US5931439A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Frame support
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1997-03-13
•
Granted: 1999-08-03
•
Expires: 2017-03-13
Abstract
Abstract An improved frame support permits an object being hung to be moved up and down, side to side, and/or rotated in any desired orientation and which provides improved security and safety from intentional or accidental removal from the wall. The invention includes a plate having a set of cord supports directed in a first direction towards a top edge of the plate and at least one cord support directed in a second, opposite direction towards a bottom edge of the plate. The support cord is supported by the frame and by the frame support in a unique manner which provides up and down, side to side, and rotational adjustability. The invention also provides increased security for frames supported by the device described herein. In its simplest form, the improved security device according to the present invention may be provided by "locking" the support cord into place on the adjusting hook with a nut. This provides security from removing the picture from the wall, to prevent theft, for example, and to provide added security in case the cord disconnects from one side of the frame. In one version, the support cord is also protected from rubbing against the screw by providing a sheath covering the screw, such as using a spacer or recessed nut. This prevents the cord from fraying or breaking due to the screw "sawing" through the cord over time.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Lemire
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 22:42
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47G; A47G1/00; A47G1/16; A47G1/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 35
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
An adjustable frame support, comprising: a. a frame support device having: (1) first and second cord supports directed in a first direction; (2) a third cord support directed in a second, opposite direction facing away from the first direction; b. a plurality of frame support points connectable to a frame, including: (1) a first frame support point connectable to a first side of the frame further from the third cord support in the first direction than the first cord support; (2) a second frame support point connectable to a second side of the frame further from the second cord support in the first direction than the second cord support; (3) a third frame support point connectable to a first side of the frame further from the first cord support in the second direction than the third cord support; and (4) a fourth frame support point connectable to a second side of the frame further from the second cord support in the second direction than the third cord support; and c. a cord configured to be supported by the first, second, and third cord supports and first, second, third, and fourth frame support points in a manner that a length of cord extending between each of the frame support points and an associated cord support is variable.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
216 words
An adjustable frame support, comprising: a. a frame support device having: (1) first and second cord supports directed in a first direction; (2) a third cord support directed in a second, opposite direction facing away from the first direction; b. a plurality of frame support points connectable to a frame, including: (1) a first frame support point connectable to a first side of the frame further from the third cord support in the first direction than the first cord support; (2) a second frame support point connectable to a second side of the frame further from the second cord support in the first direction than the second cord support; (3) a third frame support point connectable to a first side of the frame further from the first cord support in the second direction than the third cord support; and (4) a fourth frame support point connectable to a second side of the frame further from the second cord support in the second direction than the third cord support; and c. a cord configured to be supported by the first, second, and third cord supports and first, second, third, and fourth frame support points in a manner that a length of cord extending between each of the frame support points and an associated cord support is variable.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
90 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 1, wherein the cord is configured to be connected: a. from the first cord support to the third frame support point; b. from the third frame support point to the first frame support point; c. from the first frame support point to the third cord support; d. from the third cord support to the second frame support point; e. from the second frame support point to the fourth frame support point; and f. from the fourth frame support point to the second cord support.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 1, wherein the cord is further configured to extend from the second cord support to the first cord support.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 1, further comprising a means for tensioning the cord.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 4, wherein the means for tensioning the cord is a spring.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 3, further comprising an adjusting hook movably connected between the first and second cord supports and configured to receive the cord.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 6, wherein the cord is further configured to be connected from the second cord support, through the movable adjusting hook, and from the movable adjusting hook to the first cord support.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 1, wherein the frame support device further comprises a plate having the first and second cord supports located near a top edge of the plate and facing upwards and the third cord support located near a bottom edge of the plate and facing downwards.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 1, further comprising a fourth cord support directed in the second direction.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
100 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 9, wherein the cord is configured to be connected: a. from the fours cord support to second frame support point; b. from the second frame support point to the fourth frame support point; c. from the fourth frame support point to the second cord support; d. from the second cord support to the first cord support; e. from the first cord support to the third frame support point; f. from the third frame support point to the first frame support point; and g. from the first frame support point to the third cord support.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 10, wherein the cord is further configured to extend from the third cord support to the fourth cord support.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 1, further comprising at least one washer connected to the cord and configured to limit rotation of the frame.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
46 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 1, further including a frame and wherein the first and third frame support points are connected to a left side of the frame and the second and fourth frame support points are connected to a right side of the frame.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
44 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 1, further including a frame and wherein the first and second frame support points are connected to a top of the frame and the third and fourth frame support points are connected to a bottom of the frame.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 1, further including a frame and wherein the first, second, third, and fourth frame support points are connected to sides of a frame.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
The adjustable frame support of claim 1, further including a frame and wherein the frame support device further comprises a plurality of plates, each plate having at least one of the first, second, and third cord supports.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for hanging an object using a support device having a plurality of cord supports, comprising the steps of: a. movably connecting a cord to a frame at a plurality of support points connected on the object; b. connecting the support device to the cord in a manner that a length of cord extending between each of the support points connected on the object and an associated cord support is variable; and c. affixing the support device to a wall.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for hanging an object using a support device having a plurality of cord supports, comprising the steps of: a. movably connecting a cord to a frame at a plurality of support points connected on the object; b. connecting the support device to the cord in a manner that a length of cord extending between each of the support points connected on the object and an associated cord support is variable; and c. affixing the support device to a wall.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 17, further comprising after affixing the support device to a wall, tensioning the cord.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the step of tensioning further comprises the step of providing a spring on the cord.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the step of tensioning further comprises the step of moving an adjusting hook connected to the support device and the cord.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
