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Picture hanging device

Picture hanging device description/claims

1. Field of the Invention

This patent relates to a device for hanging pictures and the like. More particularly, this patent relates to a device for hanging a picture and adjusting its height relative to a wall.

2. Description of the Related Art

Numerous devices are known in the art for hanging a picture on a wall. While some of these devices also enable a user to level the picture, none enable the user to adjust the overall picture height.

Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that allows for easy vertical adjustment of pictures. Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

The present invention is a device for hanging a picture and adjusting its height relative to a wall. The device comprises a back plate member that attaches to a wall, a riser member that slides relative to the back plate member, and an eccentric disc affixed to the back plate member that operably engages the riser member to raise or lower the riser member and thus the picture. The picture itself is hung from a hook extending outwardly from the riser member.

In one embodiment the back plate is generally rectangular and comprises opposing C-shaped vertically oriented channels within which the riser can slide. The back plate member can be affixed to the wall by nails, screws, adhesive or other suitable means of attachment.

The riser member comprises a top cross member, opposing side members connected by the top cross member, and a bottom cross member. The side members and cross members define a rectangular opening large enough to accommodate the eccentric disc. The top cross member has a lower edge having gear-like teeth that engage similar teeth on the eccentric disc.

Preferably the eccentric disc is circular and has a center and a perimeter and teeth disposed around at least part of the perimeter. The teeth actionably engaging the riser teeth when the riser is at the desired position resting on the eccentric disc. The disc is rotatably attached to the back plate at an off-center location (defined by a rivet hole) such that rotating the disc (while the riser is temporarily disengaged) causes a different tooth (on the perimeter of the disc) to present itself to the riser teeth and thus (when the riser is returned to its loaded position) the riser assumes a raised or lowered height.

The eccentric disc may include position indicators evenly arranged in spaced relationship around the disc to facilitate adjustments to the height settings by visual reference to the riser teeth. The eccentric disc may also comprise a slot located diametrically opposite the rivet hole along a diametric line to facilitate adjustment of the riser.

Preferably the hook member extends forward the channels in a direction away from the wall to exert both downward and lateral forces on the riser, thereby stabilizing the riser in a fixed vertical position and keeping the disc from rotating to a different height adjustment when a picture or other load is hung from the hook.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a picture hanging device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the picture hanging device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3a is a front elevational view of the picture hanging device of FIG. 1 shown with the riser in an intermediate position.

FIG. 3b is a front elevational view of the picture hanging device of FIG. 1 shown with the riser in an elevated position.

FIG. 3c is a front elevational view of the picture hanging device of FIG. 1 shown with the riser in a lowered position.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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