GB2467568A

GB2467568A - Adjustable magnetic display system for attaching mirrors or photograph frames to a display surface

Info

Publication number: GB2467568A
Application number: GB0901978A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chris Magee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-06
Filing date: 2009-02-06
Publication date: 2010-08-11
Also published as: GB0901978D0

Abstract

A method of affixing objects (e.g. a mirrors, a photograph frames or other fixings) to an upright display surfaces (e.g. a wall) using magnets is disclosed. In use at least one magnet 1 is attached to the rear of the object 4, and the magnet(s) is attracted to at least one magnet 2 which may be affixed to the display surface 3. The display surface magnet(s) may be affixed thereto by a self adhesive back, or may include holes (5,Fig.1) for screw fitting. The object maybe repositioned horizontally, vertically, diagonally and/or squarely within a radius relative to the size or length of the magnets, which can be in turn relative to the size of the object being displayed.

Description

Adjustable Magnetic Display System

Background

When affixing mirrors, photograph frames and other fixings and adornments (referred to hereafter as "unit") to typically upright surfaces such as walls, it is necessary to determine where to locate the hanging mechanism/s in order that the unit being hung is straight and located in the desired position. This can be difficult, since the position of the hook, string, screw or other fixing is located on the back of the unit and is therefore hidden from sight.

Furthermore, a fixing arrangement such as a string can flex and hang in an inverse "V" shape, meaning that any estimate of where to affix a fixing mechanism to the wall may need to accommodate (J)erhaps an inch of) "play" meaning, in this example, that the fixing will have to be placed higher up the wall for the unit to hang in the desired vertical position.

Depending on the length of fixing methods such as string and a fixing hook, the unit can hang away from the display surface at the top, when it may be preferable that it sits flush with the display surface.

In the case of there being two horizontal fixings, they need to be level if the unit is to hang squarely. Also, some walls are unsuitable for traditional fixings.

Finally, affixing the fixing to the wall can be technically challenging, requiring various tools such as hammers, screwdrivers and possibly a spirit level. Using these tools correctly also requires a degree of physical strength and technical competence.

These represent a range of challenges which have represent high risk of failure to someone wishing to hang a unit squarely in the desired position. Furthermore, there is little room for correction should the fixing mechanism, or mechanisms, not have been affixed in exactly the right location.

Statement of invention

This invention proposes a method of affixing a range of mirrors, photograph frames and other fixings and adornments to typically upright surfaces such as walls using magnets.

One or more magnet comes attached to the rear of the unit, and this or these is or are attracted to one or more magnets which affix to the display surface. These feature optional self-adhesive backs, and screw holes should people prefer to use screws.

After fixing, this invention allows the unit to be repositioned horizontally, vertically and diagonally within a radius relative to the size or length of the magnets, which can be in turn relative to the size of the unit being displayed.

Advantages The unit can be affixed easily and securely into the desired position and adjusted horizontally, vertically, diagonally and squarely thereafter according to taste and other unforeseen factors.

Using the self-adhesive strips on the rear of the magnets, an unskilled domestic user of the product needs to simply remove any strips protecting the adhesives on the magnet or magnets to be affixed to the wall (which are held in place by magnetic attraction to the magnet or magnets on the rear of the unit), then step up to the display surface and press the unit into place, before adjusting the position if necessary. More technically competent users can leave the protective strips in place and use the screw holes provided, if desired.

Using the self-adhesion method, the unit can be affixed to any reasonably smooth and sound surface, avoiding difficulties with hanging units on old cob walls and other surfaces too insubstantial to hold a screw or fixing pin securely.

Introduction to drawings.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows the rear of an example unit (labelled 4), with the dotted outline (labelled 1) representing a magnet affixed to the rear of the unit. The two continuous outlines (labelled 2) represent the position of two counterpart magnets featuring self-adhesive backs. These latter magnets affix on one side to the display surface, and are attracted magnetically to the magnets affixed to the rear of the unit. Users can choose to use the screw holes (labelled 5) provided to affix magnets to the display surface if preferred.

Figure 2 shows a side projection, with the outline labelled 1 representing the magnet affixed to the rear of the unit, which is labelled 4. The outline labelled 2 represents the position of two counterpart magnets featuring self-adhesive backs. These latter magnets affix on one side to the display surface, and are attracted magnetically to the magnets affixed to the rear of the unit. The line labelled 3 represents the display surface, such as a wall.

Figure 3 shows how the above principal would work with two magnetic strips on the rear of the unit instead of one. Labelling of objects is as above.

Figure 4 shows how the above principal would work with two magnetic strips on the rear of the unit and all magnets orientated diagonally. Labelling of objects is as above.

Figure 5 shows how the above principal would work with two magnets of random form. Labelling of objects is as above.

Detailed descriptio!!

The intention is to produce a range of picture frames, mirrors and other objects, referred to as "units", which come with magnets attached to the back.

These magnets are attracted to counterpart magnets, which affix to the wall.

There are two different methods of affixing the counterpart magnets-via self adhesive strips which stick to a display surface, and/or via screw holes which can accommodate screws.

A range of units can be produced easily, in a range of sizes, depths and shapes, with different sizes and configurations of magnets depending upon the size, shape and weight of the unit.

The units can be repositioned once the counterpart magnets are affixed to a wall or other display surface.

Affixing these to a wall via self-adhesion can be achieved by removing the protective strip from the adhesive on the back of the counterpart magnets, with the counterpart magnets stuck to the magnets on the back of the unit. The user then advances upon the display surface and lifts the unit into place.

Using more traditional methods to affix the counterpart magnets, such as screws, would be achieved in the normal way, retaining the ability however to adjust the horizontal and vertical position of the unit, and set it squarely upon the display surface.

Manufacture and sourcing of materials is extremely straightforward, with abundant availability of both units and self-adhesive magnets, and minimal skills required for assembly. Extra counterpart magnets can be included with the finished product.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of affixing units (objects assembled prior to sale such as mirrors, photograph frames and other fixings and adornments) to upright display surfaces, such as walls, using magnets.
2. One or more magnet is attached to the rear of a unit, and this (or these) is (or are) attracted to one or more magnets which affix to a display surface.
3. Magnets which affix to the display surface feature self adhesive backs, and holes should people prefer to use affixing methods such as screws.
4. According to Claim 2, after fixing, this invention allows the unit to be repositioned within a radius relative to the size or length of the magnets, which can be in turn relative to the size of the unit being displayed.
5. According to Claim 3, this method of affixing objects can be used on a wider variety of surfaces than traditional methods of affixing, such as picture pins and screws.