Patent Publication Number: US-9883757-B2

Title: Frame with integrated surface attachment for drywall and drywall-like surfaces

Description:
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 14/071,172 filed on Nov. 4, 2013, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/282,072 filed on Oct. 26, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,572,873, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/936,592 filed on Nov. 7, 2007, now abandoned, the contents of all of which are specifically incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The subject matter disclosed herein relates to frames used for displaying items, and, more particularly, a frame having an integrated surface attachment. Another aspect of this subject matter relates to a systems and methods for installing such frames. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many different types of frames for displaying various items such as pictures, posters, paintings and objects have been developed over the years and numerous mounting devices for attaching such frames to a surface such as a wall have been developed. Although some of these mounting devices have provided adequate results, many of them suffer from several chronic problems or drawbacks. For example, many of these mounting devices are separate from the frame and require that a user first make precise measurements and then attach the mounting device to the wall, and later add the frame to the mounting device. This multi-step process is not only cumbersome, but often results in a situation where the mounting hardware does not perfectly align with the frame, which results in a misplaced or misaligned frame, especially when a user is mounting multiple frames that are intended to be aligned with one another. Some of these mounting devices also result in a gap between the frame and the wall that may be aesthetically displeasing. In addition, some of these mounting devices result in a frame that can be knocked off of the mounting device. Some such mounting devices may leave a large hole in the wall or other disfiguration when they are removed. 
     Others of these mounting devices use mounting posts with tapered ends that are driven into or screwed into a frame. One drawback of such mounting posts is that they may split a wooden or plastic frame when they are driven or screwed into the frame. Another drawback of some such mounting posts is that they may pull away from the frame if the user attempts to remove the frame from wall surface to reposition it. Yet another drawback of some such mounting posts is that they require a special tool to attach the mounting post to the frame so that an assembler does not injure themselves on the tapered end of the post that pierces the wall surface. For an installer who is attempting to install a grid of evenly-spaced frames, the drawbacks associated with mounting traditional frames are exacerbated by the number of frames that need to be mounted to create a grid. Imprecision in positioning traditional frames are also highlighted when frames are mounted in a grid, because the grid of frames serve as reference points and reference lines that make an unlevel or out of position frame in a grid more noticeable. 
     Embodiments disclosed herein address these and other concerns and generally provides an improved frame with integral mounting posts that can be mounted to a wall having drywall or drywall-like construction simply by pushing on the frame. Such frames can also easily be removed from the wall and repositioned. In another embodiment, such frames can be used in conjunction with an alignment device to quickly and accurately create a grid of evenly spaced wall-mounted frames. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an embodiment, a cost-effective frame provides, among other things, simple and efficient mounting, alignment, and repositioning of the frame on a wall having a drywall or drywall-like surface. The frame includes a mounting arrangement that allows the frame to be aligned and mounted to the wall simply by pushing the frame against the wall to force at least one mounting member of the mounting arrangement to penetrate the wall and mount the frame on the wall. 
     In accordance with one or more principles of the invention, the frame includes at least two integrated mounting members, preferably in the form of mounting posts, extending from a back surface of the frame. However, embodiments having more than two mounting members are also contemplated. In a particular embodiment, the frame includes two mounting posts, one which is longer than the other, the two of which are located at opposite corners of the frame. This configuration permits a user to push the longer post partially into the wall, while the shorter post does not pierce the wall. The longer post fixes a mounting point on the wall, while allowing the user to rotate or pivot the frame about the axis of the longer post in order to level the frame. When the frame is at the desired position, the user then pushes the frame such that its back surface is flush with the wall, thereby further penetrating the wall with the longer post and allowing the shorter post to penetrate the wall and preventing further movement of the frame relative to the wall. 
     According to another aspect, the mounting members are positively retained in a framing member, thereby simulating an integrated mounting member arrangement. Specifically, in a particular embodiment, the mounting posts have a retention member and a shaft portion. The retention member extends outward from the shaft and is mounted within a framing member such that the mounting posts will not pull away from the frame when the frame is removed from a wall. For example, in one such embodiment, the framing member may be made of a first portion and a second portion that are joined together. Prior to the first and second portions being joined together, the shaft of the mounting post may be inserted through a hole in the second framing portion having a diameter smaller than the width of the retention member so that the retention member is held between the first and second framing portions. 
     In yet another embodiment, the mounting members are unitary with the frame, i.e., completely integrated as an integral part of the frame. For example, in a particular embodiment, the mounting posts may be integrally formed as part of a cast metal frame or an injection molded plastic frame in a protrusion-like form. 
     In another variation, the mounting member takes the form of a specialized fastener having a threaded side, a shaft opposite the threaded side, and a ferrous contact surface. The ferrous contact surface is exposed via an opening in a side of a framing member. This embodiment may be used in conjunction with an alignment device having a magnet positioned to be aligned and magnetically attract the contact surface of the fastener to position and level the frame. That alignment device may be used to mount multiple frames to create an aesthetically pleasing grid of frames. 
     These and other aspects of the invention will become readily apparent upon consideration of the drawings, written specification, and claims set forth herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a frame in accordance with one or more principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a second particular embodiment of a frame in accordance with one or more principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the frame of  FIG. 2  illustrating a first stage of engagement wherein the frame is partially mounted in a wall. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the frame of  FIG. 2  illustrating a second stage of engagement wherein the frame fully mounted in a wall. 
         FIG. 5  is a back view of the frame of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a partial exploded view of a cross-section of an embodiment of the frame of  FIG. 5  taken along line I-I. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the frame of  FIG. 5  taken along line I-I. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the frame of  FIG. 5  taken along line I-I. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the frame of  FIG. 5  taken along line I-I. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the frame of  FIG. 5  taken along line I-I. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an exemplary mounting post of the frame of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the frame. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating assembly of an embodiment of a fastener being assembled to the embodiment in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the fastener of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an alignment device. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating use of the frame of  FIG. 12  with the alignment device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of the alignment device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is a partial cross sectional view taken at line J-J of the frame and alignment device of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is a front view of the alignment device of  FIG. 15  being used to install a grid of frames. 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of the fastener of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more particular embodiments of the invention in accordance with one or more of its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in such a way to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiments described herein, but other embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the present invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. 
     It is noted that in the description and drawings, like or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals. However, sometimes these elements may, but not always, be labeled with differing numbers in cases where such labeling may facilitate a more clear description. Additionally, the drawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features. 
     In accordance with one or more principles of the invention,  FIGS. 1-10  show a frame  10 . The frame  10  has a framing member  12 . The framing member  12  shown in  FIGS. 1-10  has a front surface  16 , a back surface  17 , a top portion  13  and a bottom portion  14 . The framing member  12  is shown in this embodiment as a rectangle having corners  18   a - d , however, the framing member may be any shape. Although the figures depict a framing member  12  having four sides and a hollow middle portion, alternatively or additionally, the framing member may comprise a solid back portion such as the backing of a plaque or the back portion of a display case or of a picture frame. The framing member  12  is preferably made from a rigid material such as wood, plastic, or metal. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the frame  10  further includes a mounting member arrangement, preferably in the form of at least two mounting posts  20   a  and  20   b , which provides a dual point attachment that eliminates shifting and movement of the frame when attached to a wall, as will be described in more detail below. The mounting posts  20   a  and  20   b  each have a shaft  22  extending from the framing member  15 . The mounting posts  20   a  and  20   b  also each have a tapered end  24 . The mounting posts  20   a  and  20   b  each further have a blunt end  26 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The mounting posts are preferably made of metal, but may be a rigid plastic or any other material sufficiently strong to pierce a mounting surface, such as a wall incorporating sheetrock or drywall, without breaking or buckling. Although the mounting members described herein are cylindrical, numerous other elongate geometries could also be employed without departing from the principles of the present invention. For simplicity, the embodiments herein will be described with respect to mounting posts, with the understanding that the present invention is not limited to mounting posts, as other mounting member embodiments could also be employed. 
     A user can simply push the frame  10  against a mounting surface, which is typically a wall, thereby piercing the mounting surface with the mounting post  20  in order to mount the frame  10  to the surface. The frame  10  can be mounted to any surface capable of being penetrated by the mounting posts under typical forces applied by hand to the frame  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the frame  10  is mounted to drywall or sheetrock constructed walls. However, some forms of walls made of plaster, wood, wood paneling, cork or foam bulletin board may be suitable as well if the mounting posts can penetrate the wall material without excessive force or the use of tools. Such materials are considered “drywall-like” materials for purposes of this specification. For convenience, the mounting surface will be referred to herein as a wall, without specific regard for any particular wall material. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , multiple mounting posts  20   a - 20   d  may be used to provide greater retention to the wall, distribution of weight for larger frames, and to provide for alignment of the frame  10  to the wall. In a preferred embodiment, mounting post  20   a  is longer than the other posts to provide the positioning and alignment functionality as described below with respect to the two-post arrangement of  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 . 
     Referring to the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , the frame  10  has a first mounting post  20   a  and a second mounting post  20   b . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first mounting post  20   a  extends from the back surface  17  of the framing member  12  a distance E, which is greater than the distance G that the second mounting post  20   b  extends from the back surface  17 . This embodiment enables the user to mount the frame  10  to the wall  30  by first positioning the frame  10  by inserting the first mounting post  20   a  and then rotating the frame  10  relative to the wall  30  about the first mounting post  20   a  to level the frame  10 . When the desired level is achieved, the user can then press the second mounting post  20   b  into the wall  30 , resulting in the mounted frame  10  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  show the two stages of engagement of this embodiment. Specifically, a user can mount the frame  10  by first pressing the frame  10  against the wall  30  so that the first mounting post  20   a  pierces into the wall  30 , but the second mounting post  20   b  does not, as shown in  FIG. 3 . The user then rotates the frame  10  relative to the wall  30  about the axis of the first mounting post  20   a  to the desired position. As shown in  FIG. 4 , when the frame  10  is in the desired position, the user then presses the framing member  12  closer to the wall  30  so that the second mounting post  20   b  pierces the wall, thereby preventing further rotation of the frame  10  relative to the wall  30 . 
     In a particular embodiment, the mounting posts  20   a  and  20   b  are sized such that the maximum length of the portion of the mounting posts  20   a  and  20   b  extending from the back surface  17  of the framing member  12  is less than the typical thickness of standard wallboard, such as ½ inch and ⅝ inch thick drywall, so that the mounting posts  20  do not risk contacting electrical wires located in the wall  30 . However, to ensure compatibility with various walls, longer lengths can be employed. In a particular embodiment, the length of the second mounting post  20   b  is between ¼ and ⅜ inches shorter than the first mounting post  20   a , so that the first mounting post  20   a  does not slip from the wall  30  while the user is rotating the frame  10  prior to seating the second mounting post  20   b  in the wall  30 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5-9 , the mounting posts  20  may be mounted in the framing member  12  in a variety of ways. For simplicity, each of the embodiments with respect to  FIGS. 6-10  are described in terms of a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in  FIG. 5 , with the understanding that each of these cross-sectional views represents a distinct embodiment. 
     A particular embodiment of the attachment of the mounting post  20  in the framing member  12  is shown in  FIG. 7 . In  FIG. 7 , the framing member  12  has a bore  40  formed in the back surface  17  of the framing member  12 . The mounting post  20   c  has a shaft  22   c , a tapered end  24   c  and a blunt end  26   c . The diameter of the shaft  22   c  is smaller than the diameter of the bore  40  such that the mounting post  20   c  can be positioned in the bore  40 . The mounting post  20   c  is further secured to the framing member  12  via an adhesive layer  45  that adheres the mounting post  20   c  to the walls of the bore  40 . The adhesive  45  may be a thermoplastic adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive, a chemically reactive adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive or any other suitable adhesive. 
