Picture Frame Hanger

Abstract

A picture frame hanger for assisting in hanging a picture having a frame on a wall, the hanger comprising: a generally horizontal member having at least first and second slots therein to receive at least one fastener to fasten the picture frame hanger to the picture; and a generally vertical handle affixed to the horizontal member. The horizontal member has a generally vertical body, a top flange extending outwardly away from the vertical body and a lower flange extending away from the body, the top and bottom flanges forming therebetween a recess in which the first and second slots are positioned. The vertical body is configured to contact the frame of the picture. The horizontal member further includes means for receiving at least one picture hanging element to permit the picture to hang on the wall.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A picture frame hanger for assisting in hanging a picture having a frame on a wall, the hanger comprising:
 a generally horizontal member having at least one aperture therein to receive a fastener to fasten the picture frame hanger to the picture;   wherein said horizontal member has a generally vertical body, a top flange extending outwardly away from said vertical body and a lower flange extending away from said body;   wherein said vertical body is configured to contact the frame of the picture; and   wherein said horizontal member further includes means for receiving at least one picture hanging element to permit the picture to hang on the wall.   
     
     
         2 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 1 , wherein said aperture is a slot. 
     
     
         3 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 2 , wherein said slot is non-linear. 
     
     
         4 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 3 , wherein said slot is generally arcuate. 
     
     
         5 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one aperture comprises at least a first aperture adapted to receive a respective first hanging element and a second aperture, adapted to receive a second hanging element. 
     
     
         6 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 5 , wherein said first aperture is a first slot and said second aperture is a second slot. 
     
     
         7 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 6 , wherein at least one of said first and second slots is non-linear. 
     
     
         8 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 7 , wherein said at least one of said first and second apertures is generally arcuate. 
     
     
         9 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a generally vertical handle affixed to said horizontal member.   
     
     
         10 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 1 , wherein said top and bottom flanges form therebetween a recess in which said means for receiving a fastener is disposed. 
     
     
         11 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 1 , wherein said top and bottom flanges are configured to contact the wall and space the picture frame hanger therefrom when the picture is hanging on the wall. 
     
     
         12 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 1 , wherein said top flange has a generally arcuate top surface. 
     
     
         13 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 1 , wherein said fastener fastens the picture frame hanger to the frame of the picture, and the vertical body is sized to fit on the frame without protruding over the top of the picture when in use. 
     
     
         14 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 1 , wherein the means for receiving the fastener is configured to permit the frame to be movably attached to the picture frame hanger to permit the levelling of the picture without removing it from the wall. 
     
     
         15 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 6 , wherein at least one of said first and second apertures is configured to permit the fastener to slide therein to facilitate the levelling of the picture. 
     
     
         16 . A picture frame hanger for assisting in hanging a picture having a frame on a wall, the hanger comprising:
 a generally horizontal member having at least first and second slots therein to receive at least one fastener to fasten the picture frame hanger to the picture; and   a generally vertical handle affixed to said horizontal member;   wherein said horizontal member has a generally vertical body, a top flange extending outwardly away from said vertical body and a lower flange extending away from said body, said top and bottom flanges forming therebetween a recess in which said first and second slots are positioned;   wherein said vertical body is configured to contact the frame of the picture; and   wherein said horizontal member further includes means for receiving at least one picture hanging element to permit the picture to hang on the wall.   
     
     
         17 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 16 , wherein at least one of said first and second slots is generally arcuate. 
     
     
         18 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 16 , wherein said top and bottom flanges are configured to contact the wall and space the picture frame hanger therefrom when the picture is hanging on the wall. 
     
     
         19 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 16 , wherein said fastener fastens the picture frame hanger to the frame of the picture, and the vertical body is sized to fit on the frame without protruding over the top of the picture when in use. 
     
     
         20 . The picture frame hanger of  claim 16 , wherein said first and second slots are configured to permit the frame to be movably attached to the picture frame hanger to facilitate the levelling of the picture without removing it from the wall.