US5454542A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and methods for hanging frames
Assignee: VIC LLC
•
Filing: 1994-04-19
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Granted: 1995-10-03
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Expires: 2014-04-19
Abstract
Abstract The invention concerns apparatuses and methods for hanging frames upon mounting surfaces. The principal apparatus of the invention, upon which a frame is hung, is securely attached to a mounting surface, such as a wall. The apparatus comprises a generally planar body with a protruding supporting rail, alignment notches, spirit level, bracket recess, and mounting holes, and is particularly well suited for use with metal frames with universal assembly channels. The supporting rail of the apparatus is designed to be inserted within universal assembly channels in metal frames, thus securely yet slidably and removably attaching the apparatus to the frame. The invention also includes an adapter bracket to allow the principal apparatus to be used with any kind of frame, and special corner brackets to allow the use of the principal apparatus with unusually heavy or wide frames.
Inventors
- 👤 Hoyt E. Hart
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 22:41
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47G; A47G1/00; A47G1/16; A47G1/168; A47G1/1606; A47G1/1633; A47G1/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
46 words
An apparatus for installing an object on a surface, comprising: a combined key and latch system, said key fittable and insertable sideways within said latch for permanently affixing the object to the surface; said key mountable on the object; and said latch mountable on the surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
46 words
An apparatus for installing an object on a surface, comprising: a combined key and latch system, said key fittable and insertable sideways within said latch for permanently affixing the object to the surface; said key mountable on the object; and said latch mountable on the surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said key is mounted on the bottom of the object.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a plurality of key and latch systems mounted in series on the object.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1 herein said latch comprises a raised portion indicative of a surface mounting hole for marking the installation location of said latch on the surface prior to installation of said latch on the surface.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
72 words
An apparatus for installing an object on a surface, comprising: a combined key and latch system, said key fittable and insertable within said latch for permanently affixing the object to the surface; said key mountable on the object; and said latch comprising of a raised portion indicative of a surface mounting hole for marking the installation location of said latch on the surface prior to installation of said latch on the surface.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
72 words
An apparatus for installing an object on a surface, comprising: a combined key and latch system, said key fittable and insertable within said latch for permanently affixing the object to the surface; said key mountable on the object; and said latch comprising of a raised portion indicative of a surface mounting hole for marking the installation location of said latch on the surface prior to installation of said latch on the surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said key is mounted on the bottom of the object.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 5 comprising of plurality of key and latch systems mounted in series on the object.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
44 words
A method of installing an object on a surface, comprising the steps of: a) mounting a key on the object; b) mounting a latch on the surface; and c) sideways inserting the key into the latch for permanently affixing the object to the surface.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
44 words
A method of installing an object on a surface, comprising the steps of: a) mounting a key on the object; b) mounting a latch on the surface; and c) sideways inserting the key into the latch for permanently affixing the object to the surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the step of mounting the key on the object comprises mounting the key on a bottom of the object.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 8 further comprising mounting a plurality keys on the object and a corresponding number of latches on the surface.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of installing an object on a surface, comprising the steps of: a) mounting a combined key and latch system on an object, the key portion affixed to the object and the latch portion being removable from the key portion and having a raised portion indicative of a mounting hole; b) tapping the combined key and latch system against the surface to mark the surface with the raised portion on the latch; c) mounting the latch system on the surface where indicated by the mark on the surface; and d) insertably fitting the key within the latch to permanently affix the object to the surface.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of installing an object on a surface, comprising the steps of: a) mounting a combined key and latch system on an object, the key portion affixed to the object and the latch portion being removable from the key portion and having a raised portion indicative of a mounting hole; b) tapping the combined key and latch system against the surface to mark the surface with the raised portion on the latch; c) mounting the latch system on the surface where indicated by the mark on the surface; and d) insertably fitting the key within the latch to permanently affix the object to the surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the step of insertably fitting the key within the latch comprises sideways inserting the key into the latch.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the step of mounting a combined key and latch system comprises mounting a plurality of keys on the object a corresponding number of latches on the surface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the step of mounting the key on the object comprises mounting the key on a bottom of the object.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-10-02 | 1999-04-03 | 1999-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-10-02 | 2003-04-03 | 2003-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-10-02 | 2007-04-03 | 2007-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |