Abstract:
The present disclosure describes and teaches a low cost, lightweight adjustable hanger and system that can be used in conjunction with any number of hangable objects. The adjustable hanger includes a hanger as the uppermost portion of the device. The mounting bracket of the adjustable hanger is attached to a wall with adhesives or mechanical means such as nails or screws. Once secured, the adjuster can be manipulated to cause the hanging and positioning bracket to move up or down depending on the user&#39;s preference. Once the proper height is reached, a hangable object is hung from a hanging portion of the adjustable hanger. In some instances, multiple adjustable hangers may be used to precisely position a single hangable object.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/971,883, filed Mar. 28, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The field of the invention generally relates to hangers, namely hangers that can be employed to receive and support a variety of objects. In particular, the present invention relates to a device and system for a low profile adjustable hanger enabling precision placement and hanging of the user&#39;s desired object to be hung. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The hanging of objects, such as pictures, mirrors, and the like, is typically accomplished through the use of a stationary metal hook having a vertical shank with a nail holder at the top of the shank that affixes the shank to the wall. The nail holder permits a nail to be driven into the wall thereby securing the metal hook in place. In order to obtain the exact desired position of the object (e.g. with respect to adjacent hanging objects or fixed objects on a wall) a precise alignment of the hanger is required. For example, when hanging two or more framed pictures side by side, or other objects such as mirrors or other pieces of art, precise alignment, either vertically or horizontally, of the pictures is required for aesthetic reasons. When a misalignment occurs, it is often necessary to remove and reposition the hook(s), thereby creating a new hole(s) and leaving an unsightly empty hole(s) in the wall. When hanging an object that, due to factors such as weight and width, requires multiple hangers, alignment may be even more problematic than an object requiring only a single hanger. Based on the foregoing, it should be apparent that adjustment of the position of conventional hanging devices may be cumbersome, inconvenient, prone to error, and time consuming. 
         [0004]    In addition, many pictures and frames are now being constructed using saw tooth brackets, eyelet hardware, slots or pre-drilled holes which are almost always at the top of the frame. Some high profile hooks are constructed with a stationary nail at the top and a hanging mechanism at the bottom. The use of such hooks with frames having top-oriented hardware results in the hooks being seen above the frame. This is a result of the overall size of the hook being larger than the minute clearance between the top of the frame hardware and the top of the physical frame. Further, existing adjustable hangers can include multi-component mechanisms that are complicated to use and are costly to produce. U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,273, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, describes a method and device for an adjustable hanger. Thus, there is a need for an adjustable hanger device that is easier to use and less costly to produce than existing hangers. Additionally, there is a need for an adjustable hanger that will not protrude above the frame. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention teaches and describes an adjustable hanger for variably positioning a hanging object on a vertical surface that can be fastened to a wall or other vertical surface or that can employ a mounting bracket with a first end above a second end in a vertical orientation; a positioning bracket adjustably connected to the mounting bracket and having a hanger for hanging objects, the positioning bracket being vertically adjustable with respect to the mounting bracket such that the hanger extends above the first end of the mounting bracket in a vertical orientation. 
         [0006]    The adjustable hanger according to one aspect of the disclosure desirably includes a hanger as the uppermost part of the adjustable hanger. The hanger may include a wire receiving seat having at least one wing and at least one protrusion to maintain a hanging mechanism of an object in the wire receiving seat. The adjustable hanger according to another aspect of the disclosure includes a second hanger on the positioning bracket. 
         [0007]    The adjustable hanger according to one aspect of the disclosure may be attached to the first surface with an adhesive, a fastening member, or both. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket has at least one mounting hole that is used for receiving a fastening member. The fastening member can be at least one of a screw, nail, rivet, bolt, tack, and pin or any combination thereof. The mounting bracket can have a channel to receive a positioning bracket with a blocking element at an end of the channel. An adjuster which can be manipulated to change the position of the positioning bracket relative to the mounting bracket may abut the blocking element. A flexible tool is preferably provided with the adjustable hanger and can be used to manipulate the adjuster. 
         [0008]    The adjustable hanger may have at least one fastener opening in either the top half or bottom half of the length of the mounting bracket. The fastener opening may be located in a channel, behind the vertical adjuster or behind the positioning bracket. In one embodiment, the adjustable hanger may be vertically adjusted either up or down. In another embodiment, the adjustable hanger may be horizontally adjustable. 
         [0009]    The adjustable hanger may also have at least one measuring element integrated with the positioning bracket and mounting bracket. The measuring element is preferably used to provide a visual cue to the user to determine how the hanger should be adjusted or has been adjusted. The measuring element may have incremental markings on a scale of sixteenths of an inch, eighths of an inch, etc. There may be incremental marks on opposing sides of the hanging and positioning bracket that combine such scales. 
         [0010]    An adjustable hanger according to one embodiment of the disclosure desirably includes a mounting bracket with a first end above a second end in a vertical orientation with an opening between the first and second end. An anchor may extend through the opening into a vertical surface. A positioning bracket, which is preferably adjustably connected to the mounting bracket, can have a hanger for hanging objects extending above the first end of the mounting bracket in a vertical orientation. The positioning bracket can be vertically adjustable with respect to the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket is in a vertical orientation or horizontally adjustable in a horizontal orientation. The anchor can abut an adjuster which can be manipulated to adjust the position of the positioning bracket with respect to the mounting bracket. One aspect of the disclosure includes the hanger as the uppermost part of the adjustable hanging device and can have an aperture extending through the hanger to allow a tool to couple to the adjuster. In one embodiment, the adjustable hanger can also have an anti-rotation member extending through a slot in the positioning bracket. The anti-rotation member may be positioned above the anchor and prevent the mounting bracket from rotating when an object is hung on the hanger. The positioning bracket may remain adjustable in a vertical direction after the anti-rotation member is inserted through the slot. The anchor according to one aspect of the disclosure includes a collar abutting the adjuster. 
         [0011]    A method of mounting an object on a vertical surface according to one aspect of the disclosure preferably includes securing a mounting bracket to the vertical surface, coupling a positioning bracket to the mounting bracket, and hanging an object on a hanger. The mounting bracket preferably has a first end above a second end in a vertical orientation. The positioning bracket can be adjustable with respect to the mounting bracket such that the hanger extends above the first end of the mounting bracket in a vertical orientation. Securing the mounting bracket to the vertical surface may include using a removable adhesive and may additionally include using an anchor to secure the mounting bracket to the vertical surface. The removable adhesive preferably allows a user to remove the mounting bracket from the vertical surface without permanently damaging the surface, reposition the mounting bracket, and employ the same removable, or new, adhesive to re-secure the mounting bracket to the vertical surface. In one embodiment, a method of mounting an object to a vertical surface further includes placing the hanging mechanism on a wire receiving seat of the positioning bracket. The method may include use a flexible tool to change the position of the positioning bracket with respect of the mounting bracket. 
         [0012]    An adjustable hanger kit according to one aspect of the disclosure can include any number of mounting brackets and positioning brackets that can be used with one another. A flexible tool or tools may be included in the kit as well. In one aspect of the present invention these components—the brackets and tools or any combination of them—are frangibly connected to one another so that a user can easily snap off whatever component is needed. A preferred embodiment of the kit may include two or five mounting brackets and two or five positioning brackets. The kit desirably contains a fastening member, an adhesive, or both. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of the primary components of a hanger in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the hanger in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the hanger in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the hanger in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the hanger of  FIG. 1  in cross-section, illustrating a manner of securing the hanger to a first surface. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the hanger of  FIG. 1  in cross-section, illustrating the internal assembled relationship between the components of the hanger. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a hanger in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the hanger shown in  FIG. 7  in a fully assembled form. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the hanger of  FIG. 7  in cross-section, illustrating the internal relationship between the components of the hanger. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a kit including the components of a hanger in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the kit of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the kit of  FIG. 10 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified, to the extent possible, with the same reference numerals. The preferred embodiments are disclosed to provide context for the claimed present invention, which is not limited by such embodiments. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto without deviating from the innovative concepts of the invention. The terms “a” and “an” as used herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is an exploded view of the primary components of the adjustable hanger  100 . Generally, the adjustable hanger  100  has a mounting bracket  102 , a hanging and positioning bracket  104 , an adjuster  106  in the form of a threaded screw, and fastening members  114 . Also illustrated is a fastening adhesive  110 . The mounting bracket  102  secures the adjustable hanger  100  to the first surface  200  (see  FIG. 5 ). The illustrated mounting bracket  102  includes fastener openings  112  that extend through the mounting bracket  102 . The fastening members  114  can pass through the fastener openings  112  thereby securing the mounting bracket  102  to the desired surface. The fastening members  114  may comprise one or any number of various fasteners, including a screw, nail, rivet, bolt, tack, or pin or any combination thereof. 
         [0027]    Depending on the specifications (e.g. size, weight,) of the adjustable hanger  100  and the desired object to be hung, the adjustable hanger  100  may alternately or further employ an adhesive  110  for securing purposes. The adhesive  110  may be used alone or in combination with, fastening members  114 . Both fastening members  114  and an adhesive  110  may be provided so that a choice could be made at the time of use. The adhesive may also be conveniently used to position the hanger  100  before the fastening members  114  are used. The adhesive  110  is preferably a removable adhesive such as the type manufactured by 3M of Saint Paul, Minn. Other adhesives are also contemplated such as glue, double-sided tape, etc. 
         [0028]    The mounting bracket  102  has a portion  108  that extends from the basal area of the mounting bracket  102 . This portion  108  serves as a guide and securing mechanism for the hanging and positioning bracket  104 . Further, the mounting bracket  102  has a blocking element  116 . The blocking element  116  provides a contact and support surface for the adjuster  106 . 
         [0029]    The hanging and positioning bracket  104  slidably engages and secures to the mounting bracket  102 . The hanging and positioning bracket  104  has a first end  101  and a second end  103 . It is intended that the leading end, or first end  101 , of the hanging and positioning bracket  104  first engages the portion  108  of the mounting bracket  102  while the trailing end, or second end  103 , follows. The hanging and positioning bracket  104  provides at least one hanging portion  118  (see  FIG. 2 ). A threaded adjuster  106  passes vertically through the hanging and positioning bracket  104 . There is a first end  105  and a second end  107  of the adjuster  106 . The second end  107  of the adjuster  106  abuts the blocking element  116 . The first end  105  of the adjuster  106  provides the structure that enables mechanical adjustment, in this case vertical adjustment, of the positioning bracket  104  with respect to the mounting bracket  102 . Of course, in other orientations, the adjuster could provide adjustment in directions other than vertical, for example, horizontal. Other expedients for adjusting these components with respect to one another may be employed, such as a ratchet and pawl arrangement. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the adjustable hanger  100  as assembled. Here, the interaction between the various components is shown. In this instance, the mounting bracket  102  is shown with an adhesive  110  backing. Further, there are two fastener openings  112  shown with fastening members  114  extending therethrough. 
         [0031]    The hanging and positioning bracket  104  is engaged and secured to the mounting bracket  102  via the protruding portion  108  (see  FIG. 1 ). More specifically, the portion  108  comprises a first rail  109  and a second rail  111 . The first rail  109  and the second rail  111  engage a first and second side of the hanging and positioning bracket  104 , respectively. When viewed from the top, the rails  109 ,  111  generally form a “C” shape with the basal area of the mounting bracket  102 . Further, each of the rails  109 ,  111  tapers as they traverse the length of the mounting bracket  102 . This enables a more secure fit for the hanging and positioning bracket  104 , which limits any movement thereof transverse to the axis of adjustment. The outside edge of the rails  109 ,  111  have a reinforcing feature, for example, ribbing or ribs  124  struts, or the like. The ribs  124  serve to strengthen the rails  109 ,  111  and prevent damage resulting from torqueing, impacting, shearing, or other undesirable forces being applied to said rails  109 ,  111 . 
         [0032]    A surface of one or both of the rails  109 ,  111  may have a measuring element  120  such as a visual marker. The measuring element  120  may have markers signifying incremental measurements such as sixteenths of an inch or eighths of an inch or the rail  109 ,  111  may have equidistant markers. Each rail  109 ,  111  may have its own incremental measure such as, for example, the first rail  109  having markings signifying sixteenths of an inch, whereas the second rail  111  has markings signifying eighths of an inch. While reference is made to specific markings and incremental measurements, virtually any measuring guide or units of measurement may be used. 
