WALL PANEL SYSTEM

Abstract

A wall panel system includes a panel, a first bracket coupleable to the panel or a wall, a second bracket coupleable to the panel or the wall, and one or more panel brackets. The panel may include a plurality of apertures that are substantially rectangular shaped and systematically spaced apart. The plurality of apertures may be configured to receive the one or more panel brackets that may be coupled to shelves or other holding devices/platforms so as to allow a user to store or hang numerous items.

Claims

1. A wall panel system comprising: one or more panels coupleable to a wall; one or more first brackets coupleable to the one or more panels or wall; one or more second brackets coupleable to the wall or the one or more panels; one or more panel brackets removably attachable to the one or more panels; wherein the one or more first brackets are removably attachable to the one or more second brackets to couple the one or more panels to the wall.

2. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein the one or more panels comprise a plurality of panel apertures systematically spaced apart.

3. The wall panel system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of apertures is substantially rectangular in shape.

4. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panel apertures receives the one or more panel brackets.

5. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein the one or more first brackets comprise a first side and a second side, with the second side being taller than the first side.

6. The wall panel system of claim 5, wherein the first side comprises a first outer surface channel that runs the length of the first bracket.

7. The wall panel system of claim 5, wherein the second side comprises a first jutted portion.

8. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein a first channel may be positioned between a first side and a second side of the one or more first brackets.

9. The wall panel system of claim 5, wherein the first side comprises a first notch that runs the length of an inner surface thereof.

10. The wall panel system of claim 5, wherein the second side comprises a second notch that runs the length of an outer surface thereof.

11. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein the one or more second brackets comprise a third side and a fourth side, with the fourth side being taller than the third side.

12. The wall panel system of claim 11, wherein the third side comprises a second outer surface channel that runs the length of the first bracket.

13. The wall panel system of claim 11, wherein the fourth side comprises a second jutted portion.

14. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein a second channel may be positioned between a third side and a fourth side of the one or more second brackets.

15. The wall panel system of claim 11, wherein the third side comprises a third notch that runs the length of an inner surface thereof.

16. The wall panel system of claim 11, wherein the fourth side comprises a fourth notch that runs the length of an outer surface thereof.

17. A wall panel system comprising: one or more panels coupleable to a wall, the one or more panels comprising a plurality of panel apertures; at least two first brackets, with one being coupleable to an upper portion of the panels and the other being coupleable to a lower portion of the panels, the at least two first brackets comprising: a first side and a second side, with the second side being taller than the first side, a first channel may be positioned between a first side and a second side of the one or more first brackets, and a first edge on the second side; at least two second brackets coupleable to the wall, with one being coupleable to an upper portion of the wall and the other being coupleable to a lower portion of the wall, the at least two second brackets comprising: a third side and a fourth side, with the fourth side being taller than the third side, a second channel may be positioned between a third side and a fourth side of the one or more second brackets, and a second edge on the fourth side positionable in the first channel; a plurality of panel brackets removably attachable to the plurality of panel apertures.

18. The wall panel system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of panel brackets comprises a first panel bracket, a second panel bracket, and a third panel bracket.

19. The wall panel system of claim 17, wherein the at least two first brackets coupled to the panel are removably attachable to the at least two second brackets coupled to the wall.

20. A wall panel system comprising: one or more panels coupleable to a wall, the one or more panels comprising a plurality of panel apertures; at least two first brackets, with one being coupleable to an upper portion of the panels and the other being coupleable to a lower portion of the panels, the at least two first brackets comprising: a first side and a second side, with the second side being taller than the first side, a first channel may be positioned between a first side and a second side of the one or more first brackets, and a first edge on the second side; at least two second brackets coupleable to the wall, with one being coupleable to an upper portion of the wall and the other being coupleable to a lower portion of the wall, the at least two second brackets comprising: a third side and a fourth side, with the fourth side being taller than the third side, a second channel may be positioned between a third side and a fourth side of the one or more second brackets, and a second edge on the fourth side positionable in the first channel; one or more panel brackets removably attachable to the plurality of panel apertures; and one or more members that align the one or more panels.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wall panel system;

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a panel of a wall panel system;

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of a panel of a wall panel system;

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a first bracket of a wall panel system;

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation view of a first bracket of a wall panel system;

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of a first bracket of a wall panel system;

[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a first bracket of a wall panel system;

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a second bracket of a wall panel system;

[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a side elevation view of a wall panel system;

[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a panel bracket of a wall panel system;

[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a third bracket of a wall panel system;

[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth bracket of a wall panel system;

[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates a side elevation view of a third and a fourth bracket of a wall panel system;

[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates a rear perspective view of a panel of a wall panel system;

[0022] FIG. 15 illustrates a front perspective view of a first member of a wall panel system; and

[0023] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a wall panel system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] While embodiments of the present disclosure may be subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular features, forms, components, etc. disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Reference to the invention, the present disclosure, or the like are not intended to restrict or limit the invention, the present disclosure, or the like to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. References to one embodiment, an embodiment, alternate embodiments, some embodiments, and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

[0026] Any arrangements herein are meant to be illustrative and do not limit the invention's scope. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their ordinary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described.

[0027] It will be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. In fact, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various, different sequences and arrangements while still being in the scope of the present invention. Certain terms are used herein, such as comprising and including, and similar terms are meant to be open and not closed terms. These terms should be understood as, for example, including, but not limited to.

[0028] As previously described, there is a need for an easy to use and modular system that allows an individual to move hanging items horizontally, vertically, or to numerous other locations on a wall. The present invention seeks to solve these and other problems.

[0029] Hanging items on walls is important to many people for numerous reasons. Some of these reasons may include hanging shelves for storage or displays, or for hanging aesthetically pleasing items. To hang items on walls, most people are limited to a simple nail, bracket, wire, or some combination thereof. These hanging devices are often difficult to use, cause frustrations, and limit what items can be placed on walls.

[0030] The wall panel system described herein includes a panel, one or more brackets that fasten to a wall and the panel. Accordingly, a user may easily couple the one or more brackets to the wall and panels which allows the panel to be removably attachable to the wall. Once the panel is in place, the user may place one or more panel brackets on the wall that can be configured to store numerous items. It will be appreciated that the system allows users to store numerous items and quickly move the stored items to various locations on the panel via the one or more panel brackets.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in one embodiment, a wall panel system 100 comprises a panel 102, at least two first brackets 104A (FIG. 9) coupleable to a wall 106, at least two second brackets 104B (FIG. 9) coupleable to the panel 102, and one or more panel brackets 108A, 108B, 108C. The panel 102 may be generally rectangular shaped. The panel 102 may have a front side 110, a back side 112, a top edge 114, a bottom edge 116, a first side edge 118, and a second side edge 120. In some embodiments, the panel 102 may be generally square shaped, circular, or any other shape. The panel 102 may be 48. The panel may fit 16 or 24 wall stud spacing with 4 width increments as well as 6 length increments. In other embodiments, the panel 102 may have a variety of lengths, widths, and heights. The panel 102 may be manufactured out of wood. Other materials for the panel 102 may include plastic, aluminum, or any other type of material used in the industry.

[0032] Further, the panel 102 may include a plurality of apertures 122 that are substantially rectangular shaped and systematically spaced apart. The plurality of apertures 122 may be configured to receive the one or more panel brackets 108A, 108B, 108C that may be coupled to, for example, shelves 124 or other holding devices/platforms so as to allow a user to store or hang items, which will be discussed herein. It could be envisioned that the plurality of apertures 122 may, in some embodiments, be different shapes, patterns, and/or sizes across the panel other than what is illustrated.

[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 4-9, the first and second brackets 104A, 104B may be used to couple the panel 102 to the wall 106. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, 7, and 9, the first bracket 104A may have a first side 126 and a second side 128, the second side 128 being taller than the first side 126. A first channel 130 may be positioned between the first side 126 and the second side 128. The first bracket 104A may comprise a first aperture 132 that runs the length of the first bracket 104A. The first aperture 132 may be separated from the first channel 130 by a first channel wall 134. The first side 126 includes a plurality of first side apertures 136, with the first side apertures 136 passing from the first side 126 into the first aperture 132 and out of the second side 128. The second side 128 includes a plurality of second side apertures 138 that are positioned below the first channel 130. It will be appreciated that while two brackets are being discussed, one or more than two brackets may be used without departing herefrom.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 8-9, the second bracket 104B may have a third side 140 and a fourth side 142, the fourth side 142 being taller than the third side 140. A second channel 144 may be positioned between the third side 140 and the fourth side 142. The second bracket 104B may comprise a second aperture 146 that runs the length of the first bracket 104B. The second aperture 146 may be separated from the second channel 144 by a second channel wall 148. The third side 140 includes a plurality of third side apertures 150, with the third side apertures 150 passing from the third side 140 into the second aperture 146 and out of the fourth side 142. The fourth side 142 includes a plurality of fourth side apertures 152 that are positioned below the second channel 144. It will be appreciated that the first and second brackets 104A, 104B may be interchangeable. It will further be appreciated that while two brackets are being discussed, one or more than two brackets may be used without departing herefrom.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 9, the first brackets 104A may be coupled to, for example, an upper portion 154 (FIG. 3) of the panel 102 and a lower portion 156 (FIG. 3) of the panel 102 via fasteners (e.g., screws) that pass through the plurality of first and second side apertures 136, 138. In some embodiments, the first bracket 104A may be positioned anywhere on the panel 102. The first bracket 104A may be coupled to the panel 102 so that the first channel 130 is opened downward. The second side 128 may contact the panel 102. The second bracket 104B may be coupled to, for example, an upper portion 158 (FIG. 1) of the wall 106 and a lower portion 160 (FIG. 1) of the wall 106. In some embodiments, the second bracket 104B may be positioned anywhere on the wall 106 via fasteners (e.g., screws). The second bracket 104B may be coupled to the wall 106 so that the second channel 144 is opened upward. The fourth side 142 may contact the wall 106.

[0036] To secure the panel 102 with the first bracket(s) 104A to the wall 106 with the second bracket(s) 104B, a user may slide the first side 126 of the first bracket 104A into the second channel 144 while the third side 140 of the second bracket 104B may be positioned into the first channel 130. It will be appreciated that a first edge 162 of the first side 126 may match the shape of the second channel 144 so as to allow the first edge 162 to properly mate with the second channel 144 and rest on the second channel wall 148, and a second edge 164 of the third side 140 may match the shape of the first channel 130 so as to allow the second edge 164 to properly mate with the first channel 130 and contact that first channel wall 134, thereby securing the panel 102 to the wall 106. To remove the panel 102, a user may simply lift up on the panel 102 to detach the first bracket(s) 104A from the second bracket(s) 104B.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, once the panel(s) 102 are coupled to the wall 106, the plurality of apertures 122 on the panel 102 may receive the one or more panel brackets 108A, 108B, 108C. The one or more panel brackets 108A, 108B, 108C may comprise a first panel bracket 108A, a second panel bracket 108B, and a third panel bracket 108C. It will be appreciated that while only three brackets are shown, there may be numerous other brackets that may be used with the panel 102, or shelves, or other hanging/holding/storing devices. The first panel bracket 108A may comprise a first prong 166 and a second prong 168 that protrude from the panel 102 so as to receive a hat, coat, etc. The first panel bracket 108A may include one or more fingers that are inserted into one of the plurality of panel apertures 122 and secured therein. The second panel bracket 108B may include a first arm 170A, 170B, a second arm 172A, 172B, and the shelf 124 positioned between the first arm 170A, 170B and the second arm 172A, 172B. The second panel bracket(s) 108B may comprise one or more fingers that couple to edges of the plurality of panel apertures 122. Illustrated in FIG. 10, the third panel bracket 108C may include a first prong 174, which may each receive a hat, coat, etc., that protrudes from the panel 102 when secured therein. On a side opposite the first prong 174, the third panel bracket 108C may include a first finger 176 and a first bracket notch 178 that is interposed between the first prong 174 and the first finger 176. The third panel bracket 108C may also include a second finger 180 and a second notch 182 that is interposed between a lower finger 184 of the first prong 174 and the second finger 180. It will be understood that the first and second notches 178, 182 can rest on the edges of one of the apertures of the plurality of panel apertures 122, thereby allowing the third panel bracket 108C to be secured to the panel 102. While two notches 178, 182 are shown, it will be understood that one notch (e.g., an upper notch or a lower notch) may be used on any of the panel brackets so as to be secured to the panel 102 via the single notch.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 11-13, in one embodiment, a first bracket 200A and a second bracket 200B both of which may be used with and/or interact with the panel 102. The first and second brackets 200A, 200B may be used to couple the panel 102 to the wall 106 (FIG. 9). The first bracket 200A may have a first side 202 and a second side 204, the first side 202 being taller than the second side 204. The first side 202 may comprise a first outer surface channel 206 that runs the length of the first bracket 200A. The second side 204 may include a first jutted portion 208. A first channel 210 may be positioned between the first side 202 and the second side 206. The first bracket 200A may comprise a first aperture 211 that runs the length of the first bracket 200A. The first aperture 211 may be separated from the first channel 210 by a first channel wall 212. The first side 202 includes a first notch 214 that runs the length of an inner surface of the first side 202. The second side 204 includes a second notch 216 that runs the length of an outer surface of the second side 204. The first and second notches/grooves 214, 216 may be V-shaped notches that are configured to receive fasteners (e.g., screws). It will be appreciated that the first and second notches 214, 216 are configured to receive a drill bit. That is, a user can drill holes easily in the notches 214, 216 so as to anchor the first bracket 200A to the wall or panel. This allows a user to drill holes spaced apart a distance to match wall studs, if coupling to the wall. In some embodiments, the first bracket 200A may include pre-drilled holes.

[0039] The second bracket 200B may have a third side 218 and a fourth side 220, the third side 218 being taller than the fourth side 220. The third side 218 may comprise a second outer surface channel 222 that runs the length of the second bracket 200B. The fourth side 220 may include a second jutted portion 224. A second channel 226 may be positioned between the third side 218 and the fourth side 220. The second bracket 200B may comprise a second aperture 228 that runs the length of the second bracket 200B. The second aperture 228 may be separated from the second channel 226 by a second channel wall 230. The third side 218 includes a third notch 232 that runs the length of an inner surface of the third side 218. The fourth side 220 includes a fourth notch 234 that runs the length of an outer surface of the fourth side 220. The third and fourth notches 232, 234 may be V-shaped notches that are configured to receive fasteners (e.g., screws). It will be appreciated that the third and fourth notches 232, 234 are configured to receive a drill bit. That is, a user can drill holes easily in the third and fourth notches 232, 234 so as to anchor the second bracket 200B to the wall or panel. This allows a user to drill holes spaced apart a distance to match wall studs, if coupling to the wall. In some embodiments, the second bracket 200B may include pre-drilled holes.

[0040] The first bracket 200A may be coupled to, for example, an upper portion 154 (FIG. 3) of the panel 102 and a lower portion 156 (FIG. 3) of the panel 102 via fasteners. The first bracket 200A may be coupled to the panel 102 so that the first channel 210 is opened downward. The first side 202 may contact the panel 102. The second bracket 200B may be coupled to, for example, an upper portion 158 (FIG. 1) of the wall 106 and a lower portion 160 (FIG. 1) of the wall 106. The second bracket 200B may be coupled to the wall 106 so that the second channel 226 is opened upward. The third side 218 may contact the wall 106. The first and second brackets 200A and 200B may be spaced apart at the same distances on the panel 102 and the wall 106 so that they may interact with each other.

[0041] To secure the panel 102 with the first bracket(s) 200A to the wall 106 with the second bracket(s) 200B, a user may slide the second side 204 of the first bracket 200A into the second channel 226 while the fourth side 220 of the second bracket 200B may be positioned into the first channel 210. It will be appreciated that a first edge 236 of the second side 204 may mirror the shape of the second channel 226 so as to allow the first edge 236 to properly mate with the second channel 226 and rest on the second channel wall 230, and a second edge 238 of the fourth side 220 may mirror the shape of the first channel 210 so as to allow the second edge 238 to properly mate with the first channel 210 and contact that first channel wall 212, thereby securing the panel 102 to the wall 106. To remove the panel 102, a user may simply lift up on the panel 102. Similar to the first and second brackets 104A, 104B the first and second brackets 200A, 200B may be interchangeable.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 14-15, in one embodiment, the panel 102 may receive a first member 300A, a second member 300B, and a third member 300C. While three members are shown, it will be understood that any number of members may be utilized whether one or more than three. The first, second, and third members 300A-300C may couple to the backside 112 of the panel 102 via fasteners (e.g., screws). The first, second, and third members 300A-300C may each be generally square shaped. However, other embodiments may include any other shape, such as circular. Further, the first, second, and third members 300A-300C may be printed from a three-dimensional printer, vacuum molded, or manufactured by any other means known in the art. The first member 300A, on a front side, may include a sloped section 302. Similarly, the second and third members 300B and 300C may also include sloped section, even though they are not shown in FIG. 15. When multiple panels are butted up against or contact each other on their edges, the members 300A-300C assist a user in guiding the panels 102 and help front sides 110 of the panels 102 be flush or level with each other. In addition, the sloped section 302 provides a smooth transition to the panels 102 contacting each other.

[0043] It will be appreciated that the system 100 may be modular so as to fit the desires and needs of any user when it comes to storing or hanging items. Furthermore, each user can easily adjust, remove, and configure each of the components in the system 100 in numerous ways.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 16, a wall panel system 400 that is transportable may include a base 402 with front wheels 404A, 404B and rear wheels (not shown but the same as the front wheels. Extending upward from the base 402 may be a first side wall 406, a second side 408 wall spaced apart and parallel to the first side wall 406, and a rear wall 410 perpendicular to and interposed between the first side wall 406 and the second side wall 408. The first side wall 406 may include a plurality of first apertures 412. The second side wall 408 may include a plurality of second apertures 414. The third side wall 410 may include a plurality of third apertures 416. Each of the walls 406, 408, 410, include multiple sections. However, in some embodiments, the walls may be manufactured out of a single section. It will be appreciated that the first, second, and third apertures 412, 414, 416 may receive one or more panel brackets 108A-108C. A user can transport the system 400, for example, in a garage where a user may store tools, clothing, or any other item via the one or more panel brackets 108A-108C.

[0045] Further, in some embodiments, the wall panel system may be configured to be a transportable island or any other configuration whether mobile or stationary.

[0046] It will be understood that while various embodiments have been disclosed herein, other embodiments are contemplated. Further, certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features described in other embodiments. Consequently, various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, disclosure of certain features or components relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the application or inclusion of said features or components to the specific embodiment unless stated. As such, other embodiments can also include said features, components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.