Patent Publication Number: US-2011056160-A1

Title: Multipurpose Apparatus For Mounting Objects And Repairing Drywall

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a division of application Ser. No. and claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/444,823, filed Jun. 1, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/406,761, filed Apr. 19, 2006. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to mounting devices and systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a non-invasive mounting system that may be used for a variety of applications such as repairing drywall and mounting an object to a wall. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Drywall, also commonly referred to as wall board or gypsum panel and commonly sold under the brand name SHEETROCK@, is often used in homes, buildings, and other structures. Drywall is essentially a chalk-like gypsum pressed between layers of paperboard. Typically, sheets of drywall are nailed or screwed to a structure&#39;s framing with a plurality of sheets “hung” next to each other in an abutted fashion to form a wall. The gaps between the drywall sheets are then filled with joint compound or vinyl spackling commonly referred to as “mud.” When the mud dries the surface may be sanded and painted to provide a finished look. 
     While drywall provides an aesthetically pleasing look, it is easily damaged when it is struck by an object and therefore often needs repair. For example, drywall can be damaged when it is struck by a doorknob when opening a door or when it is struck by piece of furniture when moving the furniture. In addition, portions of drywall are often removed in order to gain access to the wall&#39;s interior such as to make repairs to plumbing, wiring, or other structures housed within the wall. 
     One method of patching drywall holes is to place paper or some other material over the hole and apply mud atop the material. A disadvantage of this technique is that the material generally produces a raised portion that must be heavily sanded. Furthermore, such techniques only work for small holes and are inapplicable for larger holes because such a repair technique does not provide adequate support. Thus, for larger holes it may be necessary to insert a replacement piece or “plug” of drywall into the hole. For example, a user may create a drywall “plug” by cutting a piece of drywall in the shape of the hole and then nailing or screwing the plug to framing positioned behind the hole. While this technique may work when there is framing located directly behind the hole that provides support for the plug, holes are often located where there is no framing on which to mount the plug. In addition, oftentimes there is some other structure, such as plumbing or wiring, that prevents the simple attachment of the plug to the framing. Thus, providing sufficient support to the plug can prove difficult. 
     The prior art discloses various devices and methods for repairing holes in walls. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,407 entitled “Method For Drywall Patching” discloses a drywall repair kit comprising a template having a saw guide, repair plug, and patching compound. The template is used to cut out a portion of the drywall about the damaged area, with the drywall being at a sloped angle or contoured inwardly. The repair plug has a peripheral sloped wall edge and is dimensioned for being insertable into the cutout with its sloped wall edges abutting the sloped or contoured wall portions defining the prepared drywall cutout. The repair plug may be mounted within the drywall cutout such that its outermost surface is slightly recessed below the surface of the drywall. Patching compound may be applied over the repair plug to form a relatively flat smooth wall surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,385 to McCullough entitled “Device For Repairing a Hole in a Plasterboard Wall” discloses a device for plasterboard repair that is formed of a flat relatively thin, stiff coverboard, and an insulation board secured by adhesive to the coverboard rear surface. The insulation board is dimensioned less than the coverboard, leaving a clear space around the peripheral of the coverboard rear surface. The insulation board is dimensioned to be received in the hole to be repaired, and screws or adhesive are used to secure the coverboard rear surface peripheral clear space to the wall to thereby retain the insulation board in the hole with the coverboard completely covering the hole. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,151 entitled “Plasterboard Repair Kit” discloses a repair kit for use in patching a hole in a plaster wall that includes a substantially cube-shaped inflatable member comprised of a flexible but substantially inelastic plastic. The front wall of the inflatable member includes a valved opening therein through which the device can be inflated and an interior retainer extends between the front and rear walls to prevent them from bulging after inflation. In its deflated form, the device is inserted into the cavity behind a hole in a plaster or plasterboard wall and is then inflated utilizing a carbon dioxide cartridge in a holder having a nozzle inserted into the opening. After inflation, the inflated member acts as a seal behind the hole so that the hole can then be filled with plaster or other patch material. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,691 to Nguyen entitled “Drywall Repair System” discloses a drywall repair kit which includes a hollow tubular guide and a solid plug for fitting into the guide. The solid plug includes adhesive on its insertion end to secure the plug in place. After the plug is secured the guide is removed. The length of the plug is only slightly less than the stud space between drywall sheets plus the thickness of the drywall. 
     While the devices of the prior art are suited for their intended purposes, they are complex and often require special equipment. They also often require that paper or other materials be provided atop the wall surface, thus producing an undesirable raised portion. In addition, the prior art methods can be expensive, or limited to repairing holes of a particular size. Furthermore, repairs by the methods of the prior art can result in a weakened area of the wall. What is needed is a simple, efficient, easy, and cost-effective method of repairing holes in drywall that is scalable for use to a variety of different hole sizes and produces a strengthened repair area. 
     In addition to repairing drywall as discussed above, it is often desirable to mount an object to a surface. For example, it is often desirable to mount a picture, painting, sign, plate, or other object to a wall. 
     While it is known to mount an object to a wall using invasive hardware, such as by driving a nail into the wall to provide structure upon which to hang the picture, or screwing a bracket into the wall, such invasive mounting methods are often undesirable. For example, to mount a picture on a wall using a nail, a user pounds the nail through the wall surface using a hammer. But the piercing of the wall can damage structure behind the wall such as plumbing or wiring. In addition, the wall may be made of material, such as plaster or wood that may be susceptible to cracking or splitting when a nail is driven through it; or the material may be difficult to penetrate. Alternatively, the wall may be part of a sealed container, such as a sealed drum, inflatable structure, or the like which could be pierced by the nail, thereby releasing the container&#39;s contents. Furthermore, the use of a nail is a rather noisy process that may be inappropriate for some situations, such as when a user desires to mount an object at night when a nearby neighbor is asleep. Finally, many prior art systems do not provide sufficient support for mounting objects on non-vertical surfaces such as ceilings or in environments in which the object may be subjected to other forces, such as wind. 
     In the cases where brackets are used to mount an object, it is often difficult to mate the bracket mounted on the wall to the object to be mounted. Bracket systems often require that a bracket be mounted on a wall and on the object to be mounted. For example, the object to be hung may lack the wire, hook, bracket, or other structure that is to be hung over the nail, thereby necessitating a complicated process by which a user must provide the object with such structure. This may prove especially difficult in situations where the object to be mounted is not conducive to receiving such devices. For example, it would not be possible to screw in a mounting bracket to a porcelain plate. In addition, many bracket systems used for mounting display objects, such as commonly done with plates, at least partly cover the front surface of the object, resulting in an unappealing look that distracts from the object. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,802 to Munson, et al., entitled “Hanger System Having Bubble Level Insert” discloses a hanger system comprising a first track attachable to an object and a second track attachable to a wall. The second track includes a level which indicates a level orientation of the track. The first track and the second track can cooperatively engage one another such that the object will be secured in a level orientation on the wall with the first and second tracks. While fit for its intended purpose, the Munson Patent requires the mounting of the brackets using screws and it is not applicable to wall repair. 
     Thus, there is a need for an apparatus that allows a user to both repair walls and mount objects. There is a further need for an apparatus and system that provides for the repair of a hole in drywall where there is no framing support at the hole. There is also a need for an apparatus and system for repairing walls that is readily scalable to repair different sized holes. There is also a need for a drywall repair device and system that minimizes the amount of mudding and sanding required to produce a finished surface. There is also a need for a drywall repair device and system that result in a sturdy repair that requires a minimal number of tools. 
     There is a further need for a mounting system that is non-invasive and may be used on a variety of surfaces. There is a further need for a mounting system which does not require additional tools such as a hammer or drill, which can be used with a variety of objects of different materials, such as picture frames, plates, and signs, and which does not result in excessive noise. There is also a need for an apparatus and system that allows for the simple, inexpensive, and easy mounting of an object to both vertical and non-vertical surfaces. There is also a need for a mounting system that provides for the easy replacement of a mounted object with another object. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides mounting apparatus and systems that allow for quick and easy drywall repair as well as the mounting of an object. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mounting apparatus, called a Barry Stick after its inventor, comprises an elongated support member having an attaching portion for attaching the support member to a surface. The support member has a sufficient degree of rigidity to provide support to objects attached thereto. The attaching portion can include an exposable adhesive layer provided on a surface of the support member. The exposable adhesive layer may be covered by a removable protective layer which protects the exposable adhesive layer prior to use. When the mounting apparatus is ready for use, the protective layer is removed to expose the exposable adhesive layer. An exemplary embodiment of the mounting apparatus of the present invention therefore comprises: an elongated support member having a front face; an exposable adhesive layer provided atop said front face; and a removable protective layer provided atop said exposable adhesive layer. 
     In an exemplary method of the invention for repairing a hole in drywall, the mounting apparatus can be used for mounting a drywall plug within the hole. For example, the mounting apparatus may be positioned on the rear surface of the drywall so that a first portion of the adhesive layer is attached to the rear surface of the drywall and a second portion of the adhesive layer extends over the hole to define a receiving surface for receiving a drywall plug inserted into the hole. A drywall plug of a size slightly smaller than the hole may then be inserted into the hole and pressed against the second portion of the adhesive layer so that the plug adheres to the support member. An exemplary method of repairing a hole in drywall comprises: removing a removable protective layer of a mounting apparatus to expose an adhesive attaching layer; attaching a first portion of the adhesive attaching layer to the back surface of the wall adjacent to a hole so that a second portion of the adhesive surface extends over the hole thereby defining a drywall plug receiving surface; and inserting a drywall plug into the hole so that the plug attaches to the drywall plug receiving surface. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mounting apparatus may be used for the non-invasive mounting of an object to a surface. In addition to the support member and attaching portion discussed above, the mounting apparatus may further include an engaging portion adapted to engage another mounting apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment, the engaging portion may be an angled face of the support member that is adapted to engage the angled face of another mounting apparatus. An exemplary embodiment of the mounting apparatus comprises: an elongated support member having a front face; an exposable adhesive layer provided atop said front face; a removable protective layer provided atop said exposable adhesive layer; and at least one engaging surface adapted to engage a second mounting apparatus. Thus, one mounting member may be attached to an object that is to be mounted and another mounting member attached to the mounting surface to which the object will be mounted. The object can then be mounted by engaging the engaging surfaces of the first and second mounting apparatus. An exemplary method of mounting an object in accordance with the invention comprises: attaching a first mounting apparatus to an object to be mounted, said mounting apparatus having an attaching portion and an engaging portion; attaching a second mounting apparatus to a surface to which the object will be mounted, said second mounting apparatus comprising a support member having an attaching portion and an engaging portion; and engaging the engaging portion of the first mounting apparatus to the engaging portion of the second mounting apparatus to mount the object. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of a mounting system of the present invention, multiple mounting apparatus may be used to define a receiving track for receiving another mounting apparatus. For example, a first and second mounting apparatus may be attached to a wall and arranged in a parallel-spaced-apart relationship to define a receiving track. A third mounting apparatus may be attached to an object to be mounted to the wall and the support member of the third mounting apparatus inserted into the receiving track so that the engaging surface of the inserted mounting apparatus engages the engaging surfaces of the first and second mounting apparatus. This arrangement allows for the easy mounting of an object, as well as its removal and replacement with another object by simply sliding the mounted object&#39;s mounting member along the mounting track. Of course, instead of the mounting track being defined on the wall it could be defined on the object to be mounted and the third mounting apparatus provided on the wall. In addition, multiple tracks and inserting members may be created with the mounting apparatus of the present invention and may be provided on a variety of objects and surfaces such as picture frames, plates, walls, ceilings, etc. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, an end cap or stop may be provided to provide support at one or more ends of the track to prevent the object from sliding along the track beyond a desired position. For example, a stop may comprise a mounting apparatus that is positioned within a track defined by two spaced apart mounting members as discussed above. The stop may be fixed in a location by a variety of means, such as by inserting a fastener through one or more apertures in the stop, or by using an exposable adhesive on the stop. The stop may also be provided with one or more engaging surfaces adapted to engage the engaging surfaces of a mounting track. 
     In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a mounting apparatus comprises a support member having one or more apertures for mounting the support member and at least one engaging surface for engaging adapted to engage a second support member. The apertures adapted to receiving a mounting fastener such as a nail or screw so that the mounting apparatus may be mounted to a desired surface. The mounting apparatus may be used as a stop in conjunction with other mounting apparatus which form a track. The stop may include perforations for segmenting the mounting apparatus into a stop of a desired size. 
     In an exemplary embodiment an arrangement of five apertures are provided on the support member at predetermined angles to assist in mounting the support member to a surface at a desired angle. The mounting apparatus may also include one or more adhesive layers for attaching the mounting apparatus to a surface either in addition to or in lieu of the apertures. In an exemplary embodiment an adhesive layer is provided on a back surface of the mounting apparatus so that it may be attached to a surface, such as a wall when positioned in a track provided by other mounting apparatus so that the engaging surfaces of the mounting apparatus engages the engaging surfaces of the track mounting apparatus. As discussed above the mounting apparatus may be provided with measurement indicia. 
     The engaging surfaces may be provided with stop means for engagement with other engaging surfaces. For example, in one exemplary embodiment a plurality of spaced apart raised portions are provided, the area between the raised portions defining a receiving space for the raised portions of another mounting apparatus. 
     Thus, a user may use the stop member in conjunction with other mounting members in a mounting system. In other embodiments, a releasable adhesive layer may be provided on one or more portions of the support member. For purposes of teaching and not limitation, in the exemplary embodiments the objects mounted include a picture frame and a plate, but it is contemplated that other objects could be similarly mounted. Likewise, whereas in the exemplary embodiments the mounting surface is shown as being a wall, it will be understood that the invention is not so limited but may be used with a variety of surfaces. 
     Still further, the mounting member may be size adjustable. For example, the desired size of the mounting apparatus may be adjusted for the size or weight of the object to be mounted. To assist a user in obtaining a mounting apparatus of desired size the mounting apparatus may be provided with measurement indicia and perforations. For example, perforations may be provided at predetermined intervals, such as by way of example and not limitation every inch so as to assist a user in quickly and easily separating the mounting apparatus at those points. A user can place the mounting member against the object to determine a desirable size and then separate the member at the corresponding perforation or use the measurement indicia to perform measurements. As discussed above, the mounting system may also be provided with apertures for receiving nails or fasteners if desired. 
     The system of the present invention thus provides a simple, quick, and inexpensive method for mounting objects that requires no tools and is non-invasive when desired. The present invention allows for the mounting of a plurality of objects, and allows for the easy replacement of a mounted object. The mounting apparatus of the present invention is also capable of interior and exterior use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a right side view of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 3A-3E  show a method of repairing a wall in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  show perspective views of exemplary embodiments of a mounting apparatus of the invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-5E  show a method of repairing drywall in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  show an exemplary embodiment of a mounting apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  show an exemplary method of attaching a mounting apparatus to an object to be mounted. 
         FIGS. 8A-8D  show a method of mounting an object to a wall in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  show a method of mounting an object in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 10A-10C  show another method of mounting an object in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 11A-11E  show another method of mounting an object in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 12A-12B  show a method of mounting a plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 13A-13C  show another method of mounting a plurality of objects in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 14A-14E  show a method of sizing a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  shows a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 17A and 17B  show the engagement of two mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 18A  shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a mounting apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18B  show a rear view of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 18A  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 19  shows a right side view of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 18A  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 20  shows a top view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 21  shows a top view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 22  shows a top view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 23  shows a top view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 24A and 24B  show a mounting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 25A-25E  show a method of using the mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 26A-26E  show a mounting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 27  shows a mounting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 28  shows a mounting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally speaking, the apparatus, systems and methods taught herein are directed to mounting devices and systems. By applying what is taught herein, objects can quickly and easily be mounted to a desired mounting surface without the need of tools or an invasive technique. In addition, a simple and efficient method for repairing drywall is shown. 
     As required, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. These embodiments are provided as examples of various embodiments of the invention and it will be understood that the invention may be embodied in alternative forms. The figures are not to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular elements, while related elements may have been eliminated to prevent obscuring novel aspects. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. For purposes of teaching and not limitation, the illustrated embodiments are directed to repairing drywall and mounting a picture frame or plate to a wall but it will be understood that other structures could be similarly repaired and a variety of objects could be mounted to a variety of surfaces using what is taught herein. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements throughout,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a mounting apparatus  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The exemplary mounting apparatus  100  includes an elongated support member  101  having a front face  103 , a rear face  105 , and sidewalls  107 . The support member  101  also has an engaging portion  108 , which in this case comprises upper and lower engaging surfaces  109  angled between the front  103  and rear  105  faces. As will be explained in more detail below, the engaging surfaces  109  may be used to engage the engaging surface  109  of other mounting apparatus  100 . Attached to the front face  103  is an attaching portion  104  comprising an exposable adhesive layer  111  for attaching the mounting apparatus  100  to a surface, such as the surface of an object to be mounted or the surface of a structure to which an object will be mounted. Covering the adhesive layer  111  is a removable protective strip  113  that may be removed to expose the adhesive layer  111  so that the mounting apparatus may be attached to a surface. The adhesive layer  111  could be any variety of adhesive as long as it provides sufficient adhesion to mount the mounting apparatus to a desired surface. Applicant has found that double-sided tape sold by 3M under serial no. S-10086 works well. The support member  107  may be made of a variety of materials. Preferably, the support member  107  is sufficiently rigid to provide good support to objects to which it is attached. Applicant has found that a solid support member made of plastic such as PVC works well, but other materials may be used, such as by way of example and not limitation wood, or metal. Preferably, the mounting apparatus is made of materials that may be permanently left in the wall with no ill effects. In addition, the mounting apparatus is preferably made of all-weather material for both interior and exterior use. For example, for industrial applications fire resistant metal may be used or other materials to meet building codes. In addition, it is contemplated that portions of the support member  107  may be provided with other layers or coatings, such as a fire resistant coating, insulation layer, or padding on the rear face  105  of the support member  100 . As will be described in more detail below, the mounting apparatus  100  can be used for a variety of purposes, including repairing drywall and mounting picture frames or other objects to a wall. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 3A-3E  there is shown an exemplary method of repairing a hole in drywall. As shown in  FIG. 3A , a wall  300  having a sheet of drywall  301  installed on framing studs  303  has a hole  305  in need of repair. The hole  305  is of sufficient size as to require that a drywall plug be inserted into the drywall  301 . In this case, the hole  305  is not located near the framing studs  303 . As shown by dashed line  307  a portion of the drywall  301  surrounding the hole  305  is removed to create an enlarged hole  315  of a size slightly larger than a drywall plug  311  so that the plug  311  will fit snugly within the enlarged hole  315  when inserted thereto. For example, the plug  311  may be cut out from another sheet of drywall (not shown) and then placed up to the hole  305  and used as a guide for cutting the enlarged hole  315 . This may be done using a standard drywall knife or similar cutting tool. The cut portion of the drywall  313  can then be removed from the drywall sheet  301  leaving the enlarged hole  315  ( FIG. 3C ). 
     The mounting apparatus  100  may now be installed. As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C  the removable protective layer  113  may be removed from the mounting member  100  to expose the adhesive layer  111 . This may be accomplished by simply pulling the protective layer  113  from the adhesive layer  111 . As shown in  FIGS. 3D-3E  and  FIGS. 5A-5E , the mounting apparatus  100  may then be attached to a rear surface  509  of the drywall  301 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , with the adhesive layer  111  exposed, a user may simply place the adhesive layer  111  against the rear surface  509  of the drywall  301 . As best shown in  FIG. 3D , the mounting apparatus  100  is positioned along the edge of the hole  315  so that a first portion  321  of the adhesive layer  111  is attached to the rear surface  509  of the drywall  301  and a second portion  323  extends over the hole  315  so that it is exposed, thereby defining a receiving surface for receiving the drywall plug  311 . As shown in  FIG. 5B  as force F, the user presses the mounting apparatus  100  to the rear surface  509  of the drywall  301  to aid in the attachment of the adhesive layer  111  to the rear surface  509 . For example, a user may simply use his or her fingers to apply pressure to the support member  100  for a few seconds to assist bonding. In the example shown in  FIGS. 3D-3E , two support members  100  are provided in a generally vertical orientation, but a different number of mounting apparatus  100  could be used and provided at a variety of different angles. For example, mounting apparatus  100  could be provided horizontally, diagonally, or at some other angle and may extend partly or entirely over the hole  315 . 
     With the mounting apparatus  100  now in place as shown in  FIGS. 3D and 5B  with receiving surfaces  323  exposed to receive the drywall plug  311 , the plug  311  is inserted into the receiving hole  315  as shown in  FIGS. 3E and 5C . As previously mentioned and shown in  FIG. 3E , the plug  311  should be slightly smaller than the receiving hole  315  so that when inserted only a small gap  335  is left between the plug  311  and the edge of hole  315 . This snug fit provides for an attractive surface that requires little finishing. The mounting apparatus  100  provide sufficient support to the plug  311  so that a user can provide a force F to the plug  311 , as shown in  FIG. 5D , so that the plug  311  readily adheres to the receiving portion  323  of the adhesive layer  111 . As shown in  FIG. 5E , the drywall plug  311  is now attached to the mounting members  100  and permanently installed in the drywall  301 . The gaps may now be mudded and sanded, and the drywall painted to provide a finished look. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 6A-6B  there is shown a method of mounting an object to a surface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. For purposes of teaching, in the exemplary method a picture frame is mounted to a wall. But the invention can be used to mount a variety of objects to a variety of surfaces, by way of example and not limitation, plates, picture frames and shelving, may be mounted to a wall, ceiling, or floor. Furthermore, although the mounting apparatus are mainly shown in the exemplary embodiments as being the same thickness, they could be of different thicknesses. For example, the mounting apparatus on the wall could be a thickness of ¼″ ( FIG. 4A ) and the thickness of the mounting apparatus could be a thickness of ½″ ( FIG. 4B ). 
     As previously mentioned and as shown in  FIG. 1  an exemplary embodiment of the mounting apparatus  100  of the present invention includes an attaching portion  104  and an engaging portion  108 . The attaching portion  104  allows the mounting apparatus  100  to be attached to a surface, such as the surface of an object to be mounted or the surface of a structure to which the object will be mounted. The engaging portion  108  allows a first mounting apparatus to engage a second mounting apparatus to form a mounting assembly  605  for mounting the object. For example, a first mounting apparatus  100  can be attached to the surface of an object the user desires to mount, such as a picture frame, and a second mounting apparatus  100  may be attached to the surface of a structure to which the object will be mounted, such as a wall. A user can then mount the picture frame to the wall by engaging the first mounting apparatus with the second mounting apparatus  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B  a first mounting apparatus  601 A oriented with the attaching portion  104  facing forward and a second mounting apparatus  601 B oriented with the attaching portion  104  facing rearward are arranged one atop the other so that their engaging portions  108  engage. In this case, the engaging portions  108  comprise angled engaging surfaces  109  that extend between the front faces  103  and rear faces  105  of the support member  601 A-B. This arrangement can be used when mounting an object to a generally flat vertical surface. As shown in  FIG. 7A , a first mounting apparatus  601 A may be mounted to a picture frame  701 . As shown in  FIG. 7B , when the first mounting apparatus  601 A is attached to a rear surface  703  of the picture frame  701 , angles α and β are created between the engaging surfaces  109  and the rear surface  703  of the picture frame  701 . These angles define a receiving area  715  for receiving the engaging portion  108  of a second mounting apparatus  601 B. Similarly, as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8B  a second mounting apparatus  601 B may be attached to a wall  803  to which the picture frame  701  is to be mounted so that the engaging surfaces  109  form angles α and β between the engaging surfaces  109  and the wall  803  to which the picture frame  701  is to be mounted. The engaging surface  109  thereby defining a receiving area  815  for receiving the engaging portion  108  of the first mounting apparatus  601 A. The picture frame  701  may then be mounted to the wall  803  by engaging the engaging portions  108  of the first  601 A and second  601 B mounting apparatus. As shown in  FIG. 8C  the engaging portion  108  of the first mounting member  601 A fits into the receiving area  815 A of the second mounting member  601 B. Likewise the engaging portion  108 B of the second mounting member  601 B fits into the receiving area  715  of the first mounting member so that the engaging surfaces  109 A-B of the first  601 A and second  601 B mounting apparatus abut. As shown in  FIG. 9A-9C , multiple mounting apparatus  100  may be provided on the object to be mounted and the surface the structure on which the object is to be mounted. This provides for an even spacing between the picture frame  701  and the wall surface  821  so that the picture frame  701  is parallel to the wall thereby avoiding an angled or slanted look. In the example shown in  FIG. 9A , because the top mounting apparatus  601 A provides sufficient support, the additional lower mounting member  901 A may comprise two smaller portions that serve as spacers between the picture frame  701  and the wall surface  821 . These portions  901 A may engage a second mounting apparatus  901 B mounted on the wall  803  in the same manner as discussed above. As discussed in more detail below, to assist in placing the mounting members  601 A and  601 B in a level arrangement a user may make guide marks on the wall or picture frame. 
     In the previous example, the picture frame  701  was mounted to the vertical surface  821  of a wall  803 . However, the mounting apparatus  100  of the present invention may be used to mount objects on non-vertical surfaces as well. To provide additional support when mounting an object, mounting apparatus may be arranged on a first surface so as to define a receiving track adapted to receive a mounting apparatus attached to another surface. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10A , a first mounting member  1001 A and a second mounting member  1001 B can be placed in a parallel spaced-apart relationship to define a receiving track  1015  for receiving a third mounting member  1001 C. As shown in  FIG. 10C , the third mounting apparatus  1001 C can be inserted into the receiving track  1015  to form a mounting assembly  1025  so that the engaging portion  108  of the inserted mounting apparatus  1001 C engages the engaging portions  108 A,  108 B of the fist  1001 A and second  1001 B mounting apparatus. In determining the proper spacing of the mounting apparatus  1001 A,  1001 B to form the mounting track  1015 , a user may use the third mounting apparatus,  1001 C as a position guide. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10D  the inserted mounting apparatus  1001 B may be sandwiched between two outer mounting apparatus  1001 A,  1001 C prior to attachment to a surface. A user can then determine the proper placement of the first  1001 A and second  1001 B mounting apparatus on the wall (or the object to be mounted). The third mounting apparatus  1001 C can then be removed and mounted to an object and the first  1001 A and second  1001 B mounting apparatus attached to the wall. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 11A , prior to removing the protective adhesive strip  113  and exposing the adhesive layer  111  mounting, first  1001 A and a second  1001 B and third  1001 C mounting apparatus may be engaged together as discussed above and placed against a wall  1101 . As shown in  FIG. 11B , a user may then generate guidelines  1035  as a guide for mounting the first and second mounting apparatus  1001 A,  1001 B when forming the track  1015  to ensure an appropriate spacing for receiving the third mounting apparatus  1001 C that will be inserted into the track  1015 . The inserted mounting apparatus  1001 C may be removed and the first  1001 A and second  1001 B mounting apparatus attached to the wall  1101  in accordance with the guidelines to form the mounting track  1015 . The third mounting apparatus  1001 C may be mounted on a picture frame  1107  and inserted into the receiving track ( FIGS. 10B ,  11 D) until it is in a desired position. As shown in  FIG. 11E , the picture frame  1107  is mounted to the track  1015  to form a mounting system  1015 . The picture frame can be removed by simply sliding the frame  1107  out of the track  1025 . To provide increased support and limit this lateral movement end caps (not shown) could be provided. 
     Because the mounting system is non-invasive and the mounting system is provided behind the object mounted, the system is ideal for mounting fragile display objects such as plates  1205  shown in  FIGS. 12A-12B  to a vertical surface such as a wall and a non-vertical surface such as the ceiling  1201  shown in  FIGS. 12A-12B . 
     Furthermore, the mounting apparatus may be used as part of the display and may be provided in different colors. It is also contemplated that the mounting apparatus may be provided of different thickness and height. For example, standard thicknesses of ¼″, ½″ and ¾″ sizes may be provided (see  FIGS. 4A-4C ). To readily identify a mounting apparatus of a particular thickness a specific color could be assigned to apparatus of a particular thickness. For example, a ¼″ apparatus may be white, a ½ blue, and a ¾″ red. While in the previous examples the mounting apparatus have been of a size smaller than that of the object being mounted so as not to extend beyond the object, this may not necessarily be the case. For example, the mounting apparatus  1001 A and  1001 B may be substantially longer than the mounting apparatus  1001 C attached to the plate  1205 . This arrangement allows for multiple plates  1205 A-C to be mounted on the receiving track defined by the first  1001 A and second  101 B mounting member ( FIGS. 13A-13C ). It also allows for a plate  1205  to be easily removed. Likewise, although in the exemplary embodiments the mounting apparatus have been of the same thickness, apparatus of different thicknesses may still be engaged with one another using their engaging portions. 
     The mounting apparatus may be provided in a variety of sizes. To assist in properly sizing a mounting member, as shown in  FIG. 14A  the mounting apparatus  100  may be provided with perforations  1401  that assist the user in separating the mounting apparatus to provide a mounting apparatus of a desired length. In addition, the mounting member  100  may be provided with measurement indicia  1407  so that a user can readily determine the size of the mounting apparatus  100  and use the mounting member as a ruler. The perforations  1401  may be located at particular lengths coincident with the measurement indicia  1407 , such as at every inch, ½″, ¼″, etc. As shown in  FIG. 14B  a user can place the mounting apparatus  100  up to the object  1403  to be mounted to determine a desired length a for the mounting apparatus. In this example, a length a, such as four inches, is determined that corresponds to indicia indicating 4″ and a perforation  1401 . As shown in  FIG. 14C  the user can then separate a portion  1421  of desired length from the mounting apparatus at the perforation  1401 . A user can then mount the separated portion  1421  to an object  1403  to be mounted. If the user desires to provide a corresponding mounting apparatus to engage the separated portion  1421  on a wall that is the same size, he can simply repeat the process by measuring four inches on the remaining portion of the mounting apparatus  100  using the measurement indicia  1407  to determine another desired severing point  1406  that may be used to obtain a second portion  1431  of a desired size. The user may also obtain spacer portions  1451  by severing the mounting apparatus into desired lengths, such as 1½″, and then mounting the spacer portions  1451  to the object  1403 . 
     As also shown in  FIGS. 14A-E , a plurality of apertures  1405  may be provided in the mounting apparatus  100  for receiving nails or other fasteners to mount a mounting apparatus  100 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the apertures  1405  may be straight, angled, or both. The use of the apertures  1405  may be applicable when mounting very heavy objects which weigh more than the adhesive force of the adhesive layer  111  can sustain. As shown in  FIG. 14E  the second portion  1431  may be mounted to a wall  1409  using nails  1411  extending through apertures  1405 . It is contemplated that the user may mount a mounting apparatus using the adhesive layer, fasteners extending through the apertures  1405 , or both. In the example shown in  FIG. 14E , if the wall surface  1413  would be susceptible to damage if the mounting apparatus were mounted using the adhesive layer and then removed, then the protective layer  113  may remain on the mounting apparatus to prevent adhesion of the adhesive layer  111  to the wall and the mounting apparatus mounted using nails. 
       FIG. 16A  shows another exemplary embodiment of a mounting apparatus  1600  of the invention. In the embodiment of  FIG. 16 , the mounting apparatus  1600  comprises a support member  101  having a front face  103  with an exposable adhesive layer  111  and a removable protective layer  113 , and first and second engaging portions  108 . A plurality of raised portions  1610  are provided on the engaging portions  108 . The spaces between the raised portions  1610  define receiving spaces  1620  for receiving a raised portion  1610  from another mounting apparatus  1600 . The engagement of the raised portions  1610  with the receiving spaces  1620  act as a stopping means  1630  to limit the movement of the engaged first and second mounting apparatus  1600 . 
     In  FIG. 17A  a first mounting apparatus  1600 A facing a first direction and a second mounting apparatus  1600 B facing an opposite direction are arranged so that the raised portions  1610  of the first mounting apparatus  1600 A are aligned with the receiving spaces  1620  of the second mounting apparatus  1600 B. The first  1600 A and second  1600 B mounting apparatus are placed together so that their engaging portions  108  engage so that the raised portions  1610  mesh with the receiving spaces  1620  as shown in  FIG. 17B  to form a mounting assembly  1640 . The meshing of the engaging portions  108  and the receiving spaces  1620  serves as a stop means  1630  to limit movement of the mounting apparatus  1600 A-B. As discussed above, this arrangement may be used to mount an object to a surface, such as where the second mounting apparatus  1600 B is mounted to a wall and the first mounting apparatus is mounting to an object. While the mounting apparatus  1600  is shown with raised portions  1610  on each engaging surface  108 , the raised portions  1610  may be provided on only one of the engaging surfaces  108 . Furthermore, the stopping means  1630  may take other forms such as raised portions and recesses of different shapes and sizes. 
       FIGS. 18A-B  show another exemplary embodiment of a mounting apparatus  1800  of the present invention. Similar to the mounting apparatus discussed above, the mounting apparatus  1800  of  FIG. 18A  has a front  1801  and rear face  1802  and first  1803  and second angled faces  1804  which define engaging portions  108 . The mounting apparatus  1800  is also provided with measurement indicia  1407  and perforations  1401 , 1403  on both its front  1801  and rear face  1803  to assist in the segmentation of the mounting apparatus  1800  into a desired size. Groups  1820  of apertures  5 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11  are also provided for receiving a fastener. In this embodiment, the apertures  5 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11  are arranged in cross-shaped patterns  1820  of five apertures. The apertures are angled with respect to the front  1801  and rear  1802  face of the mounting apparatus  1800  and are adapted to receive a mounting fastener. For example, a first vertically oriented aperture  5  extends downwardly from a first opening  6  on the front face  1801  to a second opening  7  on the rear face  1803  of the mounting apparatus  1800  so that a fastener inserted through the aperture  5  will extend at a downward angle when mounting the mounting apparatus  1800  to a vertical surface in the vertical orientation shown. A second vertically oriented aperture  8  is provided parallel to and below the first aperture  5  and is angled upward in the orientation of the mounting apparatus  1800  shown in  FIG. 18A . This allows for a downward angle of a fastener through the aperture  8  if the mounting apparatus  1800  is rotated 180 degrees from the orientation shown. Third  9  and fourth  10  horizontally angled apertures are also provided, and may be used for mounting the mounting apparatus  1800  in a horizontal orientation. A center aperture  11  may also be provided at the center of the aperture group  1820  and extend straight through the mounting apparatus  1800 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 18B  and described in more detail below, the mounting apparatus  1800  may be segmented at a perforation  1401  so that a portion  23  may be separated from the mounting apparatus  1800  and used as a stop in a mounting assembly. 
     As seen in side view in  FIG. 19  and in top view in  FIGS. 20-23  the mounting apparatus  1800  may include an exposable adhesive layer  111  and a removable protective layer  113  as discussed above for mounting the apparatus to a surface. These layers  111 ,  113  may be provided on the rear face  1802  of the mounting apparatus  1800  ( FIGS. 19 and 20 ), on the front face  1801  ( FIG. 21 ), on both the front  1801  and rear face  1802  ( FIG. 22 ), or neither on the front  1801  or rear  1802  face ( FIG. 23 ). 
     These different arrangements allow a user to select the particular mounting apparatus  1800  that is suitable for the particular mounting system employed. For example,  FIG. 24A  shows an exemplary embodiment of a mounting system  2400  in which two mounting apparatus  1800 A,  1800 B are provided with exposable adhesive layers on a front face  1801 , as shown in  FIG. 21 , so that the front face  1801  may be attached to a wall  1880  so that the engaging surfaces  1803 ,  1804  extend outwardly from the wall  1880  ( FIG. 27 ). The two mounting apparatus  1800 A-B may be attached in a spaced apart arrangement to form a receiving track  1860  for receiving a third mounting apparatus  1800 C attached to an object to be mounted. The third mounting apparatus  1800 C may also have an exposable adhesive layer on a front face  1801  as shown in  FIG. 21 , so that a front face  1801  of the mounting apparatus  1800 C may be attached to the back of an object  1890 , such as a picture frame. 
     A portion  23  of a mounting apparatus  1800  having an exposable adhesive layer  111  on a rear face  1802  ( FIGS. 19 and 20 ) may be segmented from the mounting apparatus as shown in  FIG. 18B  and be attached to the wall  1880  between the two mounting apparatus  1800 B,  1800 C to form a stop  13  to limit the movement of the mounting apparatus  1800 C within the receiving track  1860  and thereby limit the movement of the object  1890  to which it is attached. As shown in  FIG. 24B  and  FIG. 27 , the third mounting apparatus  1800 C attached to the object  1890  may be inserted into the receiving track  1860  so that the engaging surfaces  1803 ,  1804  of the third mounting apparatus  1800 C engage the inner engaging surfaces  1803 ,  1804  of the first and second mounting apparatus  1800 A,  1800 B. The downward movement of the third mounting apparatus  1800 C may be limited by abutment with the stop  13 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 25A-25E  and  26 A- 26 H there is shown an exemplary method for employing a mounting system of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 26A , a removable protective layer  113  may be removed from a front face  801  of first  1800 A and second  1800 B mounting apparatus to expose an adhesive layer  111 . As shown in  FIGS. 25A and 26B  the mounting apparatus  1880 A,  1800 B may be mounted to a wall  1880  in a parallel spaced apart relationship to form a receiving track  1860 . The mounting apparatus  1800 A,  1800 B may be mounted using an adhesive layer  111  discussed above or by inserting fasteners (not shown) through apertures  2601  in the mounting apparatus  1800 A,  1800 B, or by using the adhesive layer  111  and a fastener. 
     As shown in  FIG. 25B , a portion  23  may be separated from another mounting apparatus  1800 D and a removable protective layer  113  may be removed from the portion to expose an adhesive layer  111  on the rear surface  802  of the portion  23 . The portion  23  may then be provided within the receiving track  1860  to function as a stop  13  ( FIGS. 25C ,  26 D). As shown in  FIG. 26D  the stop  13  may also be mounted using a fastener, such as a nail  26  that extends through an aperture  2601 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 26E  a protective layer  113  may be removed from a third mounting apparatus  1800 C to expose an adhesive layer  111  on a front face  801  and the third mounting apparatus  1800 C may be mounted to an object  1890  ( FIG. 26F ) that is to be mounted on the wall  1880 . As shown in  FIGS. 25D and 26G  the third mounting apparatus  1800 C may be inserted in the receiving track  1860  and slid down until the third mounting apparatus abuts the stop  13  ( FIGS. 25E and 26H ). The stop  13  provides support for the third mounting member  1800 C and prevents movement of the third mounting member  1800 C out of the bottom of the receiving track  1860 . The mounting apparatus  1800 A,  1800 B,  1800 C and the stop  13  defining a mounting assembly  2400 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 27 , the first and second mounting apparatus  1800 A,  1800 B may be mounted using fasteners  6  inserted through one or more apertures  1808  in lieu of, or in addition to, the adhesive layers  111 . As shown in  FIG. 28 , the first  1800 A and second  1800 B mounting apparatus and the stop  13  may be formed as an integrated mounting unit  2800 . The integrated mounting unit  2800  may include first  2801 A and second  2801 B parallel-spaced-apart extension portions that serve as a receiving track for receiving a mounting apparatus  1800 C. The extension portions  2801 A, 2801 B may be provided with perforations  2804  for segmenting the extension portions to from an integrated mounting unit  2800  of a desired length. The extension portions may also include measurement indicia  2807 , as well as apertures  1808 , and exposable adhesive layers  111  as discussed above in connection with other mounting apparatus to mount the integrated mounting unit  2800  to a surface such as wall  1880 . 
     The first and second extension portions  2801 A, 2801 B are connected at a first end by a connecting portion  2813 . The second ends of the  2801 A, 2801 B are not connected so that they serve as an opening to the receiving track for receiving a mounting apparatus  1800 C. The connecting portion  2813  effectively serves as a stop that limits movement of the inserted mounting apparatus  1800 C when it abuts the connecting portion. The integrated mounting unit  2800  thus provides a user with a preformed receiving track adapted to receive a mounting apparatus  1800 C of predetermined size. 
     An advantage of the mounting apparatus of the present invention is that they provide spacing between an object and the surface to which it is to be mounted. Thus, the mounting apparatus may be conveniently attached to a recessed portion of an object, such as the interior of a window frame, so that the object is mounted parallel to the mounting surface. 
     The above-described and illustrated embodiments of the present invention are examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, and the embodiments may be combined, without departing from the scope of the following claims. It should be recognized that elements of the exemplary embodiments may be altered by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, as disclosed in the specification the mounting apparatus has two engaging surfaces so that it can be easily engaged with another mounting apparatus without worry as to whether one of the mounting apparatus is upside down, but it is contemplated that a single engaging surface could be provided on the mounting apparatus.