The present invention relates to an organizer wall panel assembly, and more particularly an organizer wall panel assembly formed from a number of stackable, modular panels, which are configured for use and securement as a wall section in substitution for part or all of a conventional dry wall sheet.
The construction of organizer wall panel assemblies by securing in place, a series of stacked, individual wall panels is well known. U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,107 to Secondino describes an earlier panel construction which individual wall panels are adapted for interconnection with horizontally adjacent panels in the erection of an organizer wall. In some embodiments, for example, conventional panels used in organizer wall applications are typically formed as an elongated hollow extrusion and have variable lengths of between six and twelve feet, a vertical height of eight (8) inches, and lateral thickness of ¾ inches. The panels are formed with a longitudinal, “L-shaped” mounting groove which is sized to receive the bent end of a hangar member or bracket used to hang power or garden tools, garden equipment as well as other items, and which is formed with normally extending horizontal and vertical segments configured for complementary placement within the groove.
The applicant has appreciated that organizer walls formed from conventional panels suffer the disadvantage that the wider thickness of the profile frequently necessitates the assembly of conventional panels as a whole-wall application, where the panels are arranged to extend vertically fully from the floor to the ceiling. In particular, the added thickness of the panel extrusion prevents the easy integration of the wall panel assembly with conventional dry wall sheets, as part of a finished wall section. As a result, conventionally such panels are installed either over the top, or in place of conventional thy wall sheets, at increased costs.
In addition, the erection of organizer wall panel assemblies with panels arranged in a whole-wall arrangement results in the presence of mounting grooves in areas adjacent to the floor and ceiling with no practical functionality to the user. In addition to significantly increased production costs compared to the cost of securing conventional dry wall sheets, the requirement to install individual organizer wall panels individually, is far more labour intensive and time consuming.
To at least partially overcome some of the difficulties associated with conventional organizer wall panel constructions, the present invention provides an organizer wall panel assembly which is adapted for integration into a conventional wall construction, in place of part or all of a conventional half inch thick sheet of dry wall or gypsum board.
In some embodiments, for example, the present invention provides for an organizer wall panel assembly which is formed at least in part from a series of horizontally stacked, longitudinally elongated panels. In some embodiments, for example, each of the panels, independently, is manufactured using plastic or aluminum and are extruded or molded with a constant horizontal profile and variable longitudinal length of up to 20 feet, for example, between 8 to 16 feet. In some embodiments, for example, the panels have a generally modular construction, allowing the panels to be secured in place in a horizontal edge-to-edge arrangement in no particular order. The panels are formed having a generally rectangular body, an upper connecting portion which with the body forms an elongate mounting groove, and a lower covering flange portion.
In some embodiments, for example, the body is formed as a mostly hollow construction having a generally planar front and rear surface. The rear surface is adopted for juxtaposed placement and mounting to a wall or wall studs. The front surface is generally parallel to the rear surface and is spaced therefrom to provide the panel body with a lateral thickness substantially corresponding to a thickness of a conventional drywall sheet. In some embodiments, for example, the lateral thickness of the body that is from 0.4 inches to 0.7 inches, for example, from 0.5 inches to 0.6 inches.
The lower covering flange portion projects downwardly past the lower extent of the panel body. In some embodiments, for example, the covering flange portion is formed as a resiliently deformable web which is integral with the lower edge of the front panel surface. In some embodiments, for example, with the panel in a mounted arrangement, the covering flange portion extends downwardly below the body by a distance selected to overlie at least part of the connecting portion of a next lower adjacent panel or dry wall sheet. The covering flange portion further includes a rearwardly tapering lowermost edge portion. The tapering edge portion bends or curves rearwardly downwardly towards the rear of the panel. In some embodiments, for example, the lowermost edge of the covering flange portion is spaced rearwardly from the plane of the panel body front surface by a distance that is from 0.030 inches to 0.150 inches, for example, from 0.040 inches and 0.080 inches, towards the panel rear. In some embodiments, for example, the lowermost edge of the covering flange portion is spaced rearwardly from the plane of the panel body front surface by a distance of 0.0625 inches, towards the panel rear.
In some embodiments, for example, the upper connecting portion is integrally formed with the panel body as a single molding or extrusion. In some embodiments, for example, the panel is provided whereby the upper connecting portion is adapted for engagement with the lower edge of a next vertically adjacent panel in a mated fit arrangement. In some embodiments, for example, the upper connecting portion extends vertically by a distance that is from one (1) inch to two (2) inches from the upper edge of panel body. The connecting portion is provided with a fastener receiving portion which is sized to receive a nail, screw or other suitable mechanical fastener thereto, in the securement of the panel in place against the wall. The fastener receiving portion is connected to the panel body towards or along its rearward side by a vertical web. Horizontally extending shoulder and arm members, respectively project upwardly and downwardly along forward portions the fastener receiving portion. The fastener receiving portion, arm member and panel body comprise to define an L-shaped shaped mounting groove sized to receive therein, the bent or hooked ends of one or more mounting brackets.
The applicant has appreciated that a number of panels may be assembled in a horizontally stacked, side-by-side arrangement together with one or more conventional dry wall sheets. Such an arrangement may provide a finished wall section which incorporates into part of the wall only, an organizer panel wall assembly which provides for hangar member retaining mounting grooves only in selected or preselected areas, having regard to customer preferences.
In some embodiments, for example, a number of stackable panels of the present invention may be adapted for securement directly to wall studs in place of a conventional dry wall sheet to provide an organizer wall panel assembly which extends vertically as only part of a conventional wall section. Where the lower extent of the wall section is finished with a conventional dry wall sheet, the covering flange portion of a lowermost positioned wall panel is provided overlying a horizontal upper edge of the conventional dry wall sheet. In such an arrangement, the rearwardly tapering portion of the covering flange portion is urged into resilient contact against the adjacent thy wall panel, to provide a visually finished edge.
In some embodiments, for example, the organizer wall panel assembly is adapted for use with hangar members/brackets which incorporate a hooked mounting end sized for mated placement within the mounting groove in an edge-fit manner. In some embodiments, for example, the hooked end includes a generally horizontal web portion which extends inwardly from a rear portion of the hangar bracket adapted for juxtaposed placement against the panel front surface to an upwardly extending finger portion. In some embodiments, for example, the finger portion extends angularly upward from the innermost edge of the horizontal web at an angle that is from 55 to 85 degrees, for example, 65 to 75 degrees, for example, 70 to 80 degrees relative thereto. The extent and angular orientation of the finger portion is selected to engage a rearwardmost portion of the arm member, and assist in maintaining bearing contact between the panel body and rear portion of the hangar member when under load.
In some embodiments, for example, the upper connecting portion is provided with a guide groove or other visual indicia for use guiding placement of mechanical fasteners through the fastener receiving portion at desired positions. The upper connecting portion may further be provided with one or more longitudinally extending channels, slots or recesses which are adapted for mated engagement with complementary formed members provided on the covering flange portion of a next adjacent upper panel.
Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention resides in an organizer wall panel assembly comprising a plurality of stackable panels having the substantially the same height and width, each said panel comprising a generally rectangular panel body having front surface, a wall engaging rear surface and horizontally extending upper and lower edges; an horizontally extending upper connecting portion, and a lower horizontally extending covering flange portion, the rear surface extending generally in a first plane, the front surface extending generally in a second plane parallel to and spaced laterally forward from the first plane by a distance that is from 0.5 inches to 0.65 inches, the upper connecting portion including, a vertical connecting web extending vertically upward from the upper edge and having a rear portion substantially coplanar with the rear surface and adapted for juxtaposed placement with said wall, a fastener receiving portion joined to the vertical connecting web, the fastener receiving portion being spaced rearwardly from the second plane and including a fastener pierceable body adapted to receive a mechanical fastener therethrough, and upwardly extending shoulder member and a downwardly extending arm member, the shoulder member projecting upwardly from the pierceable body to define at least in part a longitudinally extending channel groove therewith, the arm member projecting downwardly from the pierceable body a distance part way towards the upper edge, wherein the arm member, pierceable body and panel body define at least in part a longitudinally extending retention groove sized for receiving an end portion of a hooked member therein, the covering flange portion being integral with and extending downwardly from the front surface a distance selected to substantially overly the fastener receiving portion of a next lower panel when positioned adjacent thereto, the covering flange portion tapering rearwardly to a bottom panel edge portion, the bottom panel edge portion being resiliently deformable between an unbiased position, wherein the bottom edge portion is spaced by a distance that is from 0.030 inches to 0.150 inches, for example, from 0.040 inches to 0.080 inches, rearwardly from the second plane, and a biased position wherein the bottom edge portion is moved towards coplanar alignment with the second plane.
In another aspect, the present invention resides in an organizer wall panel assembly comprising a plurality of stackable panels having the substantially the same height and width, said panels being secured to a wall in a stacked side-by-side arrangement, each said panel comprising a generally rectangular hollow panel body having front surface, a wall engaging rear surface and horizontally extending upper and lower edges; an upper horizontally extending connecting portion, and a lower horizontally extending covering flange portion, the rear surface extending generally in a first plane, the front surface extending generally in a second plane parallel to and spaced laterally forward from the first plane by a distance that is from 0.5 inches and 0.65 inches, the upper connecting portion including, a vertical connecting web extending vertically upward from the upper edge and having a rear portion substantially coplanar with the rear surface and adapted for juxtaposed placement with said wall, a fastener receiving portion joined to the vertical connecting web, the fastener receiving portion being spaced rearwardly from the second plane and including a fastener pierceable body adapted to receive a mechanical fastener therethrough, and upwardly extending shoulder member and a downwardly extending arm member, the shoulder member projecting upwardly from the pierceable body to define at least in part a longitudinally extending channel groove therewith, the arm member projecting downwardly from the pierceable body a distance part way towards the upper edge, wherein the arm member, pierceable body and panel body define at least in part a longitudinally extending retention groove sized for receiving an end portion of a hooked member therein, the lower edge, further including a horizontally extending boss, the boss sized for mated placement within the channel groove of a next lower-panel when positioned adjacent thereto, the covering flange portion being integral with and extending downwardly from the front surface a distance selected to substantially overly the fastener receiving portion of the next lower panel, the covering flange portion tapering rearwardly to a bottom panel edge portion, the bottom panel edge portion being resiliently movable from an unbiased position, wherein the bottom edge portion is spaced a distance that is from 0.030 inches to 0.150 inches, for example, from 0.040 inches to 0.080 inches, rearwardly from the second plane to a biased position wherein the bottom edge portion is moved forwardly by a deflected distance that is from 0.030 inches to 0.150 inches, for example, from 0.040 inches to 0.080 inches.
The present invention additionally provides various further non-limiting aspects, and which include without restriction as follows:
1. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter described aspects, wherein the panel body comprises a substantially hollow body, having inner and outer walls having a thickness that is from 0.020 inches to 0.070 inches, for example, 0.050 inches.
2. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter described aspects wherein, wherein the wall panels comprise modular wall panels wherein the panel body extends from the channel groove to the bottom of the panel body with a vertical height that is from 5.75 inches to 6.25 inches and/or the covering flange extends with a vertical thickness that is from 0.8 inches to 1.2 inches.
3. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter described aspects wherein a groove is provided between the shoulder member and arm member, and/or includes a visual indicia selected from the group consisting of a guide bevel, a molded starter line or other molded indicators, selected to indicate a desired mechanical fastener position.
4. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter described aspects, wherein the shoulder member and the arm member define a longitudinally extending groove therebetween, the groove being sized to substantially receive therein the entirety of a head portion of said mechanical fastener.
5. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter described aspects, wherein a forwardmost portion of the fastener receiving portion is spaced a distance rearwardly from the second plane.
6. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter described aspects, wherein the arm member includes a horizontally extending slot, the bottom edge portion including a rearwardly projecting rib adapted for resilient mated positioning in the slot of the next lower panel positioned adjacent thereto.
7. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter described aspects, wherein each of said panels comprise modular interchangeable panels formed as a unitary plastic, aluminum or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) extrusion.
8. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter described aspects, wherein said panel body includes a plurality of reinforcing webs spanning horizontally from said rear surface to said front surface, at least three of said reinforcing webs positioned for bearing contact with said hangar bracket when said tab is provided in engagement with said retention groove.
9. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter described aspects, wherein the first groove is further provided with a V-shaped notch, and in the installed position of a plurality of panels the fastening means are secured through the V-shaped notches.
In one aspect, there is provided an organizer wall panel assembly comprising a plurality of stackable panels having the substantially the same height and width, each said panel comprising a generally rectangular panel body having front surface, a wall engaging rear surface and horizontally extending upper and lower edges; an horizontally extending upper connecting portion, and a lower horizontally extending covering flange portion, the rear surface extending generally in a first plane, the front surface extending generally in a second plane parallel to and spaced laterally forward from the first plane, the upper connecting portion including, a vertical connecting web extending vertically upward from the upper edge and having a rear portion substantially coplanar with the rear surface and adapted for juxtaposed placement with said wall, a fastener receiving portion joined to the vertical connecting web, the fastener receiving portion being spaced rearwardly from the second plane and including a fastener pierceable body adapted to receive a mechanical fastener therethrough, and upwardly extending shoulder member and a downwardly extending arm member, the shoulder member projecting upwardly from the pierceable to define at least in part a longitudinally extending channel groove therewith, the arm member projecting downwardly from the pierceable body a distance part way towards the upper edge, wherein the arm member, pierceable body and panel body define at least in part a longitudinally extending retention groove seized for receiving an end portion of a hooked member therein, the covering flange portion being integral with and extending downwardly from the front surface a distance selected to substantially overly the fastener receiving portion of a next lower panel when positioned adjacent thereto, the covering flange portion tapering rearwardly to a bottom panel edge portion, the bottom panel edge portion being resiliently deformable between an unbiased position, wherein the bottom panel edge portion is spaced rearwardly from the second plane, and a biased position wherein the bottom panel edge portion is moved towards coplanar alignment with the second plane.
In another aspect, there is provided an organizer wall panel assembly comprising a plurality of stackable panels having the substantially the same height and width, said panels being secured to a wall in a stacked side-by-side arrangement, each said panel comprising a generally rectangular hollow panel body having front surface, a wall engaging rear surface and horizontally extending upper and lower edges; an upper horizontally extending connecting portion, and a lower horizontally extending covering flange portion, the rear surface extending generally in a first plane, the front surface extending generally in a second plane parallel to and spaced laterally forward from the first plane, the upper connecting portion including, a vertical connecting web extending vertically upward from the upper edge and having a rear portion substantially coplanar with the rear surface and adapted for juxtaposed placement with said wall, a fastener receiving portion joined to the vertical connecting web, the fastener receiving portion being spaced rearwardly from the second plane and including a fastener pierceable body adapted to receive a mechanical fastener therethrough, and upwardly extending shoulder member and a downwardly extending arm member, the shoulder member projecting upwardly from the pierceable body to define at least in part a longitudinally extending channel groove therewith, the arm member projecting downwardly from the pierceable body a distance part way towards the upper edge, wherein the arm member, pierceable body and panel body define at least in part a longitudinally extending retention groove sized for receiving an end portion of a hooked member therein, the lower edge further including a horizontally extending boss, the boss sized for mated placement within the channel groove of a next lower-panel when positioned adjacent thereto, the covering flange portion being integral with and extending downwardly from the front surface a distance selected to substantially overly the fastener receiving portion of the next lower panel, the covering flange portion tapering rearwardly to a bottom panel edge portion, the bottom panel edge portion being resiliently movable from an unbiased position, wherein the bottom panel edge portion being resiliently movable from an unbiased position, wherein the bottom panel edge portion is spaced a distance that is from 0.030 inches to 0.150 inches, rearwardly from the second plane to a biased position wherein the bottom panel edge portion is moved forwardly by a deflected distance that is from 0.030 inches to 0.150 inches.
In another aspect, there is provided a panel, defining a front-facing surface and a rear-facing surface, wherein the rear-facing surface is disposed, relative to the front-facing surface, on an opposite side of the panel, wherein the panel is configured for mounting to a wall such that the rear-facing surface is opposing the wall, wherein the panel comprises: an interacting portion, extending from the front-facing surface, and defining: a covering portion; and a first panel-defined interacting counterpart; wherein: the interacting portion is urged by a bias to a pre-deformation configuration, wherein, in the pre-deformation configuration, the extending of the interacting portion from the front-facing surface is with effect that the interacting portion is tapering rearwardly from the front-facing surface; at least a portion of the interacting portion is deformable from the pre-deformation configuration for effectuating transitioning of the interacting portion to an interference-effective deformed configuration, wherein the transitioning includes a forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart; the panel is configured for defining a first panel which is co-operable with a second panel, the second panel being co-operable with a fastener for effectuating connection of the second panel to a wall with the fastener, wherein the co-operability of the first panel with the second panel is such that: the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and a second panel-defined interacting counterpart, of the second panel, are configurable for disposition in a relative movement interference relationship, wherein, in the relative movement interference relationship: the interacting portion is disposed in the interference-effective deformed configuration; and interference, to relative movement, between the first panel and the second panel, is established; the bias urges resistance to defeating of the relative movement interference relationship; and while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, and the second panel is connected to a wall with a fastener, the covering portion of the first panel is covering the fastener.
In another aspect, there is provided panel, defining a front-facing surface and a rear-facing surface, wherein the rear-facing surface is disposed, relative to the front-facing surface, on an opposite side of the panel, wherein the panel is configured for mounting to a wall such that the rear-facing surface is opposing the wall, wherein the panel comprises: an interacting portion defining: a covering portion; and a first panel-defined interacting counterpart; wherein: the interacting portion is urged by a bias to a pre-deformation configuration; at least a portion of the interacting portion is deformable from the pre-deformation configuration for effectuating transitioning of the interacting portion to an interference-effective deformed configuration; the panel is configured for defining a first panel which is co-operable with a second panel, the second panel being co-operable with a fastener for effectuating connection of the second panel to a wall with the fastener, wherein the co-operability of the first panel with the second panel is such that: the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and a second panel-defined interacting counterpart, of the second panel, are configurable for disposition in a relative movement interference relationship, wherein, in the relative movement interference relationship: the interacting portion is disposed in the interference-effective deformed configuration; and the first panel-defined interacting counterpart is bearing against the second panel-defined interacting counterpart, such that there is established: an interference, to relative movement, between the first panel and the second panel, and an urging of resistance to defeating of the relative movement interference relationship by the bias; and while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, and the second panel is connected to a wall with a fastener, the covering portion of the first panel is covering the fastener.
In another aspect, there is provided a panel, defining a front-facing surface and a rear-facing surface, wherein the rear-facing surface is disposed, relative to the front-facing surface, on an opposite side of the panel, wherein the panel is configured for mounting to a wall such that the rear-facing surface is opposing the wall, wherein the panel comprises: an interacting portion, extending from the front-facing surface, and defining: a covering portion; and a first panel-defined interacting counterpart; wherein: the interacting portion is urged by a bias to a pre-deflection configuration, wherein, in the pre-deflection configuration, the extending of the interacting portion from the front-facing surface is with effect that the interacting portion is tapering rearwardly from the front-facing surface; the interacting portion is deflectable from the pre-deflection configuration to an interference-effective deflected configuration, such that a deflection of the interacting portion, from the pre-deflection configuration to the interference-effective deflected configuration, is obtainable, wherein the deflection from the pre-deflection configuration includes a forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart; the panel is configured for defining a first panel which is co-operable with a second panel, the second panel being co-operable with a fastener for effectuating mounting of the second panel to a wall with the fastener, wherein the co-operability of the first panel with the second panel is such that: the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and a second panel-defined interacting counterpart, of the second panel, are configurable for disposition in a relative movement interference relationship, wherein, in the relative movement interference relationship: the interacting portion is disposed in the interference-effective deflected configuration; and interference, to relative movement, between the first panel and the second panel, is established; the bias urges resistance to defeating of the relative movement interference relationship; and while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, and the second panel is connected to a wall with a fastener, the covering portion of the first panel is covering the fastener.
In another aspect, there is provided a panel, defining a front-facing surface and a rear-facing surface, wherein the rear-facing surface is disposed, relative to the front-facing surface, on an opposite side of the panel, wherein the panel is configured for mounting to a wall such that the rear-facing surface is opposing the wall, wherein the panel comprises: an interacting portion defining: a covering portion; and a first panel-defined interacting counterpart; wherein: the interacting portion is urged by a bias to a pre-deflection configuration; the interacting portion is deflectable from the pre-deflection configuration to an interference-effective deflected configuration, such that a deflection of the interacting portion, from the pre-deflection configuration to the interference-effective deflected configuration, is obtainable; the panel is configured for defining a first panel which is co-operable with a second panel, the second panel being co-operable with a fastener for effectuating connection of the second panel to a wall with the fastener, wherein the co-operability of the first panel with the second panel is such that: the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and a second panel-defined interacting counterpart, of the second panel, are configurable for disposition in a relative movement interference relationship, wherein, in the relative movement interference relationship: the interacting portion is disposed in the interference-effective deflected configuration; and the first panel-defined interacting counterpart is bearing against the second panel-defined interacting counterpart, such that there is established: an interference, to relative movement, between the first panel and the second panel, and an urging of resistance to defeating of the relative movement interference relationship by the bias; and while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, and the second panel is connected to a wall with a fastener, the covering portion of the first panel is covering the fastener.
Other aspects will be apparent from the description and drawings provided herein.
Reference may now be bad to the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:
Referring to
As is illustrated in
Referring to
Each panel 20 is provided as interchangeable panels having a unitary construction. In some embodiments, for example, the material of the panel 20 includes plastic or aluminum. In some embodiments, for example, the material of the panel 20 includes polyvinylchloride (PVC). In some embodiments, for example the panel 20 is an extrusion. The panel 20 has an overall vertical height that is from five (5) to eight (8) inches, for example, from six (6) to seven (7) inches, and may be provided with a variable longitudinal length. In some embodiments, for example, the length of the panel is from six (6) feet to 16 feet; for example, from eight (8) feet to 12 feet. Longer or shorter panels 20 may however be provided depending on the final application.
As illustrated in
As shown in
A horizontally extending arm member 62 extends downwardly from the forward edge portion of the pierceable body 54 generally vertically aligned beneath the shoulder member 56. In some embodiments, for example, the arm member 62 extends part way, for example, approximately half way towards the upper edge 32a of the panel body 22. In some embodiments, for example, the shoulder member 56 and arm member 62 extend to a forwardmost distance which is spaced rearwardly from the plane PF. The configuration of the fastener receiving portion 42 is selected to allow for the positioning of a covering flange portion 26 of a next upper adjacent panel 20, in a position substantially overlying the fastening receiving portion 52, in a generally co-planar arrangement with the plane PF.
In some embodiments, for example, the shoulder member 56 and arm member 62 define a fastener receiving groove 68 therebetween. The fastener receiving groove 68 is sized to substantially receive therein head portion 18 of the screw fasteners 16, when inserted through the fastener pierceable body 54 in the mechanical securement of the panel 20 to the wall studs 12.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, for example, the interacting portion 25 is urged by a bias to a pre-deformation configuration (illustrated in solid line in
In some embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the interacting portion 25 is deformable from the pre-deformation configuration (illustrated in solid line in
In some embodiments, for example, the transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deformation configuration to the interference-effective deformed configuration includes a forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38. In some embodiments, for example, the forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 for transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deformation configuration to the interference-effective deformed configuration is a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 in a forwardly direction. In some embodiments, for example, the forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 for transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deformation configuration to the interference-effective deformed configuration includes a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 by a distance of at least 0.030 inches in a forwardly direction. In some embodiments, for example, the forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 for transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deformation configuration to the interference-effective deformed configuration includes a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 by a distance of 0.0625 inches in a forwardly direction.
In some embodiments, for example, the ratio of: (i) the length of the interacting portion 25, and (ii) the forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 for transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deformation configuration to the interference-effective deformed configuration, has a minimum value of at least 3:1.
In some embodiments, for example, the panel 20 is configured for defining a first panel 20 which is co-operable with a second panel 20. In some embodiments, for example, the second panel 20 is co-operable with a fastener 16 for effectuating connection of the second panel 20 to a wall with the fastener 16. In some embodiments, for example, the co-operability of the first panel with the second panel is such that. the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 and a second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66, for example, a longitudinally extending notch 66, of the second panel 20, are configurable for disposition in a relative movement interference relationship, as depicted in
In some embodiments, for example, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66 are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 is engaging the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66, such that the interference, to relative movement, between the first panel 20 and the second panel 20, is established.
In some embodiments, for example, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66 are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 is bearing against the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66, such that the interference, to relative movement, between the first panel 20 and the second panel 20, is established.
In some embodiments, for example, the co-operability of the first panel 20 with the second panel 20 is such that: the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66, of the second panel 20, are configurable for disposition in the relative movement interference relationship, wherein, in the relative movement interference relationship: the interacting portion 25 is disposed in the interference-effective deformed configuration; and the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 is bearing against the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66, such that there is established: (i) an interference, to relative movement, between the first panel 20 and the second panel 20, and (ii) an urging of resistance to defeating of the relative movement interference relationship by the bias of the interacting portion 25.
In some embodiments, for example, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66 are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 is disposed in snap fit engagement with the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66, such that the interference, to relative movement, between the first panel 20 and the second panel 20, is established.
In some embodiments, for example, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66 are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66 are disposed in opposing relationship.
In some embodiments, for example, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, for example, the front facing surface 28 defines a planar surface, and, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66 are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, an axis, normal to the first panel-defined opposing surface 39, is parallel to an axis that is normal to the planar front facing surface 28.
In some embodiments, for example, the front facing surface 28 is a planar surface, the covering portion 26 defines a front-facing covering portion surface 27 that is a planar surface, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, for example, the bias of the interacting portion 25 urges resistance to defeating of the relative movement interference relationship of the first panel 20 and the second panel 20.
In some embodiments, for example, the bias of the interacting portion 25 is a material bias of the interacting portion 25.
In some embodiments, for example, the transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deformation configuration to the interference-effective deformed configuration is effected by elastic deformation of the interacting portion 25. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the interacting portion 25 is elastically deformable.
In some embodiments, for example, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, for example, the transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deformation configuration to the transitioning-effective deformed configuration includes a forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38. In some embodiments, for example, the forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 for transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deformation configuration to the transitioning-effective deformed configuration is a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 in a forwardly direction. In some embodiments, for example, the forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 for transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deformation configuration to the transitioning-effective deformed configuration includes a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 by a distance of at least 0.060 inches in a forwardly direction. In some embodiments, for example, the forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 for transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deformation configuration to the transitioning-effective deformed configuration includes a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 by a distance that is from 0.060 inches to 0.300 inches, in a forwardly direction. In some embodiments, for example, the forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 for transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deformation configuration to the transitioning-effective deformed configuration includes a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 by a distance of 0.1125 inches, in a forwardly direction.
In some embodiments, for example, the transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deformation configuration to the transitioning-effective deformed configuration is effected by elastic deformation of the interacting portion 25.
In some embodiments, for example, the transitioning of the interacting portion 25 from the transitioning-effective deformed configuration to the interference-effective deformed configuration is effected by elastic deformation of the interacting portion 25.
In some embodiments, for example, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66 are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, and the second panel 20 is connected to a wall with a fastener 16, the covering portion 26 of the first panel 20 is covering the fastener 16.
In some embodiments, for example, the covering of the fastener 16 by the covering portion 26 of the first panel 20 is occluding of the fastener 16 by the covering portion 26 of the first panel 20.
In some embodiments, for example, the covering of the fastener 16 by the covering portion 26 of the first panel 20 is concealing of the fastener by the covering portion 26 of the first panel 20.
In some embodiments, for example, while the panel 20 is defining the first panel 20, which is co-operable with the second panel 20, the mountability of the panel 20 to the wall, for which the panel 20 is configured, is independent of its co-operability with the second panel 20.
In some embodiments, for example, a fastener 16 is receivable by the panel 20 for mounting of the panel 20 to a wall, such that the mountability of the panel 20 to the wall, for which the panel 20 is configured, is based upon the receiving of the fastener 16 by the panel 20. In some embodiments, for example, the receiving is with effect that the fastener 16 extends through the panel 20.
In some embodiments, for example, the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66, for example, the longitudinally extending notch 66, is defined by the arm member 62, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, for example, the deformability of the at least a portion the interacting portion 25 is such that the at least a portion of the interacting portion 25 is deflectable. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the interacting portion 25 is urged by a bias to a pre-deflection configuration, and the interacting portion is deflectable from the pre-deflection configuration to an interference-effective deflected configuration. While the first panel-defined interacting counterpart 38 of a first panel 20 and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart 66 of a second panel 20 are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the interacting portion 25 of the first panel 20 is disposed in the interference-effective deflected configuration, and interference, to relative movement, between the first panel 20 and the second panel 20, is established.
In some embodiments, for example, the deflectability of the at least a portion of the interacting portion 25 from the pre-deflection configuration, is also for effectuating transitioning of the interacting portion 25 to a transitioning-effective deflected configuration. In some embodiments, for example. the interacting portion 25 is deflectable from the pre-deflection configuration to a transitioning-effective deflected configuration, such that a deflection of the interacting portion, from the pre-deflection configuration to the transitioning-effective deflected configuration, is obtainable. In some embodiments, for example, while the interacting portion 25 is disposed in the transitioning-effective deflected configuration, and the second panel 20 is disposed in a co-operative alignment with the interacting portion 25, the interacting portion 25 is urged, by the bias, for displacement, relative to the second panel 20, with effect that the first panel 20 becomes disposed in the interference-effective deflected configuration.
A first organizer panel 20 is then mounted horizontally against the dry wall sheet 10 in the position shown in
The remainder of the wall panel assembly 8 may then be completed by assembling subsequent organizer panels 20 in a horizontally stacked edge-to-edge relationship to provide the wall panel assembly 8 of a desired vertical height. As each next panel 20 is positioned, the boss 34 of the next adjacent panel 20 received in the channel groove 60 of the underlying panel 20, the shoulder member 56 of the underlying panel 20 is received in the channel groove 61 of the adjacent panel, and screw fasteners 16 are inserted through the fastener pierceable body 54 and into the studs 12 in the manner shown in
In some embodiments, for example, the panel body 22, reinforcing wall 46, body 54 and arm member 62 define an L-shaped retention groove 64 therebetween.
As shown in
The applicant has appreciated that the angular orientation of the finger 90 relative to the horizontal web 86 facilitates the positioning of the hangar member back 82 more fully against the front surface 28 of the panel body 22, when a load is suspended from the hangar member 80.
The preceding discussion provides many example embodiments. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, other examples may include all suitable combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, may also be used.
The term “connected” or “coupled to” may include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements).
Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations could be made herein.
Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, and composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be examples only. The invention is defined by the appended claims.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17173603 | Feb 2021 | US |
Child | 17669292 | US |