Picture hanging devices and methods thereof

A picture hanging device includes a longitudinal member having a longitudinal track extending along at least a portion of a length of the longitudinal member and at least one level located within the longitudinal member. At least two alignment members are moveable along the longitudinal track, each of the at least two alignment members having a securing device configured to detachably secure the alignment members in place at a location along the longitudinal track. The at least two alignment members each have a hollow internal portion configured to receive a punch device. A method of making a picture hanging device is also disclosed.

FIELD

This technology relates to a picture hanging device and methods of making a picture hanging device.

BACKGROUND

Framed pictures and other framed objects, such as artwork, diplomas, or awards, are hung on walls in numerous households, offices, and other locations. While hanging framed pictures and other framed objects provides for visual enhancement of a living space, the process of hanging framed pictures and other framed objects can be a frustrating experience.

Specifically, obtaining the precise alignment of the framed pictures and other framed objects includes a number of time consuming steps. The picture frame or other framed object must be measured to determine the spacing of the hooks or other hanging mechanism located on the frame. The wall must then be marked to provide the correct spacing for the wall anchors. This process further requires ensuring that the wall anchors are placed at the correct height to ensure that the picture will hang in a level fashion.

These difficulties in hanging pictures may discourage people from hanging pictures, despite the enhancement they provide. Further, errors in the picture hanging process may result in a number of holes in the wall that are unsightly and require repair, or unevenly hung pictures.

Devices have been developed to assist in picture hanging. However, these devices are often overly complex, difficult to use, and costly.

SUMMARY

A picture hanging device includes a longitudinal member having a longitudinal track extending along at least a portion of a length of the longitudinal member and at least one level located within the longitudinal member. At least two alignment members are moveable along the longitudinal track, each of the at least two alignment members having a securing device configured to detachably secure the alignment members in place at a location along the longitudinal track. The at least two alignment members each have a hollow internal portion configured to receive a punch device.

A method of making a picture hanging device includes providing a longitudinal member having a longitudinal track extending along at least a portion of a length of the longitudinal member and at least one level located within the longitudinal member. At least two alignment members are coupled to the longitudinal member. The at least two alignment members are moveable along the longitudinal track, each of the at least two alignment members having a securing device configured to detachably secure the alignment members in place at a location along the longitudinal track. The at least two alignment members each include a hollow internal portion configured to receive a punch device.

Accordingly, this technology provides a number of advantages including providing a more efficient and easy to use picture hanging device which provides for accurate, level picture hanging.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example of a picture hanging device10(1) is illustrated inFIGS. 1-3B. In this particular example the picture hanging device10(1) includes a longitudinal member12(1) with a track14(1), at least two alignment members16(1), one or more levels18, and one or more punch devices20, although the picture hanging device10(1) may include other types or numbers of devices, components, and/or other elements in other configurations. This technology provides a number of advantages including providing a more efficient and easy to use picture hanging device that provides for accurate, level picture hanging.

Referring more specifically toFIG. 1, in this particular example the longitudinal member12(1) includes a body portion22(1) surrounding the track14(1). The longitudinal member12(1) can be molded from plastic, although the longitudinal member12(1) can be formed of other types and/or numbers of materials, such as metals, using other manufacturing techniques. Additionally in this example, the longitudinal member12(1) is formed of a lightweight material to facilitate use of the picture hanging device10(1), although materials which have other weights could be used. Further, in this example, the longitudinal member12(1) is formed as two separate portions as illustrated inFIGS. 2A-3Band described below. Alternatively, the longitudinal member12(1) may be formed in other configurations, such as a single unitary piece by way of example only.

In this particular example, the body portion22(1) of the longitudinal member12(1) includes a plurality of holes24located through the body portion22(1) configured to receive and securely hold level devices18to allow the longitudinal member12(1) to be placed in a level position during use. Although a plurality of holes24are described, in other examples a single hole24with a level device18may be utilized. The plurality of holes24may be located at various locations in the body portion22(1) of the longitudinal member12(1). In one example, the body portion22(1) of the longitudinal member12(1) also includes an optional holding compartment26that provides a recessed area within the body portion22(1) having one or more holding elements28as shown inFIG. 2Bconfigured to securely receive, by way of example through a snap fit, at least two of the punch devices20for storage when not in use, although the longitudinal member12(1) may include other types and/or numbers of other compartments configured to hold other types and/or numbers of devices or elements for use with the picture hanging device10(1).

Referring again toFIG. 1, in this particular example, the track14(1) is located internally within the body portion22(1) of the picture hanging device10(1) and extends along a portion of the length of the longitudinal member12(1). The body portion22(1) of the longitudinal member12(1) includes markings30to serve as a ruler32located along the track14(1) for precise alignment of the alignment members16(1) along the track14(1) as discussed below.

In this particular example, the at least two alignment members16are located within the track14(1) of the longitudinal member12(1), although other numbers of alignment members16(1) may be utilized. The alignment members16(1) are configured to be slidably movable along the track14(1). In this example, the alignment members16(1) are cylindrical with a hollow center34configured to receive one of the punch devices20, such as a 3/16 inch punch device, although the alignment members16(1) may have other configurations to receive other devices therethrough. The alignment members16(1) each may include a pair of supports36as shown inFIG. 2Athat may be located on either side of the track14(1) of the longitudinal member12(1) to maintain the center of the alignment members16(1) along the track14(1). The alignment members16(1) may be formed of plastic, although other types and/or numbers of materials such as metal may be utilized.

The alignment members16(1) also each include a securing device38(1) as shown inFIG. 2Aconfigured to allow the alignment members16(1) to be detachably fixed or otherwise secured at a location along the track14(1). In one example, the securing device38(1) is a threaded cap that may be screwed onto a threaded end of each alignment member16(1), such that the securing device38(1) can be tightened in a screwing fashion against the body portion22(1) of the longitudinal member12(1) to detachable secure a position of each of the alignment members16(1) along the track14(1) of the longitudinal member12(1), although other types and/or numbers of securing devices may be utilized that are configured to detachably secure the alignment member16(1) along the track14(1) of the longitudinal member12(1). The securing device38(1), such as a threaded cap may then be released, unscrewed in this example, to allow the alignment member16(1) to move freely along the track14(1).

The one or more levels18are located within the plurality of holes24in the longitudinal member12(1) and are configured to indicate when the longitudinal member12(1) is in a level position, although the levels could be at other locations and/or in other orientations. In this particular example the one or more levels18are bubble levels, although other types and/or numbers of levels may be utilized.

The one or more punch devices20are configured to be introduced through the hollow center34of each of the alignment members16(1) to provide a hole in a surface, such as a wall, for screwing a fastener into a wall anchor for hanging a picture, although other types and/or numbers of marking devices, such as a scribe, a pen, or a pencil could be used to mark the area to insert a nail. An exemplary punch device20is illustrated inFIG. 4. In this example, the punch devices20are each 3/16 inch punch devices, although other types and/or numbers of punch or other marking devices with other dimensions may be utilized. Alternatively, the punch devices20may each have different dimensions to provide different size holes.

Referring now more specifically toFIGS. 2-3B, the longitudinal member12(1) is formed from a first portion44(1) and a second portion46(1) that are coupled together at one end to form the track14(1). The first portion44(1) and the second portion46(1) have respective ends45and47that fit together in a male/female snap fit arrangement, although the end45of the first portion44(1) and the end47of the second portion46(1) of the longitudinal member12(1) may be coupled in other manners, for example by a hinge as described below. The first portion44(1) and second portion46(1) have rear surfaces48that are partially indented to reduce the overall weight of the picture hanging device10(1) while accommodating the levels18as shown inFIGS. 2C and 3B.

Referring more specifically toFIGS. 2A-2C, in one example the first portion44(1) for the longitudinal member12(1) portion includes five levels18and the holding compartment26for holding the punch devices20as shown inFIG. 2A. The first portion44(1) includes a first section of the track14(1) with markings30that provide a 12 inch ruler, although the first portion44(1) may have other sizes including other markings thereon. The first portion44(1) includes the end45configured to be coupled to the second portion46(1). In this particular, example, the end45is a female end configured to receive end47, which is a male end of the second portion46(1), although other coupling configurations in other orientations may be employed.

Referring now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the second portion46(1) is configured to be coupled to the first portion44(1) to extend the overall length of the track14(1) of the picture hanging device10(1). The second portion46(1), in this example, is configured provide an additional six inches, although the second portion46(1) may provide other lengths, such as twelve inches for larger pictures, to the overall length of the track14(1). In one example, the first portion44(1) may be packaged with various attachment second portions46(1) of different sizes to accommodate pictures of different lengths. The second portion46(1) includes markings30that align with the markings30on the first portion44(1) when the first portion44(1) and the second portion46(1) are coupled together to provide an elongated ruler.

An exemplary operation of the picture hanging device10(1) will now be described with reference toFIG. 1. With a picture frame lying face down, the picture hanging device10(1) is placed against the frame. The alignment members16(1) are then repositioned, with the securing devices38loosened, along the track14(1) to match with the hanging hardware on the picture frame. Although two alignment members16(1) are illustrated, other numbers of alignment members16(1) may be utilized based on the specific hanging hardware of the picture. Alternatively, the distance between the hanging elements on the picture are measured and the alignment members16are positioned along the track14(1) using the markings30located on the body portion22(1) of the longitudinal member12(1) as a ruler.

Next, with the alignment members16(1) matched up to the hanging hardware of the picture, the alignment members16(1) are locked into place using the securing device38for each alignment member16(1). By way of example, the alignment member16(1) may be locked into position using a cap configured to be screwed onto the alignment member16(1) as the securing device38(1).

The picture hanging device10(1) is then positioned against a wall in the desired location for mounting the picture. The punch device20, such as a 3/16 inch punch device, is inserted through the hollow center34of one of the alignment members16(1) and driven into the wall.

After insertion of a first one of the punch devices20into the wall, the picture hanging device10(1) is rotated to a level position based on the indication provided by the various levels18. Once the picture hanging device10(1) is level, one of the punch devices20is inserted through the other alignment member16(1) utilized. In the event that additional alignment members16(1) are utilized, additional punch devices20are inserted at this step. The punch devices20are then removed from the wall, the picture hanging device10(1) is taken down, and the holes created are utilized to accurately position wall anchors for mounting the picture, or other item.

Another example of a picture hanging device10(2) is illustrated inFIGS. 5A-7B. The picture hanging device10(2) is the same in structure and operation as the picture hanging device10(1) except as illustrated and described herein. Elements in the picture hanging device10(2) that are like those in the picture hanging device10(1) have like reference numerals.

Referring more specifically toFIGS. 5A-5C, in this example the picture hanging device10(2) includes a longitudinal member12(2) with a track14(2) that extends along an edge of the longitudinal member12(2). The longitudinal member12(2) can be molded from plastic, although the longitudinal member12(2) can be formed of other materials, such as metals, using other manufacturing techniques. In this particular example, the longitudinal member12(2) is formed of a lightweight material to facilitate use of the picture hanging device10(2). The longitudinal member12(2) is formed as two separate pieces as described below, but may also be molded as a single piece.

The body portion22(2) of the longitudinal member12(2) includes a plurality of holes24located therein as shown inFIGS. 6A-7B. Referring again toFIGS. 5A-5C, the plurality of holes24are configured to receive level devices18to allow the longitudinal member12(2) to be placed in a level position during use. The plurality of holes24may be located at various locations in the body portion22(2) of the longitudinal member12(2). In one example, the body portion22(2) of the longitudinal member12(2) also includes the optional holding compartment26including a recessed area within the body and one or more holding elements28, as shown inFIG. 6A, configured to securely receive, by way of example through a snap fit, at least two punch devices20for storage when not in use, although the longitudinal member12(2) may include other compartments configured to hold other numbers and types of devices or elements for use with the picture hanging device10(2). In this example, the holding compartment26is also configured to securely receive alignment members16(1) and securing devices38as illustrated inFIG. 5A. Holding compartment26may be covered by an optional door to securely store the items inside.

In this example, the track14(2) is located on an edge along the length of the body portion22(2) of the longitudinal member12(2). The body portion22(2) of the longitudinal member12(2) includes markings30to serve as a ruler located along the track14(2) for precise alignment of the alignment members16(2) along the track14(2) as discussed below. As shown inFIG. 5C, the track14(2) includes a recessed portion50and a ledge portion52that extends beyond the recessed portion50. The recessed portion50and the ledge portion52provide for coupling to the alignment members16(2) as described below.

The at least two alignment members16(2) are configured to be positioned on the track14(2) along the edge of the body portion22(2) of the longitudinal member12(2) as shown inFIG. 5C, although other numbers of alignment members16(2) may be utilized. An exemplary alignment member16(2) is shown inFIG. 9A. The alignment members16(2) are configured to be slidably movable along the track14(2). The alignment members16(2) includes a head portion54and a cylindrical body56having the hollow center34configured to receive one of the punch devices20, such as a 3/16 inch punch device, although the alignment members16(2) may have other configurations to receive other devices therethrough. The cylindrical body is threaded on one end to receive a securing device38(2) in the form of a threaded cap, as shown inFIG. 9B. The head portion54includes a ledge58configured to fit within the recessed portion50of the track14(2) to secure and move the alignment members16(2) along the track14(2), although the alignment members16(2) may include other types and/or numbers members in other locations to facilitate attachment to the track14(2).

The alignment members16(2) also each include a securing device38(2) as shown inFIG. 9Bconfigured to allow the alignment members16(2) to be fixed at a location along the track14(2). In this example, the securing device38(2) is a threaded cap that can be tightened in a screwing fashion along the threaded portion of the cylindrical body56of the alignment mechanism16(2) and against the track14(2) of the longitudinal member12(2) to position the alignment member16(2) along the track14(2), although other types and/or numbers of securing devices may be utilized that are configured to locate the alignment members16(2) along the track14(2) of the longitudinal member12(2). The securing device38(2) may then be released, unscrewed in this example, to allow the alignment members16(2) to move freely along the track14(2). In this example, the securing device38(2) includes a recess58and a ledge60configured to align with ledge portion52and the recessed portion50of the track14(2), respectively, during use as illustrated inFIG. 5C.

The one or more levels18are located within the plurality of holes24in the longitudinal member12(2) and are configured to indicate when the longitudinal member12(2) is in a level position. In this particular example the one or more levels18are bubble levels, although other types of levels may be utilized.

Referring now toFIGS. 5-8B, in this example the longitudinal member12(2) is formed from a first portion44(2) and a second portion46(2) that are coupled together by hinge62to form the track14(2). The first portion44(2) and second portion46(2) may have rear surfaces48that are partially indented to reduce the overall weight of the picture hanging device10(2) while accommodating the levels18as shown inFIGS. 6B and 7B.

Referring more specifically toFIGS. 6A and 6B, in one example the first portion44(2) for the longitudinal member12(2) portion includes four holes24to receive levels18and the holding compartment26for holding the punch devices20, alignment members16(2), and securing devices38(2) as shown inFIG. 5A. The first portion44(2) includes a first section of the track14(2) with markings30that provide a 12 inch ruler, although the first portion44(2) may have other sizes including other markings thereon, such as providing a 24 inch ruler. The first portion44(2) includes an end configured to be coupled to the second portion46(2) through the hinge62, although the first portion44(2) and the second portion46(2) may be coupled in other manners.

Referring now toFIGS. 7A and 7B, the second portion46(2) is configured to be coupled to the first portion44(2) to extend the overall length of the track14(2) of the picture hanging device10(2) when the hinge is in the open position as shown inFIG. 5A. The second portion46(2), in this example, is configured provide an additional twelve inches when the picture hanging device10(2) is extended, although the second portion46(2) may provide other lengths, such as twenty four inches for larger pictures, to the overall length of the track14(2). The second portion46(2) is foldable through hinge62to place the picture hanging device10(2) in a folded position as shown inFIG. 5B. The second portion46(2) may be locked to the first portion46(2) in the folded position. The second portion46(2) includes markings30that align with the markings30on the first portion44(2) when the first portion44(2) and the second portion46(2) are extended to provide an elongated ruler.

An exemplary operation of the picture hanging device10(2) will now be described with reference toFIGS. 5A-7B. With a picture frame lying face down, the picture hanging device10(2) is placed against the frame. The picture hanging device10(2) may be utilized in either the extended position illustrated inFIG. 5Aor the folded position shown inFIG. 5B. The alignment members16(2) are then repositioned, with the securing devices38(2) loosened, along the track14(2) to match with the hanging hardware on the picture frame. Although two alignment members16(2) are illustrated, other numbers of alignment members16(2) may be utilized based on the specific hanging hardware of the picture. Alternatively, the distance between the hanging elements on the picture are measured and the alignment members16(2) are positioned along the track14(2) using the ruler located on the body portion22(2) of the longitudinal member12(2).

Next, with the alignment members16(2) matched up to the hanging hardware of the picture, the alignment members16(2) are locked into place using the securing device38(2) for each alignment member16(2). By way of example, the alignment member16(2) may be locked into position using a threaded cap configured to be screwed onto the alignment member16(2), such as the securing device38(2).

The picture hanging device10(2) is then positioned against a wall in the desired location for mounting the picture. The punch device20, such as a 3/16 inch punch device, is inserted through the hollow center34of one of the alignment members16(2) and driven into the wall.

After insertion of a first one of the punch devices20into the wall, the picture hanging device10(2) is rotated to a level position based on the indication provided by the various levels18. Once the picture hanging device10(2) is level, a second one of the punch devices20is inserted through the second alignment member16(2) and a punch mark may be created, although other types of marks with other types of marking devices may be used. The punch devices20are then removed from the wall and the holes or other marks created are utilized to accurately position wall anchors for mounting the picture.

Accordingly, the present technology advantageously provides a picturing hanging device that allows for an easy, efficient picture hanging process that provides level hanging of pictures. Further, the picture hanging device provides a design that is lightweight, easy to use, and more economically produced.