U.S. patent application number 10/978595 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-04 for slatwall section and assembly.
Invention is credited to Gus A. Schuberth.
Application Number | 20060091094 10/978595 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36260588 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060091094 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schuberth; Gus A. |
May 4, 2006 |
Slatwall section and assembly
Abstract
A slatwall section including a plurality of parallel frontal
wall segments each extending between a first side edge portion of
the slatwall section and an opposing second side edge portion of
the slatwall section. Parallel slats are formed between adjacent
frontal wall segments and extend between the first side edge
portion and the second side edge portion. The adjacent frontal wall
segments form a slat opening that extends into a depth of the
slatwall section and transitions into a channel generally parallel
with a front surface of the frontal wall segments. The slatwall
section includes a bottom edge portion forming an angular groove
and a top edge portion forming an angular tongue that is mateably
engageable with an angular groove of a second slatwall section. A
slatwall assembly including a plurality of slatwall sections can be
constructed by mateably engaging an angular tongue formed at a top
edge portion of a first slatwall section with an angular groove
formed at a bottom edge portion of a second slatwall section to
form a concealed joint.
Inventors: |
Schuberth; Gus A.;
(Naperville, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pauley Petersen & Erickson
Suite 365
2800 West Higgins Road
Hoffman Estates
IL
60195
US
|
Family ID: |
36260588 |
Appl. No.: |
10/978595 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/94.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/0846
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/094.01 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08 |
Claims
1. A security system comprising: a base station; at least one
sensor module comprising at least one sensor and a processor; and
at least one calibration unit, said calibration unit configured to
transmit signals to be received by said at least one sensor module,
said signals containing a plurality of GPS derived locations and
times of transmission, said processor programmed to calculate a
position of said sensor module within a three dimensional
coordinate system utilizing said plurality of GPS derived locations
and times of transmission, said at least one sensor module
configured to transmit module location data, module orientation
data, and sensor status from said at least one sensor to said base
station.
2. A security system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
sensor comprises one or more of a smoke sensor, a fire sensor, a
gas sensor, an audio sensor, a video sensor, and a vibration
sensor.
3. A security system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
sensor module is configured to periodically transmit module
location data, module orientation data, and sensor status utilizing
a frequency from about 20 kHz to about 100 kHz.
4. A security system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
calibration unit is configured to: determine its location within a
coordinate system utilizing GPS; and transmit a GPS derived
location and a time of transmission.
5. A security system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
calibration unit comprises a clock, said clock configured to
receive time updates based on GPS information received by said
calibration unit.
6. A security system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
calibration unit comprises a first calibration unit and a second
calibration unit, said first calibration unit configured to
determine its location within a coordinate system utilizing GPS,
said second calibration unit configured to receive a location of
said first calibration unit from said first calibration unit, then
determine its location within the coordinate system utilizing
GPS.
7. A security system according to claim 6 wherein said first
calibration unit and said second calibration unit are configured to
sequentially transmit their location within the coordinate system,
as derived from received GPS signals, and a time of
transmission.
8. (canceled)
9. A security system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
sensor module comprises a clock, and wherein said processor is
programmed with a distance calculation program configured to
determine a distance between said sensor module and a respective
said calibration unit, based upon a time of transmission received
from the respective said calibration unit and a time provided by
said clock.
10. A security system according to claim 1 wherein said processor
is programmed with a three dimensional position program configured
to determine a position of said sensor module based upon a GPS
derived location received from the respective said calibration
units.
11. A security system according to claim 1 wherein said at least
one sensor module comprises an orientation compass configured to
provide module orientation data to said processor.
12. A sensor module for a security system, said sensor module
comprising: at least one sensor providing a status; a receiver
configured to receive at least a plurality of GPS derived locations
and times of transmission from a plurality of calibration unit
locations; a processor programmed to calculate a position of said
sensor module within a three dimensional coordinate system based on
the received plurality of GPS derived locations and times of
transmission; and a transmitter configured to transmit the status
from said at least one sensor and the calculated position from said
processor.
13. A sensor module according to claim 12 further comprising a
clock, said processor configured to determine a distance between
said sensor module and a unit transmitting a time of transmission
to said receiver utilizing a time from said clock.