     The bore  40  typically has an axis generally perpendicular to the back surface  17  of the framing member  12 . Thus, the axis of the mounting post  20   c , which is seated in the bore  40 , is generally perpendicular to the back surface  17  of the framing member  12  and the surface of the wall in which the mounting post is seated. Therefore, the force directed on the attachment of the mounting post  20   c  and the bore  40  by the weight of the framing member  12  and framed object, is generally perpendicular to the axes of the bore  40  and the mounting post  20   c . This prevents the mounting post  20   c  from separating from the bore  40  under the weight of the framing member  12  and the framed object. Similarly, the axes of the mounting post  20   c  and the hole formed in the wall by the mounting post  20   c  are generally perpendicular to the force generated by the weight of the framing member  12  and framed object, thereby preventing the mounting post  20   c  from pulling loose from the wall. 
       FIGS. 6 and 8  show an alternative embodiment of the attachment of the mounting post  20   d  to the framing member  12 .  FIG. 8  is a cross section of the mounting post and framing member.  FIG. 6  is and exploded view of cross-section shown in  FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, the mounting post  20   d  is positively retained to the framing member  12 . The mounting post  20   d  has a retention member  28  extending outward from the shaft  22   d  of the mounting post  20   d . An exemplary embodiment of the retention member  28  is shown most clearly in  FIG. 11  as a flange extending radially outward from the shaft  22   d  at an end of the mounting post  20   d . However, the retention member may be any other shape provided that it extends outward from the shaft  22   d.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the framing member is comprised of a first framing portion  12   a  and a second framing portion  12   b . The second framing portion  12   b  is attached to the first framing portion  12   a  preferably by an adhesive (not shown), however it may be attached by any other attachment method as would be obvious to those of skill in the art. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the second framing portion  12   b  has a bore  50  formed therein, through which shaft  22   d  of the mounting post  20   d  passes. The diameter of the bore  50  is sized so that the retention member  28  of the mounting post  20   d  cannot pass through the bore  50 , thereby retaining the mounting post  20   d  to the framing members  12   a  and  12   b . In this embodiment, the diameter of the shaft  22   d  is preferably only slightly smaller than the diameter of bore  50  so that the mounting post  20   d  does not rock or slide with respect to the framing member. 
     The second framing portion  12   b  has a recess  60  having geometry similar to the geometry of the retention member  28  of the mounting post  20   d , so that the retention member  28  of the mounting post  20   d  is seated between the first framing portion  12   a  and the second framing portion  12   b . Alternatively, the first framing portion  12   a  may contain the recess  60 , or both the first framing portion  12   a  and the second framing portion  12   b  may each contain a portion of the recess  60 . 
       FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of the attachment of the mounting post  20   d  to the framing member  12 .  FIG. 9  is a cross sectional area of the mounting post  20   d  and framing member  12 . In this embodiment, the mounting post  20   d  is positively retained in the framing member  12 . The mounting post  20   d  has a shaft  22   d  and a retention member  28 . The retention member  28  is surrounded by the material of the framing member  12  thereby tightly securing the mounting post  20  in the framing member  12 . One method of producing this embodiment is to utilize insert molding techniques to mold the framing member  12  around the retention member  28 . 
       FIG. 10  shows another embodiment in which the framing member  12  and the mounting post  20   e  are unitary. In this embodiment, the mounting post  20   e  extends from the back surface  17  of the framing member  12 . The mounting post  20   e  has a shaft  22   e  and a tapered end  24   e . This embodiment may also include a fillet  29  where the shaft  22   e  meets the framing member  12  to reduce the stress concentration at this location. This embodiment may be produced by injection molding plastic or casting metal, or by any other method of forming or machining a rigid material. 
