Organizer Wall Panel Assembly

Abstract

An organizer wall panel assembly adapted for integration into a conventional wall construction in place of a conventional sheet of dry wall is formed from horizontally stacked, elongated modular panels. The panels have rectangular body, an upper connecting portion which, with the body forms a mounting groove and a lower covering flange portion and an overall lateral thickness corresponding to that of a dry wall sheet. The covering flange portion is resiliently deformable and bends rearwardly towards the panel rear, to overly and resiliently engage an adjacent dry wall sheet.

Claims

1. 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, the arm member including a horizontally extending notch, 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 including a rearward projection adapted for resilient mated positioning in the notch of the next lower panel positioned adjacent thereto, 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.

2. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, 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.

3. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein a forwardmost portion of the fastener receiving portion is spaced a distance rearwardly from the second plane.

4. (canceled)

5. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the longitudinally extending groove includes a longitudinally guide channel for guiding insertion of the mechanical fastener through a selected portion of the fastener receiving portion.

6. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel body, upper connecting portion and covering flange portion are integrally formed.

7. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of said panels comprise modular interchangeable panels formed as a unitary plastic, aluminum or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) extrusion.

8. The organizer wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the hooked member comprises a hangar bracket, the end portion of the hangar bracket including an L-shaped tab sized for releasable engagement with said retention groove.

9. The organizer wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 8, 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 supporting said hangar bracket when said tab is provided in engagement with said retention groove.

10. 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, the arm member including a notch, 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 including a inwardly extending projection adapted for being received in the notch of the next lower panel positioned adjacent thereto, 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 selected at between about 0.03 and 0.15 inches rearwardly from the second plane to a biased position wherein the bottom panel edge portion is moved forwardly by a deflected distance selected at least between about 0.03 and 0.3 inches.

11. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein a forwardmost portion of the fastener receiving portion is spaced rearwardly from the second plane by a distance equal to or less than the deflected distance.

12. The wall panel assembly as claims in claim 10, wherein the panel body has a vertical height selected at between about 4 inches and 6 inches, and the covering flange section has a vertical width selected at between about 0.5 and 1.5 inches.

13. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein in the channel groove has a lateral width selected at between about 0.4 inches and 0.6 inches.

14. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the covering flange portion extends downwardly from the panel body as a generally planar, resiliently deformable flange member to the bottom panel edge portion.

15. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the covering flange portion is substantially coplanar with the front surface.

16. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the panel body comprises a substantially hollow body and includes a plurality of horizontally extending reinforcing webs, the rear surface, front surface and reinforcing webs having a thickness selected at between about 30 mil and 50 mil.

17. (canceled)

18. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the panel body is substantially hollow.

19. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the panel body comprises at least one cross member extending between the wall contacting rear surface and the outer front surface.

20. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fastener pierceable body is further provided with a V-shaped notch, and in the installed position of a plurality of the panels the mechanical fasteners are secured through the V-shaped notches.

21. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second plane is spaced laterally forward from the first plane by a distance selected at between about 0.5 and 0.65 inches.

22. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, while the bottom panel edge portion is in the unbiased position, the bottom panel edge portion is spaced a distance selected at between about 0.03 inches and 0.15 inches rearwardly from the second plane.

23. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein, while the bottom panel edge portion is in the unbiased position, the bottom panel edge portion is spaced the distance selected at between about 0.04 inches and 0.1 inches rearwardly from the second plane.

24. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second plane is spaced laterally forward from the first plane by a distance selected at between about 0.5 and 0.65 inches.

25. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein, while the bottom panel edge portion is in the unbiased position, the bottom panel edge portion is spaced the distance selected at between about 0.04 inches and 0.1 inches rearwardly from the second plane.

26. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein, while the bottom panel edge portion is in the biased position, the bottom panel edge portion is moved forwardly, relative to the unbiased position, by the deflected distance selected at least between 0.03 and 0.15 inches.

27. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the vertical height of the panel body is about 5±0.5 inches, and the vertical width of the covering flange section is about 1 inch.

28. The wall panel assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the thickness of the rear surface, front surface, and reinforcing webs is about 40 mil.

29. 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, including a rearward projection; 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 the 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, the second panel-defined interacting counterpart including a notch, 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 projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart is received in the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart, such that 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 the wall with the fastener, the covering portion of the first panel is covering the fastener.

30. The panel of claim 29, wherein, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart is engaging the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart, such that the interference, to relative movement, between the first panel and the second panel, is established.

31. The panel of claim 29, wherein, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart is bearing against the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart, such that the interference, to relative movement, between the first panel and the second panel, is established.

32. The panel of claim 29, wherein, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart is disposed in snap fit engagement with the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart, such that the interference, to relative movement, between the first panel and the second panel, is established.

33. The panel of claim 29, wherein the bias is a material bias of the interacting portion.

34. The panel of claim 29, wherein, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in opposing relationship.

35. The panel of claim 34, wherein the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart defines a first panel-defined opposing surface and the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart defines a second panel-defined opposing surface, and, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the first panel-defined opposing surface and the second panel-defined opposing surface are disposed in opposing relationship.

36. The panel of claim 35, wherein the front facing surface defines a planar surface, and, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, an axis, normal to the first panel-defined opposing surface, is parallel to an axis that is normal to the planar front facing surface.

37. The panel of claim 29, wherein the covering of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel is occluding of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel.

38. The panel of claim 29, wherein the covering of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel is concealing of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel.

39. The panel of claim 29, wherein the front facing surface is a planar surface.

40. The panel of claim 29, wherein the covering portion defines a front-facing covering portion surface that is a planar surface.

41. The panel of claim 29, wherein: the front facing surface is a planar surface; the covering portion defines a front-facing covering portion surface that is a planar surface; while the interacting portion is disposed in the interference-effective deflected configuration, the interacting portion is co-planar with the planar front facing surface.

42. The panel of claim 29, wherein the forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart for transitioning of the interacting portion from the pre-deformation configuration to the interference-effective deformed configuration is a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart in a forwardly direction.

43. The panel of claim 29, wherein the forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart for transitioning of the interacting portion from the pre-deformation configuration to the interference-effective deformed configuration includes a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart by a distance of at least 0.03 inches in a forwardly direction.

44. The panel of claim 29, wherein the material of the panel includes plastic.

45. The panel of claim 29, wherein the panel is an extrusion.

46. The panel of claim 29, wherein the deformability of the at least a portion of the interacting portion from the pre-deformation configuration is also for effectuating transitioning of the interacting portion to a transitioning-effective deformed configuration, wherein, while the interacting portion is disposed in the transitioning-effective deformed configuration, and the second panel is disposed in a co-operative alignment with the interacting portion, the interacting portion is urged, by the bias, for displacement, relative to the second panel, with effect that the first panel becomes disposed in the interference-effective deformed configuration.

47. The panel of claim 29, wherein, while the panel is defining the first panel which is co-operable with the second panel, the mountability of the panel to the wall, for which the panel is configured, is independent of its co-operability with the second panel.

48. The panel of claim 29, wherein the fastener is receivable by the panel for mounting of the panel to the wall, such that the mountability of the panel to the wall, for which the panel is configured, is based upon the receiving of the fastener by the panel.

49. The panel of claim 48, wherein the receiving is with effect that the fastener extends through the panel.

50. 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, including a rearwardly projection; 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 the 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, the second panel-defined interacting counterpart including a notch, 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 projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart is bearing against the notch of 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 the wall with the fastener, the covering portion of the first panel is covering the fastener.

51. The panel of claim 50, wherein the bias is a material bias of the interacting portion.

52. The panel of claim 50, wherein, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in opposing relationship.

53. The panel of claim 52, wherein the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart defines a first panel-defined opposing surface and the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart defines a second panel-defined opposing surface, and, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the first panel-defined opposing surface and the second panel-defined opposing surface are disposed in opposing relationship.

54. The panel of claim 53, wherein the front facing surface defines a planar surface, and, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, an axis, normal to the first panel-defined opposing surface, is parallel to an axis that is normal to the planar front facing surface.

55. The panel of claim 50, wherein the covering of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel is occluding of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel.

56. The panel of claim 50, wherein the covering of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel is concealing of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel.

57. The panel of claim 50, wherein the front facing surface is a planar surface.

58. The panel of claim 50, wherein the covering portion defines a front-facing covering portion surface that is a planar surface.

59. The panel of claim 50, wherein: the front facing surface is a planar surface; the covering portion defines a front-facing covering portion surface that is a planar surface; while the interacting portion is disposed in the interference-effective deflected configuration, the interacting portion is co-planar with the planar front facing surface.

60. The panel of claim 50, wherein the transitioning of the interacting portion from the pre-deformation configuration to the interference-effective deformed configuration includes a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart in a forwardly direction.

61. The panel of claim 50, wherein the transitioning of the interacting portion from the pre-deformation configuration to the interference-effective deformed configuration includes a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart by a distance of at least 0.03 inches in a forwardly direction.

62. The panel of claim 50, wherein the material of the panel includes plastic.

63. The panel of claim 50, wherein the panel is an extrusion.

64. The panel of claim 50, wherein the deformability of the at least a portion of the interacting portion from the pre-deformation configuration is also for effectuating transitioning of the interacting portion to a transitioning-effective deformed configuration, wherein, while the interacting portion is disposed in the transitioning-effective deformed configuration, and the second panel is disposed in a co-operative alignment with the interacting portion, the interacting portion is urged, by the bias, for displacement, relative to the second panel, with effect that the first panel becomes disposed in the interference-effective deformed configuration.

65. The panel of claim 50, wherein, while the panel is defining the first panel which is co-operable with the second panel, the mountability of the panel to the wall, for which the panel is configured, is independent of its co-operability with the second panel.

66. The panel of claim 50, wherein the fastener is receivable by the panel for mounting of the panel to the wall, such that the mountability of the panel to the wall, for which the panel is configured, is based upon the receiving of the fastener by the panel.

67. The panel of claim 66, wherein the receiving is with effect that the fastener extends through the panel.

68. 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, including a rearward projection; 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 the 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, the second panel-defined interacting counterpart including a notch, 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 projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart is received in the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart, such that 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 the wall with the fastener, the covering portion of the first panel is covering the fastener.

69. The panel of claim 68, wherein, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart is engaging the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart, such that the interference, to relative movement, between the first panel and the second panel, is established.

70. The panel of claim 68, wherein, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart is bearing against the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart, such that the interference, to relative movement, between the first panel and the second panel, is established.

71. The panel of claim 68, wherein, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart is disposed in snap fit engagement with the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart, such that the interference, to relative movement, between the first panel and the second panel, is established.

72. The panel of claim 68, wherein the bias is a material bias of the interacting portion.

73. The panel of claim 68, wherein, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in opposing relationship.

74. The panel of claim 73, wherein the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart defines a first panel-defined opposing surface and the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart defines a second panel-defined opposing surface, and, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the first panel-defined opposing surface and the second panel-defined opposing surface are disposed in opposing relationship.

75. The panel of claim 74, wherein the front facing surface defines a planar surface, and, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, an axis, normal to the first panel-defined opposing surface, is parallel to an axis that is normal to the planar front facing surface.

76. The panel of claim 68, wherein the covering of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel is occluding of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel.

77. The panel of claim 68, wherein the covering of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel is concealing of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel.

78. The panel of claim 68, wherein the front facing surface is a planar surface.

79. The panel of claim 68, wherein the covering portion defines a front-facing covering portion surface that is a planar surface.

80. The panel of claim 68, wherein: the front facing surface is a planar surface; the covering portion defines a front-facing covering portion surface that is a planar surface; while the interacting portion is disposed in the interference-effective deflected configuration, the interacting portion is co-planar with the planar front facing surface.

81. The panel of claim 68, wherein the forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart for transitioning of the interacting portion from the pre-deflection configuration to the interference-effective deflected configuration is a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart in a forwardly direction.

82. The panel of claim 68, wherein the forwardly displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart for transitioning of the interacting portion from the pre-deflection configuration to the interference-effective deflected configuration includes a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart by a distance of at least 0.03 inches in a forwardly direction.

83. The panel of claim 68, wherein the material of the panel includes plastic.

84. The panel of claim 68, wherein the panel is an extrusion.

85. The panel of claim 68, wherein the interacting portion is also 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, wherein, while the interacting portion is disposed in the transitioning-effective deflected configuration, and the second panel is disposed in a co-operative alignment with the interacting portion, the interacting portion is urged, by the bias, for displacement, relative to the second panel, with effect that the first panel becomes disposed in the interference-effective deflected configuration.

86. The panel of claim 68, wherein, while the panel is defining the first panel which is co-operable with the second panel, the mountability of the panel to the wall, for which the panel is configured, is independent of its co-operability with the second panel.

87. The panel of claim 68, wherein the fastener is receivable by the panel for mounting of the panel to the wall, such that the mountability of the panel to the wall, for which the panel is configured, is based upon the receiving of the fastener by the panel.

88. The panel of claim 87, wherein the receiving is with effect that the fastener extends through the panel.

89. 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, including a rearward projection; 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 the 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, the second panel-defined interacting counterpart including a notch, 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 projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart is bearing against the notch of 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 the wall with the fastener, the covering portion of the first panel is covering the fastener.

90. The panel of claim 89, wherein the bias is a material bias of the interacting portion.

91. The panel of claim 89, wherein, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in opposing relationship.

92. The panel of claim 91, wherein the projection of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart defines a first panel-defined opposing surface and the notch of the second panel-defined interacting counterpart defines a second panel-defined opposing surface, and, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, the first panel-defined opposing surface and the second panel-defined opposing surface are disposed in opposing relationship.

93. The panel of claim 92, wherein the front facing surface defines a planar surface, and, while the first panel-defined interacting counterpart and the second panel-defined interacting counterpart are disposed in the relative movement interference relationship, an axis, normal to the first panel-defined opposing surface, is parallel to an axis that is normal to the planar front facing surface.

94. The panel of claim 89, wherein the covering of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel is occluding of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel.

95. The panel of claim 89, wherein the covering of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel is concealing of the fastener by the covering portion of the first panel.

96. The panel of claim 89, wherein the front facing surface is a planar surface.

97. The panel of claim 89, wherein the covering portion defines a front-facing covering portion surface that is a planar surface.

98. The panel of claim 89, wherein: the front facing surface is a planar surface; the covering portion defines a front-facing covering portion surface that is a planar surface; while the interacting portion is disposed in the interference-effective deflected configuration, the interacting portion is co-planar with the planar front facing surface.

99. The panel of claim 89, wherein the transitioning of the interacting portion from the pre-deflection configuration to the interference-effective deflected configuration includes a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart in a forwardly direction.

100. The panel of claim 89, wherein the transitioning of the interacting portion from the pre-deflection configuration to the interference-effective deflected configuration includes a displacement of the first panel-defined interacting counterpart by a distance of at least 0.03 inches in a forwardly direction.

101. The panel of claim 89, wherein the material of the panel includes plastic.

102. The panel of claim 89, wherein the panel is an extrusion.

103. The panel of claim 89, wherein the interacting portion is also 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, wherein, while the interacting portion is disposed in the transitioning-effective deflected configuration, and the second panel is disposed in a co-operative alignment with the interacting portion, the interacting portion is urged, by the bias, for displacement, relative to the second panel, with effect that the first panel becomes disposed in the interference-effective deflected configuration.

104. The panel of claim 89, wherein, while the panel is defining the first panel which is co-operable with the second panel, the mountability of the panel to the wall, for which the panel is configured, is independent of its co-operability with the second panel.

105. The panel of claim 89, wherein the fastener is receivable by the panel for mounting of the panel to the wall, such that the mountability of the panel to the wall, for which the panel is configured, is based upon the receiving of the fastener by the panel.

106. The panel of claim 105, wherein the receiving is with effect that the fastener extends through the panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Reference may now be had to the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a partial perspective view of a wall section which incorporates an organizer wall panel assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows an elevational end view of a modular panel used in the construction of an organizer wall panel assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 2A shows an enlarged view of the lower covering flange portion of the panel illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a perspective end view illustrating the positioning of a panel shown in FIG. 2 in an arrangement overlapping a conventional dry wall panel, in the construction of a wall section in accordance with the preferred embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a perspective end view illustrating the interlocking positioning of a number of panels shown in FIG. 2 in a stacked edge-to-edge arrangement in the erection of the organizer wall panel assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view illustrating the interlocking securement of adjacent panels shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Reference may be had to FIG. 1 which illustrates a finished wall section 6 which incorporates organizer wall panel assembly 8 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. As will be described, in addition to the organizer wall panel assembly 8, the finished wall section 6 incorporates one or more conventional half inch dry wall sheets 10 and a series in individual modular organizer panels 20 which are mounted to the wall studs 12 (FIG. 4).

[0034] As is illustrated, the organiser wall panel assembly 8 is provided at a height spaced above the floor 4, and forms a section of the finished wall 6 and has an overall vertical extent selected at between about 2 and 6 feet, for increased efficiency, and reduced manufacturing and installation costs. It is to be appreciated however, that depending on individual user requirements, the organizer wall panel assembly 8 may be provided with a greater or lessened vertical height, or if desired, could extend the full vertical height of the wall 6.

[0035] Reference may be had to FIG. 2 which illustrates an organizer panel 20 used in the organizer panel wall assembly 8 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The panels 20 are each provided with a modular construction having a constant cross-sectional profile. The panels 20 are adapted for use and assembly in a horizontally stacked edge-to-edge arrangement with both additional identical panels 20 as shown with reference to FIG. 1, and with one or more conventional dry wall sheets 10 in the construction of the finished wall section 6.

[0036] Each panel 20 is preferably provided as interchangeable panels having a unitary construction, and for example are formed as a plastic, aluminum or most preferably polyvinylchloride (PVC) extrusions. The panels 20 have an overall vertical height of between about 5 and about 8 inches, preferably between about 6 and 7 inches, and may be provided with a variable longitudinal length. Typically, the panel 20 length ranges between about 6 feet to about 16 feet; and most preferably between about 8 feet to about 12 feet. Longer or shorter panels 20 may however be provided depending on the final applicator.

[0037] FIGS. 2 and 2A illustrate each panel 20 best as having a generally rectangular panel body 22, an upper connecting portion 24 and a lower covering flange portion 26. The panel body 22 is formed having a generally hollow, rectangular construction, having generally planar front end rear surfaces 28, 30. FIG. 2A shown best the front and rear surfaces 28, 30 as being substantially planar and respectively lying in parallel, spaced apart planes P.sub.F and P.sub.R. To facilitate simplified use of the panel 20 with the conventional dry wall sheets 10, the construction of the finished wall 6, the front and rear surfaces 28, 30 are preferably provided with a lateral spacing selected to provide the panel 20 with a maximum lateral thickness T of between about 0.5 and about 0.65 inches. The panel body 22 preferably an overall vertical height selected at about 5 inches t 0.5 inches, however longer or shorter constructions may be provided. FIG. 2 shows the front and rear surfaces 28, 20 being connected at each of their top and bottom edges, and as middle intervals by a series of spaced integral transverse reinforcing webs 32a-f. To minimize panel deformation under higher load conditions, each of the front and rear surfaces 28, 30 and reinforcing webs 32a-f are most preferably formed with a thickness selected at between about 30 Mil and about 50 Mil, and most preferably about 40 Mil. It is to be appreciated however, that thinner or thicker front and/or rear surfaces 28, 30 and/or webs 32 may be provided, depending on the panel material selection.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates best the lower edge of the panel body 22 as further including a horizontally extending rectangular boss 34. The boss 34 extends downwardly along the rearward most edge of the body 22 and is integral with the rear surface 30 and lowermost web 32f. Most preferably the boss 34 extends forward laterally from the place P.sub.R of the rear surface 30 a distance less than 0.3 inches and preferably between about 0.2 inches and about 0.25 inches. In a simplified construction, the boss 34 is formed as a generally square projection, however, other geometrics are possible. As shown in FIGS. 3a and 4, the formation of the boss 34 is preferably selected to allow its mated placement within either a bevel groove 14 formed along the upper rear portion of the dry wall sheet 10, or a channel groove 60 provided in a next lower panel 20, to assist in maintaining the securement of the panel 20 in a vertical orientation against the studs 12.

[0039] FIG. 2A illustrates best the lower covering flange portion 26 in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The covering flange portion 26 projects downwardly from the panel body front surface 28 a distance of between about 1 to about 2 inches, and which is selected to overlie an upper edge portion of a lower horizontally adjacent panel 20 or dry wall sheet 10. The covering flange portion 26 is preferably provided having generally the same dimensional thickness as the front surface 28, and which provides the flange portion 26 with a degree of resilient deformation. The front covering flange portion 26 extends downwardly from the panel body 22, tapering rearwardly from the front panel plane P.sub.F towards the rear panel plane P.sub.R by a distance D selected at between about 0.4 and 0.1 inches, and preferably about 0.3 to 0.15 inches to a lowermost bottom edge 36. The lowermost bottom edge further includes a rearwardly projecting rib 38. As will be described, the rib 38 is configured for either bearing engaging contact with the front facing surface of a next lower positioned sheet of dry wall 10, or against part of the upper connecting portion 24 of next adjacent lower panel 20. The covering flange portion 26 preferably has a thickness selected so as to be resiliently deformable for movement between an unbiased position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2A, where the bottom edge portion 36 is spaced rearwardly relative to the front panel plane P.sub.F, and a biased position shown in stippled lining, where the bottom panel edge portion 36 is moved forwardly therefrom, and into generally co-planar alignment with the plane P.sub.F.

[0040] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate best the use of the upper connecting portion 24 in the securement of adjacent panels 20, as part of a stacked edge-to-edge array in the organizer panel assembly 8 of FIG. 1. The upper connecting portion 24 of each panel 20 is shown best in FIG. 2 as including a double-walled connecting web 40 and a fastener receiving portion 42. The connecting web 40 is shown best as having a generally planar rearwardmost wall 44 which is integral with and co-planar with the panel body rear surface 30 at its lower end, and the fastener receiving portion 42 at its upper end. Optionally, a secondary reinforcing wall 46 may be positioned forwardly and spaced from the wall 44. The secondary reinforcing wall 46 spans between the upper and panel body 22 and connecting portion 24 for added rigidity. One or more reinforcing webs may further be provided between the rearwardmost wall 44 and reinforcing wall 46, for additional structural support.

[0041] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the upper connecting portion 24 as including a generally rectangular fastener receiving portion 42 integrally formed with the connecting web 40. The fastener receiving portion 42 includes a hollow, fastener pierceable body 54. As shown best in FIG. 4, the pierceable body 54 has a generally cross-sectional profile and is sized to receive a mechanical screw fastener 16 therethrough. A horizontally extending shoulder member 56 projects upwardly along a forward edge portion of the pierceable body 54. The shoulder member 56 extends vertically between about 0.2 inches to about 0.5 inches and with the pierceable body 54 defines the longitudinally extending channel groove 60. The channel groove 60 is sized to receive in a complimentary fit therein, the lower edge boss 34 of a next, horizontally adjacent panel 20.

[0042] 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. The arm member 62 extends part way, and preferably approximately half way towards the upper edge 32a of the panel body 22. The shoulder member 56 and arm member 62 preferably extend to a forwardmost distance which is spaced rearwardly from the plane P.sub.F. 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 P.sub.F.

[0043] The panel body 22, reinforcing wall 46, body 54 and arm member 62 define an L-shaped retention groove 64 therebetween. Preferably, the arm member 62 further includes a longitudinally extending notch 66, the notch 66 is adopted to receive therein in a complimentary fit arrangement therein, the rib 38 of the next horizontally adjacent panel 20.

[0044] Although not essential, most preferably 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.

[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates best the completion of a finished wall 6 which incorporates panel wall assembly 8 in accordance with the preferred embodiment. Initially, one or more sheets of dry wall 10 are secured to the wall studs 12 to a desired height. Typically, the dry wall sheets 10 will extend vertically 3 to 6 feet from the floor 4. Following placement and securement of the sheets 10, the bevel groove 14 is formed along the rearward top edge of the dry wall sheet 10.

[0046] A first organizer panel 20 is then mounted horizontally against the dry wall sheet 10 in the position shown in FIG. 3 by locating the panel boss 34 in the bevel groove 14, and inserting screw fasteners 16 through the fastener pierceable body 54 into the studs 12. So positioned, the lower covering flange portion 26 of the panel 20 is thus provided in resilient bearing contact with, and overlapping the upper edge of the dry wall panel 10, providing a prefinished appearance.

[0047] 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, and screw fasteners 16 are inserted through the fastener pierceable body 54 and into the studs 12 in the manner shown in FIG. 4. As each subsequent organizer panel 20 is positioned, the lower covering flange portion 26 overlies part of the upper connecting portion 24 of the adjacent lower panel, such that boss 38 of the covering flange portion 26 is provided in engaging contact within the arm notch 66 in a resilient fit.

[0048] As shown best in FIGS. 1 and 4 with the positioning of the panels 20 allows for suitable hangar members 80 to be suspended in a cam-fit arrangement within each L-shaped retention groove 64.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows the hangar member 80 as including a generally planar back surface 82 which is configured for juxtaposed placement flush against the front surface 28 of the panel body 22, and a hooked end portion 84. The hooked end portion 84 includes a horizontal web 86 which extends from the upper edge of the hangar back 82 to an innermost finger 90. The finger 90 projects upwardly from the inner end of the horizontal web 86 at a forward angle α of between about 60 and 85 degrees, and preferably between about 70 and 80 degrees. Most preferably, the finger 90 is configured so that the upper edge of the finger 90 engages the inner rearward surface of the arm member 62 within the retention slot 64.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Although the detailed description describes and illustrates various preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments which are described. May modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in the art.