The present invention relates to wall panels and wall panel systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to wall panels adapted to receive and retain detachable shelving hooks, and other accessories for displaying objects. Such wall panels and systems may be used to display merchandise in retail stores, display or store various items in residential homes or offices, as well as in other locations.
Generally, such systems are well known in the art. Many such systems typically include a slatted wall panel with a number of recessed slots extending linearly along the front surface. These slots typically extend horizontally, the recessed slots being in communication with undercuts on the upper sides of the respective slots to form an L-shaped slot. T-shaped slots may also be formed utilizing two such undercuts, one above the slot and one below.
Most slatted wall panels allow for insertion of particularly structured shelves, shelf brackets and hooks at any location along the recessed slot. Such items are L-shaped in cross section. Insertion is typically achieved by tilting the item to be inserted upward beyond a certain angle, generally around 45°, and inserting the item (specifically, the “foot” of the “L” shape) into the slot. Once inserted into the slot, the item may be rotated downward to its resting orientation where it is loosely retained within the slot by the “foot” of the “L” shape being within the undercut.
In designs of the type described above, the item is generally free to rotate back towards the angle of insertion. This is typically undesirable as, for instance, when items are placed on, for example, a shelf, users may dislodge the shelf from the slatted wall when removing the items. It is also undesirable because free space is required above or below an accessory to permit adequate space for the angled insertion. Thus, the density of display and the freedom of access is reduced.
Other systems are also known in the art. In some applications, a shelf supporting bracket may be slid into the slot from an open end of a slatted wall panel. Thus, if an accessory is inserted into one side, it may only be removed by sliding it back to that open end, or sliding it across the entire length of the panel to another open end.
Other wall display systems comprise panels having planar front surfaces including slats extended both horizontally and vertically along the front surface. In such display panel systems, items may be inserted into the slots where they are retained by a pressure fit. Once inserted into a slot, these items are retained in a fixed position, as their fitting mechanisms do not allow for sliding along the slots. One example of a system of this general type is U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,969 issued to Beeskau, et al.
Finally, wall display systems commonly referred to as “peg board” are known in the art. Such systems comprise a panel having spaced apertures. Accessories, such as hooks, may be inserted into the apertures. Items may then be stored or displayed on the hooks. Wall display systems of this type offer no mobility of the accessory once placed within an aperture.
Despite the wall panel systems of the prior art, there remains a need for a simple and efficient wall panel system with improved and versatile features.
Among the improved features of a wall panel of the present invention is the ability of accessories to be installed using a “plug and slide” technique. This technique calls for shaped openings within each slot of the wall panel with correspondingly shaped pieces on accessories to be connected to the wall panel. These shaped pieces may be inserted directly into the shaped openings of the wall panel, without the need to be tilted. Once inserted, they may be slid along the recessed slot and out of registration with the shaped openings where they are unable to be withdrawn from the wall panel. In this regard, the present invention may be characterized as a slatwall/pegboard hybrid, a pegboard with accessory mobility, or a slatwall with pegboard qualities. The shaped pieces may be fabricated to fit snugly to the recessed slot, representing an improvement to the loose fit of conventional slatwall or pegboard systems. This plug and slide feature serves as one basis of a variety of accessories for the present invention.
Another improved feature of the present invention is the flexibility of variously sized modular tiles which may be used in various configurations including continuous grids or scattered individual tiles. Typical slatwall or pegboard systems are sold in large sheets which must be cut to fit particular installation locations. The system of the present invention may be adapted to any horizontal or vertical surface, including ceilings, typically without requiring cutting and fitting. Such modularity is not simple scaling of panels as the features of the panel system preferably remain constant (e.g., the size of the slots and shaped openings) even as the overall size of the panel varies.
The present invention also contemplates methods for creating slatted wall panels of the type disclosed herein, either from original manufacture or by retrofitting existing slatted wall panels. Such retrofitting may include the use of specially designed jigs.
One aspect of the present invention is a wall panel for holding an accessory. In one embodiment of the wall panel, the wall panel comprises a recessed slot, at least a portion of which having an undercut, and a shaped opening in communication with a portion of the recessed slot and the undercut. The shaped opening is capable of receiving a shaped attachment member of an accessory. The shaped attachment member may then be slid within the undercut and the recessed slot beyond the limits of the shaped opening.
The wall panel may further comprise slots adjacent to the recessed slot. If so provided, the shaped opening may extend into at least one of the slots.
The wall panel may further comprise a first side edge and an opposed second side edge. It may also include a first end edge and an opposed second end edge extending between the first side edge and second side edge. The recessed slot may be in communication with the first end edge.
The shaped opening may be in communication with the first side edge or the first end edge.
The shaped opening may be in communication with both the first end edge and the first side edge.
The shaped opening may be interior of the edges and the shaped attachment member of an accessory may be detachable from the wall panel when aligned with the shaped opening.
Where the shaped opening is interior of the edges, the wall panel may comprise an additional shaped opening in communication with the first end edge.
Where the shaped opening is interior of the edges, the wall panel may comprise an additional shaped opening in communication with the first end edge and the first side edge.
The wall panel having first and second side edges and first and second end edges may also include a female recess along one of the first end edge, the second end edge, the first side edge, or the second side edge.
The wall panel having first and second side edges and first and second end edges may also include at least one male protrusion extending from one of the edges.
Another aspect of the present invention is a wall panel system comprising a plurality of wall panels for holding an accessory, each of the panels comprising a recessed slot, at least a portion of which having an undercut, and a shaped opening in communication with a portion of the recessed slot and the undercut. The shaped opening may be capable of receiving a shaped attachment member of an accessory. The shaped attachment member may then be slidable within the undercut and the recessed slot beyond the limits of the shaped opening.
The shaped openings of the wall panel may be substantially round.
The shaped openings of the wall panel may be substantially square and the wall panel may be mounted in a vertical orientation.
The shaped openings of the wall panel may be a logo, design, symbol or device that is associated with a company, individual or group.
The wall panel may be mounted on a ceiling.
The accessory used in conjunction with the wall panel may further comprise a rail insertable into the recessed slot of the wall panel.
Where the accessory to be used with a wall panel includes a rail, the rail may be in communication with the shaped attachment member.
In another aspect of the invention, the wall panel may comprise a first backing strip, a second backing strip, and a plurality of facing strips attached to the backing strips. At least one of the facing strips may include a shaped recess. The facing strips may be in communication with the backing strips so as to form an undercut in communication with the shaped recess. The shaped recess may be capable of receiving a shaped attachment member of an accessory. The shaped attachment member may then be slidable within the undercuts adjacent to the shaped recess beyond the limits of the shaped recess.
Each of the backing strips may include a slot adjacent to a plurality of raised portions. The facing strips may be attached to the raised portions of the backing strips.
The raised portions of the backing strips may include a protruding member and each of the facing strips may include plurality of apertures extending therethrough. If so provided, the protruding members may fit within the apertures to attach the facing strips to the backing strips.
A plurality of wall panels wherein each of the wall panels includes first backing strip, a second back strip and a plurality of facing strips attached to the backing strips may also be provided. At least one of the facing strips may include a shaped recess. The facing strips may be in communication with the backing strips to form an undercut in communication with the shaped recess. The shaped recess may be capable of receiving a shaped attachment member of an accessory, the shaped attachment member then being slidable within the undercuts adjacent to the shaped recess beyond the limits of the shaped recess.
In another aspect of the invention, a wall panel system comprising at least one wall panel and at least one accessory may be provided. Each of the wall panels may comprise a recessed slot, at least a portion of which having an undercut, and a shaped opening in communication with a portion of the recessed slot and the undercut. The accessory may include a shaped attachment member wherein the shaped opening and the undercut are capable of receiving the shaped attachment member of the accessory. The shaped attachment member may then be slidable within the undercut and the recessed slot beyond the limits of the shaped opening.
A plurality of such wall panels may be provided wherein at least one of the wall panels is adjacent to one other of the wall panels.
Where a plurality of such wall panels are adjacent, the recessed slots and the undercuts of the adjacent wall panels may align.
A plurality of such wall panels may be provided wherein each of the wall panels comprises a first side edge and an opposed second side edge, a first end edge and an opposed second end edge extending between the first side edge and the second side edge and a female recess along one of the edges.
In this wall panel system, a nib having a first portion and a second portion may also be provided. The first portion and the second portion may be in registration with the female recesses of the wall panels such that the first portion may be inserted into the female recess of one of the wall panels while the second portion is inserted into the female recess of another of the wall panels adjacent to the first wall panel.
Each of the wall panels may further comprise a male protrusion on one of the edges such that the male protrusion is in registration with the female recess provided on one of the edges of another of the wall panels.
In the wall panel system comprising at least one wall panel and at least one accessory wherein each of the wall panels comprises a recessed slot, at least a portion of which having an undercut, and a shaped opening in communication with a portion of the recessed slot and the undercut, and where the accessory includes a shaped attachment member wherein the shaped opening and the undercut are capable of receiving the shaped attachment member of the accessory, and wherein the shaped attachment member is slidable within the undercut and the recessed slot beyond the limits of the shaped opening, each of the wall panels may further comprise a first side edge and an opposed second side edge, and a first end edge and an opposed second end edge extending between the first side edge and the second side edge. At least one of the panels may further comprise a female recess along one of the edges and another one of the panels may further comprise a male protrusion along one of the edges such that the female recess of one of the panels is in registration with the male protrusion of another of the panels.
In the wall panel system comprising at least one wall panel and at least one accessory previously described, the accessory may be selected from the group consisting of a bracket, a shelf, a cubbie, a modular accessory, or plug and slide hardware.
The accessory may further comprise a rail insertable into the recess slot of the wall panel.
The rail may be in communication with the shaped attachment member.
In a wall panel system where the accessory is a bracket, the bracket may include a first extension and a second extension extending perpendicularly therefrom. The first extension may be capable of supporting a shelf and the shaped attachment member may be in communication with the second extension. The wall panel system may further comprise a shelf supported on the first extension of the bracket.
The first extension may include shelf guides extending therefrom. The shelf may include grooves capable of receiving the shelf guides to secure the shelf upon the first extension.
In a wall panel system where the accessory is a shelf, the shelf may include a back member and a shelf member extending perpendicularly therefrom. The back member may be in communication with the shaped attachment member such that the back member is adjacent to the wall panel when the shaped attachment member is inserted into the shaped opening.
The back member may include an aperture to facilitate alignment of the shaped attachment member of the shelf with the shaped opening of the wall panel.
The shelf may further comprise a rail in communication with the back member. The rail may be capable of being inserted into the recessed slot of the wall panel.
Each of the back member and the shelf member may include a first side edge and an opposed second side edge. The shelf may further include a first side member in communication with the first side edge of each of the back member and the shelf member and a second side member in communication with the second side edge of each of the back member and the shelf member.
In a wall panel system where the accessory is a cubbie, the cubbie may comprise a back member and a shelf member extending perpendicular therefrom. Each of the back member and the shelf member may include a first side edge and an opposed second side edge. The cubbie may further comprise a first side member in communication with the first side edge of each of the back member and the shelf member and a second side member in communication with the second side edge of each of the back member and the shelf member, and a roof member in communication with the first side member, the second side member and the back member.
The back member may include an aperture to facilitate alignment of the shaped attachment member of the shelf with the shaped opening of the wall panel.
The cubbie may further comprise a rail in communication with the back member.
The rail may be capable of being inserted into the recessed slot of the wall panel.
In a wall panel system where the accessory is a modular accessory, the modular accessory may comprise a back plate with an aperture. The shaped attachment member may be in communication with the back plate.
The aperture may be a snap-in aperture. If so provided, the modular accessory may further include a snap in module, the module having a portion capable of being fitted within the snap-in aperture.
In a wall panel system where the accessory is plug and slide hardware, the hardware may comprise a rail. The shaped attachment member may be in communication with the rail.
In a wall panel system, the shaped attachment member may be T-shaped in cross section.
In a wall panel system, the shaped attachment member may be L-shaped in cross section.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method of converting a conventional wall panel having a front surface, a recessed slot and an undercut, so as to permit the conventional wall panel to accept an accessory having a shaped attachment member. The method comprises the step of forming at least one shaped opening in communication with the slot and the undercut. The shaped opening must be large enough to accept a shaped attachment member of an accessory at an insertion angle generally normal to the front surface of the conventional wall panel. The shaped attachment member may then be slidable within the slot and the undercut beyond the limits of the shaped opening.
The method of converting conventional wall panel may further comprise the step of providing a jig. The jig may have a hole forming guide extending therethrough a rail capable of being inserted into the recessed slots of the conventional wall panel so as to align the jig along a first access.
The step of forming at least one shaped opening in the method of converting conventional wall panel may comprise the step of inserting a hole forming device into the hole forming guide to form the at least one shaped opening.
The step of providing a jig in the method of converting conventional wall panel may include providing a jig having a viewing aperture. The method may further comprise the step of aligning the viewing aperture with an already formed shaped opening so as to align the jig along the first axis prior to forming an additional shaped opening at a predetermined interval along the first axis.
The step of providing a jig in the method of converting conventional wall paper may include providing a jig in which the hole forming guide includes a depth guide to provide an indication that the shaped opening being formed is in communication with the undercut of the conventional wall panel.
The step of providing a jig in the method of converting conventional wall panel may also include providing a jig in which the hole forming guide includes a stop to prevent further hole formation once the shaped opening being formed is in communication with the recessed slot.
In the method of converting a conventional wall panel wherein the wall panel further comprises a plurality of slots adjacent to the recessed slot, the step of forming at least one shaped opening in communication with the slot and the undercut further includes forming the shaped opening within one of the plurality of slots.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method of forming wall panel comprising the steps of providing a relatively planar board, milling the board to form a recessed slot and undercut within the board, and forming a shaped opening in the board beyond the limits of the recessed slots so as to form a shaped opening extending into the undercut. The shaped opening and undercut may be capable of receiving a shaped attachment member of an accessory. The shaped attachment member may be slidable within the undercut and the recessed slot beyond the limits of the shaped opening.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method of forming wall panel comprising the steps of providing a relatively planar board, milling the board to form a slot adjacent to a plurality of raised portions, providing a plurality of facing strips, one of the facing strips including a shaped recess, and attaching the facing strips to the raised portions of the board to form undercuts above the slot. The shaped recess and the undercuts may be capable of receiving a shaped attachment member of an accessory, shaped attachment member being slidable within the undercut and the slot beyond the limits of the shaped recess.
In this method of forming wall panel, the step of attaching the facing strips to the raised portions of the board may be achieved mechanically or chemically, or by a combination thereof.
This method of forming wall panel may further comprise the steps of providing apertures through the raised portions, providing apertures through the facing strips, and aligning the apertures of the raised portions with the apertures of the facing strips, wherein the step of attaching the facing strips to the raised portions of the board is achieved mechanically.
The raised portions of the board in this method of forming wall panel may further include protruding members. The method may further include the step of providing apertures through the facing strips. If so provided, the step of attaching the facing strips to the raised portions of the board may be achieved by inserting the protruding members through the facing strip apertures to form undercuts above the slot.
A further aspect of the present invention is a method of forming wall panel comprising the steps of providing a plurality of backing strips, providing a plurality of facing strips, at least one of the facing strips including a shaped recess, and attaching the plurality of facing strips to the backing strips to form a plurality of undercuts. In this method, the shaped recess may be capable of receiving a shaped attachment member of an accessory. The accessory may then be slidable within the undercuts adjacent the shaped recess beyond the limits of the shaped recess.
In this method, the backing strips may further comprise a slot adjacent to a pair of raised portions. The step of attaching the plurality of facing strips to the backing strips to form a plurality of undercuts may include attaching the facing strips to the raised portions of the backing strip.
Another aspect of the present invention is an accessory for use with a wall panel having a recess slot with an undercut and a shaped opening in communication with a portion of the recessed slot and the undercut. The accessory may have a shaped attachment member capable of being inserted into the shaped opening of the wall panel. The shaped attachment member may be slidable within the undercut and the recessed slot beyond the limits of the shaped opening.
The shaped attachment member of the accessory may have a T-shaped cross section.
The shaped attachment member of the accessory may include an extension member fitting within the slot of the wall panel and a shaped piece fitting within the undercut of the wall panel.
The shaped attachment member of the accessory may include a shaped piece. The shaped piece may form a shape selected from the group consisting of circular, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, star shaped or oval.
A still further aspect of the present invention includes a wall panel system comprising a wall panel and an accessory. The wall panel may have a first region and a second region. The first region may further comprise a recessed slot, at least a portion of which having an undercut, and a shaped opening in communication with a portion of the recessed slot and the undercut. The shaped opening may be capable of receiving a shaped attached member of an accessory. The second region may comprise conventional wall panel having a recessed slot and an undercut. The conventional wall panel may be converted so as to permit the conventional wall panel to accept an accessory having a shaped attachment member. The accessory may have a shaped attachment member capable of being inserted into the shaped opening of the first and second region. The shaped attachment member may be slidable within the undercut and the recessed slot beyond the limits of the shaped opening.
Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of installing an accessory into a wall panel having a recessed slot, an undercut and a shaped opening in communication with the recessed slot. The accessory may include a projecting member. The method comprises the steps of inserting the projecting member of the accessory into the shaped openings substantially without tilting the accessory from the orientation in which it will be installed on the wall panel, and sliding the accessory in the recessed slot so that a portion of the projecting member extends into an undercut.
In the following is described the embodiments of the wall panel and system of the present invention. In describing the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific term so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes like structures, devices and materials, as well as technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, while the invention refers to “wall panels,” and to accessories that are to be connected, supported and/or associated with a “wall panel,” the invention claimed and described herein is not limited to walls or surfaces that are vertical, and may apply to orientations that are angled or horizontal, such as ceilings. The term “accessory” as used herein shall mean any item to be connected to a wall panel, and shall include, but not be limited to, shelving brackets, shelving, connectors to hold any item, cubbies, and other items discussed herein.
Referring to the figures,
The wall panels 2 of one embodiment also include recessed slots 14 extending between the first side edge 6 and second side edge 8. Of course, a single panel may have one or more recessed slots. As shown in
The slots 14 include an undercut which is in communication with the slot and extends under a slot, preferably the upper slot. In the preferred embodiment, the undercut extends in both directions—upper and lower—to form a “T-shaped” cross-section, as will be discussed below. The undercuts in the preferred embodiment form the short extensions of the “T”.
Preferably, within each recessed slot 14 are included shaped openings 16. The shaped openings 16 of the preferred embodiment, as shown in
The shaped opening can also form part of an overall design on a panel system, the other part of the design being incorporated, by printing, wallpaper or otherwise, on the slats. Additional details with regard to shaped openings will be provided hereinafter.
As is shown in
When individual slatted wall panels 2 are combined in accordance with this preferred embodiment, a plurality of such panels may be arranged in an array 18 such as the one shown in
In a preferred embodiment, wall panels 2 may be constructed of standard sizes. A typical panel may therefore be a 12 inch by 12 inch square, and may be slatted. The slatted wall panel 2 may also be provided in modular sizes, which in varied combinations allow the installer flexibilities of configuration not available in conventional slat wall sold in large sheets to be cut to size. The slatted wall panel of the present invention is such that it may be assembled from various sized modules. Accordingly, in this and other respects, it is an improvement over prior systems, many of which are geared safely towards professionally installed commercial systems over large surfaces, such as a large display wall. The modularity of the present invention permits assembly in smaller or odd-shaped surfaces. This can be accomplished without the need for the installer to use cutting tools. As such, the system is highly adaptable to areas which abound in most every home, such as kitchen backsplashes, backs of closet doors, sides of furniture, patches of bathroom or bedroom walls, storage closets, workbenches, etc. The slatted wall panels 2 may also be cut or built to fit a specific application in the field, or may be custom manufactured to specific sizes. Depending on the materials of construction and the sophistication of the installer, the panels may also be trimmed to size during installation.
Upon formation of the array 18 of slatted wall panels 2 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the portions of the shaped openings 16 occurring at the corners of each slatted wall panel will form full-sized shaped openings 16 at each location where four panels intersect. Similarly, the recessed slots 14a and 14c occurring at the top edge 10 and bottom edge 12 of each panel will form full-sized recessed slots 14 in the areas where two panels abut each other at the top edge of one and the bottom edge of another.
Portions of the shaped openings 16 occurring at the corners of the panel 2 form a first ledge 17, parallel to slot 14 and second ledge 19, perpendicular to slot 14. As is shown, recessed slot 14b forms in cross-section, the shape of a “T”. Recessed slot 14b comprises a first section 24 extending perpendicularly into the front surface 4 of slatted wall panel 2. The first section 24 extends into an elongated second section 26 extending generally parallel to front surface 4 to form the T. Of course, other cross-sectional shapes may be used as well. For example, an “L-shaped” cross-section may also be used. The common features is the undercut—in the “T” forming one of the short extensions of the “T”; while in the “L” forming the “foot” of the “L”.
As previously stated, the recessed slot 14a along the top edge 10 of one slatted wall panel 2 may be placed in communication with the recessed slot 14c along the bottom edge 12 of another slatted wall panel 2 to create a full recessed slot 14 of the type shown in 14b. This feature is shown in
As with slatted wall panel 2 of the first embodiment, slatted wall panel 2 of the second embodiment may be arranged in an array as well. The array is constructed in much the same manner as the array 18 shown in
It will also be appreciated that the slatted wall panel 2 of the third embodiment may be designed to be either smaller or larger than the slatted wall panel 2 depicted in
The wall panel shown in
It will be noted that the slatted wall panel shown in
Thus far, each of the wall panels 2 depicted have included slots 14 extending to an edge 6, 8. It will be appreciated that the slots 14 may, however, not extent to an edge 6, 8. Rather, the slots 14 may be contained entirely within the perimeter of the wall panel 2.
In instances where the slatted wall panels 2 are used to form arrays 18, male locking and/or registration nibs 36 and female recesses 38 may be provided. Examples of such male nibs 36 and female recesses 38 are shown in
The male nibs 36 along the edges 6, 8, 10, 12 may also be removed. Removal of the male nibs 36 at the top edge 10 is preferred at the extremity of arrays 18, such that the array is substantially flat on top. This will permit the array 18 both to look aesthetically pleasing and to completely abut an adjoining surface such as a ceiling. It also permits a frame to be installed around the array's 18 outer perimeter to provide a cleaner appearance. Male nibs 36 at other extremities may also be removed by the installer, if so inclined.
It will be appreciated that the shaped openings 16 are merely enlarged openings within the slots 14 of the slatted wall panel 2. As previously discussed, the shaped openings 16 may be of a multitude of configurations. While the shaped openings 16 of the previous figures were all squares, the shaped openings of
It will be appreciated however, that no matter the configuration of the shaped openings 16, a cross sectional view of the slotted sections can be substantially similar. For example, the cross sectional view of a slatted wall panel 2 with the circular shaped openings 16 may appear substantially similar to the cross sectional view of a slatted wall panel 2 constructed with square openings, or star shaped openings. This is true so long as the upper and lower extremities of the openings 16 are separated by equal distances. This dimension may vary in accordance with the particular design of the slatted wall panel 2.
The slatted wall panels 2 may also be provided with decorative surface patterns 44 such as the pattern shown in
The slatted wall panels 2 and components of this invention may be constructed from any suitable material. Preferably, slatted wall panels will be constructed of wood, plastic or medium density fiber board (MDF). Other materials such as various metals and composites may also be utilized. Combinations of these materials may also be used.
The slatted wall panels 2 may be molded into their final condition in a mold, or cast or extruded as a single piece and then processed into the final condition. The wall panels 2 may also be constructed from multiple pieces.
The shaped openings 16 may then be formed in a second step. These openings will typically be formed by drilling locations of the T-slots 14 at periodic intervals.
It will be appreciated that the drilling method may result in circular shaped openings 16 as shown in
Facing strips 52, as shown in
Preferably, the holes 54 on the face strips 52 will be tapped holes which bolts may engage. When used with tapped holes 54, the bolt 56 will engage the tapped threads such that it is sufficiently secure without use of a bolt. Various forms of thread locking or bolt retaining compounds may also be utilized to prevent the bolt from backing out. In applications utilizing untapped holes, the bolts 56 may protrude through the face strip 52 such that a nut may be used to retain the bolt. Alternatively, the fastener 56 may be inserted from the front of the facing strip 58, such that the head 60 may be flush with the facing strip. In this case, the holes 50 shown in
The faceplates 68 of
Existing slat wall which has already been installed may be retrofitted to permit use of the accessories of the present invention. Preferably, a jig 102 is used to facilitate such retrofitting. The jig 102 may be set up to create shaped openings 16 of a variety of configurations, such as those previously discussed including, circles, squares and the like.
The size of the jig 102, including the rails 108 and the jig holes 104, must be customized for each type of existing slat wall 100 as well as for the accessories to be provided. Once in place, the jig 102 may be slid along the existing slots 110 in the slat wall 100 to make shaped openings 16 in the existing slots 110 that may then accommodate accessories of the present invention.
Generally, the rails 108 running along the rear of the jig 102 will be inserted into the recessed slots 110 of the existing slat wall 100. This provides vertical orientation for the jig 102 if the slots 110 of the existing slat wall 100 are running in their customary horizontal fashion. Horizontal orientation may be provided by using the jig holes 104, as will be discussed hereinafter. Once the rail 108 of the jig 102 is aligned into a recessed slot 110 of the existing slat wall 100, one edge 107 of the jig 102 may be aligned with one edge 101 of the slat wall 100. Shaped openings 16 may then be created in the existing slat wall 100 by inserting a drill with an appropriate sized bit or hole saw attachment, or a router bit, such as a plunge router bit of appropriate diameter, into the drill guides 112 provided on the jig 102. Once all of the shaped openings 16 beneath each drill guide 112 have been formed, the jig 102 may be shifted horizontally along the slat wall 100 such that the last jig hole 104 on the jig is aligned with the last shaped opening 16 created by the user. This will insure that the jig 102 is aligned for the next series of shaped openings 16 such that a continuously repeating pattern is created.
It will be appreciated that the drill guide 112 may extend over the slot 110 such that the drill guide is centered over the slot. This will create a circular shaped opening 16 centered over the slot 110 as shown in
Existing slat wall 100 which has been manufactured but not installed may also be adapted to receive the accessories of the present invention. One method includes drilling or routing using a jig 102 as previously discussed. Alternatively, conventional slat wall 100 may be retrofitted in a shop by using any of the above expedients, or preferably using a laser or other cutter to cut shaped openings 16 using CNC or manual controls. Other methods similar to those used to form the slat wall 100 may also be used.
A variety of accessories may be attached to the slatted wall panel of the present invention. One such accessory is a bracket 150. A typical bracket 150 is shown in
Typically, this L-shaped main member 152 is formed from two sections, with each of the two sections being perpendicular to each other. The first section 154 is a shelf support while the other is a wall support 156. When installed, the rear surface 162 of the wall support is placed adjacent to the front surface 4 of the wall panel 2.
Extending off of the rear surface 162 of the wall support is a shaped member 158. Preferably, the shaped member is a “T-shaped” member. In this and in other embodiments, the shaped member need not be “T-shaped.” Rather, it can be of any suitable shape having a portion that will be received in any undercut in the wall panel in order to provide the requisite support. For instance, an L-shape may be utilized. Also, in plan view, the member 158 is square, but can be of any suitable shape that fits into a shaped opening in a panel. The shape of the member and the shape of the opening need not match. Finally, it will be appreciated that the recessed slots 14, although shown in a T-configuration, may also be provided in other forms. One such form is an L-shaped slotted opening. If so provided, the shaped openings will typically be skewed to one slat 15, such as is shown in
The T-shaped member 158 in
Protruding from the upper surface 170 of the shelf support section 154 are shelf guides 160. As will be discussed, the shelf guides 160 are utilized to secure a shelf 172 (
The bracket 150 may be attached to the slated wall panel 2 of the present invention in one of two ways. The T-shaped member 158 may be slid into any of the undercuts and recessed slots 14 (as shown in
Another method of connecting the bracket 150 to the slatted wall panel 2 is by inserting the T-shaped member 158 into one of the shaped openings 16 along the front surface 4 of the slatted wall panel and then sliding it along the slot 14 into a position in which it may no longer be pulled from the slatted wall panel but remains free to slide within the slot. In this regard, the T-shaped member 158 can be inserted perpendicular to the front surface 4 of the wall. Preferably, the wall support section 156 of the bracket 150 is perpendicular to the slots 14. No tilting of the bracket is required. This novel technique is referred to as the “plug and slide” technique.
Referring to
The brackets 150 may be provided in a variety of lengths. For example, the shelf support portion 154 of the bracket 150 shown in
It will be appreciated that if a bracket 150 is provided with two such T-shaped members 158, the bracket will be stronger and will provide much greater rotational stability than a bracket equipped with only one T-shaped member. It will also be appreciated that other fittings may be provided in lieu of the second T-shaped member 158 in order to achieve this result. For example, a simple rail (not shown) need only be provided to insure rotational stability. This rail may, for example, fit within the slot 14 on the slatted wall panel 2 directly below the slot in which the T-shaped member 158 is engaged. It may also fit into other slots 14, such as the same slot as the original T-shaped member 158.
It will be appreciated that typically two brackets 150 and one shelf 172 will be provided. To add strength or as an aesthetical consideration, additional brackets 150 may also be utilized. The shelf 172 of
The brackets 150 and shelves 172 may be constructed from a variety of materials. Typically, those materials include woods, plastics, and metals. Various composites may also be used. The shelf may also be manufactured from solid material which is milled to form grooves 178. The shelf 172 shown in
Although the brackets 150 and shelves 172 have been depicted with a guide 160 and groove 178 system extending along the length of the shelf, other means for attaching the shelves to the brackets have been contemplated. These include manufacturing the shelf 172 with a substantially flat bottom surface 181 and providing a bracket 150 without shelf guides 160. For example, the shelf 172 may have a flat bottom surface 181 which simply rests on the bracket's 150 upper surface 170. The bottom surface 181 of the shelf 172 may could also be milled across its width such that the bracket 150 rests within the milled portion of the shelf 172. The shelves 172 may also be glued or mechanically secured to the brackets 150.
Alternate embodiments of the bracket 150 previously described have also been contemplated. One such bracket 150 adds components designed to increase its strength and rotational stability. Brackets in accordance with the first embodiment and the second embodiment are shown in
As shown in
The back member 202 also includes an upper edge 201 and a lower edge 203. The shelf member 200 of
Second rail 212 may run along the entire length of back member 202, as shown in
As shown in
As previously discussed, the preformed shelf 200 may be constructed in alternate manners. One such embodiment is shown in
In another embodiment of the preformed shelf 200 (not shown), the shelf member 204 is located at the upper edge 201 of the shelf 200, rather than at the lower edge 203, is in previously embodiments. The first rail 208 with shaped pieces 210 may be located at the upper edge 201 or elsewhere along the rear surface 206 of the shelf 200. The second rail 212 is located at the lower edge 203.
In this embodiment, the second rail 212 is inserted into a recessed slot 14 of the slatted wall panel 2 while the shelf 200 is tilted at an angle of approximately 30° to 60° from the front surface 4 of the slatted wall panel. Once inserted, the shelf 200 is then tilted upwards such that the shaped pieces 210 of the first rail 208 may be inserted into the shaped openings 16 of the recessed slot 14. This embodiment of the shelf 200 is not typically stable in this position as the shaped pieces 210 may freely fall from within the shaped openings 16, allowing the shelf to rotate downward. To provide stability, the shelf 200 must then be slid such that the shaped pieces 210 of the first rail 208 are no longer in registration with the shaped openings 16 of the recessed slot 14. In this position, the shelf 200 is highly stable, as it was in the other embodiments.
It will be appreciated that the shelf configuration is merely an installation preference. Such preferences may be dictated by the location of the slatted wall panel 2 in relation to other objects. For example, a shelf 200 with the shelf member 204 at the upper edge 201 of the back member 202 will typically not be installed towards the upper portion of an array 18 of slatted wall panels 2 if the panels end at a barrier such as a ceiling. Likewise, the preformed shelf 200 will usually not be installed in the position shown in
When installing the preformed shelf 200, once the second rail 212 is inserted, it is imperative that the shaped piece 210 of the first rail 208 align with the shaped opening 16 of the recessed slots 14 for the shelf to be fully installed. The apertures 226 of the back member 202 of the preformed shelf 200 permit visual observation of this alignment. For instance, the shaped piece 210 of the first rail 208 may be in partial alignment with a shaped opening 16 when the second rail 212 of the shelf 200 is first installed. If so, the shelf 200 must be shifted such that the shaped piece 210 of the first rail 208 is in full alignment with the shaped opening 16 of the recessed slot 14. Once placed in this position, the shelf 200 may be pushed completely flat against the front surface 4 of the slatted wall panel 2 where it may be slid into a fixed position.
It will be appreciated that any of the preformed shelf members 200 previously discussed may also be installed using alternate methods. One such method is to place the entire shelf adjacent to one of the side edges 6, 8 of the slatted wall panel 2. If the first and second rails 212 of the shelf 200 are in alignment with adjacent recessed slots 14, the shelf 200 may be slid into the recessed slots 14 and placed in a finished position. The shelf 200 may also be removed from the slatted wall panel 2 using a similar procedure.
Another embodiment of the preformed shelf of the present invention is shown in
As most clearly shown in
It will be appreciated that the preformed shelf shown in
Preformed five-sided cubbies 230 may also be provided.
It will also be appreciated that the mounting systems used in the embodiments of the present invention can be interchangeable. For example, a cubby 230 may be provided with a first rail 208 and second rail 212, as shown with regard to shelf member 200 in
As previously noted, the preformed shelves and preformed cubbies of the present invention each include shaped pieces 210 on their rear surfaces 206. It will be appreciated that each of the shaped pieces has been shown in an orientation which is not centered on the rear surface 206 of the preformed shelf 200 or preformed cubbie 230. Although they may be centered, it is preferential for them to be formed offset to one side so as to provide a more aesthetically pleasing installation. For example, when a preformed cubbie such as that shown in
The accessories described above and shown in the drawings are merely illustrative. Accessories contemplated include any accessory suitable for connection to a panel. Examples include bathroom accessories such as cup holders, soap holders, shampoo holders, conditioner holders, washrag holders, shaving cream holders, razor holders, bath oil holder, toothbrush holders, and toilet paper holders; household accessories such as key holders, photograph holders, cat walks, plant holders, and compact disc holders; office accessories such as drafting supply holders, file holders, pen containers, paper clip containers, and telephone mounts; bedroom accessories such as shoe holders, tie holders, and sock holders; kitchen accessories such as spice racks, utensil holders, and potholders; children's room accessories such as book holders, model airplane hangers, model boat hangers, and mobile hangers; industrial accessories such as tool holders, machinery manual holders, and sign or display holders; as well as for numerous additional accessories generally utilized in and around commercial or residential establishments.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principals and applications of the present invention. It is therefore understood that numerous modifications may be made, and are encouraged to be made, to the illustrative embodiments, and that other arrangements may be devised, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/419,741, filed Oct. 18, 2002 and expressly incorporates the disclosure of same by reference.
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