     A benefit of the two mounting post arrangement is its dual fixed point attachment, which eliminates canting and tilting of picture frames, particularly in high traffic areas, such as a staircase. The fixed point attachment eliminates the hardware “links” that are typically associated with other mounting schemes. In other mounting schemes, hardware is usually mounted to the wall, such as a nail or hook, and also to the frame, such as a hook, loop, or cable, and these two pieces of hardware are then “linked” together. This linkage creates the opportunity for movement between the frame, the hardware, and the wall. With the fixed point attachment of the present invention facilitated by the mounting posts, all of these links are eliminated, resulting in a rigid, non-moving connection directly between the frame and the wall. By utilizing dual, or other multiples of these fixed point attachments, canting and tilting of the frames is also eliminated. 
     Other advantages of the foregoing embodiments are numerous. For example, and without limitation, the frame is easily mounted to the wall by simply pressing on the front of the frame without the need for tools and without the need to align hardware linkages between cables, eyelets, hooks, etc. Since the mounting arrangement is integrated with the frame, it is ready to be mounted out of the package without the need to first mount hardware to the wall or the frame. In addition, the frame can be removed from one location and remounted in another location simply by pulling the frame out of the wall at its first location and pushing it into the wall at a second location. These embodiments can also easily be leveled or aligned with other objects or frames via the dual-length mounting post arrangement. The mounting posts of the frame are robustly attached to the framing member so that the frame can be remounted many times. Furthermore, such remounting only leaves small holes in the wall. These embodiments also easily and safely and cost-effectively manufactured by attaching the mounting posts to the framing member by any of the attachment means described above. These embodiments also enable the frame to be mounted to the wall with a minimal gap between the wall and the framing member. These are just some of the many advantages that may become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     Another embodiment of a frame  62  is shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . As with other embodiments, frame  62  has a framing member  112 . The framing member  112  has a front surface  116 , a back surface  117 , a top portion  113  and a bottom portion  114  and outer edges forming a perimeter surface  115 . 
     Also, as with other embodiments, the frame  62  further includes a mounting member arrangement, with at least two mounting members  120   a  and  120   b , wherein the first mounting member  120   a  extends from the back surface  117  of the framing member  112  a distance that is greater than the distance that the second mounting member  120   b  extends from the back surface  117 . As described with respect to other embodiments, this configuration enables the user to mount the frame  62  to the wall  30  by first positioning the frame  62  by inserting the first mounting member  120   a  and then rotating the frame  62  relative to the wall  30  about the first mounting member  120   a  to level the frame  62 . When the desired level is achieved, the user can then press the second mounting member  120   b  into the wall  30 , resulting in the mounted frame  62 . 
     In this embodiment, at least one of the mounting members is a specialized fastener  61  as shown in detail in  FIGS. 14 and 20 . However, optionally, all of the mounting members in the frame  62  can be specialized fastener  61 . Specialized fastener  61  comprises a first side  63  having a mounting shaft  122  and a second side  64  opposite first side and having a threaded retention member  65 . The shaft  122  and the threaded retention member  65  preferably share a common axis of rotation. Between the mounting shaft  122  and the threaded retention member  65  is a head portion  66 . The head portion  66  of fastener  61  has a first surface  67  and a second surface  68 , each of the first and second surfaces forming a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the mounting shaft  122  and the threaded retention member  65 . The mounting shaft  122  extends from the first surface  67  and the threaded retention member  65  extends from the second surface  68 . The head portion  66  also has a perimeter surface  69  generally perpendicular to the first surface  67  and second surface  68 . The perimeter surface  69  contains a first non-curved portion  70 , sometimes referred to herein as the contact surface  70 . Fastener  61  is a ferrous material so that it can be attracted by a magnetic force. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , head portion  66  has a rotation feature  71  that permits a driving device  72  to rotate the fastener  61  about its axis thereby threading the threaded retention member  65  into the framing member  112 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , in one embodiment, the rotation feature  71  may be a pair of recessed slots  74  in the first surface  67 , wherein the recessed slots  74  extend radially outward from the shaft  122 . In this embodiment, a driving device  72  such as the one shown in  FIG. 13  may be used to thread the specialized fastener  61  into a framing member  112 . Driving device  72  has a handle  73  and an axial shaft  74  extending from the handle  73 . The axial shaft  74  terminates in a driving end  75 , which in this embodiment is a pair of tips  76  separated by an opening  77 . Tips  76  are sized to fit in recessed slots  74  and opening  77  is sized to receive mounting shaft  122 . Other conventional rotation features such as square, hex, double-hex, cross, phillips, frearson, torq features and the like may be modified as disclosed herein such that a mounting shaft extends from the axis of the rotation feature  71 . Similarly, conventional driving ends or bits may be modified to include a slot or recess  77  to receive the mounting shaft  122 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 and 18 , the threaded retention member  65  is threaded into the framing member  112 . The contact surface  70  of the head portion  66  of the specialized fastener  61  is generally flush with the perimeter surface  115  of a framing member  112  and the first surface  67  of the head portion  66  of the framing member  112  is either flush with or recessed from the plane of the back surface  117  of the frame  62 . This configuration permits the back surface  117  of the frame  62  to be generally flush with the wall  30 , thereby minimizing the gap between the back surface  117  of the frame and the wall  30 . 
     Framing member  112  has a cavity  78  sized to receive head portion  66 . Cavity  78  has a base  79  is abutted by the second surface  68  of the head portion  66  when the specialized fastener  61  is attached to the framing member  112 . Cavity  78  intersects the edge of framing member  112 , thereby creating an opening  77  in the perimeters surface  115  of the framing member  112 , into which the contact surface  70  of the head portion  66  is aligned so that contact surface  70  of the head portion  66  is exposed. To improve alignment of the fastener  61  to the framing member and to minimize the risk of splitting the framing member during assembly, framing member  112  may also have a pre-drilled hole into which the threaded retention member is threaded. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  disclose an alignment device  80  for mounting a plurality of frames having mounting posts. Alignment device  80  comprises a body  90  having a pair of horizontal members  81   a ,  81   b  intersecting a pair of vertical members  82   a ,  82   b  forming a cross. Alignment device  80  has a back surface  83 , which is placed adjacent the wall when the alignment device  80  is used to mount frames, and a front surface  84  opposite the back surface  83 . The horizontal and vertical members define four quadrants  85   a ,  85   b ,  85   c ,  85   d , each of which can be used to position a frame. The width of each of the vertical members and the horizontal members is preferably identical so that the space between each frame is the same. Each horizontal member  81   a ,  81   b  has a top surface and a bottom surface, relative to the ground, generally perpendicular to the back surface of the alignment device  80 . Each vertical member  82   a ,  82   b  has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, such that the first side surface and second side surfaces are each generally perpendicular to the back surface of the alignment device  80  and define an edge of one of the quadrants  85   a ,  85   b ,  85   c ,  85   d . Collectively, the first side surface and second side surface of the vertical members  82   a  and the top surfaces and bottom surfaces of the horizontal members  81   a  are referred to herein as the “interior surfaces” of the alignment device  80 . The quadrants  85   a ,  85   b ,  85   c ,  85   d  are each open on two adjacent sides, such that they can accommodate a variety of sizes of frames. 
     The alignment device  80  has at least one magnet  86  positioned in a recess  60  in one of either the horizontal or vertical members. Magnet  86  has a non-curved contact surface  87  for magnetically attracting and attaching the alignment device  80  to the contact surface  70  of the specialized fastener  61 . The width of the magnet contact surface  87  is generally the same width as the specialized fastener contact surface  70 . 
     The recess  60  is sized to receive the magnet  86  so that the contact surface of the magnet  86  is flush with one of the interior surfaces of the alignment device. The magnet  86  is also positioned proximate to the back surface of the alignment device  80  and preferably positioned so that it is flush with the back surface of the alignment device  80  as shown in FIG.  18 . For example, if magnet  86  is positioned in horizontal member  81   a , the distance from the intersection of the horizontal member  81   a  and the vertical member  82   a  to the edge of magnet  86  should be the same as the distance from the edge of the side of the frame  62 , to the edge of the contact surface  70  of the fastener  61 . Therefore, when magnet  86  is aligned with the contact surface  70  of the fastener  61 , two edges of the frame  62  will be aligned with and adjacent two of the interior surfaces of the alignment device  80 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . Magnet  86  is preferably, but not necessarily, located in the bottom surface of one of the horizontal members  81   a ,  81   b.    
     The alignment device  80  is preferably made of a dense polyethylene foam or a similarly lightweight, yet rigid material. The magnet  86  may be adhered to the alignment device  80  using epoxy or a suitable adhesive. 
     The alignment device  80  also comprises a level  92  mounted to the body  90 . The level  92  is preferably a bubble level, but may be a ball level or other suitable level. The level has a display that may be the level itself, as in the case of a bubble or ball level, or may be a component of the level, as in the case of a digital level. The level  92  is preferably positioned at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal members  81   a , but could be located elsewhere on the body of the alignment device. Optionally, the level may comprise a pair of perpendicular levels, as shown in  FIG. 15  so that the alignment device  80  may be used in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. 
     The alignment device  80  is used in conjunction with one or more frame having mounting posts to create a grid of evenly spaced, level, wall-mounted frames. The first installed frame (and optionally the subsequently installed frames) are frames  62  having a specialized fastener  61  as shown in  FIGS. 12-14 . To use the alignment device, an installer first presses the frame  62  against the wall  30  so that the mounting post that extends further from the back of the frame, i.e., the longer mounting post,  120   a  pierces into the wall  30 , but the shorter mounting post  120   b  or posts do not, as described above with reference to the embodiment in  FIG. 3 . The installer then places the alignment device  80  on the frame  62  so that the magnet  86  is aligned with the contact surface  70  of the specialized fastener and a first outer edge of the frame is in contact with a first interior surface of the alignment device and a second outer edge of the frame is in contact with a second interior surface of the alignment device, as shown in  FIG. 16 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the alignment device is preferably positioned such that the frame is in one of the lower quadrants  81   a ,  81   b  so that once the frame is fully mounted on the wall, the frame supports the weight of the alignment device  80  and the magnet  86  retains the alignment device  80  against the frame  62 . 
     The user then rotates the frame  62  and the alignment device  80  secured to the frame by the magnet  86  as a single unit, relative to the wall  30  about the axis of the first mounting post  120   a  to the desired, level position using the display from the level to verify that the frame is level. As shown in  FIG. 4 , when the frame is in the desired position, the user then presses the framing member  112  closer to the wall  30  so that the second mounting post  120   b  pierces the wall, thereby preventing further rotation of the frame  62  relative to the wall  30 . 
     Once the first frame is installed, the installer can then install additional frames having mounting posts in any one or more of the remaining three quadrants, using the interior surfaces of the body  90  of the alignment device as a template or guide. Advantageously, the already-installed frame supports the alignment device so that the alignment device can remain positioned against the wall without the need for the installer to hold the alignment device against the wall  30  or to use some other means to maintain the position of the alignment device. Thus, both of the installer&#39;s hands are free to select and install subsequent frames. 
     To install subsequent frames, as shown in  FIG. 19  the installer only needs to align the frames with the interior surfaces of the alignment device and pressing the framing member to pierce mounting shafts  122  into the wall  30 . Because the first frame has been leveled, and the subsequent frames are aligned using the alignment device  80 , those subsequently installed frames need not be individually leveled. Once the desired number of frames have been mounted on the wall  30 , the installer removes the alignment device  80  by pulling it away from the wall  30 . 
     If the installer wishes to increase the size of the grid by adding additional frames, the installer can position the alignment device adjacent one or more of the previously installed frames, align a new frame with the interior surfaces of the alignment device and press the framing member  112  of the new frame to pierce the mounting shafts of the new frame into the wall  30 . This can be repeated multiple times to create decorative grids or rows of frames, as desired. 
     As previously stated, the foregoing description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein. Rather, the scope of the invention is intended to cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the following claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.