319 words
A method for hanging an object using a support device having a plurality of cord supports, comprising the steps of: a. providing first and second cord supports directed in a first direction; and b. providing a third cord support directed in a second, opposite direction facing away from the first direction; c. providing a first frame support point located on a first side of the frame further from the third cord support in the first direction than a first cord support; a second frame support point located on a second side of the frame further from the second cord support in the first direction than a second cord support; d. providing a third frame support point located on a first side of the frame further from the first cord support in the second direction than the third cord support; and e. providing a fourth frame support point located on a second side of the frame further from the second cord support in the second direction than the third cord support; f. movably connecting a cord to a frame at a plurality of support points on the object by: i. connecting the cord from the first cord support to the third frame support point; ii. connecting the cord from the third frame support point to the first frame support point; iii. connecting the cord from a first frame support point to the third cord support; iv. connecting the cord from the third cord support to the second frame support point; v. connecting the cord from the second frame support point to the fourth frame support point; vi. connecting the cord from the fourth frame support point to the second cord support; g. connecting the support device to the cord in a manner that a length of cord extending between each of the support points and an associated cord support is variable; and h. affixing the support device to a wall.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
319 words
A method for hanging an object using a support device having a plurality of cord supports, comprising the steps of: a. providing first and second cord supports directed in a first direction; and b. providing a third cord support directed in a second, opposite direction facing away from the first direction; c. providing a first frame support point located on a first side of the frame further from the third cord support in the first direction than a first cord support; a second frame support point located on a second side of the frame further from the second cord support in the first direction than a second cord support; d. providing a third frame support point located on a first side of the frame further from the first cord support in the second direction than the third cord support; and e. providing a fourth frame support point located on a second side of the frame further from the second cord support in the second direction than the third cord support; f. movably connecting a cord to a frame at a plurality of support points on the object by: i. connecting the cord from the first cord support to the third frame support point; ii. connecting the cord from the third frame support point to the first frame support point; iii. connecting the cord from a first frame support point to the third cord support; iv. connecting the cord from the third cord support to the second frame support point; v. connecting the cord from the second frame support point to the fourth frame support point; vi. connecting the cord from the fourth frame support point to the second cord support; g. connecting the support device to the cord in a manner that a length of cord extending between each of the support points and an associated cord support is variable; and h. affixing the support device to a wall.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 21, wherein the method further comprises the step of connecting the cord from the second cord support to the first cord support.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
123 words
The method of claim 21, further comprising the steps of: a. providing a fourth cord support directed in the second direction; and b. wherein the step of connecting further comprises connecting the cord further comprises connecting the cord: i. from the fourth cord support to second frame support point; ii. from the second frame support point to the fourth frame support point; iii. from the fourth frame support point to the second cord support; iv. from the second cord support to the first cord support; v. from the first cord support to the third frame support point; vi. from the third frame support point to the first frame support point; and vii. from the first frame support point to the third cord support.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 23, wherein the step of connecting further comprises connecting the cord from the third cord support to the fourth cord support.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
74 words
A security device for an object support, comprising: a. an adjusting hook configured to receive a support wire or cord; and b. a locking mechanism configured to contact the adjusting hook in a manner to lock the support wire or cord on the adjusting hook; wherein the adjusting hook is meshed with a screw, the security device further comprising a sheath covering threads of the screw between the adjusting hook and the locking mechanism.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
74 words
A security device for an object support, comprising: a. an adjusting hook configured to receive a support wire or cord; and b. a locking mechanism configured to contact the adjusting hook in a manner to lock the support wire or cord on the adjusting hook; wherein the adjusting hook is meshed with a screw, the security device further comprising a sheath covering threads of the screw between the adjusting hook and the locking mechanism.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
57 words
A security device for an object support, comprising: a. an adjusting hook configured to receive a support wire or cord; and b. a locking mechanism configured to lock the support wire or cord on the adjusting hook; wherein the adjusting hook is a hook nut and the locking mechanism is configured to mate with the hook nut.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
57 words
A security device for an object support, comprising: a. an adjusting hook configured to receive a support wire or cord; and b. a locking mechanism configured to lock the support wire or cord on the adjusting hook; wherein the adjusting hook is a hook nut and the locking mechanism is configured to mate with the hook nut.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
54 words
A security device for an object support, comprising: a. an adjusting hook configured to receive a support wire or cord; and b. a locking mechanism configured to lock the support wire or cord on the adjusting hook; wherein the adjusting hook is a t-nut and the locking mechanism is a washer and a nut.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
54 words
A security device for an object support, comprising: a. an adjusting hook configured to receive a support wire or cord; and b. a locking mechanism configured to lock the support wire or cord on the adjusting hook; wherein the adjusting hook is a t-nut and the locking mechanism is a washer and a nut.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
76 words
A security device for an object support, comprising: a. an adjusting hook configured to receive a support wire or cord; and b. a locking mechanism configured to lock the support wire or cord on the adjusting hook; wherein the adjusting hook is meshed with a first screw, further comprising a second screw connected to the first screw via a union and a thumb nut on the screw configured to connect the locking mechanism with adjusting hook.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
76 words
A security device for an object support, comprising: a. an adjusting hook configured to receive a support wire or cord; and b. a locking mechanism configured to lock the support wire or cord on the adjusting hook; wherein the adjusting hook is meshed with a first screw, further comprising a second screw connected to the first screw via a union and a thumb nut on the screw configured to connect the locking mechanism with adjusting hook.
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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) | 2002-08-02 | 2003-02-01 | 2003-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-08-02 | 2007-02-01 | 2007-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-08-02 | 2011-02-01 | 2011-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |