Abstract:
An adjustable suspension apparatus and method. One embodiment provides a substrate mounting apparatus that provides the ability to mount the apparatus on a substrate and move the location of a suspended object in at least a substantial two-dimensional planar area. One embodiment allows the suspended object to be moved vertically, laterally, and tilted or leveled with respect to the substrate by merely sliding one or more components of the apparatus from one place to another on the apparatus, without moving the components of the apparatus mounted on the substrate. One embodiment includes a laterally extending element, a peaked or inverted-peaked structure, and interconnecting supports providing for mounting of the laterally extending element to the substrate and sliding support for laterally slidable members. The laterally extending element provides lateral adjustability, with these three features combined cooperatively providing lateral, vertical, and tilting or leveling adjustability of an object mounted on a substrate.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present nonprovisional application claims priority through Applicants&#39; prior provisional patent applications titled “Adjustable Suspension Apparatus and Method of Use,” Ser. No. 61/612,729, filed Mar. 19, 2012, and “Adjustable Suspension Apparatus and Method of Use,” Ser. No. 61/751,519, filed Jan. 11, 2013, which prior provisional patent applications are both hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of any inconsistency between such prior provisional patent applications and the present nonprovisional application, the present nonprovisional application shall prevail. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present application relates to an object suspension apparatus and more particularly to a multi-directional adjustable suspension apparatus for the suspending of an object. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Hanging objects on or from a vertical substrate, such as a wall for example, has been an every-day human activity for a very long time. Still today, however, this activity commonly requires careful measurement prior to the mounting of the suspension apparatus to the vertical substrate. 
         [0004]    For example, when hanging a picture, the person hanging the object commonly seeks to have it located at a relatively precise location on the wall, often with respect to other structures in the room, other wall hangings, etc. Adjusting the position of the object after first suspending on a substrate has long presented substantial and well known problems. 
         [0005]    One method of suspending objects from a vertical substrate involves mounting one or more hook-shaped structures to a vertical substrate and then attaching the object directly to the hooks. Often, the operator desires to move the object upwardly, downwardly, to the side, or both. Doing so often requires either or both of removing and re-mounting the hook structure or adjusting the mating suspension structure on the object if possible. Multiple iterations of this procedure are often required to “get it right.” 
         [0006]    Even if the object can be moved to the side with a given hook mounting technique, the object will often tilt around the hook unacceptably. Further, the movement of the suspended object along the substrate often further damages the substrate. 
         [0007]    Other methods allow for adjustment of an object&#39;s position based upon a stepped form of leveling. These methods may include a bracket fixed to the object that can be positioned on another bracket attached to a wall having two stepped channels, with the object bracket having 2 peaked portions that engage the stepped channels of the wall bracket. These methods provide for only one object position that is level by the nature of the stepped channels, thus allowing for only a leveling adjustment. Another disadvantage to this method is that each step is a specific adjustment that may not result in a level condition, for example if the steps are larger than a desired leveling adjustment. As a result, the object may not be able to reach an optimal leveled position without remounting the apparatus to the vertical substrate. 
         [0008]    Other methods allow for only a lateral adjustment, such as attaching or hanging an object to a laterally sliding rail or other laterally slidable bracket system. One disadvantage of this method is that neither vertical adjustment nor leveling adjustment is supported, as the rail or bracket system allows for only movement in the lateral direction. As a result, it becomes particularly difficult to hang multiple objects in an aligned and evenly spaced manner without removing either the wall-mounted component or the object-mounted component of one or more objects, and subsequently reinstalling the removed components in order to achieve these adjustments. In many cases, this will result in damage to the vertical substrate or objects. 
         [0009]    Still other methods allow for only vertical adjustment, such as hooks adjustably threaded to suspending structure secured to the substrate. These structures provide only vertical adjustment, and moving these structures laterally often results in substantial damage to the substrate. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0010]    The present substrate mounting apparatus and method provide the ability to mount the apparatus on a substrate and move the location of a suspended object in at least a substantial two dimensional planar area. The size of the area can be readily altered by altering the spacing and/or size of components of the apparatus. 
         [0011]    Some embodiments allow the suspended object to be moved, for example, up and down with respect to the substrate by merely sliding one or more components of the apparatus from one place to another on the apparatus. 
         [0012]    Some embodiments allow the suspended object to be moved, for example, side to side with respect to the substrate also by merely sliding other components of the apparatus. 
         [0013]    Certain instances support substantial leveling or tilting of the suspended object without moving the components of the apparatus mounted on the substrate. 
         [0014]    Still other embodiments provide all of the above types of movements—up and down, side to side, leveling and tiling—in one mounting apparatus and without moving the components mounted to a substrate. 
         [0015]    Some instances are mountable to a vertical or predominantly vertical substrate, such as wall for example. 
         [0016]    One set of embodiments include opposed first and second somewhat wing-shaped elements providing opposite first and second lower surfaces forming a balanced or unbalanced inverted arcuate shape, C-, U-, or V-shape, or other peaked shape, respectively, mountable to a mounting side of an object. One or more support components can be mounted to the substrate. The one or more support components provide a first upper support section in mating support contact with the first lower surface laterally spaced from a second upper support section in mating support contact with the second lower surface. The opposed wings can be mounted on the respective support sections and tilted or leveled as desired about the laterally spaced first and second upper support sections. 
         [0017]    Another set of embodiments can invert the opposed somewhat wing-shaped elements, with the opposed wing structure(s) being mountable to the substrate and one or more supported components mounted to the mounting side of an object. The opposed supported components, in supported contact with the opposed peak forming supporting surfaces, can be tilted or leveled as desired about the supporting surfaces. 
         [0018]    Another type of inversion inverts the peaked structure. In some of these embodiments, the inverted peaked structure supports, or is supported by, opposed contact elements. The supported structure can be leveled or tilted about opposed contact elements, with the inverted peak intermediate the opposed contact elements. 
         [0019]    Some embodiments provide a laterally extending element that can be mounted to the substrate and provide sliding support for laterally slidable members. Certain instances include a laterally extending element, a peaked structure or inverted peaked structure, and interconnecting supports. The laterally extending element can provide laterally adjustability; and these three features combined can cooperatively provide substantial lateral, transverse (in relation to lateral), and tilt or leveling adjustability of an object mounted on a substrate or other structure. 
         [0020]    In some instances, the apparatus includes a first bracket with an elongated body and two adjustable support arms extending outwardly from one edge of the body providing a channel to receive a second bracket or wire. In some embodiments, the first bracket is mountable to the substrate, and the second bracket is mountable to an object to be suspended. In some instances, the substrate bracket has an inverted peaked cross-section (i.e, an inverted arcuate shape, which can include a C-, U-, V-, or J-shape). In some embodiments, the two adjustable support arms are adjustable in a longitudinal direction along the first elongated bracket. The two adjustable support arms may feature a “z-shaped” cross-section configured to receive both the first bracket and the second bracket. In some instances, the second bracket can have a notched or stepped cross-section at one end configured to engage one end of the “z-shaped” cross-section of the adjustable support arms. In certain embodiments, the second bracket has an arcuate or v-shape cross-section that can engage one end of the “z-shaped” cross-section of the adjustable support arms. In some embodiments, the two brackets together or the first elongated bracket and a wire attached to an object, provide for object hanging or mounting which allows independent adjustment in three ways, such as, vertically, horizontally, and leveling of the object. 
         [0021]    In some instances, moving the mounted object laterally automatically adjusts the level of the object by, for example, changing the contact points of the adjustable support arms along the “z shaped” cross-section with the object bracket or wire, causing one side to rise while the other side drops, thus leveling the object. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments and orientations, sliding the adjustable support arms along the substrate bracket in the same direction equally adjusts the lateral position of the object without affecting the level or vertical position of the object. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments and orientations, sliding the adjustable support arms along the substrate bracket in opposite directions equally adjusts vertical position of the object without affecting the level or lateral position of the object. The contact points of the adjustable support arms with the object bracket or a wire attached to an object move equally and laterally on the edge of the “z-shaped” cross-section of the adjustable support arms, which causes the contact points to raise or lower while maintaining the object&#39;s lateral location and level condition. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the object bracket may have an end portion with a constantly sloped cross-section to accommodate engagement with the “z-shaped” cross-section of the adjustable support arms. 
         [0025]    In some configurations, the object bracket may have an end portion with a graduated varying sloped cross-section to accommodate engagement with the “z-shaped” cross-section of the adjustable support arms. 
         [0026]    In yet other embodiments, the object bracket may have an end portion with a stepped or notched cross-section to accommodate engagement with the “z-shaped” cross-section of the adjustable support arms. 
         [0027]    In some instances, the object bracket has an end portion with a combination of a stepped, notched, and/or curved cross-section to accommodate engagement with the “z-shaped” cross-section of the adjustable support arms. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the size of the apparatus can be varied and the apparatus can be mounted in many ways, such as horizontally on a horizontal support structure, to provide for adjustability of the location of an object mounted to the apparatus with regard to the support structure. 
         [0029]    In other configurations, the above adjustability can be realized with a single adjustable support arm, slidable in a sloped channel of the substrate bracket. In some embodiments, the adjustable support arm is notched at one end, to receive either a wire connected to the object or a second object bracket similarly connected to the object. This configuration may allow for independent adjustment in position of the object in three ways, including horizontal or lateral position, vertical position, and leveling as detailed above. 
         [0030]    In yet other embodiments, the position of each bracket may be reversed with slight modification. In these embodiments, an elongated bracket may be mountable to the object. The bracket mountable to the substrate may have one or more sloped channels receiving one or more adjustable support arms. As described above, by moving the adjustable support arms laterally with respect to the substrate bracket in various ways, various positions adjustments to the object may be independently made. In some embodiments, a wire connected to the object may be substituted for the elongated object bracket, while maintain similar adjustability. 
         [0031]    There are other aspects and advantages of the present apparatus and methods disclosed by the present specification. They will become apparent as the specification proceeds. In this regard, it is to be understood that the Background and this Brief Summary are not intended to be limiting, and thus the scope of an issued claim is to be determined by the claim as issued and not whether the claim addresses an issue noted in the Background or includes subject matter recited in this Brief Summary. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    The preferred and other embodiments are further disclosed in association with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a substrate mounting apparatus; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  is the front elevation view of the substrate mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of a modified substrate mounting apparatus; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the substrate mounting apparatus of  FIGS. 1-3  taken along section line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5A  is front elevation view of the object bracket shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the object bracket of  FIG. 5A  taken along section line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 6A  is a front elevation view of the substrate bracket shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of the substrate bracket of  FIG. 6A  taken along section line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of an adjustable support arm shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 7B  is a front elevation view of the adjustable support arm of  FIG. 7A  taken along section line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 8A  is a front elevation view of the substrate mounting apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 8B  is a front elevation view of the substrate mounting apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a substrate mounting apparatus; 
           [0046]      FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional view of the substrate mounting apparatus of  FIG. 9A  taken along section line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 9A ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of the substrate bracket shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 10B  is cross-sectional view of the substrate bracket of  FIG. 10A  taken along section line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 10A ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 11A  is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a substrate mounting apparatus; 
           [0050]      FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view of the substrate mounting apparatus of  FIG. 11A  taken along section line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 12A  is a front elevation view of an object bracket shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional view of the object bracket shown of  FIG. 12A  taken along section line  12 - 12 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 13  is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a substrate mounting apparatus; 
           [0054]      FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of yet another embodiment of a substrate mounting apparatus; 
           [0055]      FIG. 15  is a front elevation view of a modified substrate mounting apparatus; 
           [0056]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the substrate mounting apparatus shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15  taken along section line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 17A  is a front elevation view of a substrate bracket shown in  FIGS. 14-16 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 17B  is a cross-sectional view of the substrate bracket of  FIG. 17A  taken along section line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 17A ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 18A  is a front elevation view of an object bracket shown in  FIGS. 14-16 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 18B  is a cross-sectional view of the object bracket of  FIG. 18A  taken along section line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 18A ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 19A  is a front elevation view of a first adjustable support arm shown in  FIGS. 14-16 ; 
           [0062]      FIG. 19B  is a front elevation view of a second adjustable support arm shown in  FIGS. 14-16 ; 
           [0063]      FIG. 19   c  is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable support arm of  FIGS. 19A and 19B  taken along section line  19 - 19 ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 20A  is a front elevation view of the substrate mounting apparatus shown in  FIGS. 14 and 16 ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 20B  is a front elevation view of the substrate mounting apparatus shown in  FIGS. 14 and 16 ; 
           [0066]      FIG. 21  is a front elevation view of a modified substrate mounting apparatus; and 
           [0067]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the substrate mounting apparatus of  FIG. 21  taken along section line  22 - 22  of  FIG. 21 . 
       
    
    
       [0068]    It is to be understood that spatially-orienting terms, such as top, bottom, front, back, vertical, and horizontal, are used to explain relative orientation of structures as shown in the Figures and as the structures might be used. They are not to be construed, however, to require such an orientation in space. 
         [0069]    Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0070]      FIGS. 1-22  depict a substrate mounting apparatus that can be utilized to suspend and adjust the position of an object, particularly in three independent and different ways in a plane: horizontally or laterally, vertically, and by tilting and leveling. Components of the apparatus can be used differently, however, such as explained herein and in the Summary. 
         [0071]    This specification describes a substrate mounting apparatus as mountable on a vertical or predominantly vertical substrate. The present disclosure is not so limited. Thus, throughout this disclosure, the term wall mounting apparatus  10  refers to a more particular embodiment of the substrate mountain apparatus  10 , but such usage does not indicate that the components or functionality disclosed are limited to a mounting apparatus only suitable for vertical substrates or walls. 
         [0072]    With reference now to  FIG. 1 , the wall mounting apparatus  10  includes a substrate bracket  12  (which may also be referred to through this disclosure as a base mounting bracket or a wall bracket), an object bracket  14 , and two adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  slidably mounted to both the substrate bracket  12  and the object bracket  14 . 
         [0073]    The substrate bracket  12  has an elongated rectangular shape with a top substrate bracket edge  26  parallel and opposite to a bottom substrate bracket edge  28 , with mounting holes  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  spaced proximal to and along the top substrate bracket edge  26 . The substrate bracket top and bottom edges  26 ,  28  define a notched cross-section. 
         [0074]    The substrate bracket  12  is mountable to a substrate, such as a wall, using screws inserted through one or more mounting holes  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 . Other methods for mounting the substrate bracket  12  to a wall can be used, including such mounting methods as involve glue, adhesive tapes, nails, screws, mechanical devices or other types of fasteners. In other embodiments, the mounting holes  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  can vary in number, size, and position on the substrate bracket  12  for attaching the substrate bracket  12  to a wall, to for example, accommodate different sizes and weights of objects to be suspended. 
         [0075]    The adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  consist of two rectangular identical portions each with a top channel  30  having a rounded concave portion defining a top edge  31  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . The top channel  30  is parallel and opposite to a bottom channel  32  having a front lip defined by an upper lip portion  34  and a lower lip portion  35  that slide over the top and bottom substrate bracket edges  26 ,  28  of the substrate bracket  12  and allow for the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  to slide along the substrate bracket  12  in either lateral direction. The lower lip portion  35  forms part of a lower edge  33  of the adjustable support arm  16 ,  17 , being opposite and parallel to the adjustable support arm top edge  31 . In other embodiments, the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  can vary in shape, size and relative similarity to one another. 
         [0076]    The object bracket  14  has a flat reverse v-shape with mounting holes  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  spaced proximal to and along an upper object bracket edge  41  opposite an object bracket bottom edge  44  defining a reverse or concave v-shape. The object bracket bottom edge  44  forms a guide, having a notched cross-section, insertable into the top channel  30  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . The channel  30  forms the upper edge  31  of a “z-shaped” cross-section of each of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . The lower lip portions  35  forms a lower edge  33  parallel and opposite to the upper edge  31  of the “z-shaped” cross-section of each of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . The object bracket  14  is mountable to an object using screws inserted through one or more mounting holes  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 . Other methods for mounting the object bracket  14  to an object can be used, including such mounting methods as involve glue, adhesive tapes, nails, screws, mechanical devices or other types of fasteners. In other embodiments, the object bracket  14  can be one or more of a balanced or unbalanced inverted arcuate shape, C-, U-, or V-shape, or any other peaked shape. 
         [0077]    The substrate bracket  12  assembled with adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 , is mountable to a wall. The adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  receive the object bracket bottom edge  44 . In other embodiments, the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  receive a wire  48  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) attached to an object. 
         [0078]    When the substrate and object brackets  12 ,  14  are used together, an object is suspended on a wall and is levelable by shifting the object laterally via sliding the object bracket bottom edge  44  along the upper channel  30  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . In alternate embodiments, a leveling adjustment is made by sliding the wire  48  attached to an object along the upper channel  30  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . Once the object is adjusted to a desired leveling position, the object is adjustable horizontally by sliding both adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  equally left or right on the substrate bracket  12  in the same direction. Additionally, the object is adjustable vertically by moving both of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  equally left or right on the substrate bracket  12  in opposite directions. These adjustments are not mutually exclusive of one another. 
         [0079]    Further details of the interfaces between the various components mentioned above and the operation and adjustability of the wall mountain apparatus  10  will be described below with reference to the other Figures. 
         [0080]    With reference now to  FIG. 2 , a front elevation view of the wall mounting apparatus  10  looking from a wall outwards is shown. The adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  are slidable along an outside edge, opposite the wall, of the substrate bracket  12 , thus allowing lateral movement of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  in relation to a wall without binding occurring between the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  and the wall. Similarly, the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  slidably mount to the object bracket  14  spaced sufficiently away from the wall to allow for movement of the object bracket  14  with respect to both the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  and the substrate bracket  12  without interference from the wall. 
         [0081]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , an alternate embodiment of the wall mounting apparatus  10 - a  is shown. The object bracket  14  and the substrate bracket  12  are each separated into two pieces along lateral center lines  15 ,  13 . The separated pieces of the object bracket  14 A,  14 B are mountable to the outer edges of wider objects while still allowing the same set of simultaneous adjustment capabilities. The separated pieces of the substrate bracket,  12 A,  12 B, are mountable to a wall to further accommodate object bracket pieces  14 A,  14 B for wider objects. In some embodiments, object bracket pieces  14 A,  14 B, and/or substrate bracket pieces  12 A,  12 B further include stop portions on both lateral ends of (not shown) the object bracket bottom edge  44  and/or of the upper and bottom edges  26 ,  28  of the substrate bracket  12  to prevent the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  from sliding off of the object bracket bottom edge  44  and/or the top and bottom edges  26 ,  28  of the substrate bracket  12 . This further minimizes difficulty and time spent in hanging an object. 
         [0082]    The separated pieces of the object bracket,  14 A,  14 B are formed by separating the object bracket  14  along the object bracket lateral center  15 . The separated pieces of the substrate bracket,  12 A,  12 B are formed by separating the substrate bracket  12  along the substrate bracket lateral center  13 . In other embodiments, the separated pieces of the object bracket  14 A,  14 B and/or the separated pieces of the substrate bracket  12 A,  12 B, may be formed by different methods. 
         [0083]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , a cross-section of the wall mounting apparatus  10  and  10 - a , taken along section line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  is shown. Object bracket  14  has an object bracket bottom edge  44  defining a rectangular shaped notch slidably penetrating channel  30  of adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . The adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  each have a “z-shaped” cross section, with channel  30  slidably receiving the object bracket bottom edge  44 . The upper and lower lip portions  34 ,  35  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  slidably engage the top and bottom lips  26 ,  28  of the substrate bracket  12 , with the upper lip portion  34  and a portion of the adjustable support arm back wall  50  surrounding the substrate bracket top edge  26 , and the lower lip portion  35  and a portion of the adjustable support arm back wall  50  surrounding the substrate bracket bottom edge  28 . 
         [0084]    In other embodiments, the object bracket bottom edge  44  can have one or more of a stepped, notched, and/or curved cross-section or any combination thereof to accommodate engagement with the channel  30  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . Similarly, channel  30  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  can have various cross-sections to accommodate various configurations of the object bracket bottom edge  44 . 
         [0085]    In yet other instances, the substrate bracket top and bottom lips  26 ,  28 , and the channel  32  formed by the upper and lower lip portions  34 ,  35  and the back wall  50  can form a partially rounded, fully rounded, or any other such interface configuration that allows the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  to slidably mount the substrate bracket  12 . 
         [0086]    With reference now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a reverse v-shaped object bracket  14  has a concave object bracket lower edge  44  defining a first sloped channel  52  and a second sloped channel, with the second sloped channel  54  being at an angle  56  to the first sloped channel  52 . The first and second sloped channels  52 ,  54  are opposite the upper object bracket upper edge  41 , with both the first and second sloped channels  52 ,  54  and the object bracket upper edge  41  being transverse to vertical object bracket edges  43 ,  45 , which are parallel and opposite to one another. The first and second sloped channels  52 ,  54  define a vertical dimension of the object bracket  14  such that at object bracket center  21 , the vertical dimension is less than both vertical edges  43 ,  45  of the object bracket  14 . The object bracket  14  has a rectangular main portion  37  in cross-section having a width greater than the notched object bracket lower edge  44 , with the object bracket lower edge  44  extending vertically from the rectangular main portion  37 . It should be appreciated that the term channel does not necessitate a concave portion or a grove, but may include any shape capable of slidably engaging another object, such as a notch, a step, etc. 
         [0087]    In the embodiment shown, the angle  56  is equal to 150 degrees. However, it should be appreciated that the angle  56  can be altered by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, etc. by various increments to a minimum of approximately 5 degrees and a maximum of approximately 179 degrees to further allow for increased adjustability, accommodation of wider or narrower objects, etc. Also in the embodiment shown, vertical edges  43 ,  45  are 1 inch in length, and the object bracket  14  is 5 inches wide and 3/16 inches thick, with the object bracket lower edge  44  being 1/16 inches thick. However, it should be appreciated that the dimensions of the object bracket  14  can be altered by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, etc. up to 100%, 200%, 500%% etc. by various increments to further provide for increased adjustability, accommodation of wider or narrower objects, etc. 
         [0088]    With reference now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , an elongated substrate bracket  12  has top and bottom edges  26 ,  28  each defining a notched or stepped cross-section to slidably engage the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . The top and bottom edges  26 ,  28  are both transverse to vertical substrate bracket edges  21 ,  23 , where the vertical substrate bracket edges  21 ,  23  are opposite and parallel to one another. The substrate bracket  12  has a rectangular main body  25  in cross-section, with the top and bottom edges  26 ,  28  having a smaller width dimension in cross-section than the rectangular main body  25 , each vertically extending from the rectangular main body  25  in opposite directions. It should be appreciated that any other shaped cross-section of the substrate bracket  12  can be used that is capable of slidably mounting the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . 
         [0089]    In the embodiment shown, the substrate bracket top and bottom edges  26 ,  28  are both 4 inches in length, the vertical substrate bracket edges  21 ,  23  are both 5/7 inches in length, and the substrate bracket  12  is 3/16 inches thick, with the substrate bracket top and bottom edges both being 1/16 inches thick. However, it should be appreciated that the dimensions of the substrate bracket  12  can be altered by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, etc. up to 100%, 200%, 500%% etc. by various increments to further provide for increased adjustability, accommodation of wider or narrower objects, etc. 
         [0090]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a more detailed view of an adjustable support arm  16 ,  17  is shown. The lower adjustable support arm edge  33  defines a horizontal member  39 . In conjunction with lower lip  35  and back wall  50 , the horizontal member  39  provides a lower portion of the lower channel  32 , with the upper lip  34  and back wall  50  defining an upper portion of lower channel  32 . 
         [0091]    In the embodiment shown, the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  both have a vertical dimension of 1 inch, a horizontal dimension of ½ inches, and are ¼ inches thick in total dimension, with the upper and lower lips  34 ,  35 , horizontal member  39 , and back wall  50  all being approximately 1/16 inches thick. However, it should be appreciated that the dimensions of adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  can be altered by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, etc. up to 100%, 200%, 500%% etc. by various increments to further provide for increased adjustability, accommodation of wider or narrower objects, to better accommodate different sizes of the object bracket  14 , and/or substrate bracket  12 , etc. 
         [0092]    With reference to  FIG. 8A , the wall mounting apparatus  10  is shown with the object bracket  14  positioned at a minimum height relative to the substrate bracket  12 . This vertical position is achievable by moving the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  laterally along the substrate bracket  12  closer to one another towards the lateral center  58  of the substrate bracket  12 . By also moving the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  to the lateral center  60  of the reverse v-shaped object bracket  14 , a minimum height is achievable relative to the substrate bracket  12 . Leveling or tilting is effectuated by moving the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  along the object bracket  14  different lateral distances from the object bracket lateral center  60 . Adjustments to the horizontal, vertical, tilt, and leveling position of the object, as described above, are independent of one another. 
         [0093]    With reference to  FIG. 8B , the wall mounting apparatus  10  is shown in a different lateral and vertical position from the configuration described in reference to  FIG. 8A . By moving the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  different lateral distances from the substrate bracket center  58 , lateral position of the object bracket  14 , and hence an object, are effectuated. Further, by moving the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  a greater distance apart from one another, particularly along the object bracket  14 , an independent height adjustment of the object bracket  14  relative to the substrate bracket  12  is effectuated. 
         [0094]    In the embodiments shown with the above-described dimensions, an object can be adjusted a total of 2 inches horizontally, ½ inches vertically, and titled up to 30 degrees relative to the substrate. However, it should be appreciated that with a different sized object bracket  14 , substrate bracket  12 , and/or adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 , the adjustment capabilities of the substrate mounting apparatus may be expanded or decreased by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% etc. up to 100%, 200%, 500% etc. by various increments to further provide for different sized objects, more adjustability, etc. 
         [0095]    Referencing  FIGS. 9A and 9B , another embodiment of the wall mounting apparatus  10 - b  is shown with the channel  30  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  slidably receiving a wire  48 , which is connected to an object to be suspended. In this embodiment, the wire  48  is received by the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  in place of an object bracket  14 . It should be appreciated that the same independent adjustability in the horizontal or lateral, vertical, and tilt or leveling positions is achievable using the same techniques as described above with the wire  48  in place of the object bracket  14 . The object bracket  12  and adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  have the same dimensions and characteristics as these components described above. 
         [0096]    With reference to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , another embodiment of the substrate bracket  12 - a  has a first parallel plate  62  and a second parallel plate  64  coupled to each other by connecting members  66 ,  68 . The first parallel plate  62  and the second parallel plate  64  each define a planar rectangle having the same height, width, and thickness. The parallel plates  62 ,  64  form a channel  70  therebetween that is slidably mountable to adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . It should be appreciated that substrate bracket  12 - a  can be used in any of the embodiments of the wall mounting apparatus  10  described with only slight modification and without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Substrate bracket  12 - a  is capable of suspending objects of greater weight due to the increased contact area between the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  and the substrate bracket  12 - a . In some embodiments, the placement, number, size, and/or shape of the parallel plates  62 ,  64  and/or the connecting members  66 ,  68  can be varied to accommodate various objects of different sizes and weights, etc. 
         [0097]    In reference to  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  12 A, and  12 B, another embodiment of the wall mounting apparatus  10 - c  is shown, with a flat v-shaped object bracket  14 - a . It should be appreciated that the object bracket  14 - a  can also be one or more of a balanced or unbalanced arcuate shape, a C-, U-, or V-shape, or any other peaked shape. The object bracket  14 - a  has an object bracket bottom edge  44 - a  defining a notched or stepped cross-section slidably penetrating the upper channel  30  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . The adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  each have a z-shaped cross-section slidably mountable to the substrate bracket  12 - a , as described above in reference to  FIGS. 10A and 10B . The channel  70  formed by the parallel plates  62 ,  64  slidably surrounds the upper and lower front lip portions  34 , 35  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 , with the back wall  50  and the upper and lower front lip portions  34 , 35  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  partially and slidably surrounding the parallel plate  62 . 
         [0098]    The object bracket  14 - a  has an upper edge  41 - a  opposite the object bracket bottom edge  44 - a , which is defined by a first sloped channel  52 - a  continuous with a second sloped channel  54 - a , where the first sloped channel  52 - a  is at an angle  56 - a  to the second sloped channel  54 - a . The object bracket  14 - a  has two vertical edges  43 - a ,  45 - a , which are parallel and opposite to one another and transverse to the upper edge  41 - a  and the object bracket bottom edge  44 - a . The object bracket  14 - a  has a greatest height or vertical dimension at its lateral center  21 - a . The object bracket  14 - a  has two mounting holes  72 ,  74  proximal to and along the upper edge  41 - a , which may correspond to any of the mounting holes  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  as described above, to allow, for example, for easier mounting to a lighter weight object requiring less support strength. The object bracket  14 - a  has a rectangular main portion  37 - a  in cross-section having a width greater than the notched object bracket lower edge  44 - a , with the object bracket lower edge  44 - a  extending vertically from the rectangular main portion  37 - a . The operation and adjustability of the wall mounting apparatus  10 - c  is similar to that described above in reference to  FIGS. 1-10B . 
         [0099]    With reference to  FIG. 13 , an alternate embodiment of the wall mounting apparatus  10 - d  is shown with the object bracket  14  described in reference to  FIGS. 1-8B , and the substrate bracket  12 - a  described in reference to  FIGS. 10A-11B , both slidably mountable to the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . 
         [0100]    With reference now to  FIGS. 14-20B , another embodiment of the wall mounting apparatus  10 - e ,  10 - f  has a v-shaped substrate bracket  12 - b , which can also be one or more of a balanced or unbalanced inverted arcuate shape, a C-, U-, or V-shape, or any other peaked shape, with a convex lower substrate bracket edge  76  defining a rounded channel  78 . Adjustable support arms  16 - a ,  17 - a  have a rounded lower edge  100 ,  101  slidably penetrating the substrate bracket rounded channel  78 . The adjustable support arms  16 - a ,  17 - a  each have upper and lower lip portions  82 ,  84  that define a cavity  104  that slidably receives the top and bottom object bracket edges  86 ,  88  of the object bracket  14 - b . The objet bracket  14 - b  has the same configuration and dimensions as substrate bracket  12 , as described above in reference to  FIGS. 1-9B . 
         [0101]    With reference to  FIG. 15  in particular, an alternate embodiment of the wall mounting apparatus  10 - f  is shown with the object bracket  14 - b  and the substrate bracket  12 - b  separated each into two pieces. The separated pieces of the object bracket  14 A-b,  14 B-b are mountable to the outer edges of wider objects while still allowing the same set of simultaneous adjustment capabilities. The separated pieces of the substrate bracket,  12 A-b,  12 B-b, are mountable to a wall to further accommodate object bracket pieces  14 A-b,  14 B-b for wider objects. In some embodiments, object bracket pieces  14 A-b,  14 B-b, and/or substrate bracket pieces  12 A-b,  12 B-b further include stop portions (not shown) at the ends of the substrate bracket lower edge  76  and of the top and bottom object bracket edges  86 ,  88  to prevent the adjustable support arms  16 - a ,  17 - a  from sliding off of the substrate bracket lower edge  76  and/or top and bottom object bracket edges  86 ,  88 . This further minimizes difficulty and time spent in hanging an object. 
         [0102]    In reference to  FIGS. 17A and 17B  in particular, the substrate bracket  12 - b  has a curved channel  78 , which further defines a first sloped channel  90  and a second sloped channel  92 , with the second sloped channel  92  being at an angle  94  to the first sloped channel  90 . The first and second sloped channels  90 ,  92  are opposite a substrate bracket upper edge  91 , with both the first and second sloped channels  90 ,  92  and the substrate bracket upper edge  91  being transverse to vertical substrate bracket edges  93 ,  95 , which are parallel and opposite to one another. The first and second sloped channels  90 ,  92  define a vertical dimension of the substrate bracket  12 - b  such that at substrate bracket center  96 , the vertical dimension is less than at both vertical edges  93 ,  95  of the substrate bracket  12 - b . The substrate bracket  12 - b  has an elongated rectangular main portion  97  in cross-section with the curved channel  78  extending from the elongated rectangular main portion  97  defining a 180 degree curved portion also in cross-section. It should be appreciated that the term channel does not necessitate a concave portion, a grove, or a particular shape, but may include any shape capable of slidably engaging another object, such as a notch, a step, etc. The substrate bracket  12 - b  shares structural similarities and dimensions with the substrate bracket  12  described above in reference to  FIGS. 1-9B , including mounting holes  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 , etc. 
         [0103]    In the embodiment shown, the angle  94  is equal to 150 degrees. However, it should be appreciated that the angle  94  can be altered by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, etc. by various increments to a minimum of approximately 5 degrees and a maximum of approximately 179 degrees to further allow for increased adjustability, accommodation of wider or narrower objects, etc. 
         [0104]    The separated pieces of the substrate bracket,  12 A-b,  12 B-b as described in reference to  FIG. 15  above, are formed by separating the substrate bracket  12 - b  along the substrate bracket lateral center  96 . 
         [0105]    In reference to  FIGS. 18A and 18B  in particular, the object bracket  14 - b  is shown. The object bracket  14 - b  may be identical in dimension to the substrate bracket  12  described above in reference to  FIGS. 1-9B . The separated pieces of the object bracket,  14 A-b,  14 B-b as described in reference to  FIG. 15  above, are formed by separating the object bracket  14 - b  along the object bracket lateral center  98 . In other embodiments, the substrate brackets  12 A-b,  12 B-b and the object brackets  14 A-b,  14 B-b may be formed by other techniques. 
         [0106]    Referencing now  FIGS. 19A-19C  in particular, adjustable support arms  16 - a ,  17 - a  each have upper and lower lip portions  82 ,  84 , that in combination with a back wall  102  form a cavity or channel  104  capable of slidably engaging the top and bottom object bracket edges  86 ,  88  of the object bracket  14 - b , as described above in reference to  FIGS. 1-9B . The adjustable support arms  16 - a ,  17 —have a rounded lower edge  100 ,  101 . However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure also contemplates other cross-sections of lower edge  100 ,  101 , such as square, tapered, stepped, etc. It should also be appreciated that the substrate bracket curved channel  78  can also include various shapes and configurations to accommodate the various embodiments of the lower edges  100 ,  101  of the adjustable support arms  16 - a ,  17 - a.    
         [0107]    The adjustable support arm  16 - a  has a sloped lower edge  100  that is slidable penetrable in the curved channel  78  of the substrate bracket  12 - b . The adjustable support arm  17 - a  similarly has a sloped lower edge  101  that is slidably penetrable in the curved channel  78  of the substrate bracket  12 - b . Sloped lower edges  100 ,  101  provide for a more stable platform upon which to mount an object, for example, by providing more friction to resist unwanted movement of the adjustable support arms  16 - a ,  17 - a  with respect to the substrate bracket  12 - b . In other embodiments, the lower edges  100 ,  101  of the adjustable support arms  16 - a ,  17 - a  can be square, tapered, stepped, or any other such configuration. 
         [0108]    With reference in particular to  FIG. 20A , the wall mounting apparatus  10 - e  is adjusted to a lowest object height position by moving the adjustable support arms  16 - a ,  17 - a  towards each other and towards the lateral substrate bracket center  96 . It should be appreciated that by moving the adjustable support arms  16 - a ,  17 - a  away from each other and away from the lateral substrate bracket center  96 , that the object bracket  14 - b , and hence the object will be raised in relation to the substrate bracket  12 - b . This allows lateral adjustment by sliding the object bracket  14 - b  laterally relative to the adjustable support arms  16 - a ,  17 - a.    
         [0109]    It should be appreciated that the wall mounting apparatus  10 - e  is adjustable in a similar fashion as that described above with reference to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , with the predominant difference being that the movement of the adjustable support arms  16 - a , and  17 - a  is flipped with respect to the objet bracket  14 - b  and the substrate bracket  12 - b  for the various adjustments. 
         [0110]    With reference in particular to  FIG. 20B , the wall mounting apparatus  10 - e  is adjusted to a highest object height position by moving the adjustable support arms  16 - a ,  17 - a  away from each other and away from the lateral substrate bracket center  96 . 
         [0111]    In reference to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , an alternate embodiment of the wall mounting apparatus  10 - g  is shown with the object bracket  14 - b , as described above in reference to  FIGS. 14-20B , slidably mounting adjustable support arms  16 - b ,  17 - b . The adjustable support arms  16 - b ,  17 - b  slidably penetrate an upper substrate bracket channel  106  that is at least partially defined by an upper substrate bracket edge  108  of the substrate bracket  12 - c . The physical interface between the substrate bracket  12 - c , the object bracket  14 - b , and the adjustable support arms  16 - b ,  17 - b  is similar to the interface described above with respect to like components. In other embodiments, the cross-sections of the substrate bracket  12 - c , the object bracket  14 - b , and the adjustable support arms  16 - b ,  17 - b  can be different to accommodate different sizes, weights etc. of the object to be suspended. 
         [0112]    The wall mounting apparatus  10  generally is constructed of one or more types of plastic or other synthetic types of material. The type of plastic can be varied to accommodate objects of varying sizes, weights, and shapes. In some embodiments, the wall mounting apparatus  10  generally can be constructed of a metal. The gauge and type of the metal can be varied to accommodate objects of varying sizes, weights, and shapes. In certain embodiments, the wall mounting apparatus  10  generally can be constructed of one or more other types of materials such as wood. The gauge, type and configuration of the materials can be varied to accommodate objects of varying sizes, weights, and shapes. 
         [0113]    All components and subcomponents can be manufactured using various materials, such as rigid materials, including those described above. In some embodiments, the object bracket  14  is constructed from materials different than those used to construct the substrate bracket  12 . In another embodiment, the support arms  16 ,  17  are constructed of materials different from the brackets. 
         [0114]    Another embodiment of the instant disclosure relates to a method for suspending objects and adjusting the object&#39;s level or tilt, lateral position and vertical position. The method is performed as follows:
       1. attaching the substrate bracket  12  to a vertical, or upwardly inclined, substrate;   2. attaching the object bracket  14  to the center of the object;   3. slidably mounting the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  on the substrate bracket  12 ;   4. inserting the object bracket bottom edge  44 , or alternatively a wire  48  attached to an object, into the channel  30  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 .   5. leveling or tilting the object by sliding the object laterally left or right in the channel  30  of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 , while the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  remain stationary, until a level or desired title setting is achieved. Leveling or tilting is also achievable by sliding one adjustable support arm  16 ,  17  left or right by a distance greater than or less than the sliding distance of the other support arm  17 ,  16 , which will cause one side of the object bracket  14  or wire  48  to rise while the other side will lowers, thus allowing the object to achieve a desired position;   6. laterally positioning the object by moving both adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  in the same direction along the substrate bracket  12  equal distances. Lateral movement is also achievable by keeping the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  stationary relative to the object bracket  14  or wire  48 ; and   7. vertically positioning the object by moving the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  equal distances in opposite directions. Vertical position of the object will change depending on the relative position of the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17 . If the distance separating the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  is decreased, the object will be lowered vertically relative to the position of the substrate bracket  12 . If the distance separating the adjustable support arms  16 ,  17  is increased, the object will be raised vertically relative to the position of the substrate bracket  12 .       
 
         [0122]    Also contemplated herein are a multitude of varied uses for the bracket of this application, including, but not limited to, the hanging of pictures, cabinets, mirrors, electronic devices, and for the installing and suspending of large scale, as well as heavy objects and structures on walls, buildings or other vertical, or upwardly inclined, substrates. The bracket apparatus can itself be quite small and lightweight, for use in hanging small to moderately sized pictures for example. It can, on the other hand, be much larger and possibly relatively heavy, depending on the application. The bracket apparatus can be economical, easy to make and maintain, durable, and easily boxed and shipped either in assembled or broken down (assemblable) form. 
         [0123]    Also, as noted above, the bracket need not necessarily be mounted vertically, and components described above as being vertical are with regard to the bracket as used in a vertical orientation. In other orientations, the same components would not be vertical. 
         [0124]    While certain embodiments and details have been included herein for purposes of illustrating aspects of the instant disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the instant disclosure. 
         [0125]    Changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, the methods described may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments.