Patent Description:
Adhesive strips for attaching decorative objects to vertical surfaces, for example posters or photo frames to walls, are known. Such adhesive strips may be a solid piece or object, with an adhesive adhered to both sides. One side of the adhesive solid piece is adhered to the decorative object, and a second side of the adhesive solid piece is attachable to the wall.

A typical process for removing decorative objects from a wall, when the decorative object is attached to the wall with such a typical adhesive strip, is shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, object <NUM> is attached to a wall with adhesive strip <NUM>. To remove the decorative object <NUM> from the wall, a user exerts lateral removal force on the bottom of the object <NUM>, in the direction shown in the arrow. Initially, this lateral movement causes a pull force to be exerted on the bottom of adhesive strip <NUM>, while causing a corresponding pressure into the wall at the top of adhesive strip <NUM>. When the removal force is strong enough, the pull force overcomes the strength of the adhesive, and the decorative object <NUM> is removed from the wall.

In the process depicted in <FIG>, the entire adhesive surface of adhesive strip <NUM> is pulled, almost simultaneously, from the wall. A strong pull force, sufficient to overcome the adhesive force of the entire adhesive strip <NUM>, is required. Exertion of this pull force may lead to wall damage, for example, removal of paint from the wall. To limit this potential for wall damage, it is usually necessary to limit the size and position of the adhesive strip <NUM>.

Another prior art model for an adhesive strip is shown in <FIG>. Adhesive strip <NUM> includes a first permanent adhesive <NUM>, extending along the entire height of the adhesive strip, and two end sections <NUM> of permanent adhesive strip. A flexible solid strip <NUM> is placed between the first permanent adhesive <NUM> and the end sections <NUM>. A second flexible strip <NUM> is placed anterior to the end sections, and a removable adhesive.

<NUM> is adhered to the second flexible strip <NUM>. Removable adhesive <NUM> is attachable to a wall. As shown in <FIG>, it is theoretically possible to bend the second flexible strip <NUM> and removable adhesive <NUM>, in such a way that only a small portion of removable adhesive <NUM> remains adhered to the wall. However, it is not typically possible to do so in an intuitive, ergonomically efficient manner.

<CIT> discloses a device for supporting a substantially planar article, such as a photograph. The device includes a support layer having a size substantially similar to the substantially planar article. The device also includes a plurality of mounts arranged for receiving portions of the substantially planar article therein to secure the substantially planar article relative to the support layer.

<CIT> discloses a tape laminate comprising a support layer having first and second parts, and an anchor portion of one of its opposite major surfaces on each of the parts. The first and second parts of the support layer are disposed with the anchor portions on opposite sides of the support layer and in generally parallel relationship. The anchor portions can be bonded to the opposed surfaces of rigid objects so that the tape laminate supports one object from the other against a static force generally parallel to the anchor portions. One of those bonds is made by an attachment strip having a portion of its outer major surface defined by pressure sensitive adhesive and its inner major surface bonded to one of the anchor portions, and a manually engageable tab portion at one end. The attachment strip is stretchable by pulling its tab portion to release adhesive engagement of its outer major surface from an object to which it is adhered. The first and second parts of the support layer can be torn apart or pivoted away from each other to afford separation of rigid objects to which the anchor portions are bonded, thereby affording access to that tab portion and separation of the attachment strip from one of the rigid objects by stretching the attachment strip.

<CIT> discloses a telescopic adhesive display tool to prevent the slack of the poster caused by humidity change and always keep it taut, comprising a rubber surface of an arbitrary shape at both ends via a stretchable belt-like portion, the rubber surface having one surface and one back surface, with adhesive layers provided on both ends (one on the front side and one on the back side) of the thin rubber surface that expands and contracts. When sticking signs such as posters on a wall, one of the adhesive layers is sticked to the back of the sign and the other adhesive layer is sticked to the wall. At this time, the tool is attached so that the stretchable part between the two adhesive surfaces is slightly stretched. The adhesive parts are adhered to the four corners of the poster, respectively. With the stretchable part slightly stretched, the other adhesive part is bonded (or pinned) to the wall surface. The elastic parts at the four corners are pulled together to prevent slack.

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an assembly for attaching a decorative object onto a vertical surface that is strong, yet easy to remove, without requiring excessive removal force that could damage the wall. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an attachment assembly for a decorative object that can be removed in an intuitive and ergonomically efficient manner.

According to a first aspect, a decorative object assembly for attachment to a vertical surface is defined in claim <NUM>.

The division of the flexible planar strip into a lower section with an attachment mechanism for attachment to the decorative block, an upper section with removable adhesive, and a gap section therebetween, allows the removable adhesive to be removed from a vertical surface gradually, through application of a horizontal pulling force on the bottom of the decorative object. This gradual removal exerts less force on the wall, thus lessening the potential to damage to the wall. Simultaneously, the removal is performed with a horizontal pull on the bottom of the decorative object, which is both intuitive and ergonomic.

According to the invention, a frame is configured around the decorative block, and a slot is within the frame for receiving therein a lower vertical section of the strip. The attachment mechanism is a mechanical attachment for attaching the lower vertical section to the frame, such that, when the mechanical attachment is engaged, the lower vertical section is within the slot and is attached to the frame. In some such embodiments, the mechanical attachment comprises one or more protrusions within the slot that are adapted to cooperate with one or more corresponding holes in the lower section. The placement of the attachment mechanism within the frame may allow for an attachment that is more easily removed, or an attachment mechanism that is more aesthetically pleasing because it is concealed.

In another implementation according to the first aspect, a vertical length of the first layer of adhesive is greater than the vertical length of the lower vertical section, and a vertical length of the lower vertical section is greater than the vertical length of the gap section. Advantageously, such dimensions may produce optimal results, in terms of minimum force required to remove the decorative object from the wall.

In another implementation according to the first aspect, the flexible planar strip is composed of polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene. Optionally, a vertical length of the gap section is approximately between <NUM> and <NUM> times a thickness of the flexible planar strip. Advantageously, polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene are readily available, strong, and flexible polymers. Furthermore, on the basis of experimentation, it was determined that, for flexible planar strips comprised of these materials, a vertical length of the gap section of <NUM> to <NUM> times the thickness of the flexible planar strip produces optimal results, in terms of minimum force required to remove the decorative object from the wall.

In another implementation according to the first aspect, the flexible planar strip is made of a thermoplastic polymer or composed of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. Optionally, a vertical length of the gap section is approximately between <NUM> to <NUM> times a thickness of the flexible planar strip. Advantageously, EVA foam is a readily available, strong, and flexible polymer. Furthermore, on the basis of experimentation, it was determined that, for flexible planar strips comprised of EVA foam, a vertical length of the gap section of <NUM> to <NUM> times the thickness of the flexible planar strip produces optimal results, in terms of minimum force required to remove the decorative object from the wall.

In another implementation according to the first aspect, a foam pad is configured between the planar strip and the first layer of adhesive, and is permanently adhered to the planar strip with a third layer of adhesive. Advantageously, the foam pad absorbs minor inconsistencies in a surface of a wall, and thereby reduces the chance of separation of the first layer of adhesive from the wall due to surface bumps.

In another implementation according to the first aspect, a removable siliconized liner is provided for lining the first layer of adhesive when it is not adhered to the vertical surface. The removable siliconized liner may help ensure that the first layer of adhesive is not accidentally adhered onto a surface.

In another implementation according to the first aspect, the planar strip is mechanically attached to the decorative block at the upper edge of the decorative block. Advantageously, this attachment point enables easy removal of the decorative block from a vertical surface, because the lower edge of the decorative block is not attached to the surface, and the user can thus remove the decorative block by pulling on the lower edge of the block.

According to a second implementation, a method of assembling a decorative object assembly is defined in claim <NUM>. This method allows the removable adhesive to be removed from a vertical surface gradually, through application of a horizontal pulling force on the bottom of the decorative object. This gradual removal exerts less force on the wall, thus lessening the potential to damage to the wall. Simultaneously, the removal is performed with a horizontal pull on the bottom of the decorative object, which is both intuitive and ergonomic.

In another implementation according to the second aspect, either (<NUM>) the flexible planar strip is composed of polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene, and a vertical length of the gap section is approximately between <NUM> and <NUM> times a thickness of the flexible planar strip, or (<NUM>) the flexible planar strip is composed of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, and the vertical length of the gap section is approximately between <NUM> to <NUM> times a thickness of the flexible planar strip. Advantageously, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and EVA foam are readily available, strong, and flexible polymers. Furthermore, on the basis of experimentation, it was determined that, for flexible planar strips comprised of polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene, a vertical length of the gap section of <NUM> to <NUM> times the thickness of the flexible planar strip produces optimal results, in terms of minimum force required to remove the decorative object from the wall. In addition, on the basis of experimentation, it was determined that, for flexible planar strips comprised of EVA foam, a vertical length of the gap section of <NUM> to <NUM> times the thickness of the flexible planar strip produces optimal results, in terms of minimum force required to remove the decorative object from the wall.

In another implementation according to the second aspect, the method further comprises configuring a foam pad between the planar strip and the first layer of adhesive, and permanently adhering the foam pad to the planar strip with a third layer of adhesive. Advantageously, the foam pad absorbs minor inconsistencies in a surface of a wall, and thereby reduces the chance of separation of the first layer of adhesive from the wall due to surface bumps.

According to the second aspect, the decorative block comprises a frame configured at a perimeter thereof, and a slot within the frame for receiving therein the lower vertical section of the strip, the attachment mechanism is a mechanical attachment for attaching the lower vertical section to the frame, and the step of attaching the lower vertical section of the planar strip to the decorative block comprises engaging the mechanical attachment such that the lower vertical section is within the slot and is attached to the frame. The placement of the attachment mechanism within the frame may allow for an attachment that is more easily removed, or an attachment mechanism that is more aesthetically pleasing because it is concealed.

In another implementation according to the second aspect, the method comprises at least one of (<NUM>) lining the first layer of adhesive with a removable siliconized liner and (<NUM>) removing the siliconized liner from the first layer of adhesive. Advantageously, the removable siliconized liner may help ensure that the first layer of adhesive is not accidentally adhered onto a surface.

In another implementation according to the second aspect, the method further comprises releasably attaching the first layer of adhesive to a vertical surface, and thereby releasably hanging the decorative object on the vertical surface. Optionally, the method further comprises removing the decorative object from the vertical surface. In such implementations, the removing step includes drawing the lower edge of the planar block away from the vertical surface in an upward angle; during the drawing step, flexing the gap section while the first layer of adhesive is completely attached to the wall; and peeling the first layer of adhesive off of the vertical surface in a bottom-to-top direction while the gap section remains flexed. Advantageously, this removal method allows application of minimal force on the vertical surface, thus reducing the possibility of damage to the vertical surface.

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an assembly for attaching decorative objects to a vertical surface, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a wall hanging decorative assembly including a flexible strip with a removable adhesive and a non-adhesive gap.

The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways, as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Referring to <FIG>, embodiments of a decorative object assembly for attachment to a vertical surface are shown, in a cross-sectional or lateral view. Referring first to <FIG>, assembly <NUM> includes attachment assembly <NUM> and decorative block <NUM>. Decorative block <NUM> may be any three-dimensional object suitable to be hung on a vertical surface. Decorative block <NUM> is substantially planar. In one exemplary embodiment, decorative block <NUM> is a polystyrene foam <NUM>,<NUM> × <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM>" × <NUM>") wall tile with a picture printed thereon. Alternatively, decorative block <NUM> is any other object that is hung onto a vertical surface, such as a picture printed onto cardboard, canvas, or poster board; or a framed art picture or painting; or an art work made of synthetic fabric, textile, paper, foam, glass, wood, or clay art;. The vertical surface onto which the decorative block <NUM> may be hung may be, for example, a wall, a door, or a window.

The attachment assembly <NUM> includes flexible planar strip <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, flexible planar strip <NUM> is made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene. Flexible planar strip <NUM> defines an upper edge parallel to the upper edge of the decorative block <NUM>, and a lower edge parallel to the lower edge of the decorative block <NUM>. As used in the pending disclosure, the terms "parallel to the upper edge" and "parallel to the lower edge" describe the general orientation of the upper edge and lower edge of the flexible planar strip, and are not meant to restrict the assembly <NUM> to orientations that are exactly parallel.

Flexible planar strip <NUM> is oriented in a vertical direction between the upper and lower edges thereof. As used in this disclosure, the term "vertically upward" refers to a direction toward the upper edge of planar strip <NUM>, and the term "vertically downward" refers to a direction toward the lower edge of flexible planar strip <NUM>.

First layer of adhesive <NUM> extends vertically downward from the upper edge of flexible planar strip <NUM>. The area of the flexible planar strip <NUM> onto which the first layer of adhesive <NUM> is attached is referred to herein as the upper vertical section. First layer of adhesive <NUM> is a removable adhesive, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In one exemplary embodiment, first layer of adhesive <NUM> is the removable adhesive that is incorporated into RemoOne® removable adhesive strips.

Attachment mechanism <NUM> extends vertically upward from the lower edge of flexible planar strip <NUM>, and occupies a lower vertical section of the flexible planar strip. In the embodiment of <FIG> and according to the invention, attachment mechanism <NUM> is a mechanical attachment mechanism that cooperates with a corresponding attachment mechanism in decorative block <NUM>, as will be described further below.

A gap portion is defined on the flexible planar strip <NUM> in between the upper vertical section and the lower vertical section. The gap portion has neither an adhesive nor an attachment mechanism.

<FIG> depicts a second embodiment not forming part of the invention of a decorative object assembly <NUM>. Decorative object assembly <NUM> is similar in most respects to decorative object assembly <NUM>, and accordingly similar components are assigned similar reference numerals, except that the reference numerals are preceded by a "<NUM>. " Attachment assembly <NUM> differs from attachment assembly <NUM>, in that, instead of a mechanical attachment mechanism, second layer of adhesive <NUM> extends vertically upward from the lower edge of flexible planar strip <NUM>. Second layer of adhesive <NUM> is a permanent adhesive, and may be any permanent adhesive known to those of skill in the art, for example, a solvent coated adhesive. Second layer of adhesive <NUM> serves as an attachment mechanism for attaching the flexible planar strip <NUM> to the decorative block <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a third embodiment of a decorative object assembly <NUM>. Decorative object assembly <NUM> is similar in most respects to decorative object assembly <NUM>, and accordingly similar components are assigned similar reference numerals, except that the reference numerals are preceded by a "<NUM>. " Attachment assembly <NUM> differs from attachment assembly <NUM>, in that in place of a flexible planar strip made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene, the flexible planar strip <NUM> is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. A film layer <NUM> is attached to the EVA foam planar strip <NUM>. Film layer <NUM> may be made of polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene. However, film layer <NUM> is very thin in comparison to flexible planar strips <NUM>, <NUM>. Film layer <NUM> provides structural support for the EVA foam planar strip <NUM>. In addition, film layer <NUM> prevents the EVA foam from being pulled apart and losing its original shape or surface.

<FIG> depicts a fourth embodiment not forming part of the invention of a decorative object assembly <NUM>. Decorative object assembly <NUM> is similar in most respects to the prior embodiments, and accordingly similar components are assigned similar reference numerals, except that the reference numerals are preceded by a "<NUM>. " Attachment assembly <NUM> includes a second layer of adhesive <NUM>, identical to second layer of adhesive <NUM>. In addition, attachment assembly <NUM> includes an EVA foam flexible planar strip <NUM> and a film layer <NUM>, identical to planar strip <NUM> and film layer <NUM>.

The use of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, or EVA foam as the material for the flexible planar strip <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is merely exemplary. Any other material may similarly be used for the flexible planar strip <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, so long as it is sufficiently strong to support the decorative block <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and sufficiently flexible to flex when the decorative block <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is removed from the vertical surface, in the manner described below.

Referring now to <FIG>, a method for removing a decorative object assembly from a vertical surface is illustrated. While embodiment shown in <FIG> is that of <FIG>, the method depicted in <FIG> is equally applicable to any of the embodiments of <FIG>. As shown in the left frame of <FIG>, first layer of adhesive <NUM> is releasably attached to a vertical surface <NUM>. Thus, at this stage, decorative block <NUM> is releasably hung onto the vertical surface <NUM>. In the middle frame of <FIG>, a user begins to pull the decorative block <NUM> off of vertical surface <NUM>, by applying a horizontal and upward removal force onto the bottom of the decorative block <NUM>. Instead of the removal force being transferred directly onto the first layer of adhesive <NUM>, as in the prior art depicted in <FIG>, the removal force is initially applied on the flexible planar portion <NUM>. As shown in the middle frame of <FIG>, the removal force causes the flexible planar strip <NUM> to flex, beginning at the gap portion, while the first layer of adhesive <NUM> remains completely attached to the vertical surface. As shown in the rightmost frame of <FIG>, continued horizontal and upward movement causes the upward vertical portion of the flexible planar strip to flex. This flexing, in turn, causes the first layer of adhesive <NUM> to peel off of the vertical surface <NUM> in a bottom-to-top direction, while the flexible planar strip remains flexed.

Advantageously, the adhesive detaches gradually from the vertical surface <NUM>, reducing the pull strength required to remove the decorative object assembly <NUM>. This, in turn, reduces the stress on a wall surface, and decreases the likelihood of damage to the wall. In addition, the removal is performed in with a simple and ergonomically intuitive motion.

Factors that influence the force required to remove a decorative object from a vertical surface, according to embodiments of the invention, include: the material of the flexible planar strip, the thickness of the flexible vertical strip, and the length of the gap section. The interplay of these factors is illustrated in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, for each of the embodiments of attachment assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the flexible planar strip <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is divided into three vertical sections, delineated as "A," "B," and "C. " Section A is the upper vertical section, on which the removable adhesive is adhered. Section C is the lower vertical section, on which either the mechanical attachment mechanism is formed, or on which the permanent adhesive is adhered. Section B is the gap section, on which no adhesive is adhered.

The following criteria influence the absolute and relative lengths of sections A, B, and C. With respect to section A, the length of section A directly correlates to the amount of removable adhesive that is used, and thus directly affects the strength of a bond between the removable adhesive and a vertical surface. This, in turn, can be selected to vary depending on the weight of the decorative object. The larger the dimension of upper vertical section A, the more adhesive that is used per weight of decorative object.

With respect to dimension C, the length of dimension C depends on the type of permanent adhesive used. In general, it is advantageous to use the minimal possible amount of permanent adhesive, so long as there is no risk of detachment of the decorative object from the flexible planar strip.

The optimal length of the gap section, or dimension B, depends on the flexibility and thickness of the carrier material forming the flexible planar strip. A more flexible material allows for a smaller B dimension, and a more rigid material allows for a larger B dimension.

For example, when the flexible planar strip is made of <NUM> thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET), it was determined that: a gap section of <NUM>-<NUM> increases significantly the peeling strength needed. A gap section of <NUM>-<NUM> was optimal. A gap section of more than <NUM> resulted in a bad user experience, because the picture is lifted far from the wall before the peeling is started, and the user has to "peel the frame" to complete the peeling. Thus, for flexible planar strips made of PET, an optimal vertical length of the gap section is approximately between <NUM> and <NUM> times a thickness of the flexible planar strip.

In another example, the flexible planar strip is made of <NUM>/<NUM> inch (<NUM>) thick EVA foam. For flexible planar strips made of EVA foam, an optimal vertical length of the gap section is between <NUM> and <NUM> times a thickness of the flexible planar strip. In one preferred embodiment, the flexible planar strip made of <NUM>/<NUM> inch (<NUM>) thick EVA foam, and the total combined length of sections A, B, and C is <NUM> inches (<NUM>). Section A is <NUM> inches (<NUM>) long, section B is <NUM> inches (<NUM>) long, and section C is <NUM> inches (<NUM>) long.

The width of the flexible planar strip can be customized to the width of the decorative object that it supports. For example, a flexible planar strip that is used to support an <NUM>" x <NUM>" (<NUM> × <NUM>) decorative block may be <NUM> inches (<NUM>) wide.

<FIG> depict additional elements that may be included in the adhesive assemblies <NUM>, according to embodiments of the invention. The elements depicted in <FIG> may also be incorporated into adhesive assemblies <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the attachment assembly <NUM> prior to attachment of the flexible planar strip <NUM> to the first layer of adhesive <NUM>, and <FIG> depicts the attachment assembly <NUM> after attachment of the flexible planar strip <NUM> to the first layer of adhesive <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a foam pad <NUM> may be disposed between first layer of adhesive <NUM> and flexible planar strip <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, foam pad <NUM> is <NUM>/<NUM>" thick. When a decorative object <NUM> is mounted against a wall, the foam pad <NUM> absorbs minor inconsistencies in a surface of the wall. The foam pad <NUM> thereby reduces the chance of separation of the first layer of adhesive from the wall due to surface bumps.

Foam pad <NUM> is adhered to flexible planar strip <NUM> with third layer of adhesive <NUM>. Third layer of adhesive <NUM> is a permanent adhesive, such as a solvent-based adhesive or any other type of permanent adhesive known to those of skill in the art. Removable siliconized liner <NUM> is adhered onto the vertical surface-facing side first layer of adhesive <NUM>. Liner <NUM> may be siliconized on both sides thereof, so that it may be removed and reapplied onto first layer of adhesive <NUM> from either side. Liner <NUM> serves to protect removable adhesive <NUM> and prevent it from accidentally sticking onto surfaces.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> depict one embodiment of a mechanical attachment mechanism between attachment assembly <NUM> and decorative block <NUM>, according to embodiments of the invention. The descriptions of <FIG> are also applicable to attachment assembly <NUM> and decorative object <NUM>. In <FIG>, a wall-facing side of the decorative block <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>. A visible portion <NUM> of attachment assembly <NUM>, which includes first layer of adhesive <NUM>, is attached to the decorative block <NUM>. The frame <NUM> defines a border around central interior portion <NUM> and visible portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, attachment mechanism <NUM> includes holes <NUM> in the lower vertical section. The holes <NUM> may be formed, for example, with a die cutting machine. Visible portion <NUM> may also include finger lift <NUM>, which protrudes laterally beyond the flexible planar strip <NUM>. Finger lift <NUM> may be grasped by a user when mechanically attaching the attachment mechanism to the decorative block.

As shown in <FIG>, a slot <NUM> is formed within the frame <NUM>. Slot <NUM> contains protrusions <NUM>, which are aligned with the corresponding holes <NUM> in the lower vertical section. To attach the attachment assembly <NUM> to the decorative block <NUM>, a user slides the lower vertical section into the slot <NUM>, and "clicks" the holes <NUM> over the protrusions <NUM>. When thus attached, the visible portion <NUM> lays flat against the decorative block <NUM>.

The above-described mechanical attachment mechanism is merely exemplary, and other forms of mechanical attachment may be employed, as long as they fall within the scope of the claims.

<FIG> depict additional elements that may be included in the adhesive assemblies <NUM>, according to embodiments of the invention. The elements depicted in <FIG> may also be incorporated into adhesive assemblies <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the attachment assembly <NUM> prior to attachment of the flexible planar strip <NUM> to the first layer of adhesive <NUM>, and <FIG> depicts the attachment assembly <NUM> after attachment of the flexible planar strip <NUM> to the first layer of adhesive <NUM>. <FIG> include foam pad <NUM>, third layer of adhesive <NUM>, and siliconized liner <NUM>, which are equivalent to foam pad <NUM>, third layer of adhesive <NUM>, and siliconized liner <NUM>, described above.

Foam pad <NUM> is depicted as extending along the entire length of flexible planar strip <NUM>, so that, when the decorative object <NUM> is mounted against the wall, a portion of the foam pad <NUM> directly abuts the wall. This configuration may further allow the foam pad <NUM> to absorb minor inconsistencies in a surface of the wall. This configuration is also possible in the embodiment of <FIG>, and vice versa.

The main difference between the embodiment of <FIG>, versus the embodiment of <FIG>, is that the attachment assembly <NUM> includes second layer of adhesive <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, attachment assembly <NUM> is attached to the wall-facing side of decorative block <NUM>, by applying second layer of adhesive <NUM>. Because attachment assembly <NUM> is attached to decorative block <NUM> is with the second layer of adhesive <NUM>, decorative block <NUM> is frameless. Following the attachment, visible portion <NUM> protrudes from the face of decorative block <NUM>.

In the embodiments of <FIG>, in which the flexible planar strip <NUM>, <NUM> is made of EVA foam, the EVA foam strip <NUM>, <NUM>, also absorbs minor inconsistencies in a surface of the wall, similar to foam pads <NUM>, <NUM>. In these embodiments, the aesthetics of the adhesive assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> are improved, as a user sees only a single, whole piece of foam, rather than seeing a film with a piece of foam over it.

It will be understood that the invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made as long as they fall within the scope of the claims.

Claim 1:
A decorative object assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for attachment to a vertical surface (<NUM>), comprising:
a substantially planar decorative block (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) defining an upper edge and a lower edge;
a flexible planar strip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) defining an upper edge parallel to the upper edge of the substantially planar decorative block (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a lower edge parallel to the lower edge of the substantially planar decorative block (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and a vertical direction between the upper and lower edges;
a first layer of adhesive (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending vertically downward from the upper edge of the flexible planar strip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), for releasable attachment to the vertical surface (<NUM>);
an attachment mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for attachment to the substantially planar decorative block (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), configured on a lower vertical section (C) of the flexible planar strip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a gap section (B) of the flexible planar strip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is vertically between the first layer of adhesive (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the lower vertical section (C), on which no adhesive is adhered;
characterized in that the decorative object assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) further comprises:
a frame (<NUM>) configured around the substantially planar decorative block (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a slot (<NUM>) within the frame (<NUM>) for receiving therein the lower vertical section of the flexible planar strip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and
in that the attachment mechanism is a mechanical attachment (<NUM>, <NUM>) for attaching the lower vertical section (C) to the frame (<NUM>), such that, when the mechanical attachment (<NUM>, <NUM>) is engaged, the lower vertical section (C) is within the slot (<NUM>) and is attached to the frame (<NUM>).