Abstract:
A stand-off system for providing fixed, vertical orientation of artwork parallel to a vertical surface, the system comprising a bracket having a portion for coupling the bracket to the vertical surface and a vertical mounting plate portion, the mounting plate having a shaped opening positioned along an upper edge surface of the mounting plate portion, and a stem portion having a mounting surface for rigidly mounting the stem portion onto the artwork, the stem portion further comprising a body portion and flat head portion separated by a shaped neck portion, the head and neck portions defining a flange shaped to precisely register with the shaped opening and thereby maintain a predetermined orientation of the piece of artwork.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to mechanisms used for supporting art and other objects, and more particularly, a stand-off system to hang art and other objects, which have regular and/or irregular shapes, vertically against a wall and/or backdrop.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     There are many known methods and apparatus used to hang art or other objects on wall or any kind of backdrop. A common method is attachment of a wire or cord to the back of a piece of art with screw eyes or similar fasteners. The wire or cord is then placed over a nail, single picture hook or similar fastener attached to a wall.  
         [0003]     More particularly to painting or other two dimension art pieces, there is the flexible wire or cord hanging system. Art pieces are secured inside a picture frame. A wire or cord is then fastened on each of the vertical sides of the frame with screw eyes or similar fasteners. The wire or cord is then placed over a single picture hook or similar fastener attached to a wall.  
         [0004]     This method places tremendous tension on both the wire and the wire anchor points on the frame. The tension will often break the wire, pull out fasteners, split the frame, and/or bow the sides and top of the frame. Any of the preceding can result in damage to the art within the frame and to the frame itself. For example, if the wire is fastened to the anchor-points so that it is near horizontal across the back of the frame, the forces on the wire and each anchor-point can be as much as 14 times the weight of the frame.  
         [0005]     There are also other methods for similar usages in the market such as blue-tip. The clay-textured product can be applied on the back of art or any object. The adhesive nature of the product will then act as a glue to attach art pieces or any object to the surface of a wall or any surface. On the same mechanism, some simply apply glues on the back of art pieces or any object and stick it on the wall.  
         [0006]     Moreover, there are mechanical elements such as different kinds of hooks, knobs and fasteners available in the market for the same purpose. These are more often used for art pieces that are not suitable for framing or relatively heavy objects. These mechanisms usually require certain degree of permanent damage to the hanging piece. Besides, those mechanisms are very relatively complex and not flexible to dislodge once they are in place.  
       ADVANTAGES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     An object and advantage of the present invention is a mechanism to securely support art or other objects on a relatively vertical rigid wall or backdrop of essentially any kind. In our mechanism, this involves a novel stand-off system. The stand-off system comprises a matching pair of stem portion and bracket components. Key to the present invention is the stem portion and bracket interlock to one another and how they are secured to the hanging piece and wall, respectively.  
         [0008]     Another object and advantage of the present invention to provide a stem portion and bracket which interlock by their particular matching shapes. It is unnecessary to apply any mechanical fasteners like screws or glues to enhance the engagement. Therefore, it is a simple matter to move the whole system by simply lifting and removing the hanging piece. Additionally, the stand-off system works on almost any object. It does not require a frame like the flexible wire or cord hanging system as shown in  FIG. 1A . It also works on hanging objects with irregular shape and/or contour back surface, which present larger and different problems using other hanging methods.  
         [0009]     Another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide such system which will serve to support heavy weight. Since the stem portion and bracket of ihe stand-off system is locked together vertically, the weight of the hanging piece itself will help secure the locking position.  
         [0010]     The present invention is a stand-off system for providing fixed, vertical orientation of artwork parallel to a vertical surface, thereto provide a completely vertical suspension without any distortion, deformation, or rotated hanging art work. The system comprises a bracket having a portion for coupling the bracket to the vertical surface and a vertical mounting plate portion, the mounting plate having a shaped opening positioned along an upper edge surface of the mounting plate portion, and a stem portion having a mounting surface for rigidly mounting the stem portion onto the artwork, the stem portion further comprising a body portion and flat head portion separated by a shaped neck portion, the head and neck portions defining a flange shaped to precisely register with the shaped opening and thereby maintain a predetermined orientation of the piece of artwork. Consequently, the stand-off systems of the present invention can be applied at strategic positions on the back of artwork to attain a desirable presentation orientation. As an example, while a picture may be hung essentially level, individual glass fish or other animals, trees or objects can be presented or installed at any angle, orientation or inter-related relationship.  
         [0011]     Another advantage of the present invention is its wide usage both in an indoor or outdoor settings or installations.  
         [0012]     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be come apparent through the following descriptions, and will be included and incorporated herein.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a representative schematic sectional view showing a common mechanism  90  of hanging an art piece (prior art).  
