Patent Publication Number: US-2023142006-A1

Title: Dual hook wire-snagging hanger

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The present disclosure relates to hangars that are used to secure pictures, artwork, diplomas, mirrors, etc. to vertical support surfaces, such as walls or columns. 
     2. Related Art 
     Pictures, artwork, diplomas, mirrors etc. are typically secured to vertical support surfaces, such as walls or columns, using a single hook that is fastened to the support surface by a nail, screw, or wall molly. A wire is fastened to the back side of the item and hung on the single hook. The problem is that the item can tilt about the single hook. To address this issue, a multitude of hooks can be fastened to the wall along a horizonal line and offset laterally with respect to one another, and the wire can be hung on the multitude of hooks. The problem with this approach is that the multitude of hooks need to be approximately level with each other or the item will hang cockeyed, and placing the multitude of hooks level with one another is a laborious task. Also, when someone passes the item hung on the support surface and inadvertently hits the item, or if the support surface shakes, the item can move off center and tilt. Thus, there is a need for a simple hanger that solves these problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a new and improved hanger for pictures, artwork, diplomas, mirrors, glass panes, or other items. 
     In accordance with the present disclosure, a hanger for pictures, artwork, diplomas, mirrors, glass panes, or other items is provided that includes at least one elongate bar. Two openings (e.g., thru-holes or slots) extend between corresponding planar front and back surfaces of the bar(s). The two openings are configured to receive fasteners for attaching the bar(s) to the support surface. The two openings are spaced from one another along the lengthwise dimension of the bar(s). Two hooks extend forward and upward from the at least one planar front surface. The two hooks are spaced from one another along the lengthwise dimension of the bar(s). Each hook includes a transition from a planar front surface of the bar(s). 
     In embodiments, the two openings can include at least one thru-hole or elongate slot. 
     In embodiments, the fasteners can include a screw or nail. 
     In embodiments, the two hooks can be configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of the item. 
     In embodiments, the at least one elongate bar can be a single elongate bar. 
     In embodiments, a center notch can be disposed at the top edge of the bar. 
     In embodiments, the at least one elongate bar can include first and second bar members that are moveable relative to one another to selectively adjust effective length of the first and second bar members. 
     In embodiments, the first bar member can include one of the two openings and one of the two hooks, and the second bar member can include another of the two openings and another of the two hooks. 
     In embodiments, the first bar member is disposed in front of the second bar member and includes an elongate slot that receives a threaded post of the second bar member. A nut or bolt can be operably disposed on the threaded post of the second bar member and configured to selectively fix the first bar member to the second bar member and set the effective length of the first and second bar members. 
     In embodiments, a spirit level can be secured to a planar front surface of the least one elongate bar. 
     In another aspect, a method of fabricating a hanger for supporting an item on a vertical support surface, involves the following: 
     providing at least one elongate flat bar; 
     forming two openings extending between corresponding planar front and back surfaces of the at least one elongate flat bar, wherein the two opening are each configured to receive a fastener for attachment to the support surface; and 
     bending a portion of the at least one elongate flat bar to form two hooks that extend forward and upward from the at least one planar front surface. 
     In embodiments, the two hooks formed by the method each include a transition from the at least one planar front surface. 
     In embodiments, the two hooks can be defined by bending two corresponding tabs forward and upward from the at least one planar front surface. 
     In other embodiments, the two hooks can be defined by bending two corresponding tabs forward and downward from the at least one planar front surface. 
     In embodiments, the two tabs can be formed by parallel cuts through a top edge of the at least one elongate flat bar. 
     In embodiments, the two openings formed by the method can include at least one thru-hole or elongate slot. 
     In embodiments, the two hooks formed by the method can be configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of the item. 
     In embodiments, a center notch can be formed at a top edge of the elongate bar. 
     In another aspect, a method for supporting an item on a vertical support surface uses the hanger as described herein. While locating the hanger at a desired position on the support surface, fasteners that extend through the two openings of the hanger are used to secure the hanger to the support surface. The two hooks of the hanger are used to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of the item to thereby support the item on the support surface. 
     In embodiments, the hanger can be positioned in a horizonal orientation on the support surface. 
     In embodiments, the hanger can incorporate a spirit level secured to the planar front surface of the least one elongate bar; and the sprit level can be used as a guide to position the hanger in a horizonal orientation on the support surface. 
     In embodiments, the hanger can include first and second bar members that are moveable relative to one another to selectively adjust effective length of the first and second bar members. The first bar member can include one of the two openings and one of the two hooks, and the second bar member can include another of the two openings and another of the two hooks. Prior to securing the hanger to the support surface, the first and second bar members can be moved relative to one another to selectively adjust and fix the effective length of the first and second bar members. 
     In embodiments, the first bar member can be operably disposed in front of the second bar member and include an elongate slot that receives a threaded post of the second bar member. A nut or bolt operably disposed on the threaded post of the second bar member can be configured to selectively fix the first bar member to the second bar member and set the effective length of the first and second bar members. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a front view of a hanger according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  2 A to  2 D  are views depicting steps in fabricating the hanger of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a front view of a hanger according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  4 A to  4 E  are views depicting steps in fabricating the hanger of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is a front view of a hanger according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  6 A to  6 D  are views depicting steps in fabricating the hanger of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic illustration of the use of the hanger of  FIG.  5    in supporting an item on a vertical support surface, such as a wall or column. 
         FIG.  8    is a front view of a hanger according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  are front view of hangers according to fifth and sixth embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  10 A to  10 D  are views of a hanger according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11 A  is a photo illustrating the use of conventional picture hangers for supporting a number of items in a home office. 
         FIG.  11 B  is a photo illustrating the use of the hanger of  FIG.  5    in supporting the same items in the same home office. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As used herein, the term “item” refers to anything hangable, such as a glass pane, mirror, painting, photograph, display box, diploma, patent plaque, sign, etching, etc. 
     Referring to the drawings, a hanger is constructed in accordance with the present disclosure from one or more flat bars. As described herein, a flat bar is an elongate strip of metal or other rigid material of a predetermined length and thickness. In embodiments, the thickness can range from 0.067 inches to 0.25 inches, and the length can range from 1 inch to 36 inches to support smaller size and larger size items as desired. The flat bar includes planar front and back surfaces as well as the top, bottom, left and right edges as shown. The planar front and back surfaces as well as the edges of the flat bar can have a smooth finish. The flat bar can be produced by drawing metal material through a die, cutting or milling, stamping, or other suitable method. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a first embodiment of a hanger  100  in accordance with the present disclosure. The hanger  100  includes a bar  101  with two thru-holes  103 A,  103 B that extend between the planar front and back surfaces of the bar  101 . The thru-holes  103 A,  103 B can be formed by drilling, punching, or other metal processing. The thru-holes  103 A,  103 B are disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of a center line  106 A. In embodiments, the thru-holes  103 A,  103 B can be disposed at or near the opposed ends of the bar  101  as shown. The thru-holes  103 A,  103 B are configured to receive nails or screws or other fasteners to attach the bar  101  to a vertical support surface, such as a wall or column (similar to  FIG.  7   ). In other embodiments, one or more of the thru-holes can be substituted by an elongate slot. The elongate slot(s) can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar (see  FIG.  9   ). The slot(s) can be configured to receive a nail, molly, lug or screw or other fastener to attach the bar to the vertical support surface. 
     A center notch  105  can be printed, etched, engraved, cut, or otherwise formed in the bar  101  at or near the center of the top edge of the bar  101 , which lies along the center line  106 A as shown. 
     A portion of bar  101  can be bent to define two hooks  104 A,  104 B disposed at or near the opposed ends of the bar  101 . The two hooks  104 A,  104 B extend outward and upward from the planar front surface of the bar  101  as shown. The two hooks  104 A,  104 B are configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of an item. 
       FIGS.  2 A to  2 D  illustrate a method of fabricating the hanger  100  from a flat bar  101 ′ as shown in  FIG.  2 A . The flat bar  101 ′ can be formed from aluminum, steel, or other metal. The two thru-holes  103 A,  103 B extend between the planar front and back surfaces of the flat bar  101 ′ as shown in  FIG.  2 B . The two thru-holes  103 A,  103 B can be formed by drilling, punching, or other metal processing. The thru-holes  103 A,  103 B are disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of the center line  106 A as shown. The center notch  105  can be printed, etched, engraved, cut, or otherwise formed in the flat bar  101  at or near the center of the top edge of the flat bar  101 , which lies along the center line  106 A as shown. The two hooks  104 A,  104 B are formed by first bending the bottom edge of a flat bar  101 ′ upward about a longitudinal fold line  107 A (which extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the flat bar  101 ′ as evident from  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B ), and then further bending the opposed corners of the bent bottom edge upward about fold lines  107 B,  107 C to form the two hooks  104 A,  104 B that extend outward and upward from the planar front surface as shown in  FIG.  2 C . The bending of the bottom edge of a flat bar  101 ′ upward about the longitudinal fold line  107 A to form the hooks  104 A,  104 B can define a bend or transition from the planar front surface of the bar  101  as shown in  FIG.  2 D . Alternatively, instead of using flat bar  101 ′ an angle extrusion drawn from aluminum, steel or other metal can be used as the hanger support. A cross-sectional view of hanger  100  is shown in  FIG.  2 D  where the angle θ of the hook  104 A is in the range of 20 degrees to 50 degrees (and preferably 30 degrees). 
     In use, the bar  101  ( FIGS.  1  and  2 C ) is held in a horizontal orientation at a desired location on a vertical support surface. The center notch  105  of the bar  101  can be used as a guide to position the center of the bar  101  at the desired location on the vertical support surface. Horizontal pencil markings disposed adjacent the top edge of the bar  101  on the support surface can be used as guide for holding the bar  101  in the horizontal orientation. Nails or screws or other fasteners are inserted into and through the thru-holes  103 A,  103 B and secured to support surface to attach the bar  101  to the support surface such that the planar back surface of the bar  101  is secured against the vertical support surface. With the bar  101  secured to the vertical support surface, a wire, cable, or other filament fastened to the back side of an item is captured or snagged by the two hooks  104 A,  104 B such that the two hooks  104 A,  104 B of the bar  101  support the item on the vertical support surface. 
     In embodiments, the two thru-holes  103 A,  103 B are offset from the center line  106   a  by a dimension L 1  as shown in  FIG.  2 C . For example, the L 1  dimension can be in the range of six to eight inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes  103 A,  103 B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L 1  dimension can be configured to cover the typical spacing for wall studs (e.g., sixteen inches between wall studs in the United States). In yet other examples, the L 1  dimension can be in the range of two to six inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes  103 A,  103 B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L 1  dimension can be more than eight inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes  103 A,  103 B is greater than sixteen inches. 
     In embodiments, the two hooks  104 A,  104 B are offset from the center line  106   a  by a dimension L 2  that is equal to or greater than the L 1  dimension as shown in  FIG.  2 C . For example, the L 2  dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks  104 A,  104 B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L 2  dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks  104 A,  104 B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L 2  dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks  104 A,  104 B is greater than sixteen inches. Although hanger  100  shows only two holes additional holes can be drilled through bar  101 ′ in the event it is necessary to secure the hanger  100  to a stud, or the like. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a second embodiment of a hanger  200  in accordance with the present disclosure. The hanger  200  includes a bar  201  with two thru-holes  203 A,  203 B that extend between the planar front and back surfaces of the bar  201 . The thru-holes  203 A,  203 B can be formed by drilling, punching, or other metal processing. The thru-holes  203 A,  203 B are disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of a center line  206 A. In embodiments, the thru-holes  203 A,  203 B can be disposed near the opposed ends of the bar  201  as shown. The thru-holes  203 A,  203 B are configured to receive nails or screws or other fasteners to attach the bar  201  to a vertical support surface, such as a wall or column (similar to  FIG.  7   ). In other embodiments, one or more of the thru-holes can be substituted by an elongate slot (e.g.,  203 B′ of  FIG.  9   ). The elongate slot(s) can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar (see  FIG.  9   ). The slot(s) can be configured to receive a nail or screw or other fastener to attach the bar to the vertical support surface. 
     A center notch  205  can be printed, etched, engraved, cut, or otherwise formed in the bar  201  at or near the center of the top edge of the bar  201 , which lies along the center line  206 A as shown. 
     Two tabs can be formed adjacent the bottom edge of the bar  201  on opposite ends of the bar  201 , for example, by stamping or otherwise forming the metal material of the bar  201 . The two tabs can be bent forward and upward to form two opposed hooks  204 A,  204 B that extend outward and upward from the planar front surface of the bar  201  as shown. The two hooks  204 A,  204 B are configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of an item. 
       FIGS.  4 A to  4 D  illustrate a method of fabricating the hanger  200  from a flat bar  201 ′ as shown in  FIG.  4 A . The flat bar  201 ′ can be formed from aluminum, steel, brass, or other metal. The two thru-holes  203 A,  203 B extend between the planar front and back surfaces of the flat bar  201 ′ as shown in  FIG.  4 B . The two thru-holes  203 A,  203 B can be formed by drilling, punching, or other metal processing. The thru-holes  203 A,  203 B are disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of the center line  206 A as shown. The center notch  205  can be printed, etched, engraved, cut or otherwise formed in the flat bar  201  at or near the center of the top edge of the flat bar  201 ′, which lies along the center line  206 A as shown. Two tabs  208 A,  208 B are disposed adjacent the bottom edge of the flat bar  201 ′ on opposite ends of the flat bar  201 . The two tabs  208 A,  208 B can be formed, for example, by stamping or otherwise forming the metal material of the bar  201 . The two tabs  208 A,  208 B can be bent upward about fold lines  209 A,  209 B to form the two opposed hooks  204 A,  204 B that extend outward and upward from the planar front surface of the bar  201  as shown in  FIG.  2 C . The bending of the tab  208 A about the fold line  209 A to form the hook  204 A defines a bend or transition from the planar front surface of the bar  201  as shown in  FIGS.  4 D and  4 E .  FIG.  4 D  shows a cross-sectional view of hanger  200  where the bending of the tab  208 A forms the hook  204 A with a gradual J-like bend  211  relative to the bar  201 .  FIG.  4 E  shows a cross-sectional view of hanger  200  where the bending of the tab  208 A forms the hook  204 A with a sharp bend or transition  211 ′ at an angle θ relative to the bar  201  where the angle θ is in the range of 20 degrees to 50 degrees (and preferably 30 degrees). This configuration is better suited to snag a wire or other filamentous support. Similarly, the bending of the tab  208 B about the fold line  209 B to form the hook  204 B defines another bend or transition from the planar front surface of the bar  201 . 
     In use, the bar  201  ( FIGS.  3  and  4 C ) is held in a horizontal orientation at a desired location on a vertical support surface. The center notch  205  of the bar  201  can be used as a guide to position the bar  201  at the desired location on the vertical support surface. Horizontal pencil markings disposed adjacent the top edge of the bar  201  on the support surface can be used as guide for holding the bar  201  in the horizontal orientation. Nails or screws or other fasteners are inserted into and through the thru-holes  203 A,  203 B and secured to the support surface to attach the bar  201  to the support surface such that the planar back surface of the bar  201  is secured against the vertical support surface. With the bar  201  secured to the vertical support surface, a wire, cable, or other filament fastened to the back side of an item is captured or snagged by the two hooks  204 A,  204 B such that the two hooks  204 A,  204 B of the bar  201  support the item on the vertical support surface. 
     In embodiments, the two thru-holes  203 A,  203 B are offset from the center line  206   a  by a dimension L 1  as shown in  FIG.  4 C . For example, the L 1  dimension can be in the range of six to eight inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes  203 A,  203 B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L 1  dimension can be configured to cover the typical spacing for wall studs (e.g., sixteen inches between wall studs in the United States). In yet other examples, the L 1  dimension can be in the range of two to six inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes  203 A,  203 B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L 1  dimension can be more than eight inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes  203 A,  203 B is greater than sixteen inches. 
     In embodiments, the two hooks  204 A,  204 B are offset from the center line  106   a  by a dimension L 2  that is equal to or greater than the L 1  dimension as shown in  FIG.  4 C . For example, the L 2  dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks  204 A,  204 B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L 2  dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks  204 A,  204 B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L 2  dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks  204 A,  204 B is greater than sixteen inches. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a third embodiment of a hanger  300  in accordance with the present disclosure. The hanger  300  includes a bar  301  with two thru-holes  303 A,  303 B that extend between the planar front and back surfaces of the bar  301 . The thru-holes  303 A,  303 B can be formed by drilling, punching, or other metal processing. The thru-holes  303 A,  303 B are disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of a center line  306 A. In embodiments, the thru-holes  303 A,  303 B can be disposed near the opposed ends of the bar  301  as shown. The thru-holes  303 A,  303 B are configured to receive nails or screws or other fasteners to attach the bar  301  to a vertical support surface, such as a wall or column (similar to  FIG.  7   ). In other embodiments, one or more of the thru-holes can be substituted by an elongate slot (e.g.,  203 B′ of  FIG.  9   ). The elongate slot(s) can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar (see  FIG.  9   ). The slot(s) can be configured to receive a nail or screw or other fastener to attach the bar to the vertical support surface. 
     A center notch  305  can be printed, etched, engraved, cut, or otherwise formed in the bar  301  at or near the center of the top edge of the bar  301 , which lies along the center line  306   a  as shown. 
     Two tabs can be formed adjacent the top edge of the bar  301  on opposite ends of the bar  301 , for example, by cuts downward through the top edge. The two tabs can be bent downward to form two opposed hooks  304 A,  304 B that extend outward and upward from the planar front surface of the bar  301  as shown. The two hooks  304 A,  304 B are configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of an item. 
       FIGS.  6 A to  6 D  illustrate a method of fabricating the hanger  300  from a flat bar  301 ′ as shown in  FIG.  6 A . The flat bar  301 ′ can be formed from aluminum, brass, steel, or other metal. For example, the flat bar  301 ′ can be a flat bar or piece of aluminum that is 1/16 inches thick, 0.75 inches in height and  6  inches or more in length. The two thru-holes  303 A,  303 B extend between the planar front and back surfaces of the flat bar  301 ′ as shown in  FIG.  6 B . The two thru-holes  303 A,  303 B can be formed by drilling, punching, or other metal processing. For example, the two thru-holes  303 A,  303 B can be drilled with an 11/64″ drill. The thru-holes  303 A,  303 B are disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of the center line  306 A as shown. The center notch  305  can be printed, etched, engraved, cut or otherwise formed in the flat bar  301  at or near the center of the top edge of the flat bar  301 ′, which lies along the center line  306 A as shown. For example, the center notch  305  can be cut on a band saw to a length of approximately 0.1 inches. Two tabs  308 A,  308 B are disposed adjacent the top edge of the flat bar  301 ′ on opposite ends of the flat bar  301 . In embodiments, the two tabs  308 A,  308 B (and the corresponding hooks  304 A,  304 B) can have a width in the range of 0.25 inches to 2 inches. The two tabs  308 A,  308 B can be formed, for example, by parallel cuts downward through the top edge of the flat bar  301 ′. The parallel cuts can made by a band saw with a length of approximately 0.5 inches. The two tabs  308 A,  308 B can be bent forward and downward about fold lines  309 A,  309 B (for example, by 30 to 60 degrees) to form the two opposed hooks  304 A,  304 B that extend outward and upward from the planar front surface of the bar  301  as shown in  FIG.  6 C . The two tabs  308 A,  308 B can be bent forward and downward using a simple bending fixture or a pneumatic ram. Note that a rig can be made to enable drilling thru-hole  303 A and making the parallel cuts for tab  308 A. The rig can be turned over to drill thru-hole  303 B and make the parallel cuts for tab  308 B. Also note that the entire hanger  300  can also be stamped out of a sheet of metal with the proper tabs  308 A,  208 B bent as described above. The bending of the tab  308 A about the fold line  309 A to form the hook  304 A defines a bend or transition relative to the bar  301  that forms a transition from the planar front surface of the bar  301 .  FIG.  6 D  shows a cross-sectional view of hanger  300  where the bending of the tab  308 A forms the hook  304 A with a sharp bend or transition  311  at an angle θ relative to the bar  301  where the angle θ is in the range of 20 degrees to 50 degrees (and preferably 30 degrees). This configuration is better suited to snag a wire or other filamentous support. Similarly, the bending of the tab  308 B about the fold line  309 B to form the hook  304 B that defines another bend or transition from the planar front surface of the bar  301 . 
     In use, the bar  301  ( FIGS.  5  and  6 C ) is held in a horizontal orientation at a desired location on a vertical support surface  500  as shown in  FIG.  7   . The center notch  305  of the bar  301  can be used as a guide to position the bar  301  at the desired location on the vertical support surface. The center notch  305  on the bar  301  is also aligned with the center of the item to be hung. Horizontal pencil markings disposed adjacent the top edge of the bar  301  on the support surface  500  can be used as guide for holding the bar  301  in the horizontal orientation. Nails or screws or other fasteners  375 A,  375 B ( FIG.  7   ) are inserted into and through the thru-holes  303 A,  303 B and manipulated to attach the bar  301  to the support surface such that the planar back surface of the bar  301  is secured against the vertical support surface. Lugs can be inserted into the support surface and configured to receive fasteners/screws  375 A,  375 B for higher load applications. With the bar  301  secured to the vertical support surface, a wire, cable, or other filament  401  is fastened to the back side of an item by suitable fasteners  402 A,  402 B. The wire, cable, or other filament  401  is captured or snagged by the two hooks  304 A,  304 B such that the two hooks  304 A,  304 B of the bar  301  support the item  400  (shown as phantom shading) on the vertical support surface  500 . 
     In embodiments, the two thru-holes  303 A,  303 B are offset from the center line  306 A by a dimension L 1  as shown in  FIG.  6 C . For example, the L 1  dimension can be in the range of six to eight inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes  303 A,  303 B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L 1  dimension can be configured to cover the typical spacing for wall studs (e.g., sixteen inches between wall studs in the United States). In yet other examples, the L 1  dimension can be in the range of two to six inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes  303 A,  303 B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L 1  dimension can be more than eight inches such that the spacing between the two thru-holes  303 A,  303 B is greater than sixteen inches. 
     In embodiments, the two hooks  304 A,  304 B are offset from the center line  306 A by a dimension L 2  that is equal to or less than the L 1  dimension as shown in FIG.  6 C. For example, the L 2  dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks  304 A,  304 B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L 2  dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks  304 A,  304 B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L 2  dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks  304 A,  304 B is greater than sixteen inches. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a fourth embodiment of a hanger  300 ′ in accordance with the present disclosure. The hanger  300 ′ is similar to the hanger  300  of  FIG.  6    with the addition of a spirit level  380  removably secured to the planar front surface of the bar  301  and located at the center line  306 A of the bar  301 . The spirit level  380  can be used as a guide to hold the bar  301  in a horizontal orientation at a desired location on a vertical support surface  500  while the fasteners are engaged to secure the hanger in place. 
       FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  illustrate fifth and sixth embodiments of a hanger in accordance with the present disclosure. The hanger  200 ′ of  FIG.  9 A  is similar to the hanger  200  of  FIG.  3    with an elongate slot  203 B′ replacing one thru-hole. The slot  203 B′ extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar as shown. The slot  203 B′ can be configured to receive a nail or screw or other fastener to attach the bar to the vertical support surface. The hanger  200 ″ of  FIG.  9 B  is similar to  FIG.  9 A  with both thru-holes  203 A and  203 B replaced by slots  203 A′ and  203 B′. The advantage of slots is that a fastener can be located to better snag a stud or other support to provide more secure anchorage. 
     In embodiments, the thru-hole  203 A and the far right end of slot  203 B′ are offset from the center line  206 A by a dimension L 1  as shown in  FIG.  9 A . For example, the L 1  dimension can be in the range of six to eight inches such that the spacing between the thru-hole  203 A and the far right end of slot  203 B′ is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L 1  dimension can be configured to cover the typical spacing for wall studs (e.g., sixteen inches between wall studs in the United States). In yet other examples, the L 1  dimension can be in the range of two to six inches such that the spacing between the thru-hole  203 A and the far-right end of slot  203 B′ is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L 1  dimension can be more than eight inches such that the spacing between the thru-hole  203 A and the far right end of slot  203 B′ is greater than sixteen inches. 
     In embodiments, the two hooks  204 A,  204 B are offset from the center line  206 A by a dimension L 2  that is equal to or greater than the L 1  dimension as shown in  FIG.  9 A . For example, the L 2  dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks  304 A,  304 B is in the range of twelve to sixteen inches. In other examples, the L 2  dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks  304 A,  304 B is in the range of four to twelve inches. In still other examples, the L 2  dimension can be configured such that the spacing between the two hooks  304 A,  304 B is greater than sixteen inches. 
     In other embodiments, the hanger can include two bar members that can slide (translate) relative to one another for adjustment of the effective length of the two bar members. With the effective length of the two bar members set as desired, the two bar members can be fixed in position relative to another by a suitable fastener, such as by a threaded post and bolt connection and the hanger fixed to the vertical support surface as described herein. The opposed ends of the two bar members include a thru-hole and bent hook that extends outward and upward from the planar front surface of the respective bar member. The thru-holes are configured to receive nails or screws or other fasteners to attach the bar members to a vertical support surface, such as a wall or column (similar to  FIG.  7   ). The hooks are configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of an item. Such length adjustment permits the hanger to effectively support different size items on the support surface. 
       FIGS.  10 A to  10 D  illustrate a seventh embodiment of a hanger  1000  in accordance with the present disclosure. The hanger  1000  includes a left bar member  1001 A ( FIG.  10 A ) and a right bar member  1001 B ( FIG.  10 B ). The left bar member  1001 A includes a thru-hole  1003 A that extends between the planar front and back surfaces of the left bar member  1001 A. In embodiments, the thru-hole  1003 A can be disposed at or near the left end of the left bar member  1001 A as shown. The thru-hole  1003 A is configured to receive a nail or screw or other fastener to attach the left bar member  1001 A to a vertical support surface, such as a wall or column (similar to  FIG.  7   ). A tab can be formed adjacent the top edge of the left bar member  1001 A near the left end of the left bar member  1001 A, for example, by cuts downward through the top edge. The tab can be bent downward to form a hook  1004 A that extends outward and upward from the planar front surface of the left bar member  1001 A as shown. Similar to the embodiment of  FIGS.  5  and  6 A to  6 D , the bending of the tab to form the hook  1004 A can define a bend or transition from the planar front surface of the left bar member  1001 A. The hook  1004 A is configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of an item. The left bar member  1001 A also includes an elongate slot  1011  that extends along the longitudinal axis of the left bar member  1001 A as shown. The slot  1011  can be configured to receive the threaded post  1015  of the right bar member  1001 B as described below. 
     The right bar member  1001 B includes a thru-hole  1003 B that extends between the planar front and back surfaces of the right bar member  1001 B. In embodiments, the thru-hole  1003 B can be disposed at or near the right end of the right bar member as shown. The thru-hole  1003 B is configured to receive a nail or screw or other fastener to attach the right bar member  1001 B to the vertical support surface (similar to  FIG.  7   ). The right bar member  1001 B also includes a threaded post  1015  that projects outward from the planar front surface of the right bar member. The threaded post  1015  is received by the slot  1011  of the left bar member as described above. A tab can be formed adjacent the top edge of the right bar member  1001 B near the right end of the right bar member  1001 B, for example, by cuts downward through the top edge. The tab can be bent downward to form a hook  1004 B that extends outward and upward from the planar front surface of the right bar member  1001 B as shown. Similar to the embodiment of  FIGS.  5  and  6 A to  6 D , the bending of the tab to form the hook  1004 B can define a bend or transition from the planar front surface of the right bar member  1001 B. The hook  1004 B is configured to capture or snag a wire, cable or other filament fastened to the back side of an item. The right bar member  1001 B also includes guide walls  1013 A,  1013 B that project forward from the planar front surface of the right bar member along the opposed top and bottom edges of the right bar member  1001 B as shown. The guide walls  1013 A,  1013 B are spaced from one another and configured to receive the left bar member  1001 A therebetween such that it rests between the guide walls with the left bar member  1001 A in front of the right bar member  1001 B. 
     The guide walls  1013 A,  1013 B are configured to guide sliding (translation) movement of the left bar member  1001 A relative to the right bar member  1001 B for adjustment of the effective length of the bar members  1001 A,  1001 B as shown in  FIGS.  10 C and  10 D . With the effective length of the bar members  1001 A,  1001 B set as desired, the bar members  1001 A,  1001 B can be fixed in position relative to another by tightening a bolt or nut  1017  to the thread post  1015  as shown. When the bolt is tightened on the threaded post  1015 , the bar members  1001 A,  1001 B can be tightly clamped together and the effective length of the bar members  1001 A,  1001 B is set. After the effective length of the bar members  1001 A,  1001 B is set, nails or screws or other fasteners can be used to attach the left bar member  1001 A and the right bar member  1001 B to the support surface (similar to  FIG.  7   ). The length adjustment permits the hanger  1000  to effectively support different size items on the support surface. For example, the configuration of the hanger  1000  of  FIG.  10 C  can be used to support a smaller sized item than the configuration of the hanger  1000  of  FIG.  10 D . 
     Note that the offset between the thru-holes  1003 A and  1003 B as well as the offset between the hooks  1004 A and  1004 B is variable in nature and dictated by the fixed length of the left and right bar members  1001 A,  1001 B as well as the adjustment of effective length of the left and right bar members  1001 A,  1001 B. In embodiments, the range of variable offset between the thru-holes  1003 A and  1003 B as well as the range of variable offset between the hooks  1004 A and  1004 B can be similar to the spacings described above for the other embodiments. Note that once fasteners are inserted through holes  1003 A and  1003 B and secure the hanger to the vertical surface, tightening a bolt or nut  1017  to the thread post  1015  is not entirely necessary, in fact slot  1011 , post  1015  and nut  1017  are not necessary. 
     The hanger(s) of the present disclosure has several advantages over conventional hooks. For example,  FIG.  11 A  shows many diplomas, patent plaques and pictures that are secured to an office wall by a conventional hook. When the door to the office is closed, the items can wobble and tilt, and become decentralized as shown.  FIG.  11 B  shows the same diplomas, patent plaques and pictures that are secured to the same office wall by the hanger of  FIG.  5   . In this case, when the door to the office is closed, the items remain level as shown and thus do not wobble and tilt and become decentralized. 
     There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of hangers for items and methods of fabricating and using the same. While particular materials and methods of fabrication have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other methods of fabricating the hangers could be used as well. For example, the hangers (or hanger components) as described herein can be formed from molded polymeric material(s). It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed.