Hanging frame stabilizer

• US 6,186,466 B1
• Filed: 03/31/1999
• Issued: 02/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bob F. Reinke, Keith Baird
• Original Assignee: Bob F. Reinke, Keith Baird
• Inventors: Reinke, Bob F., Baird, Keith
• Primary Examiner(s): Braun, Leslie A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Le, Tan
• Application Number:
  US09/283,113
• Time in Patent Office: 685 Days
• Field of Search: 248/475.1, 248/476, 248/477, 248/480, 248/488, 248/494, 248/495, 248/496, 248/497, 248/498, 248/466, 248/467, 248/470, 248/474, 248/216.1, 248/217.3, 248/217.1, 246/83, 401/521, 405/94
• US Class Current: 248/475.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 1/168 Pads or the like preventing displacement of hanging pictures, mirrors, or the like

Abstract

Disclosed is a simple and easy to use device for stabilizing the position of a frame or other object hanging on a wall. The invention includes a small flat panel or medium having a pointed pin or other fastener protruding from one surface. An adhesive is provided on the opposite surface. The invention is designed for use in conjunction with a frame that has already been prepared for hanging on a wall (i.e., a hook, wire, bracket or other hanging means has already been attached to the frame). The device is installed by removing the frame from the wall and placing it face down on a flat surface. The adhesive surface of the invention is then affixed to the back of the frame, preferably near the bottom, such that the pointed pin is protruding up and away from the frame. The frame with device installed is then taken to the wall and hanged. Next, the frame is adjusted and straightened so that it is in the desired position. Once this position is attained, pressure is applied to the front of the frame in the vicinity of the invention causing the pin to be pushed into the wall, thereby holding the frame in place.

Claims

1. A device for stabilizing wall hangings comprising a flat panel having a means for attachment to a wall on a first surface thereof, and a means for attachment to a frame on the opposite surface thereof, said means for attachment to the wall comprising a pair of small longitudinal flanges provided on said first surface of said panel forming a track thereon, and a pointed member attached to a base slidably mounted within said track such that the base is between the flanges and the pointed member extends out and away therefrom.

2. The stabilizing device of claim 1 wherein said pointed member is a pin and said frame attachment means is an adhesive.

3. The stabilizing device of claim 2 wherein a removable protective covering is provided over said adhesive.

4. A method for stabilizing an object to be hung from a wall comprising the steps of:

a. attaching at least one stabilizing device to said object in a location that will touch a wall when the object is mounted on the wall, said stabilizing device comprising a flat panel having a pair of small longitudinal flanges provided on a first surface of said panel forming a track thereon, and a pointed member having a base slidably mounted within said track such that the base is between the flanges and the pointed member extends out and away therefrom, and an adhesive means on the opposite surface of said panel;

b. mounting said object on the wall;

c. adjusting said object until it is in a desired position; and

d. applying pressure to said object in the vicinity of said at least one stabilizing device in order to engage said at least one stabilizing device with said wall thereby stabilizing the position of said object.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said pointed member is a pin.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein a removable protective covering is provided over said adhesive.

7. In combination, a wall hanging object and a device for stabilizing it comprising a flat panel having a means for attachment to a wall on a first surface thereof, and a means for attachment to said object on the opposite surface thereof, said wall attachment means comprising a pair of small longitudinal flanges provided on said first surface of said panel forming a track thereon, and a pointed member attached to a base slidably mounted within said track such that the base is between the flanges and the pointed member extends out and away therefrom.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said pointed member is a pin and said object attachment means is an adhesive.

9. The combination of claim 8 wherein a removable protective covering is provided over said adhesive.