System for hanging multiple pictures in a collage using a grid of supports

Abstract

A system for hanging multiple pictures, photographs, picture frames, or other objects, collectively referred to herein as pictures, in a collage, using a regularly-spaced grid of pegs or other supports that are attached to a wall. Each picture includes one or more sockets, generally along the top of the picture, or one or more of its edges, although in some embodiments a picture can include sockets located elsewhere on the picture. A picture can be attached to the grid by placing it on the grid so that its sockets are supported by the pegs. In accordance with an embodiment, to add a picture to the wall, a user places the top edge of the picture over the grid until its sockets fit around the pegs, and then allows the picture to swing into the wall until it rests against the wall or other supports. To remove the picture, the user gently lifts the picture off the pegs and removes it from the wall. This process can be repeated with multiple pictures to create or change a wall-mounted collage.

1 . A system that allows a collage of pictures to be displayed on a wall, comprising:
 a plurality of pegs that can be one of affixed to or inserted into a wall or other surface, at a regular horizontal peg separation and a regular vertical peg separation from one another, to form a grid;   a plurality of picture holders, wherein each picture holder includes an obverse surface and a reverse surface, and further
 wherein the reverse surface includes one or more sockets along a top or other edge of the picture holder that are spaced to match the regular horizontal separation of the pegs in the grid, 
 wherein the obverse surface can include or receive a picture for display as part of a collage, and 
 wherein each picture is sized to be accommodated in the collage and allow for a consistent horizontal margin and a consistent vertical margin between that picture and other pictures in the collage; and 
   wherein the plurality of picture holders together with their pictures can be alternately suspended on and removed from the grid and arranged thereon to create the collage, and wherein when a picture holder is placed on the grid, its one or more sockets receive compatible pegs in the grid that together assist in keeping its picture horizontally positioned.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each picture that is sized to be accommodated in the collage and allow for a consistent horizontal margin and a consistent vertical margin between that picture and other pictures in the collage, includes that the picture width is a multiple of the horizontal peg separation less the horizontal margin, and the picture height is a multiple of the vertical peg separation less the vertical margin 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each peg extends outward from the wall to allow the picture holders to be suspended therefrom. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the regular horizontal peg separation is equal to the regular vertical peg separation, and wherein the horizontal margin is equal to the vertical margin. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the regular horizontal peg separation is different from the regular vertical peg separation, and wherein the horizontal margin is different from the vertical margin. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the pegs are beveled, have one of a lip or a groove, or are otherwise shaped to be compatible with the shape of the sockets, so that when a picture holder is suspended on the grid using the pegs, the shape of the pegs bias and/or hold the picture holder to lie generally close and flush with or parallel to the wall surface. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the picture holders includes at least two sockets on its reverse surface that mate with at least two compatible pegs, to ensure that the picture holder is held in a horizontal manner on the grid. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the picture holders includes sockets on at least two edges of its reverse surface, to allow the picture holder to be positioned on the grid in a plurality of different orientations. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein some or all of the picture holders are sized to extend in at least one dimension beyond the regular separation distance of the pegs in the grid, and wherein those picture holders include cutouts, voids, or additional sockets on their reverse surface that can accommodate pegs within those cutouts, voids, or additional sockets, and so that when the picture holder is placed on the grid it can remain generally close and flush with or parallel to the wall surface. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each picture holder includes one or more adhesive sockets distributed over its obverse surface. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the grid is installed on vertical or near-vertical planar surface, including one of a window, suspended or free-standing surface, or flat interim backer board mounted on the wall. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the pegs have a square or other shaped face other than round. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each picture holder includes a backing made of a generally rigid yet malleable foam with multiple sockets distributed over its obverse surface that can accommodate pegs within those multiple sockets, or in which each peg slightly compresses or deforms the foam socket edge to ensure a closer and more rigid fit once installed, and so that when the picture holder is placed on the grid it is held generally close and flush with or parallel to the wall surface. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the grid is wired with electricity to supply power or control signals to various supported items, such as low-voltage lights, computers, and displays. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the grid comprises wider support rails as pegs, and wherein each picture holder includes a groove along an inside top edge to one of receive or grasp the support rails. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more picture holders include a locking mechanism to lock the picture holder to the peg from which it is supported. 
     
     
         17 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method for installing a collage of pictures, comprising the steps of:
 installing a tape on a wall or other surface to generally form the outline of a grid, wherein the tape is marked at regular intervals to match a regular peg separation within the grid;   placing a template within the outline of the grid, wherein the template includes holes within the template matching the peg separation, and through which pegs can be installed into the wall;   installing pegs into the wall through the holes in the template to form a partial grid;   moving the template and replacing it within the outline so that the template is suspended by some of the previously installed pegs, and so that other holes are vacant;   installing additional pegs into the wall through the holes in the template, and repeating the above steps to complete the grid of pegs.   
     
     
         20 . A computer system and interface for allowing a user to design a custom wall collages, comprising:
 a user interface that displays a virtual representation of a grid including a plurality of pegs that can be one of affixed to or inserted into a wall or other surface, at a regular horizontal peg separation and a regular vertical peg separation from one another, to form a grid for displaying a collage;   an interface for allowing the user to configure and place a plurality of pictures onto the grid, each of which includes a simulated obverse surface that can include or receive a picture for display, and simulated sockets along the edges of the picture that are spaced to match the regular separation distance of the pegs; and   wherein as the user configures and places the plurality of picture holders onto the grid, the system automatically
 resizes each picture so that it can be accommodated in the collage and allow for a consistent horizontal margin and vertical margin between that picture and other pictures in the collage, including resizing the picture so that the picture width is a multiple of the horizontal peg separation less the horizontal margin, and the picture height is a multiple of the vertical peg separation less the vertical margin, and 
 positions the picture holders and pictures, so that each pictures sockets match compatible pegs in the grid and reflect how the collage will appear when placed on the wall. 
   
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a template for assisting the user in placing the grid of pegs on the wall, including holes within the template matching a peg separation, through which pegs can be installed into the wall. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is provided as a kit for use by a user in creating and installing custom wall collages.