Abstract:
A wall-hanging object mounting assistance tool is disclosed. The apparatus employs a plurality of markers. Each of the markers of the plurality of markers is equipped with a pin configured to facilitate the imprint of a mark on a wall in a desired position. The plurality of markers of the apparatus are removably secured to a mounting bar, and are preferably slid into the desired position corresponding to the location of hanging hooks or holes conventionally disposed on or in the object to be hung on the wall. The plurality of markers may slide when needed along the mounting bar, ensuring that the apparatus may expedite and facilitate the mounting of a wide variety of sized items to a wall or similar vertical surface.

Description:
CONTINUITY 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application of provisional application No. 62/006,046, filed on May 30, 2014, and priority is claimed thereto. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to item-mounting assistance devices, and more specifically relates to an apparatus for facilitating the hanging of frames, pictures, paintings, posters, sculptures, mounting fixtures, and the like to a substantially flat surface such as a wall. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0003]    Conventionally, when decorating a home, office, or other structure, objects are hung on the walls. Objects such as frames containing pictures, art, certificates, as well as many other items are often placed on walls, and are secured with nails, hooks, tacks, or screws. 
         [0004]    It can be difficult to hang an object on a wall if the object has at least two mounting points at which the object attaches to the wall, as the appropriate and needed placement of the nails, tacks, or similar mounting mechanisms on the wall can be challenging. Without a level a few tools, many individuals cannot quickly level a frame or other item on the wall without needing to pierce several holes in the wall. Typically, a picture may be mounted to a wall by attaching a back of the frame at two equidistant points to two corresponding attachment points on the wall. A wire and hook fastener, or nail and hook fastener, or the like may be implemented for securing the frame and picture to the wall at the plural attachment points. 
         [0005]    The plural attachment points are typically located along a substantially same horizontal axis, which ensures that the frame is level when mounted on the wall. It can be difficult to mount the fasteners to each of the plural attachments points while ensuring that the fasteners are indeed located substantially along a same horizontal axis. As such, this process can easily take over 10 minutes for a single frame for some individuals lacking the proper tools and experience. When an individual is hanging a large number of items, this process quickly becomes tedious and laborious. 
         [0006]    Thus, there is a need for a new wall hanging assistant apparatus configured to facilitate and expedite the proper and accurate hanging of items on a wall by a user. Such a device is preferably equipped with a plural marking mechanism that slides along a horizontal axis so as to be adjustable for a wide variety of items varying in size. Such a device is preferably equipped with an integrated level to expedite leveling of the apparatus, helping to ensure that the marks made on the wall by the plural marking mechanism are level and true. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is a wall mounting apparatus configured to minimize the effort and time it takes an individual to hang an object on a wall. The present invention removes the challenge of hanging items by ensuring that each of the plural attachment points on the frame or other item are properly located for mounting an object on the wall as desired. The wall hanging or mounting apparatus of the present invention creates reference or target marks to a wall at two or more points on the wall, while ensuring that the marks are located at the desired positions with respect to one another. For example, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is preferably configured to apply reference marks to a wall at two or more points on a wall while ensuring that said points are located on substantially a same linear axis, such as a horizontal axis with respect to the wall. 
         [0008]    Exemplary embodiments are described herein. It is envisioned, however, that any system that incorporates features of methods and systems described herein are encompassed by the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the present invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the present invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a flow chart showing a method of using the wall mounting apparatus of the present invention in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  shows a wall mounting marker in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  shows diagrammatical side views of a marker in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  shows front diagrammatical view of a wall mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  shows a rear diagrammatical view of a wall mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  shows an exploded diagrammatical view of a wall mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0016]    The present invention is a wall-mounting aide configured to facilitate and expedite the hanging of items on a wall. The essence of the present invention includes a mounting bar ( 30 ), markers ( 10 ), a level ( 40 ), and a pin ( 20 ) affixed to each marker ( 10 ). 
         [0017]    Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. The features and advantages of the present invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the present invention as set forth herein. 
         [0018]    Various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used throughout to designate similar or identical elements. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a flow chart depicting the preferred method of use of the present invention. First, the user observes the back of a picture frame or other item to be hung on a wall in order to determine the location of the attachment points. ( 100 ). Next, the user slides the markers ( 10 ) along the mounting bar ( 30 ) such that the markers ( 10 ) match the separation distance of the attachment points on the rear of the frame to be mounted on the wall. ( 110 ) Next, the user lines the present invention up on the wall, as if it were the frame to be hung, and uses the level ( 40 ) to ensure that the device is level, parallel with the floor and ceiling. ( 120 ). Then, the markers ( 10 ) are urged against the wall, marking or deforming the wall surface at points corresponding to the determined attachment points on the back of the picture frame. ( 130 ) At last, the picture frame may now be easily mounted using the marks made by the markers ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 140 ) 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  shows a diagrammatical perspective view of the marker ( 10 ) that is adjustable. The marker ( 10 ) may include a first inner face ( 205 ), an inner flange ( 207 ), and a second inner face  209 . The second inner face ( 209 ) may be configured to include a material on a surface thereof for adjusting an ease of movement on a mounting bar ( 30 ). The flanges ( 207 ) may be formed on both the first face ( 205 ) and the second face ( 209 ). The flanges ( 207 ) may be configured to secure the marker ( 10 ) onto a mounting bar ( 30 ). 
         [0021]    The marker ( 10 ) preferably includes a pin ( 20 ), as seen in  FIG. 4 . The pin ( 20 ) may be defined by the marker ( 10 ), or may be a separate material, such as a metallic material, that is attached to the marker ( 10 ). The pin ( 20 ) may be shaped and configured to form a mark and/or depression on a wall. The pin ( 20 ) may take any suitable shape, be formed of any suitable material, and may be formed to apply a marking material, rather than be formed as a structure that deforms wall material. The pin ( 20 ) may of the present invention be formed as shown in  FIG. 2  whereby the pin ( 20 ) may cause a deformation in a wall against which the pin ( 20 ) is pressed. 
         [0022]    Additionally,  FIG. 3  shows diagrammatical side views of the markers ( 10 ) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The marker ( 10 ) may include a first inner face, an inner flange ( 207 ), and a second inner face ( 209 ) as in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . The second inner face ( 209 ) may be configured to include a material on a surface thereof for adjusting an ease of movement on the mounting bar ( 30 ). The flanges ( 207 ) may be formed on both the first face and the second face ( 209 ). The flanges ( 207 ) may be configured to secure the marker onto a mounting bar ( 30 ). 
         [0023]    The marker may include a pin ( 20 ). The pin ( 20 ) may be defined by the market, or may be a separate material, such as a metallic material, that is attached to the marker ( 10 ). The pin ( 20 ) may be shaped and configured to form a mark and/or depression on a wall. The pin ( 20 ) may take any suitable shape, be formed of any suitable material, and may be formed to apply a marking material, rather than be formed as a structure that deforms wall material. The pin ( 20 ) may be formed as shown in  FIG. 3  whereby the pin ( 20 ) may cause a deformation in a wall against which the pin ( 20 ) is pressed. 
         [0024]      FIG. 4  shows front diagrammatical view of the wall mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 4  shows a marker ( 10 ) operably attached to a mounting bar ( 30 ). The mounting bar ( 30 ) may be graduated to enable measurement. In an embodiment, the mounting bar ( 30 ) may comprise a level ( 40 ) embedded within for ensuring that an axis along which marks are formed using plural markers ( 10 ) disposed on the mounting bar ( 30 ) is substantially horizontal.  FIG. 4  shows a pin ( 20 ) located on the marker ( 10 ). The pin ( 20 ) may be urged against a wall to mark or deform the wall surface. 
         [0025]      FIG. 5  shows a rear diagrammatical view of a wall mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 5  shows a mounting bar ( 30 ). In particular,  FIG. 5  shows a rear view of a mounting bar ( 30 ) having a material disposed thereon for ensuring low friction to facilitate sliding across a wall surface. The pin ( 20 ) of the marker ( 10 ) is also shown, and is depicted as a solitary unit. 
         [0026]      FIG. 6  shows an exploded diagrammatical view of a wall mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 6  shows front diagrammatical view of a wall mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular,  FIG. 6  shows a marker ( 10 ) operably attached to a mounting bar ( 30 ). The mounting bar ( 30 ) may be graduated to enable measurement. In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting bar ( 30 ) may comprise a level ( 40 ) embedded within for ensuring that an axis along which marks are formed using plural markers ( 10 ) disposed on the mounting bar ( 30 ) is substantially horizontal.  FIG. 4  shows a pin ( 20 ) located on the marker ( 10 ). The pin ( 20 ) is configured to be pressed against a wall by a user in order to mark or deform the wall surface. The deformations caused in the wall surface by this action serve as reference marks for mounting mechanisms such as nails, screws, or tacks, to be ideally positioned. An ideal positioning for mounts or mounting mechanisms includes ensuring that the reference marks are level, and are spaced the correct distance from one another as to match the placement of conventional mounting hooks from the rear of conventional frames. 
         [0027]    The present invention comprises a variety of embodiments, such as methods and systems and other embodiments that relate to the basic concepts of the present invention. 
         [0028]    Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application. 
         [0029]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.