.

The present claimed invention has been illustrated and described with respect to a single pin hanger assembled in a metal track frame. It is, however, contemplated and within the intended, scope of the present invention to use more than one pin hanger, with each hanger having its own associated pin, assembled in the same track frame section or different track frame sections that formed a closed assembled frame.

The measurements associated with the conventional track frame are substantially standard. By way of illustrative, non-limiting example, the standardized measurements of the substantially C-shaped channel of the track frame section are typically as follows: HT1is substantially 7/32″; HT2is substantially 5/32″; DT1is substantially ⅜″; LT1is substantially 3/32″; LT2is substantially ½″. Exemplary complementary size pin hanger measurements for such an example standardized C-shaped channel are as follows: HH1is substantially 7/32″; HH2is substantially 5/32″; HH3is substantially ⅛″; LH1is substantially 5/16′″ LH2is substantially 1/16″; LH4is substantially 5/16″; α is approximately 75 degrees; and β is approximately 45 degrees.

The measurements of the L-shaped ledge portion of the track frame section have no bearing, whatsoever, on the scope of the present invention. As for the particular measurements of the substantially C-shaped channel section, these measurements may be varied, as desired. In such case, the corresponding measurements of the pin hanger may be appropriately varied to complement those of the substantially C-shaped channel section while satisfying the following conditions: (i) the hanger profile is specifically designed to be fully insertable within the within the substantially C-shaped channel only after tilting/rotating in a longitudinal direction from one side followed thereafter h its opposite side; (ii) once inserted within the cavity of the channel, shifting of the hanger therein is prohibited by its complementary shape hounded between the terminating ends116,116′; (iii) once fully inserted within the substantially C-shaped track frame the pin hanger is releasably securable therein at any desired location along the track without having to be removed from the end of the track frame section or disassemble the closed frame; and (iv) when assembled and secured within the substantially C-shaped channel, a top surface205of the pin hanger together with the exterior surfaces117,117′ of the shoulders115,115′, all rest flush against the surface on which the framed object is to be hung.

The present inventive hanging system may be retrofit to preassembled framed objects having a substantially C-shaped track frame without having to disassemble the frame.

Every issued patent, pending patent application, publication, journal article, hook or any other reference cited herein is each incorporated by reference in their entirety.