14. A sensor module according to claim 13 wherein said processor is
configured to determine a delay by subtracting the time of
transmission from the time from said clock.
15. A sensor module according to claim 13 wherein said processor is
configured to correct any errors in said clock based on receiving
at least four GPS derived locations and times of transmission.
16. A sensor module according to claim 12 further comprising an
orientation compass configured to determine an orientation of said
sensor module, said transmitter configured to transmit the
orientation of said sensor module.
17. A sensor module according to claim 16 wherein said transmitter
is configured to periodically transmit status from said sensor, the
calculated position of said sensor module, and the orientation of
said sensor module.
18. A sensor module according to claim 12 wherein said sensor
comprises at least one of a smoke sensor, a fire sensor, a gas
sensor, an audio sensor, a video sensor, and a vibration
sensor.
19. A method for providing security to an area utilizing a
plurality of sensor modules, said method comprising: providing
sensor modules each including at least one sensor therein to be
dispersed within the area to be monitored, the sensor modules also
including a processor; providing a plurality of calibration units
to be dispersed within a vicinity of the sensor modules;
configuring the calibration units to derive and transmit their GPS
location and a time of transmission to the sensor modules;
programming the processor of each sensor module to calculate a
position of the sensor module within a three dimensional coordinate
system based on the signals and times of transmission received from
the calibration units; and further programming the sensor modules
to transmit their location and a status from the at least one
sensor therein.
20. A method according to claim 19 further comprising: providing
the sensor modules with an orientation compass therein; and further
programming the sensor modules to transmit their orientation along
with their location and the status from the at least one
sensor.
21. A method according to claim 19 wherein programming the
processor of each sensor module to calculate a position of the
sensor module comprises: configuring the sensor modules with a
clock providing a time; and programming the processor of each
sensor module to determine a delay time by comparing the time of
transmission received from each calibration unit to a time provided
by the clock.
22. A method according to claim 19 wherein programming the
processor of each sensor module to calculate a position of the
sensor module comprises: configuring the sensor modules with a
clock providing a time; configuring the sensor modules to receive
GPS locations and times of transmission from four calibration unit
locations; and programming the processor of each sensor module to
correct any errors in the clock based on the received GPS locations
and times of transmission.
23. A method according to claim 19 wherein configuring the
calibration units to derive and transmit their GPS location and a
time of transmission to the sensor modules comprises: configuring
the calibration units with a sequence; and causing each calibration
unit to derive and transmit their GPS location and a time of
transmission according to the sequence.
24. A method according to claim 23 further comprising configuring
the calibration units to derive and transmit their GPS location and
a time of transmission upon reception of a GPS location and time
from a calibration unit immediately preceding the respective
calibration unit in the sequence.
25. A method according to claim 19 further comprising: receiving
the locations and status transmitted from the at least one sensor
module at a base station; and causing a response to be initiated
based on the status received at the base station.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to my earlier filed pending
application, Ser. No. 29/199,146, filed on 10 Feb. 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to slatwall sections that
are mateably engageable to construct a slatwall assembly.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Slatwall sections or panels and slatwall assemblies are
useful in commercial settings or for home use, for displaying
merchandise or storing articles for example. Typically, slatwall
sections contain grooves within which hanging elements, such as
hooks, hangers, brackets and shelves are positioned. The slatwall
sections can be fastened to a support structure, such as a wall, to
form a slatwall assembly having suitable dimensions for a
particular use.
[0006] Some attempt has been made to simplify the construction of
the slatwall assembly. For example, some conventional slatwall
assemblies include a plurality of slatwall sections that can be
interlocked with adjacent slatwall sections at edge portions to
secure the slatwall sections together. However, it may be difficult
to interlock the adjacent slatwall sections, for example if the
slatwall sections are fastened to a support structure that is not
planar. Further, the adjacent slatwall sections are connected at a
joint that is not water or moisture proof and may not be
aesthetically pleasing.
[0007] It is desirable to provide a slatwall section that can be
easily and positively engaged with an adjacent slatwall section to
construct a slatwall assembly.
[0008] It is also desirable to provide a slatwall section that can
be engaged with an adjacent slatwall section to form a concealed
joint that provides a moisture barrier and is aesthetically
pleasing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of this invention is to provide an improved
slatwall section and slatwall assembly including a plurality of
mateably engageable slatwall sections.
[0010] It is another object of this invention to provide a slatwall
section that is mateably engageable with a similar slatwall section
to form a concealed joint that forms a liquid and moisture proof
seam between the slatwall sections and enhances the aesthetics of
the slatwall assembly.
[0011] It is another object of this invention to provide a slatwall
section having a top portion that positively engages a bottom
portion of a second slatwall section.
[0012] The above and other objects of this invention can be
attained through a slatwall section having a plurality of parallel
frontal wall segments each extending between a first side edge
portion of the slatwall section and an opposing second side edge
portion of the slatwall section. Adjacent frontal wall segments
form a plurality of parallel or aligned slats that extend between
the first side edge portion and the second side edge portion.
Adjacent frontal wall segments form a slat opening that extends
into a depth of the slatwall section and transitions into a channel
generally parallel with a front surface of the frontal wall
segments. The slatwall section includes a bottom edge portion
forming an angular groove and a top edge portion forming an angular
tongue mateably engageable with an angular groove of a second
slatwall section to form a concealed joint. At least one slat
includes a seam formed in a back surface of the slat and extending
along at least a portion of a length of the slat for receiving a
fastener.
[0013] A plurality of slatwall sections can be mateably engaged and
fastened to a support surface to form a slatwall assembly. The
slatwall assembly preferably includes a baseboard having a first
portion positionable within a slat of a bottom slatwall section and
having an integrated clip engageable with the angular groove of the
slatwall section to conceal at least the bottom edge portion of the
slatwall section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this
invention will be better understood from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a slatwall section,
according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the slatwall section,
as shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front view of the slatwall section, as shown in
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a back view of the slatwall section, as shown in
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view of the slatwall section, as shown in
FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of a slatwall assembly,
according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of a top edge portion of a first
slatwall section mateably engaged with a bottom edge portion of a
second slatwall section, according to one preferred embodiment of
this invention; and
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of a base board connected to a bottom
edge portion of a slatwall section, according to one preferred
embodiment of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, the present invention provides a
slatwall section 10 and a slatwall assembly including a plurality
of mateably engageable slatwall sections. Slatwall section 10 can
be made of any suitable material, such as a plastic, metal, alloy
and/or composite material, using any suitable manufacturing process
known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings
herein provided. In one preferred embodiment of this invention,
slatwall section 10 is formed of an extruded plastic material.
Slatwall section 10 can be fastened or attached to a support wall
100 using any suitable fastener, such as a screw. A second slatwall
section 10' can be mateably engaged with slatwall section 10 and
fastened to support wall 100 to form or construct the slatwall
assembly, as discussed in more detail below.
[0024] Slatwall section 10 forms or includes a plurality of
parallel frontal wall segments 12 which collectively form a front
surface 14 of slatwall section 10. Preferably, but not necessarily,
front surface 14 is generally flat or planar. In one preferred
embodiment of this invention, at least one frontal wall segment 12
includes a decorative beading 16, such as a wainscott beading, to
enhance the appearance of slat wall section 10. As shown in FIGS. 1
and 3, each frontal wall segment 12 preferably extends between a
first side edge portion 20 of slatwall section 10 and an opposing
second side edge portion 22 of slatwall section 10.
[0025] Slatwall section 10 further includes a plurality of parallel
slats 24 formed between adjacent frontal wall segments 12, as shown
in FIGS. 1-3, 5 and 6. Each slat 24 has suitable dimensions for
receiving at least one hanging element, such as a hanger, a hook
and/or another suitable display or storage element. For example, in
one preferred embodiment of this invention, suitable storage
elements, such as hangers, hooks, baskets, racks, shelves and
storage units are positioned within at least one slat 24 and
supported by slatwall section 10. Preferably, each slat 24 extends
between first side edge portion 20 and second side edge portion 22.
Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 5, adjacent frontal wall segments
12 form a slat opening 26 therebetween. Slat opening 26 extends
into a depth of slatwall section 10 and transitions into a channel
28 that is preferably generally parallel with front surface 14 of
frontal wall segments 12. The depth of slatwall section 10 is
generally indicated in FIG. 5 by element reference letter A.
[0026] In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a seam 30 for
receiving a fastener is formed in a back surface 32 of at least one
slat 24, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Seam 30 preferably extends
along at least a portion of a length of slat 24. A fastener, such
as a screw, nail or bolt, can be positioned within seam 30 such
that the tip of the fastener is placed in seam 30 resulting in
uniform placement of fasteners and, functionally, seam 30 acts as a
pilot for positioning and insertion of the fastener. In addition,
when slatwall section 10 is secured or fastened to support wall 100
using the fastener, a head portion of the fastener is positioned
within seam 30 and a head portion surface of the fastener is flush
with back surface 32. Thus, the fastener will not interfere with a
hanging element, such as a hanger or hook, positioned within slat
24 and can be concealed or hidden from view by the hanging
element.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, a portion of one frontal wall segment 12
forming slat 24 extends or protrudes into opening 26 to form a lip
or projection 36. Preferably, projection 36 extends into opening 26
from an upper portion of slat 24, as shown in FIG. 5, and extends
along a length of slatwall section 10. Projection 36 can extend
continuously along the slatwall section length or can be segmented.
Projection 36 interferes with a portion of the hanging element
positioned within a corresponding slat 24 to support and secure the
hanging element with respect to front surface 14 of slatwall
section 10. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a
thickness (T.sub.1) of projection 36 is greater than a thickness
(T.sub.2) of a portion of frontal wall segment 12 between adjacent
slats 24, as shown in FIG. 5. The added thickness of projection 36
provides increased strength for supporting hanging elements
positioned within slat 24. It is apparent to those skilled in the
art and guided by the teachings herein provided that each adjacent
frontal wall segment 12 forming the corresponding slat 24 can
include projection 36, which extends into opening 26.
[0028] In one preferred embodiment of this invention, slatwall
section 10 includes a bottom edge portion 40 that forms or includes
a groove, such as an angular groove 42. Angular groove 42 is formed
or defined by an intersection of a back surface 44 of slatwall
section 10 and a surface 46 of a leg 48 that extends from back
surface 44, as shown in FIG. 5. Although angular groove 42
preferably has a generally triangular or v-shape, angular groove 42
may alternatively be formed with a square, rectangular, circular or
any other suitable shape or cross-section known to those having
ordinary skill in the art. As shown in FIG. 5, back surface 44 is
preferably generally parallel to front surface 14 of slatwall
section 10 at bottom edge portion 40.
[0029] In one preferred embodiment of this invention, slatwall
section 10 includes a top edge portion 50 that forms or includes a
tongue, such as an angular tongue 52 mateably engageable with an
angular groove 42' of a second slatwall section 10', as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7. Referring further to FIGS. 5-7, angular tongue 52 is
formed or defined by an intersection of a surface 54 extending from
front surface 14 of slatwall section 10 and a surface 56 extending
from back surface 44 of slatwall section 10. As shown in FIG. 5,
surface 54 is preferably generally parallel to front surface 14 at
top edge portion 50. As shown in FIG. 5, angular tongue 52
preferably has a triangular cross-section, that generally
corresponds to the triangular shape of angular groove 42'. Angular
tongue 52 may alternatively be formed with a square, rectangular,
circular or any other suitable cross-section known to those having
ordinary skill in the art.
[0030] Angular tongue 52 of slatwall section 10' is mateably
engageable with angular groove 42' of second slatwall section 10'
to form a concealed joint 60. In addition to enhancing the
aesthetics of the slatwall assembly, concealed joint 60 prevents
water and/or moisture, for example, from moving between adjacent
slatwall sections. In one preferred embodiment of this invention,
angular tongue 52 has a triangular shape and angular groove 42' has
a triangular shape positively engaging the corresponding
triangular-shaped angular tongue 52. Because surface 56 extends
outwardly and upwardly from back surface 44 of slatwall section 10,
bottom edge portion 40' of slatwall section 10' can be slidably
positioned with respect to top edge portion 50 of slatwall section
10 to provide positive engagement between angular tongue 52 and
angular groove 42'. As shown in FIG. 7, angular groove 42'
preferably has an intersection angle corresponding to the
intersection angle of angular tongue 52 so that surface 56
positively contacts surface 46' and surface 54 positive contacts
surface 44'. Additionally, because surface 56 extends from back
surface 44 of slatwall section 10 at an angle, slatwall section 10'
can be slidably positioned with respect to slatwall section 10 to
compensate for when slatwall section 10 is fastened or connected to
a support wall having a support surface that is uneven or which
includes undulations.
[0031] In one preferred embodiment of this invention, top edge
portion 50 of slatwall section 10 includes at least a portion of
decorative beading 16 so that when concealed joint 60 is formed by
the mating engagement of slatwall section 10 with slatwall section
10', concealed joint 60 forms decorative beading 16. As a result,
multiple slatwall sections 10, 10', when assembled, create a
uniform and seamless appearance.
[0032] In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a plurality
of slatwall sections can be mateably engaged to form or construct a
slatwall assembly. The slatwall assembly includes a first slatwall
section 10 having a plurality of parallel frontal wall segments 14
that extend between first side edge portion 20 of first slatwall
section 10 and opposing second side edge portion 22 of first
slatwall section 10. Adjacent frontal wall segments 14 form
parallel slats 24 that extend between first side edge portion 20
and second side edge portion 22. First slatwall section 10 has top
edge portion 50 forming angular tongue 52.
[0033] A second slatwall section 10' includes a plurality of
parallel frontal wall segments 14' that extend between a first side
edge portion 20' of second slatwall section 10' and an opposing
second side edge portion 22' of second slatwall section 10'.
Adjacent frontal slatwall segments 14' form parallel slats 24' that
extend between first side edge portion 20' and second side edge
portion 22'. Second slatwall section 10' has a bottom edge portion
40' that forms an angular groove 42', which is mateably engageable
with angular tongue 52 to form a concealed joint 60.
[0034] First slatwall section 10 includes a bottom edge portion 40
that forms an angular groove 42, which is mateably engageable with
an angular tongue of an adjacent slatwall section. Further, second
slatwall section 10' includes a top edge portion 50' forming an
angular tongue 52', which is mateably engageable with an angular
groove formed at a bottom edge portion of an adjacent slatwall
section.
[0035] In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the slatwall
assembly also includes a baseboard 70 having an upper portion 72
that is positionable within a slat 24 of first slatwall section 10
and an integrated clip portion 74. Preferably, upper portion 72 of
baseboard 70 is positioned within slat 24 nearest bottom portion 40
of first slatwall section 10. Integrated clip portion 74 is
engageable with first slatwall section angular groove 42 for
concealing at least bottom edge portion 40 of first slatwall
section 10, as shown in FIG. 8. Preferably, clip portion 74 can be
compression fitted, snapped or clipped onto bottom edge portion
40.
[0036] Thus, the present invention provides a slatwall section
including a plurality of parallel frontal wall segments and a
plurality of parallel slats formed between adjacent frontal wall
segments. The slatwall section includes a bottom edge portion
forming an angular groove and a top edge portion forming an angular
tongue that is mateably engageable with an angular groove of a
second slatwall section. A surface of the angular tongue extends
upwardly and outwardly with respect to a back surface of the
slatwall section and intersects with a surface extending from a
front surface of the slatwall section to form a triangular-shaped
angular tongue. The angular groove of the second slatwall section
has a triangular shape that positively engages the corresponding
triangular-shaped angular tongue of the first slatwall section to
form a concealed joint. Further, a seam is formed in a back surface
of at least one slat and extends along at least a portion of a
length of the slat for receiving a fastener.
[0037] The present invention also provides a slatwall assembly
including a first slatwall section having a top edge portion
forming an angular tongue and a second slatwall section having a
bottom edge portion forming an angular groove mateably engageable
with the angular tongue of the first slatwall section to form a
concealed joint. A baseboard of the slatwall assembly has a first
portion that is positionable within a slat of the first slatwall
section and an integrated clip that is engageable with the first
slatwall section angular groove to conceal at least the bottom edge
portion of the first slatwall section.
[0038] The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may
be practiced in the absence of any element, part, step, component,
or ingredient which is not specifically disclosed herein.
[0039] While in the foregoing detailed description this invention
has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments
thereof, and many details have been set forth for purposes of
illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that
certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably
without departing from the basic principles of the invention.
* * * * *