         [0033]    The adjuster  106  extends through the hanging and positioning bracket  104 , in this case vertically. The adjuster  106  is used to change the position of the first hanging portion  118  and the second hanging portion  122  with respect to the mounting bracket  102 . Each of the hanging portions  118 ,  122  has any number of protrusions  126  that are used to securely position and retain the hanging mechanism such as a wire, cable, hook, string, or bracket or the like of the object to be hung. Each of the hanging portions  118 ,  122  are generally hook shaped, although their exact specifications may vary. Further, within a single adjustable hanger  100 , the first hanging portion  118  may vary in shape and function from the second hanging portion  122 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the adjustable hanger  100 . The general symmetry of the adjustable hanger  100  is shown. This further provides for strength, stability, and equal weight distribution, thereby aiding in keeping the adjustable hanger  100  in its intended position once secured. However, other embodiments having a non-symmetrical configuration are also contemplated. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is a top view of the adjustable hanger  100 . Visible are the mounting bracket  102  and the hanging and positioning bracket  104 . Fastening members  114  extend through the mounting bracket  102  for securement purposes. The adhesive backing  110  provides further stability and support for the hanger  100 . 
         [0036]    Looking through the first hanging portion  118 , the adjuster  106  is visible. The first hanging portion  118  has an aperture  128  that provides access through the first hanging portion  118  to the adjuster  106 . The adjuster  106  is manipulated therethrough using a tool such as a screw driver, Allen wrench, or a tool  130  provided with the hanger  100 . The specific tool required will depend on the specifications of the adjuster  106 . With this tool, the adjuster  106  may be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise, thereby changing the position of the hanging and positioning bracket  104  relative to the mounting bracket  102 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the adjustable hanger  100  in cross-section. The adjustable hanger  100  is secured to a first surface  200 . The first surface  200  may be a number of generally vertical surfaces such as a wall in a home or office. While is it envisioned that the first surface  200  will adhere to these specifications, virtually any surface capable of receiving the adjustable hanger  100  may be used. 
         [0038]    Here, the mounting bracket  102  is secured to the first surface  200  via the adhesive  110  and/or at least one fastening member  114 . The fastening members  114  are shown passing through the mounting hole  112  and penetrating the first surface  200  to provide support for the adjustable hanger  100 . Additionally, the mounting hole  112 , and therefore the fastening member  114 , is shown having a non-perpendicular orientation with respect to the adjustable hanger  100 /first surface  200  interface. This orientation of the fastening member  114  provides added support and further helps to retain the precise position of the adjustable hanger  100 . The orientation of the fastener openings  112  and the depth of penetration of the fastening members  114  in the first surface  200  will vary depending on the composition of the first surface  200  as well as the weight of the object to be hung. The fastener openings can be located in a top half or bottom half of the length of the mounting bracket. The fastener openings can also be located behind the vertical adjuster, in the channel, or behind the positioning bracket. 
         [0039]    Further, this view supplies a more comprehensive view of the first hanging portion  118  and the second hanging portion  122 . Each of the hanging portions  118 ,  122  can receive and support a number of hanging mechanisms found on hung objects such as strings, wires, cables, brackets, hooks, and the like. The first hanging portion  118  and the second hanging portion  122  may structurally be independently the same or different within the same adjustable hanger  100 . There are any number of protrusions  126  that make up the structural foundation of the hanging portions  118 ,  122 . For example, the second hanging portion  122  is generally hook shaped. The protrusion  126  curls upward providing a gap between the hanging and positioning bracket  104  and the second hanging portion  122  to retain a hanging mechanism. One skilled in the art would recognize the protrusions could be oriented in any direction to retain a hanging mechanism while the adjustable hanger is oriented other than vertically. By way of example, the adjustable hanger could be oriented so the adjuster changes the position of the positioning bracket with respect to the mounting bracket in a horizontal direction. 
         [0040]    The first hanging portion  118  has a number of protrusions  126  that bear similar functionality to, but comprises a different general shape than, that of second hanging portion  122 . The first hanging portion  118  is shaped to retain the intended hanging mechanism and prevent any slippage of the hung object. As previously noted, the shapes of the hanging portions  118 ,  122  shown and described are of but one of an almost limitless pool of combinations, shapes, and sizes. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is a perspective view, down the midline of the adjustable hanger  100  in cross-section, illustrating the internal relationship between components of the hanger. 
         [0042]    The adjuster  106  along with both the first end  105  and the second end  107  of the adjuster  106  are readily visible in  FIG. 6 . The second end  107  of the adjuster  106  abuts the blocking element  116  of the mounting bracket  102 . As shown, the adjuster  106  has threading which, when rotated about its central axis, causes the hanging and positioning bracket  104  to move upwards or downwards. However, as discussed previously, other expedients may be employed in the adjuster  106  such as a ball and detent structure. The first end  105  of the adjuster  106  can be accessed via the aperture  128 . The measuring element  120 , disposed along one or both rails  109 ,  111 , is used as a visual guide as to how far the hanging and positioning bracket  104  has been moved upwards or downwards. Thus, if one must move the hanging portion  118 ,  122  up one-eighth of an inch and the measuring element  120  is marked in incremental one-eighth inch marks, a user simply moves the measuring surface  130  of the hanging and positioning bracket  104  up one mark by rotating the adjuster  106 . 
         [0043]    Also shown is the mounting bracket  102  with the adhesive  110  and at least one fastening member  114  extending through the mounting hole  112 . Some of the ribs  124 , which may be made from the same or different material from the rest of the adjustable hanger  100 , are visible below the measuring element  120  in  FIG. 6 . At the first end  101  of the hanging and positioning bracket  104 , there is a second hanging portion  122  on which a hanging mechanism may be retained and supported. On the opposing second end  103 , there is a first hanging portion  118 . Each of the hanging portions  118 ,  122  has protrusions  126  which comprise the structural foundation of the hanging portions  118 ,  122 . Hanging portion  118  is shown having a wire receiving seat on the upper surface of the hanging and positioning bracket  104 . The wire receiving seat can be a surface to hold a wire with protrusions  126  to prevent dislodgement of the wire from the wire receiving seat. The wire receiving seat can also have wings to prevent the wire from slipping between the adjustable hanger  100  and the vertical surface. Although the hanging portions  118 ,  122  are shown at the ends  101 ,  103  respectively, any one of the hanging portions could be positioned anywhere along the mounting and positioning bracket  104 . In the disclosed embodiments, the wings are shown at end  103 , but may be positioned elsewhere near that end. 
         [0044]      FIG. 7  illustrates a hanger in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the adjustable hanger  100  primarily comprises a mounting and positioning bracket  104 . The mounting and positioning bracket  104  has a first end  101  and a second end  103 . On the second end  103  of the mounting and positioning bracket  104  there is a first hanging portion  118 . On the first end  101  of the mounting and positioning bracket  104  there is a second hanging portion  122 . Each of the hanging portions  118 ,  122  are capable of receiving and supporting any number of hangable objects. The mounting and positioning bracket  104  has any number of apertures  128  that allow access to various parts of the adjustable hanger  100 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the adjustable hanger  100  shown in  FIG. 7  in a fully assembled form. The adjustable hanger  100  is shown having a hanging and positioning bracket  104  with an adjuster  106  threadably engaged thereto. Fastening members  114  are used to hold the hanging and positioning bracket  104  in place. The fastening members  114  are inserted through apertures  128  in the structure of the hanging and positioning bracket  104 . It is preferable to have an anchor screw or fastening member  114  towards the first end  101  of the hanging and positioning bracket  104  and an anti-rotation screw or fastening member  114  toward the second end  103  of the hanging and positioning bracket  104 . Positioning the fastening members  114  adjacent the first end  101  and second end  103  provides stability and prevents rotation of the hanging and positioning bracket  104  and thus the adjustable hanger  100 . The anchor screw can also have a collar which provides support for the adjuster  106 . 
         [0046]    The adjustable hanger  100  shown in  FIG. 8  preferably has a first hanging portion  118  and a second hanging portion  122 . This enables a greater latitude of adjustable distances to be used in hanging a hangable object, as well as enabling the adjustable hanger  100  to accommodate two different hangable objects at the same time if so desired. Of course, the mounting and positioning bracket  104  could also incorporate only one of the hanging portions  118 ,  122 . Each of the hanging portions  118 ,  122  have any number of protrusions which are capable of receiving and supporting any number of hangable objects. The protrusions can also have orientations other than those depicted in the exemplary figures. For example, a protrusion may extend toward a side of the mounting and positioning bracket  104 . 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is a perspective view of the hanger of  FIG. 7  in cross-section, illustrating the internal relationship between the components of the hanger. The adjustable hanger  100  has a mounting and positioning bracket  104  primarily supported by at least one and preferably two fastening members  114 . As shown, the hanging and positioning bracket  104  has an adjuster  106  threadably engaged to and passing vertically through the hanging and positioning bracket  104 . However, other features for the adjuster  106  previously discussed could also be adopted. 
         [0048]    When applying the adjustable hanger  100  to a surface, a user can place the fastening member  114  closer to the first end  101  of the hanging and positioning bracket  104 . While fully securing the adjustable hanger  100  to the surface, initially installing only one fastening member  114  allows the adjustable hanger  100  to be rotated around the fastening member  114  if contacted and limited slidable vertical movement. Thus, a user may support the hanging and positioning bracket  104  while using the adjuster  106  to make a fine point adjustment to the position of the adjustable hanger  100 . The first end  105  of the adjuster  106  is rotated to the left or right to translate the hanging and positioning bracket  104  toward the first end  101  or second end  103  of the adjustable hanger  100 . The second end  107  of the adjuster  106  abuts the fastening member  114 . This position gives the support necessary to change the position of the hanging and positioning bracket  104  without moving other components of the hanger  100 . Preferably, the fastening member  114  located closest to the second end  103  of the hanging and positioning bracket  104  secures the adjustable hanger  100  in place. Both of the fastening members  114  may then be tightened to prevent any movement whatsoever from occurring with the hanger  100 . The fastening members  114  could later be loosened to allow further movement of the hanger  100 , then retightened as desired. 
         [0049]    In some instances, a user may elect not to employ the adjuster  106  of the adjustable hanger  100  and instead make adjustments using line of sight or measuring elements such as those previously described. In each of the embodiments described above and others not expressly described but inherently taught, an adjustable hanger  100  having a low profile structure is provided. This places the first hanging portion  118  at the second end  103  of the hanging and positioning bracket  104  furthest from the first end  101 . Placing the hanging mechanism on the first hanging portion  118  allows the entire hanger to be hidden behind the hangable object if so desired, which removes the need for unsightly hooks and the like to be seen. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a perspective view of a kit including the components of the hanger in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. As shown, the kit includes multiple mounting brackets, hanging and positioning brackets  104 , and tools  130 . Any number of sets of these elements are contemplated, and the sets may include less components. For instance, a tool need not be part of a set. In a preferred embodiment, the kit includes two or five sets of mounting brackets  102  and hanging and positioning brackets  104 , with one or two tools  130 . Other embodiments may include any number of brackets and tools. The components may be manufactured, for example, from a single injection mold, or from any other known manufacturing method, in such a way that they are frangibly connected. A user can then remove components at such connections. 
         [0051]    The tool  130  can be used to manipulate the adjuster  106 . An interface end  131  of the tool  130  is adapted to couple to the first end  105  of the adjuster  106 . In the embodiment shown, the tool  130  has an allen wrench configuration at the interface end  131 , although other configurations are also possible as long as the interface end  131  and first end  105  are compatible. The tool  130  is also flexible to allow manipulation of the adjuster  106  against a vertical wall when the tool  130  and adjuster  106  are not in complete axial alignment. As shown in  FIG. 10 , a flex portion  132  of the tool  130  has a smaller diameter than that of the rest of the tool to allow the tool to flex in that region. Other techniques for providing flexibility are also contemplated (e.g. having a tool with a uniform diameter and having relief cuts in the flex portion). Of course, a tool could also be provided that does not have a flex portion, but has an offset tool end to facilitate use close to a wall. 
         [0052]    A user can grasp the tool  130  by the grip end  133  and insert the interface end  131  through the aperture  128  and couple the interface end  131  to the first end  105  of the adjuster  106 . The user can then operate the grip end  133  of the tool  130  to manipulate the adjuster  106 , thereby changing the position of the hanging and positioning bracket  104  relative to the mounting bracket  102 . 
         [0053]    The adjustable hangers shown in  FIGS. 1-12  may comprise a number of materials including but not limited to metals, plastics, resins, composites, rubbers, and fiber reinforced materials. Each of the components may be independently made from the same or different materials depending on the intended functionality and weight load the adjustable hanger  100  may bear. However, the adjustable hanger  100  preferably comprises plastics including, but not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC), or any combination thereof and other not named acceptable plastics. If used, the composites may include but are not limited to fiber reinforced plastics, metal composites, carbon fiber, and Kevlar® and the like. Metals, if used, may comprise a number of lightweight metals such as aluminum and other acceptable pure metals, as well as various alloys such as steel, brass, and pewter. Rubbers may include but are not limited to natural rubber, SBR, Isoprene rubber, Butadiene rubber, and (poly)chloroprene rubber.