         [0014]      FIG. 1B  is a representative cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a stem portion  120  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 1C  is a representative cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a bracket  140  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2A  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of bracket  140  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2B  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of stem portion  120  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention.  
         [0018]     FIG;  2 C a representative cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention in an actual application situation.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3A  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of an alternative bracket design  300  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 3B  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of another alternative bracket design  310  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3C  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of another alternative bracket design  320  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 3D  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of an alternative stem portion design  330  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3E  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of another alternative stem portion design  340  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4A  shows a representative view of a preferred method of use of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 4B  shows a representative front view of a preferred embodiment of stand-off  100  supporting and securing an art piece  404 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0026]     The description that follows is presented to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principals discussed below may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but the invention is to be given the largest possible scope which is consistent with the principals and features described herein.  
         [0027]     It will be understood that in the event parts of different embodiments have similar functions or uses, they may have been given similar or identical reference numerals and descriptions. It will be understood that such duplication of reference numerals is intended solely for efficiency and ease of understanding the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting in any way, or as implying that the various embodiments themselves are identical.  
         [0028]      FIG. 1A  is a representative schematic sectional view showing a common mechanism  90  of hanging an art piece  92  (prior art). The flexible wire or cord hanging system  90  used to hang art requires the attachment of a wire or cord  94  to each of the vertical sides of art piece  92  with screw eyes  93  or similar fasteners. The wire or cord  94  is then placed over one or more picture hooks  96  or similar fastener attached to wall  102 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 1B  is a representative cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a stem portion  120  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, stem portion  120  is formed of a single material of construction with no assembly of parts, thereby increasing strength and resistence. In a preferred embodiment, stem portion  120  is made of machined stainless steel. Other preferred materials include wood, plastic, resin and synthetic materials. Other methods of construction of the stem portion  120  include extrusion, welding, screwed, riveted or bolted assembly, etc.  
         [0030]     As shown in  FIG. 1B , stem portion  120  comprises of head  122 , neck  124 , body  126  and base  128 . The main function of head  122  is for securing to bracket  140  in applications. In a preferred embodiment, the circumference of head  122  is greater than that of neck  124  to secure the locked position.  
         [0031]     Neck  124  connects head  122  and body  126 . In a preferred embodiment, the girth of neck  124  is smaller than those of head  122  and body  126 . In this arrangement, there is a slot  125  created between head  122  and body  126  at the neck  124  area. Neck  124  and slot  125  latch onto bracket  140  with the body in a specific orientation. The girth or diameter of neck  124  as well as the width of the flange defining the head portion  122  are key in determining the strength or weight resistence of the whole system.  
         [0032]     A function of body  126  is to provide a comfortable buffering space between hanging art piece  92  and bracket  140 . The thickness of body  126  could be adjusted during the manufacturing process, and determines the overall strength of stem portion  120 . The length of body  126  could also be adjusted during the manufacturing process. It should be set to provide a comfortable buffering space between the back of hanging art piece  92  and bracket  140 , and yet not too long thereof generating an unnecessarily big downward moment D about the mounting point on the wall  102 , resulting in failure to the system. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of body  126  could be circular, squarish, hexagonal, etc. to meet aesthetic and mechanical needs.  
         [0033]     The main function of base  128  is to provide a contact surface to adhere to the back of art piece  92 . In a preferred embodiment, industrial strength adhesive  130  such as resin epoxy is applied for operative, and effective adhesion to art piece  92  such as epoxy. The recommended commercial epoxy includes Loc-Tite 7075 activator (Part No.: 22671) and 324 adhesive (Part No.: 32430). Other commercial epoxies with similar strength could also be applied, but it is critical to provide a highly effective, fail-safe adhesive system such as will be known to those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, base  128  could either be flat or customized to better adhere to a contoured surface of the back of an art piece  402 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 1C  is a representative cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a bracket  140  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention. As described with respect to the head portion  122 , bracket  140  is formed from a single piece of material, In a preferred embodiment, bracket  140  is made of stainless steel in a sheet metal bending process. Other preferred materials include wood, plastic, resin and other synthetic materials. Other methods of construction of the bracket portion  140  include extrusion, welding, screwed, riveted or bolted assembly, etc. The thickness, building material and manufacturing process will determine the overall strength of bracket  140 .  
         [0035]     As shown in  FIG. 1C , the J-shaped bracket  140  comprises of front panel  146 , platform  144  and back panel  142 .  
         [0036]     Front panel  146  is a flat vertical strip further comprising interlocking opening  202 . The main function of front panel  146  is to provide a cradle for neck  124  of stem portion  120  in the interlocking position of the whole stand-off system of present invention  100 . In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of front panel  146  should be slightly smaller than that of neck  124  for a tight but comfortable fit.  
         [0037]     Platform  144  is a flat horizontal strip joining front panel  146  and back panel  142 . The space created between front panel  146  and back panel  142  provides a space to house the head  122  of stem portion  120  in the real application of stand-off system of present invention  100 . The length of platform  144  should be larger than that of head  122  but not too long to generate an unnecessarily large downward moment D 1  to cause failure at the junction part  150  between platform  144  and back panel  142 , and/or other areas.  
         [0038]     In a preferred embodiment, back panel  142  is a flat vertical strip with hole  148  one or two mounting holes  148  positioned in the horizontal center or side by side horizontally, or elsewhere on the bracket portion. A screw or nail  150  goes through hole  148  of back panel  142  and into wall  102  to secure bracket  140  and subsequently the whole stand-off system  100  to wall  102 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 2A  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of bracket  140  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention. As shown Best in  FIGS. 1A and 2A , the J-shaped bracket  140  comprises of front panel  146 , platform  144  and back panel  142 .  
         [0040]     Front panel or mounting plate portion  146  is a flat vertical strip portion of material, essentially parallel to the wall surface  102 , further comprising shaped or interlocking opening  202 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , in one of the preferred embodiments, the base of interlocking opening  202  is squarish comprising two right angled corners. Side edges  204  then go up and curve outward to create a concave shaped opening  202 . The main function of concave shaped interlocking opening  202  is to provide a cradle for neck  124  of stem portion  120  in the interlocking position of the whole stand-off system of present invention  100 . The size of interlocking opening  202  should be slightly bigger than that of neck  124  of stem portion  120  for a comfortably tight fit.  
         [0041]     In a preferred embodiment, back panel  142  is a flat vertical strip with one or two holes  148  positioned in the horizontal center in an one-hole embodiment or side by side horizontally. The two-hole arrangement particularly avoids turning of the whole system  100  while supporting an object with an uneven distribution of weight, and will prevent rotation or swinging of the entire unbalanced system;  
         [0042]      FIG. 2B  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of stem portion  120  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention. As shown best in  FIGS. 1B and 2B , stem portion  120  comprises of head  122 , neck  124 , body  126  and base  128 .  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIG. 2B , neck  124  has a squarish cross section comprising a right angle at all four corners and it connects head  122  and body  126 . In a preferred embodiment, the girth of neck  124  should be smaller than those of head  122  and body  126 . Owing to this arrangement, there is a slot  125  created between head  122  and body  126  at the neck  124  area. The girth of neck  124  should also be slightly smaller than the width of interlocking opening  202  of bracket  140  to ensure a comfortably tight clearance between the two elements.  
         [0044]     The main function of neck  124  and slot  125  is to provide a niche to latch onto bracket  140  at the interlocking opening  202  of bracket  140  in the actual application of present invention  100 . The girth of neck  124  is one of the key determining factors for the weight resistence of the whole system of present invention  100 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 2C  a representative cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention in an actual application situation. The system  100  could be used both in an indoor or outdoor surroundings. As shown, stem portion  120  and bracket  140  engage in an anchoring position and interlock to each other at neck  124  of stem portion  120  and interlocking opening  202  of bracket  140 . Neck  124  of stem portion  120  and interlocking opening  202  of bracket  140  have the same square shape and the girth of neck  124  is machined slightly smaller than the width of interlocking opening  202  to ensure a comfortably narrow clearance between the two elements. Also, this arrangement avoids neck  124  from twisting off from interlocking opening  202  due to horizontal stress H.  
         [0046]     The convex shaped side edges  204  on front panel  146  of bracket  140  facilitate the entrance of neck  124  of stem portion  120  to interlocking opening  202  of bracket  140 . It is particularly useful when there are a plurality of stand-off systems  100  being used on the same art piece  92 . During installation of the piece, side edges  204  of bracket  140  slide right into the slot  125  of stem portion  120 , attaining the locked position of stand-off system  100 .  
         [0047]     The girth of head  122  of stem portion  120  is bigger than those on neck  124  and interlocking opening  202  of bracket  140 . The weight of art piece  92  and stem portion  120  generates a vertical moment V that will pull stem portion  120  away from the interlocking position. The base of head  122  is pulled towards front panel  146 . Due to its bigger size, head  122  prevents dislodging of stem portion  120  from bracket  140 .  
         [0048]     In a preferred embodiment, industrial strength adhesive  130  such as resin is applied for effective adhesion to art piece  92 . Base  128  could either be flat or customized to better adhere to a contour surface of the back of art piece  402 . The adhesion between art piece  92  and base  128  of stem portion  120  avoids art piece  92  from sliding off.  
         [0049]     In a preferred embodiment, back panel  142  of bracket  140  is a flat vertical strip with hole  148  positioned in the horizontal center. In a preferred method, a screw or nail  150  goes through hole  148  of back panel  142  and into wall  102  to secure bracket  140 , subsequently the whole stand-off system  100  and art piece  92  to wall  102 .  
         [0050]     Stand-off system  100  of present invention could be used individually or in groups. The quantity and their respective position on the back of art piece  92  depends on weight, size and shape of the art piece  92 . Besides, the strength of adhesive  130  as well as the materials of construction could also affect the number of stand-off systems  100  of present invention required. For art pieces  92  that are made of glass and/or other translucent/transparent materials, stand-off systems  100  could be placed strategically to minimize visual disturbance of the appreciative view of the art piece  92 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 3A  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of an alternative bracket design  300  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention. As shown, the base of interlocking opening  302  of bracket  300  is circular, providing a semicircular opening. Side edges  204  remain straight and open convexly upward. In a preferred embodiment, bracket  300  is used with matching stem portion  330  or stem portion  340  with circular shaped neck  332 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 3B  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of another alternative bracket design  310  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention. Bracket  310  further comprises two side panels  314  connecting side edges  205  of front panel  146  to back panel  142 . In a preferred embodiment, side panels  314  is made of the same material as bracket  310 . The side panels  314  add additional strength to bracket  310 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 3C  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of another alternative bracket design  320  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention. As shown, the base of interlocking opening  302  of bracket  310  is pointed. Side edges  322  are straight and open up from the base, creating an sharp angle. As a result, interlocking opening  324  is V-shaped. In a preferred embodiment, bracket  310  could be used with both stem portion  120  which has a squarish neck  124  and stem portion  330  and/or stem portion  340  which both have a circular neck  332 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 3D  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of an alternative stem portion design  330  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention. Stem portion  330 , instead of having a square-shaped neck portion  124  of stem portion  120  as shown Best in  FIG. 2B , has a circular-shaped neck  332 . Stem portion  330  should be used with complimentary bracket  300  and/or bracket  310 , both have a circular-shaped interlocking opening  302 . The width of neck  332  of stem portion  330  should be slightly smaller than the opening  302  of bracket  300  and/or bracket  310  to ensure a comfortably tight locking position of the stand-off system of present invention  100 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 3E  is a representative side view of a preferred embodiment of another alternative stem portion design  340  of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention. Body  342  of stem portion  340  has a relatively smaller diameter than that of body  128  of stem portion  120  and stem portion  330  as shown best in  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 3D  respectively. The slimmer body  342  is suitable to support art pieces  92  of lighter weight. It also improve the aesthetic values of the side view of the overall decorative setting. Besides, for hanging art pieces  92  which are made of glass and/or other translucent/transparent materials, the slimmer body  342  would improve the frontal view significantly.  
         [0056]      FIG. 4A  shows a representative view of a preferred method of use of the stand-off system  100  of the present invention. As shown, the back of art piece  402  is not flat and is contoured instead. If a plurality of stand-off systems  100  with different lengths are used to support art piece  402 , a plurality, i.e., one or more, stand-off systems  100  of present invention with a variety of lengths are selected. Number and location of application spots  404  can be selected based on weight and shape of art piece  402 .  
         [0057]      FIG. 4B  shows a representative front view of a preferred embodiment of stand-off system  100  supporting and securing an art piece  404 . As shown, a single stand-off system  100  of present invention can support art piece  404  even with an irregular shape.  
         [0058]     The whole art piece is supported at application spot  404  where stand-off system  100  is applied. As shown best in  FIG. 2C , neck  124  of stem portion  120  and interlocking opening  202  of bracket  140  have similar square shapes. Neck  124  is slightly smaller than the width of interlocking opening  202  to ensure a comfortably tight clearance between the two elements. Also, this arrangement avoids neck  124  from twisting off from interlocking opening  202  due to horizontal stress or bending moment.  
         [0059]     In applications where multiple stand-off systems  100  of present invention are used, each stand-off system  100  will resist respective horizontal stress H with the same mechanism. As a result, art piece  92  is safely secured on wall  102 .  
         [0000]     Experimental Results  
         [0060]     In testing preformed with actual stem and bracket portions of the present invention, successful results were obtained in a specific set of tests, the following data was collected. Table 1 is a table showing experimental strength data collected in successful testing procedures.  
                                                                                               TABLE 1                           Experimental Strength Test Data                Number of Stand-Offs                                2 (Uneven                       distribution of           1   2   4   weight support)                Size (neck diameter)   Weight - max. (pounds)                            Small (½″)   10   20   40   15           Medium (⅝″)   15   30   60   22.5           Large (¾″)   28   56   112   42           X-Large (1″)   43   86   172   64.5                      
 
         [0061]     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications and patent documents referenced in the present invention are incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0062]     While the principles of the invention have been made clear in illustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover and embrace any and all such modifications, with the limits only of the true purview, spirit and scope of the invention.