Magnetic hanger for pictures and signs

Abstract

A magnetic cone is provided for releasably affixing objects to a wall, or other such surface. The cone is dimensioned to fit in the recess remaining in formed concrete walls once the snap tie is broken and removed. The magnetic cone is preferably a snap tie cone, and therefore fits relatively snugly in the recess. It is provided with a magnet that extends the length of the longitudinal axis, and is housed within the bore of the cone.

1 . A plug for releasably retaining an object having a first magnetic surface to a second magnetic surface located in a recess on an outer surface, the plug comprising a body and at least one magnet, such that in use, the plug is releasably retained in the recess by a magnetic field and releasably retains the object by at least one magnetic field. 
     
     
         2 . The plug of  claim 1  wherein one magnet extends through a central bore extending on a longitudinal axis of the plug thereby providing one magnetic field. 
     
     
         3 . The plug of  claim 2  wherein the plug is sized to be releasably retained in a recess having a depth of at least about 0.75 cm and a diameter of about 1.5 cm to about 5 cm. 
     
     
         4 . The plug of  claim 3  wherein the plug has a length of about 2.5 cm and a maximum diameter of about 2.5 cm. 
     
     
         5 . The plug of  claim 2  wherein the plug is a frusto-conical plug. 
     
     
         6 . The plug of  claim 5 , wherein the plug is a snap tie cone. 
     
     
         7 . A combination for releasably retaining an object having a first magnetic surface, the combination comprising:
 a recess on an outer surface, the recess having a second magnetic surface; and   a plug comprising a body and at least one magnet to provide at least one magnetic field, such that in use the plug is retained in the recess and retains the object by at least one magnetic field.   
     
     
         8 . The combination of  claim 7  wherein one magnet extends through a central bore extending on a longitudinal axis of the plug thereby providing one magnetic field. 
     
     
         9 . The combination of  claim 8  wherein the plug is a frusto-conical plug. 
     
     
         10 . The combination of  claim 9  wherein the recess is a snap tie recess, the second magnetic surface is a snap tie and the outer surface is a concrete surface. 
     
     
         11 . The combination of  claim 10  wherein the plug is a snap tie cone. 
     
     
         12 . The combination of  claim 11  wherein the object is a sign or a picture. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A combination for releasably retaining an object, the combination comprising:
 a recess on an outer surface, the recess having a magnetic surface;   a plug comprising a body and at least one magnet to provide at least one magnetic field; and   an adhesive for affixing the object to the body such that in use the plug is retained in the recess by a magnetic field and the object is affixed to the body by the adhesive.