U.S. patent application number 11/289746 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for modular magnetic fixture system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Orange22 Design Lab LLC. Invention is credited to Dario Cesar Antonioni, John Walter Ford.
Application Number | 20070119804 11/289746 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38086417 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070119804 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Antonioni; Dario Cesar ; et
al. |
May 31, 2007 |
Modular magnetic fixture system
Abstract
A customizable modular magnetic wall system is provided for
displaying items while allowing a user to aesthetically configure
and tailor the system to the user's needs. The system includes a
magnetic backing plate and at least one module. The module includes
a base portion and a utility member. The base portion of the module
is magnetically securable at a plurality of positions on the
backing plate. In addition, the utility member projects outwardly
from the base portion and is sized and configured to receive the
item. The module may include a shelf, hooks, and other various
devices for displaying the item.
Inventors: |
Antonioni; Dario Cesar;
(Santa Monica, CA) ; Ford; John Walter; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
75 ENTERPRISE, SUITE 250
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Assignee: |
Orange22 Design Lab LLC
|
Family ID: |
38086417 |
Appl. No.: |
11/289746 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/86.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/0807
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/086.01 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A modular magnetic wall system for displaying items, the system
comprising: a magnetic backing plate; and a module including a base
portion and a utility member, the base portion being magnetically
securable at a plurality of positions on the backing plate, the
utility member projecting outwardly from the base portion for
receiving the item.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the module further includes a
magnetic element, the magnetic element being affixed to the base
portion and being operative to magnetically secure the module at
the plurality of positions on the backing plate.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the magnetic element is a
neodymium magnet.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein the magnetic element includes
three magnets being adhesively mounted to the module.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the utility member of the module
includes at least one hook.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the utility member of the module
includes a notched bar.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the utility member of the module
includes a ledge.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the module further includes a
shelf being mountable upon the ledge of the module.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the backing plate is attachable to
an existing wall.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the backing plate is mounted on a
support sheet.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the support sheet is fabricated
of MDF board.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the support sheet is lightened
utilizing a series of perforations.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the backing plate is at least
1/32 inch thick.
14. The system of claim 1 wherein the backing plate includes a
surface covering, the surface covering being at least one of powder
coating, paint, wallpaper, suede, leather, fabric, laminate and
wood veneer.
15. A module for use in a magnetic wall system for display items,
the system including a magnetic backing plate, the module
comprising: a base portion being magnetically securable at a
plurality of positions on the backing plate; and a utility member
projecting outwardly from the base portion for receiving a display
item.
16. The module of claim 15 wherein the module further includes a
magnetic element, the magnetic element being affixed to the base
portion and being operative to magnetically secure the module at
the plurality of positions on the backing plate.
17. The module of claim 15 wherein the utility member of the module
includes at least one hook.
18. The module of claim 15 wherein the utility member of the module
includes a notched bar.
19. The module of claim 15 wherein the utility member of the module
includes a ledge.
20. The module of claim 19 wherein the module further includes a
shelf being mountable upon the ledge of the module.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] The following generally relates to display devices and, more
specifically, to an customizable modular magnetic fixture system
that includes magnetically-mountable modules useful for display
purposes that may arranged in limitless configurations along a
backing plate and do not require unsightly mounting fixtures.
[0004] Retailers often try to appeal to consumers by creating
attractive displays for the merchandise they sell. These displays
typically include shelving, tables, and racks that are constructed
with tools. The displays may usually be adapted for different
configurations, thus allowing the retailers reasonable flexibility
in designing their displays. The ability to manipulate a display is
important due to the frequently required changes for seasons, new
clothing lines, new product lines, and various other reasons.
Further, attractive and innovative displays are perhaps one of the
most important tools used by retailers to attract passers-by into
the store. Therefore, whether retailers are targeting the
occasional "window-shopper" or the in-store customer, their
displays ought to be flexible, fashionable, and effective.
[0005] Diverse equipment used in constructing displays may be seen
at almost any store. For example, clothiers use mannequins to model
clothing. Inside, pants, shirts, and other garments may be neatly
stacked on tables and shelves along the wall. Hangers and racks may
also be used to hang the clothing. In other types of non-clothing
stores, shelving is frequently hung to make efficient use of wall
space and to maximize display space. However, unlike other more
mobile equipment, such as tables and racks, shelving is often of
limited utility because it is limited to certain assembly
configurations and is difficult to drastically modify.
[0006] Shelving assemblies used for display and storage purposes
are assembled utilizing several common elements. These elements
include: mounting supports, shelf support elements, and a shelf.
The mounting supports may typically consist of bars that are
fastened to the wall with screws. This arrangement is very common
for both commercial home uses. Basically, two bars are aligned
vertical and parallel to one another--preferably in-line with studs
from the wall--and several screws or nails are inserted through
each of the bars and into the wall to secure the bars to the wall.
Alternatively, the bars may be mounted horizontally, in a similar
fashion. Next, the mounting supports include notches at a variety
of positions or specifically designed cross-sections that are
configured to receive the shelf support elements. The shelf support
elements are attached to the mounting supports at any of the
variety of positions or attached to the cross-section of the
mounting element. Finally, the shelf is placed onto the shelf
supports and items may be placed onto the shelf for display.
[0007] Several other wall display fixtures and assemblies exist in
the prior art, but often only include small variations to the
above-described shelving assembly. For example, although its
unattractive appearance makes it unpopular for displays, peg board
allows fixtures and shelves to be mounted thereon at numerous
positions. When considering shelving assemblies and wall fixtures,
these apparatuses commonly include a mounting element attachable to
a wall and a support element securable to the mounting element.
[0008] Although these shelving assemblies are somewhat convenient
and serve several important purposes for the average retailer,
there are many limitations associated with such assemblies.
Primarily, the retailer has limited configuration options.
Configuration options are limited by the number of positions at
which the shelf may be mounted, and specifically, by the
arrangement of the mounting elements on the wall (which may
themselves be limited by the arrangement of the studs in the wall).
The result is a limited number of discrete positions and
configuration options, regardless of whether peg board or multiple
mounting elements are utilized. This particular drawback of prior
art may often be frustrating for those retailers who require
flexibility and ease in configuring their displays.
[0009] In addition, another drawback of the shelf assemblies and
wall fixtures is the requirement of tools and stud support for
adjustments and installation. Before installation, the retailer
must be confident that the arrangement of the mounting elements
will meet their needs, now and in the foreseeable future. In case
the retailer wishes to change the overall arrangement, the retailer
must use several tools to remove and reinstall the mounting
elements. This process often leaves the wall in a state of
disrepair, and paint and other touch ups may be required. Further,
installation or reinstallation may be limited by the location of
studs within the wall if the assembly or fixture is to be
moderately load-bearing. Often, stud location limits the
arrangement of the mounting elements to undesirable location that
do not meet the needs of the retailer.
[0010] Further, one of the principal purposes of a display is to
provide an attractive and appealing visual for customers. However,
the aesthetic value of the display is lessened by the unnecessarily
exposed mounting elements and fixtures that are not being utilized.
For example, even though the shelf may be properly mounted on the
mounting fixture (such as parallel vertical bars), the shelf only
occupies a small portion of the available positions on the bars,
thus leaving a pair of unattractive bare metal bars exposed on the
wall and without any apparent value. In many establishments, an
exposed mounting fixture completely detracts from the mood and
visual effect that the retailer may be trying to achieve. Further,
options such as peg board force the user to accept a hole-riddled
wall texture in order to have the benefit of numerous mounting
positions. As a result, retailers must either have an attractive
mounting fixture, or plenty of merchandise to hide the mounting
fixture from view. This predicament eliminates decorating options
that many retailers long to exercise.
[0011] Therefore, there is an apparent need in the art for shelf
assemblies and wall fixtures that allow for unlimited flexibility
in mounting, adjusting, and decorating an existing wall structure.
There is a need in the art for shelf assemblies and wall fixtures
that are aesthetically attractive and eliminate exposure of unused
portions of mounting elements. There is also a need in the art for
a display system that allows the shelf assemblies and wall fixtures
to be removed and reattached without causing damage to the wall,
thus eliminating touch up work after reconfiguring.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0012] In order to remedy many of the limitations in the prior art,
including those mentioned above, a modular magnetic wall system is
provided. The system is preferably utilized in stores for
displaying items, including any type of merchandise, clothing,
cookware, electronic gadgets, home furnishings, etc., and may
effectively enhance the decor of the store. The system includes a
magnetic backing plate and a module, but in preferred embodiments
will include several modules of varying design, as discussed below.
The module includes a base portion and a utility member. The base
portion of the module is magnetically securable at a plurality of
positions on the backing plate. In fact, because of its magnetic
securement, the positions at which the base portion may be secured
are virtually unlimited. In addition, the utility member projects
outwardly from the base portion and is sized and configured to
receive the item.
[0013] The system may be configured and designed to suit the
various needs of a user. The module may include a magnetic element
that is affixed to the base portion of the module. The magnetic
element may be operative to magnetically secure the module at the
plurality of positions on the backing plate. In this regard, the
magnetic element may be made of various magnetic materials such as
a neodymium magnet. Additionally, the magnetic element may be
configured to include three magnets that are adhesively mounted to
the module.
[0014] Furthermore, the utility member of the module may be
configured to serve numerous purposes and to provide flexibility in
the display of the items. For example, the utility member may
include at least one hook, a notched bar, or a ledge for mounting a
shelf thereon. In addition, the module of the system may further
include a shelf that is sized and configured to be supported upon
the ledge of the module. Other various uses and designs of the
utility member may be implemented in order to satisfy the utility
or aesthetic needs of the user.
[0015] In addition to providing improved utility and ease of use,
the system may also be capably used in variously configured
buildings. In order to install the system, the backing plate may be
retrofitted to existing construction and be attachable to an
existing wall. However, the backing plate may also be installed in
new construction as well. Further, the backing plate may be mounted
on a support sheet, such as MDF board. Additional modifications to
facilitate use of the system may be made to the backing plate and
support sheet such as including a lightening the support sheet by
utilizing a series of perforations. Preferably, the backing plate
should be at least 1/32 inch thick, and typically 1/16 to 1/4 inch
thick, which provides adequate magnetic attraction between the
module and the magnetic backing plate.
[0016] Finally, the system may also be suited to the tastes and
aesthetic needs of the user. In this regard, the backing plate may
include a surface covering such powder coating, paint, wallpaper,
suede, leather, and fabric. This additional feature provides
distinct benefits by allowing the system to appear as a nomial wall
and to take on any appearance as desired by the user. These
beneficial aspects including in embodiments of the present
invention, as well as other beneficial features, will be further
described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect
to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers
refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
modular magnetic wall system including a backing plate and modules
being magnetically secured to the backing plate;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the module including a
base portion, a utility member configured as a ledge, a magnetic
element, and a shelf mounted on the ledge;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the modular magnetic
wall system wherein the backing plate is mounted on a support
sheet;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of the modular
magnetic wall system illustrated in FIG. 3 wherein the utility
member of the module includes a hook;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the module illustrated
in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 wherein the magnetic element comprises three
magnets being adhesively mounted to the module;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a front view of the module illustrated in FIG.
5;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the module wherein
the utility member includes a notched bar;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a front view of the embodiment of the module
illustrated in FIG. 7; and
[0026] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the
module illustrated in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention
only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 is a
perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular magnetic
wall system 10. The system 10 may be utilized in stores for
displaying items. Such items may include any type of merchandise,
clothing, cookwear, electronic gadgets, home furnishings, etc. One
of the many benefits of the system 10 is that the system 10 allows
a user to manipulate the color and appearance of the system 10 to
match decor and create an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The
system 10 may be implemented in any variety of retail stores and
other offices, buildings, etc. For example, the system 10 may be
utilized in residential or commercial construction, so as to
benefit individuals both in home and at the workplace. The system
10 may also be installed in pre-existing construction as well as in
new construction.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a metallic,
magnetic backing plate 12 and at least one module 14. As
illustrated by the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 2 and 4, the
module 14 includes a base portion 16 and a utility member 18, which
are described in greater detail below. The base portion 16 of the
module 14 is magnetically securable to the backing plate 12 at a
plurality of positions on the backing plate 12. For example, in
FIG. 1, it may be imagined that the modules 14 may be moved to any
position on the backing plate 12, as required by the user. In fact,
due to its magnetic securement, the positions whereat the base
portion 16 may be secured to the backing plate 12 are virtually
unlimited. This allows the user to arrange the system 10 in any
desirable configuration, which is of tremendous benefit to
retailers who must continually update and manipulate their
displays. Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 4, upon being secured to
the backing plate 12, the utility member 18 of the module 14
projects outwardly from the base portion 16 and is sized and
configured to receive the item for display. As such, the utility
member 18 may receive such items as hats, clothing hung on hangers,
shoes, boxed merchandise, etc.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the backing plate 12 may be sized and
configured to cover a majority of a wall structure 20. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3, the backing plate 12 is preferably designed as a
sheet of metal that is at least 1/32 inch thick. However, typical
plate thickness may be from at least 1/16 to 1/4 inch. It has been
found that increasing the thickness of the backing plate 12 further
enhances the magnetic attraction between the module 14 and the
backing plate 12. Therefore, it is contemplated that the thickness
of the backing plate 12 may directly correspond to the application
for which the system 10 is intended. For example, if the modules 14
are to be moderately load-bearing, it may be preferable to use a
backing plate 12 of greater thickness, such as 1/8 to 1/4 inch
thick. As discussed further below, the thickness of the backing
plate 12 may also correspond to the module 14 specifications in
order to ensure sufficient magnetic securement of the module 14 to
the backing plate. Further, the backing plate 12 may be made of any
of a variety of metallic materials known in the art.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the backing plate 12 may be attached to
existing wall structures 20. The wall structure 20 may be an
existing structurally load-bearing wall, or a free-standing wall.
For example, the wall structure 20 may be constructed of a
framework, such as made of wood, metal, or other materials, may be
assembled and utilized as the wall structure 20 onto which the
backing plate 12 may be mounted. For example, when the user desires
to utilize the system 10 as a free-standing display, the user may
construct the framework as required, and place the framework as
desired. This would allow significant mobility and use of the
system 10 in any variety of situations and store layouts.
[0031] The backing plate 12 may also be variously configured. The
backing plate 12 may be attached to the wall structure 20 may be
accomplished utilizing means known in the art. In some instances,
the backing plate 12 may be designed to cover the entirety of a
wall, from floor to ceiling. In other instances however, the size
of the backing plate 12 may be optimized to cover only a portion of
the wall such as from approximately 1-2 feet off of the floor to
8-10 feet in height. Such an optimized size of the backing plate 12
may be determined by the user and correspond to the layout of the
wall structure 20 and the location, as well as the needs of the
user. For example, if the user intends to utilize the system 10 to
display items that are to be sold to customers, the user may need
each item displayed with the system 10 to be within reach of the
average customer. Thus, the backing plate 12 need only reach 6 feet
from the floor. This would not only meet the needs of the user, but
would also require less material and therefore be a more economical
alternative than covering the entirety of the wall structure 20. In
other situations, the user may wish to limit the size of the
backing plate 12 to correspond only to specific sections of the
wall structure 20, such as a column. In such situations, the
backing plate 12 may easily be designed and installed according to
user requirements. Such calculations and modifications of the
backing plate 12 relative to the wall structure 20 may therefore be
performed in response to user requirements.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, the backing plate 12 may also be
mounted on a support sheet 22. This arrangement may be beneficial
when the backing plate 12 is of a lesser thickness or smaller in
size. The support sheet 22 may be any of a variety of natural or
synthetic wood products, such as boards or constructed frames. In
particular, fiberboard is a useful product that may serve as the
support sheet 22. Medium density fiber board ("MDF") may be the
preferred fiberboard due to its high strength properties and low
cost. Nevertheless, other types of fiberboard and wood products may
be utilized. Further, it may be desirable to construct the support
sheet 22 as a framework, such as made of metal, wood, or other
materials, which would provide maximum support and rigidity to the
backing plate 12 without significantly increasing the combined
weight of the backing plate 12 and support sheet 22. This may be
advantageous when utilizing large sized backing plates. Thus, the
use of frames may reduce the weight of the support sheets.
Otherwise, as shown in FIG. 3, the support sheet 22 may include a
plurality of perforations in order to be lighter and easier to
handle. Preferably, the support sheet 22 should be configured to
ensure easy handling and minimal weight cost.
[0033] As mentioned above, one of the significant advantages of
embodiments of the present invention is that the system 10 may be
manipulated to be aesthetically pleasing as desired by the user.
One of the prevalent drawbacks of prior art shelving assemblies and
wall fixtures is that the assemblies and fixtures are not only
unsightly, but also make it difficult for the user to decorate the
wall because the assemblies and fixtures must be removed and
reinstalled each time the user desire to reconfigure the assembly
or fixture. In this regard, the backing plate 12 may include a
surface covering 24 suited to the tastes and aesthetic needs of the
user. The user may manipulate the surface covering 24 so that the
backing plate 12 appears to be a normal wall or take on any
appearance desirable by the user. For example, the surface covering
24 may be a simple coat of paint, powder coating, wallpaper, or
also may include other products such as suede, leather, wood
veneer, laminate, and fabrics. The surface covering 24 may also be
any combination of materials desired by the user. Preferably, the
surface covering 24 should be thin enough not to interfere with the
magnetic securement of the module 14. However, if a thicker surface
covering 24 is desired, the module 14 may be alternatively
configured to ensure proper magnetic securement despite the
thickness of the surface covering 24. In some instances, the user
may prefer a metallic surface covering, which may be simply
obtained by polishing the backing plate. Therefore, the flexibility
of including the surface covering 24 allows the user to experiment
with and to employ any design or pattern that they wish.
[0034] Once the backing plate 12 is properly mounted and finished
with the surface covering 24 (as desired by the user), the user may
then place the modules 14 onto the backing plate. The system 10 may
include multiple modules 14, and the modules 14 may be of differing
designs. For example, referring again to FIG. 1, several modules 14
of differing design may be arranged according to user requirements
such as to display hats, hang clothing, or other numerous
merchandise and articles. As mentioned above, another of the
advantages of the system 10 is that the user is not limited to a
discreet number of positions whereat the modules 14 may be mounted.
Instead, the user may place the modules 14 at certain positions on
the backing plate, visually inspect the system 10, and make any
adjustments as necessary.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4-7, the module 14 may be
configured in a variety of configurations in order to meet the
needs of the user. As mentioned above, the module 14 includes the
base portion 16 and the utility member 18. Although primarily
illustrated as being rectangular and planar in shape, the base
portion 16 may be designed as a planar circle, three-dimensionally
hemispherical, or may include any variety of designs, including any
variety of cutting, bending, forming, etc. The base portion 16 may
be decoratively designed in response to user requirements.
[0036] The base portion 16 of the module 14 is utilized to
magnetically secure the module 14 to the magnetic backing plate.
The base portion 16 of the module 14 may vary in size corresponding
to the configuration of the utility member 18 used on the module,
as further described below. The dimensions of the base portion 16
may therefore be determined in response to the utility member 18
and the intended use (such as loading capacity) of the module 14.
Magnetic securement of the module 14 may be accomplished in a
variety of ways. For example, the base member itself may be
magnetic. However, in preferred embodiments of the invention, best
illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9, the module 14 includes a
magnetic element 26 that is affixed to the base portion 16 of the
module 14. The magnetic element 26 may therefore serve to create
the magnetic securement between the base portion 16 and the
magnetic backing plate 12 at the plurality of positions described
above. The magnetic element 26 may be attached to the base portion,
or as mentioned, may be integral with the base portion 16. The
magnetic element 26 may be adhesively attached to a rear surface of
the base portion 16 as shown illustratively in FIGS. 5 and 9. Such
adhesion may be performed utilizing epoxy, super glue, or other
suitable adhesives. In addition, the magnetic element 26 may be
recessed within the base portion 16.
[0037] The magnetic element 26 may be one of a variety of materials
that exhibits desirable magnetic properties. For example, a
preferred magnetic element 26 includes neodymium magnets 28. As
best shown in the rear perspective views of FIG. 5 and 9, it is
preferable to include at least three separate magnets 28 that are
attached to the base portion 16. The triangular arrangement of the
magnets 28 illustrated in FIG. 5 provides a high degree of magnetic
securement between the module 14 and the magnetic backing plate 12
when the module 14 is smaller in size. However, for larger elongate
modules 14, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 9, the magnetic
element 26 may be four or more separate magnets 28. Preferably, the
least amount of magnets should be used--the proper arrangement of
the magnets may allow this economizing of magnets to result in
proper magnetic securement. Of course, specific calculations for
determining low bearing capacity and magnetic securement may be
performed and modifications may be made based on the needs of the
user. In this regard, such calculations and modifications,
including use of substitute magnetic materials, may be performed by
one of skill in the art. Thus, the magnetic element 26 may be
variously designed to provide optimal magnetic securement for the
module 14 on the backing plate.
[0038] Furthermore, the module 14 includes the utility member,
which may be designed in various configurations, some of which are
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4-5. As indicated, one of the principal
purposes of the utility member 18 is to fulfill the display needs
of the user. Thus, the utility member 18 may broadly include the
use of any type of device, pole, branding tile, mirror, light,
writing board, etc., just to name a few. Other exemplary
embodiments of the utility member 18 are provided as follows.
[0039] For example, the utility member 18 may be a ledge 30, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. The ledge 30 may be sufficiently wide and
protrude at a desirable distance from the base portion 16 in order
to provide usable space whereon the user may place items for
display. Preferably, the ledge 30 is disposed perpendicularly to
the base portion 16. The ledge 30 may be formed integrally with the
base portion, and the module 14 may therefore be formed from a
single sheet of material that is formed into the base portion 16
and the ledge 30 by creating a bend in the module 14. However, as
illustrated in FIG. 2, the module 14 may further include a shelf 32
that is mountable to the ledge 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the shelf 32
may be sized and configured to be perpendicularly disposed relative
to the wall and to the base portion 16. In this regard, the shelf
32 may also be mounted to the ledge 30 with a rear edge of the
shelf 32 contacting the backing plate. This configuration may tend
to enhance the rigidity the shelf 32 by reducing any horizontal and
vertical displacement of the shelf 32 when an item is placed at a
distal edge of the shelf 32. The mounting of the shelf 32 to the
ledge 30 may be accomplished by fasteners or by adhesives known in
the art.
[0040] In addition, the utility member 18 of the module 14 may also
be configured as a hook 34, as shown in FIG. 4, if the user needs
only to display a hat or hang the item thereon. As shown in FIGS. 4
and 6, the utility member 18 may include a cylindrical bar that
protrudes orthogonally from the base member. The cylindrical
configuration of the utility member 18 is preferable in light of
the low impact that the cylindrical configuration may have on the
items that may be hung thereon--in particular, the rounded surface
of the utility member 18 may ensure that no hard edges contact the
item, which should be protected and maintained in pristine
condition. The utility member 18 may also include the hook 34 at a
distal end thereof for retaining items on the utility member 18.
However, it is also contemplated that the utility member 18 may be
oriented and protrude upwardly at an acute angle with respect to
the base portion 16. Such a configuration may allow the utility
member 18 to retain the item thereon due to the exertion of gravity
on the item. Indeed, the utility member 18 may be variously sized
and configured to provide maximum utility for the user. For
example, the utility element may include a spherical knob at the
distal portion thereof, may be shaped as a horn, or may include a
plurality of hooks or bars whereon multiple items may be hung. In
addition, the utility member 18 may be configured to be a unique
decorative symbol, and may likewise be decorated, painted,
textured, or otherwise designed to fit the aesthetic needs of the
user.
[0041] Furthermore, other configurations for the utility member 18
may include a notched bar 36, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The
notched bar 36 may include a series of notches sized and configured
to receive hangers or other items. As mentioned briefly above, FIG.
9 illustrates the module 14 including the ledge 30 and the shelf
32. Such an embodiment also serves to illustrate that the base
portion 16 of the module 14 may be considerably wider than tall,
thus allowing great flexibility in determining the length of
shelving. However, although FIG. 9 illustrates the utility member
18 including the ledge, it is also contemplated that there may be
multiple utility members attached to the base portion 16. Thus, a
series of hooks 34 or notched bars 36 may be attached to the base
portion 16. The variety of configurations illustrated and described
herein are given by way of example, and it is contemplated that
numerous other designs and configurations may be developed in
response to user requirements.
[0042] The above description is given by way of example, and not
limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art
could devise variations that are within the scope of the invention
disclosed herein, including various ways of manufacturing and using
the module 14 and system 10. Further, the various features of the
embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying
combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to
the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the
claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
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