U.S. patent application number 11/787282 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for slotwall board system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Paramount Extrusions Co.. Invention is credited to Cameron L. Munson.
Application Number | 20080083514 11/787282 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39274118 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080083514 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Munson; Cameron L. |
April 10, 2008 |
Slotwall board system
Abstract
A slotwall board system comprising a panel having front and rear
planar surfaces and opposing edges at least two elongate members,
each elongate member being adjacently mounted at an interval height
on a surface and including a base portion having opposing channels
and each opposing channel having an open end, the open end being
adapted for the insertion of the opposing edges of a panel into the
opposing channels of adjacent elongate members and a wall
attachment portion having a series of apertures adapted to receive
a fastener for attaching the elongate member to the surface.
Inventors: |
Munson; Cameron L.; (Orange,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
75 ENTERPRISE, SUITE 250
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Assignee: |
Paramount Extrusions Co.
|
Family ID: |
39274118 |
Appl. No.: |
11/787282 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29267249 |
Oct 10, 2006 |
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11787282 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
160/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/0846
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/184 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/40 20060101
E04C002/40 |
Claims
1. A slotwall board system comprising: a panel having front and
rear planar surfaces and opposing edges; at least two elongate
members, each elongate member being adjacently mounted at an
interval height on a surface and including: a base portion having
opposing channels and each opposing channel having an open end, the
open ends being adapted for the insertion of the opposing edges of
the panel into the opposing channels of adjacently mounted elongate
members, and a wall attachment portion having a series of apertures
adapted to receive a fastener for attaching the elongate member to
the surface.
2. The slotwall board system of claim 1, wherein the base portion
further comprises a base segment spaced from the opposing channels
to permit the insertion of mounting hardware into an area defined
by the base segment and the opposing channels.
3. The slotwall board system of claim 1, wherein the mounting
hardware includes at least one of a peg, a bracket and a
hanger.
4. The slotwall board system of claim 1, wherein the panel is
wood.
5. The slotwall board system of claim 1, wherein the panel is
laminate.
6. The slotwall board system of claim 1, wherein the panel is
metal.
7. The slotwall board system of claim 1, wherein the panel is one
of fiberboard and particleboard.
8. The slotwall board system of claim 1, wherein the elongate
members are metal.
9. The slotwall board system of claim 1, wherein the base portion
of the elongate member further comprises a radius configured for
placement of a level device.
10. The slotwall board system of claim 1, further comprising a trim
channel mounted along a top edge of the display system.
11. The slotwall board system of claim 9, wherein the trim channel
is configured to receive a level device.
12. The slotwall board system of claim 9, wherein the trim channel
comprises a recess for placement of an adhesive material.
13. The slotwall system of claim 9, wherein the trim channel is
configured to receive mounting hardware.
14. The slotwall board system of claim 1, wherein the surface is a
wall surface.
15. The slotwall board system of claim 1, wherein the surface is a
support frame.
16. The slotwall board system of claim 1, wherein the surface is
nonplanar.
17. A method of constructing a slotwall board system, the method
comprising the steps of: mounting at least two elongate members to
a surface at interval heights on a surface, wherein the
configuration of each elongate member defines a base portion having
a base segment and opposing channels, the base segment being spaced
from the opposing channel to permit the insertion of mounting
hardware into an area defined by the base segment and the opposing
channels and the opposing channels being adapted for the insertion
of a panel; inserting a panel into the opposing channels; and
inserting mounting hardware into the area defined by the base
segment and the opposing channels.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Design Pat.
Application 29/267,249 filed on Oct. 10, 2006 entitled Slotwall
Board System, the entire contents of which are hereby fully
incorporated herein.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] This invention relates generally to a slotwall board system
for storage or the display or merchandise and more particularly to
a slotwall board system that includes a number of extrusions
adapted to engage slotwall panels and other display hardware, such
as mounting brackets and hooks for holding and displaying
merchandise or objects, and provide a versatile organization
system.
[0004] One of the most versatile presentation systems that is
utilized by many retailers and merchandisers is a slotwall board
system. Such a slotwall board system can include at least one of a
number of types of boards, including peg board, wood or laminate
panels, shelving, hooks or other types of hangers. Slotwall board
systems are primarily utilized for the display of merchandise in a
department store, a convenience store or any other retail setting
where sales of the merchant may be directly affected by the
customer having an immediate view of the merchandise that is being
marketed to them. Accordingly, a properly structured merchandise
display can be effective in increasing customer awareness and
piquing customer interest with regard to the products that are
featured. Additionally, slotwall board systems are often found in
personal, noncommercial settings, such as in the garage or the
basement of a house. For example, the slotwall system may be
utilized in a house to provide a solution to a lack of storage or
to efficiently store frequently used articles, such as tools, cords
or cleaning supplies. Further slotwall board systems may be
utilized by service providers, such as mechanics, plumbers or
electricians to keep tools or other equipment properly stored while
providing easy access to the same.
[0005] A variety of systems exist and are utilized in connection
with the display or storage of merchandise or other objects. For
example, one of the most common types of display systems contains a
number of panels that are mounted onto a wall or other structure,
with the wall providing the strength to support the panels and the
associated objects. The panels further contain a number of holes
typically spaced substantially evenly apart into which pegs or
hooks can be releasably inserted. Mounting brackets that are
adapted to hold and secure a shelf to the wall may also be
releasably inserted into the evenly spaced holes. Merchandise can
be displayed either by suspending it from one of the pegs or
placing it on a shelf in an orientation appropriate for the
maximization of customer visualization and interest.
[0006] Generally, only small and lightweight merchandise is
appropriate for such display systems. The hooks and shelves that
are part of the display system previously described typically
receive very little additional support. As a result, the heavier
objects placed on the display system may cause hooks to bend and
shelves to loosen and perhaps fall. Thus, not all merchandise is
appropriate for such display systems based on size and weight
restrictions.
[0007] Therefore, as display systems have evolved to include
slotwall board systems, certain improvements have been made over
the years to provide greater support for the display of heavier
objects. One such improvement is a trough or slot that is cut or
formed into each panel into which the mounting hardware, such as
the hooks and brackets, can be inserted or supported. The slots are
generally cut into the panels using conventional routing
techniques, and the slots are usually either T-shaped or L-shaped.
The slots may also be inclined approximately forty-five degrees
downwardly from the face of the board. However, the formation of
the slots in the panels typically leaves thin, weak panel portions
that surround the slots. Thus, the further imposition of a heavy
load on the hardware that is associated with the slot will almost
inevitably cause the panel to further weaken causing possible
fracture or destruction.
[0008] Another improvement to slotwall board systems is a metal
insert which is slidably inserted into the formed slot of the panel
to provide additional structural support to any shelves or mounting
hardware that is placed in connection with the slots. The metal
inserts provide strength to accommodate the weight of the displayed
merchandise. The metal insert is generally conformed to the shape
of the slot. However, the metal inserts still do not provide
adequate support for heavy objects because the majority of the
weight of the objects continues to be supported by the panels.
[0009] Many of the currently available slotwall board systems
suffer from other limitations in addition to the lack of structural
support for heavy weight. As discussed, the secure display or
storage of objects is probably the most important function of a
slotwall board system. Therefore, slotwall board systems are not
designed to provide the most attractive or variable backgrounds for
the display of merchandise. In fact, most slotwall board systems
located in retail settings are intended to be plain because of the
variety of merchandise that can be displayed at any time, which may
further comprise an unlimited number of colors and patterns.
Accordingly, certain backgrounds may not always be appropriate. A
busy or contrasting and clashing background may actually discourage
a potential customer from perusing the available merchandise and
making a purchase. Also, with regard to retail settings, the
desired background color may vary depending on the time of year or
the particular merchandise that is featured. Many available
slotwall board systems do not provide for variety because the
components of such systems are usually installed to be fairly
secure and thus not easily interchangeable.
[0010] Thus, it is often suggested that retailers utilize aesthetic
features other than color, such as vertical wall dividers, to break
up slotwall displays into more manageable components for both the
retailer and the customer. For example, a consumer tends to lose
interest in a slotwall board system having a shelf that extends
along the length of the store. A retailer may find it easier to
arrange items on a smaller section of slotwall However, the
slotwall system still suffers from the same lack of variety.
[0011] Further, slotwall board systems are often included as part
of the interior design of a building structure during its
construction, and the assembly of the slotwall board system is
usually completed toward the end of construction. The slotwall
board system is constructed from an unlimited number of components
including boards, inserts and the support hardware. Although a
slotwall board system must be assembled quickly, it must be
assembled properly. If one component of the slotwall board system
is not level, the system will not provide proper and secure storage
and/or display of the intended items. Further, the entire slotwall
board system must be disassembled until the non-level component is
located and its orientation can be corrected. Also, the process to
add variety to the slotwall board system at a later time can be
very cumbersome because of the number of components and the effort
required to ensure that each component is secure and level.
[0012] What is lacking in the art is a slotwall board system that
provides support and stability for almost any type of merchandise
or object having any size or weight and the versatility to be
easily conformed to the preference of the user with regard to
appearance or structure.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0013] A slotwall board system is disclosed comprising a panel
having front and rear planar surfaces and opposing edges; at least
two elongate members, each elongate member being adjacently mounted
at an interval height on a surface and including a base portion
having opposing channels and each opposing channel having an open
end, the open ends being adapted for the insertion of the opposing
edges of a panel into the opposing channels of adjacent elongate
members, and a wall attachment portion having a series of apertures
adapted to receive a fastener for attaching the elongate member to
the surface. The slotwall board system may be mounted on a wall or
other building surface or the slotwall board system may be mounted
on a nonplanar surface such as a pillar. The slotwall board system
may further be mounted on a support frame having a stand alone
configuration. A stand alone configuration may further comprise
wheels affixed to a bottom surface of the slotwall board system. A
variety of panels may be received and retained by the elongate
members including panels constructed from wood, laminate, metal,
fiberboard and particleboard. The elongate members may be
constructed from any type of material including metal, such as
aluminum and steel, and plastic.
[0014] The body portion of the extrusion may comprise a base
segment having first and second rear channel walls extending toward
one another from upper and lower walls, respectively. The body
portion may further comprise a first and second base channel walls
extending forwardly from the first and second rear channel walls in
an orientation that is substantially perpendicular thereto and
finally, first and second front channel walls that extend from the
first and second base channel walls in a direction opposite from
each other and parallel to the firsts and second rear channel
walls. The first rear channel wall, the first base channel wall and
the first front channel wall form a first channel having an upright
U-shape and the second rear channel wall, the second base channel
wall and the second front channel wall form a second channel having
an upside down U-shape. The base segment, the upper and lower walls
and the first and second rear channel walls define a generally
T-shaped area into which a variety of types of mounting hardware
may be suspended including without limitation, groove wall hardware
and traditional slotwall hardware, each of which may include pegs,
mounting brackets and other types of hangers.
[0015] The elongate member may be adapted to receive a level
device. The base portion of the elongate member may comprise a
radius configured for the placement of a level device so that the
proper orientation of the elongate member may be determined when
the elongate member is mounted to a surface. The level device may
be any type of device that indicates a level orientation, such as a
bubble device.
[0016] The slotwall board system may further comprise an end
bracket and a trim channel. An end bracket may be vertically
affixed along the termination of the horizontal length of the
elongate members, such as along a corner of a wall. A trim channel
may be affixed to the slotwall board system along a top or bottom
edge. The trim channel may be configured to receive a level device.
The trim channel may be further configured to receive mounting
hardware, such as hangers and brackets. The end bracket and the
trim channel may be affixed to the slotwall board system using any
conventional method of attachment, such as nails, staples, screws,
double sided adhesive and tape.
[0017] A method of constructing a slotwall board system is
disclosed comprising the steps of mounting at least two elongate
members to a surface at interval heights on a surface, wherein the
configuration of each elongate member defines a base portion having
a base segment and opposing channels, the base segment being spaced
from the opposing channel to permit the insertion of mounting
hardware into an area defined by the base segment and the opposing
channels and the opposing channels being adapted for the insertion
of a panel; inserting a panel into the opposing channels; and
inserting mounting hardware into the area defined by the base
segment and the opposing channels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] 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:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a slotwall board system having a plurality of
extrusions mounted on a support frame and a variety of slotwall
boards and mounting hardware, such as hangers and hooks, to
facilitate the display or storage of merchandise.
[0020] FIG. 1A is a cross sectional view along the 1A-1A of FIG.
1.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view along the line 2-2 of FIG.
1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of an extrusion
according to an aspect of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line 4-4 of FIG.
3.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a trim channel that
may be used along the top or bottom edge of the slotwall board
system.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line 6-6 of FIG.
5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention,
and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present
invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets
forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and
operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by
different embodiments and that they are also intended to be
encompassed within the scope of the invention.
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1
thereof, the reference numeral 20 designates one embodiment of a
slotwall board system 20 used for the display of merchandise, such
as in a retail setting, or the visible placement and storage of
frequently used items, such as in the case of a provider of
commercial services or in a personal setting, including the garage
or basement of a house. The slotwall board system 20 provides for
the stable and versatile display of objects placed thereon. The
components of the slotwall board system 20 may be arranged and
rearranged with ease, as the slotwall board system 20 may further
be readily modified to conform to or complement the environment
into which it is placed with regard to background color changes,
special promotions and remodeling. The slotwall board system 20
generally consists of two or more extrusions 30 mounted onto a
support frame 25. The slotwall board system 20 further includes
panels, generally designated by the number 40 in FIG. 1, which are
slidably insertable within channels defined by the configuration of
the extrusion, as further described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4.
The appearance of the slotwall board system 20 may be easily
altered by replacing existing panels 40 with other panels 40 having
the desired appearance or by adding mounting hardware.
[0028] FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of a slotwall board system
20 that can be characterized as a stand-alone system and comprises
a number of extrusions 30 mounted on a support frame 25. Although
the support frame 25 shown in FIG. 1 is a separate standalone
support frame 25, the extrusions 30 may also be mounted on a wall
or other surface of a building or other permanent structure, making
the slotwall board system 20 integral with the building.
Specifically, the slotwall board system 20 may be utilized to cover
a framed wall, such as in a garage. The slotwall board system 20
may also be used to cover a pillar or other nonplanar surface.
[0029] Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the slotwall board system
20 includes a support frame 25. The support frame 25 may be
constructed from any suitable material that can provide the support
necessary to impart stability to the slotwall board system 20. In
the case of a stand-alone slotwall board system 20, the support
frame 25 may be constructed from a material such as wood or metal.
If the slotwall board system 20 is mounted onto an existing wall of
a building or other similar structure, the studs inside the wall
should be located, if possible, to ensure that the slotwall board
system 20 can provide the proper support for the weight of the
objects placed thereon.
[0030] It may be desirable in the case of a retailer, or if the
slotwall board system 20 is utilized for personal use, to move the
slotwall board system 20 to a different location where its use may
be better suited, or more needed. Similarly, if the slotwall board
system 20 is used in a setting where commercial services are being
provided, such as in the case of a mechanic or other type of repair
workshop, the slotwall board system 20 may provide both storage and
easy access to tools that may be utilized by more than one
mechanic. In any such situation, the slotwall board system 20 may
provide either temporary placement or permanent storage for heavy
and/or cumbersome objects which would make relocation of the
slotwall board system 20 unfeasible. Thus, a stand-alone embodiment
of a slotwall board system 20 may further include wheels 35 so that
the slotwall board system 20 can be easily moved from one location
to another location. Any number of wheels 35 may be included and
placed at any location along the bottom of the frame of the
slotwall board system 20, such that the wheels 35 are in contact
with a surface on which the slotwall board system 20 is placed and
along which it can be moved.
[0031] The slotwall board system 20 further includes a number of
extrusions 30, as further shown and described in detail with
respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. Each extrusion 30 is preferably attached
to the support frame 25 by affixing the same using any form of
conventional attachment, including without limitation nails,
screws, double-sided adhesive or tape and staples. Each subsequent
extrusion 30 is mounted to the support frame 25 at an interval
height appropriate to facilitate the slidable insertion of the top
and bottom edges of a panel 40 into opposing channels of adjacent
extrusions 30.
[0032] As can be seen from FIG. 1, a variety of panels, generally
designated by the number 40, may be inserted into the channels
defined by the configuration of the extrusion, as further described
with respect to FIG. 2. An exemplary panel 40 has a front and rear
planar surface. A panel 40 may have any dimension and may comprise
any configuration that is square, horizontally elongated,
vertically elongated or any other configuration that is generally
rectangular. It is contemplated that a panel 40 may also have an
abstract configuration that is neither square nor rectangular, and
the slotwall board system 20 can be easily adapted to fit such
panels 40. Preferably, each panel has a thickness that is
approximately 0.125 inches, although the dimension of the panel
thickness may be varied without departing from the scope of the
invention. Each panel 40 may be constructed of a material that can
provide the desired properties, whether such properties are
functional or aesthetic or a combination of both. One exemplary
panel may include pegboard 43, as shown in FIG. 1, which is a type
of board having evenly spaced holes into which a mounting hook or
other mounting brackets may be releasable inserted. As previously
described, merchandise or other objects, such as tools or supplies,
may be displayed or stored by placing the same on the mounting hook
or on a shelf supported by mounting brackets.
[0033] Other exemplary panels that may be included primarily for
aesthetic purposes include a wooden panel 42, a laminate panel 44
and a metal panel 41. A wood panel 42 may be constructed from any
type of wood, and the user may elect the type of wood based on
preference and general decor. A laminate panel 44 may comprise any
type of material that is configured into the desired panel shape
and has a plastic laminate or melamine adhered to a front surface
to provide a visually attractive finish. The color of the laminate
may be selected based on the desired visual effect, such as
matching, contrasting or complementary colors between the other
panels of the slotwall board system 20 and the background of the
setting in which the slotwall board system 20 is located. The
laminate may further be adhered to a wooden panel or other types of
panels such as those constructed from particle board or fiberboard.
A metal panel 41 that is constructed from a metal, such as aluminum
or steel, may also be utilized in connection with the slotwall
board system 20. It should be noted that the user may also
customize the panels according to preference. Specifically, a user
may apply paint or other coloring, such as in the form of an
adhesive, to a wood panel 42. Also, plain particle board or
fiberboard may be provided that the user can similarly color
customize to the desired color. Similarly, the user may apply a
color adhesive to a panel 40 in the form of lines, stripes or other
patterns to produce a geometric-like effect.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the extrusion 30 may be attached
to a support frame 25. To attach the extrusion 30 to a support
frame 25, the wall attachment portion 55 of the extrusion 30
includes a series of fastener apertures 60 in a spaced relationship
along the same. The fastener apertures 60 are adapted to receive a
fastener 75, a shaft portion 65 thereof being driven into the
support frame 25 and a head portion 70 being in abutment with the
wall attachment portion 55, thereby retaining the extrusion 30
against the support frame 25. As will be appreciated, the diameter
of the fastener apertures 60 are intended to be less than that of
the head portion 70 of the fastener 75. If the user of the slotwall
board system 20 wishes to use different sized panels 40 with
previously mounted extrusions 30, the user may remove the fasteners
75 and the extrusions 30 from the support frame 25 and reposition
the same to accommodate the different sized panels 40.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the extrusion 30 preferably
comprises an integrally formed elongate member having a length that
is customized according to user preference. The extrusion 30 is
defined by a body portion 50 and a wall attachment portion 55, the
body portion 50 and the wall attachment portion 55 being integrally
formed and of unitary construction. Alternatively, the body portion
50 and the wall attachment portion 55 may comprise two separate
pieces that may be connectably joined together, such as by welding.
Although a typical length of the extrusion 30 may include lengths
such as four feet or eight feet, it should be noted that the
extrusion 30 can be cut to fit and size using tools common to the
installation of the slotwall board system 20. The extrusion 30 may
be constructed from aluminum or steel, although any suitable
material may be selected that is appropriate for the location of
the slotwall board system 20. Thus, the extrusion 30 may be
constructed of a material that is flexible to enough to permit the
slotwall board system to be installed on a wall having a radius,
such as a pillar, yet rigid enough to resist deformation and
breakage. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize
the advantages and disadvantages of the available materials in a
given environment. Thus, such a person will be able to identify and
select the appropriate material for a particular application and
appreciate that the present invention is not limited to any
particular material.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, the body portion 50 of the extrusion 30
comprises a base segment 80 having an upper wall 90 and a lower
wall 85 extending forwardly therefrom in an orientation that is
substantially perpendicular to the base segment 80. The upper wall
90 further comprises a radius 150 along its length onto which a
bubble level or other leveling device 160 may be placed, as shown
in FIG. 2, to indicate the accurate orientation of the extrusion
30. One exemplary leveling device 160 is a transparent plastic
tube-like housing holding two different types of fluids, such as
oil and water or a mix of air and fluid. The two fluids are
generally immiscible fluids which allow the device 160 to be used
as a level which operates when the line between the fluids aligns
with an etched or otherwise marked line upon the surface of the
transparent plastic tube.
[0037] The body portion 50 further comprises first and second rear
channel walls 95, 95' extending toward one another from upper and
lower walls 90 and 85, respectively. The body portion 50 further
comprises a first and second base channel walls 100, 100' extending
forwardly from the first and second rear channel walls 95, 95' in
an orientation that is substantially perpendicular thereto and
finally, first and second front channel walls 105, 105' that extend
from the first and second base channel walls 100, 100' in a
direction opposite from each other and parallel to the firsts and
second rear channel walls 95, 95'. The first rear channel wall 95,
the first base channel wall 100 and the first front channel wall
105 form a first channel 110 having an upright U-shape and the
second rear channel wall 95', the second base channel wall 100' and
the second front channel wall 105' form a second channel 110'
having an upside down U-shape. The first and second channels 110,
110' are configured to removably receive and retain a variety of
panels 40. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the base segment 80, the
upper and lower walls 90, 85 and the first and second rear channel
walls 95, 95' define a generally T-shaped area 165 into which a
variety of types of mounting hardware 155 may be suspended
including without limitation, groove wall hardware and traditional
slotwall hardware, each of which may include pegs, mounting
brackets and other types of hangers.
[0038] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the slotwall board system
20 may further include other components such as an end bracket 125.
An end bracket 125 is generally L-shaped to define an elongated,
flat portion having an elongated, wing portion that is generally at
a right angle to the flat portion. The end bracket 125 may be
vertically affixed to the slotwall board system 20 at the
termination of the horizontal length of the extrusions 30 using any
conventional methods of attachment, including without limitation,
double sided adhesive, tape, nails, staples and screws. As shown in
FIG. 1A, the end bracket 125 may be attached to the support frame
25.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the slotwall board system may
further include a trim channel 130 that may be affixed along either
the top or the bottom edge of the slotwall board system 20. A
cross-section of an exemplary trim channel 130 is shown in FIG. 6
and is defined by a base wall 170 and three ribs 175, 175' and
175'' that extend upwardly from the base wall. A first rib 170
extends to a height above the second and third ribs 175', 175'' and
the first rib 170 has a protruding lip at approximately the height
of and facing the second rib 175'. Similarly, the second rib 175'
has a protruding lip along its top edge. The protruding lips of
both the first rib 175 and the second rib 175' form a cradle for
the placement of a leveling device 160, such as a bubble level, to
provide an indication of the orientation of the trim channel 130.
Mounting hardware, such as brackets and hangers, may be releasably
inserted into the area defined by the second rib 175', the base
wall 170 and the third rib 175''. The trim channel 130 may be
affixed to the slotwall board system 20 at its top or bottom edge
using any conventional methods of attachment, including without
limitation, double sided adhesive, tape, nails, staples and screws.
As shown in FIG. 6, the trim channel 130 may be provided with a
recess 180 on a rear surface of the first rib 170 into which double
sided adhesive may be placed and the trim channel 130 may be
attached to the support frame 25 by placing the double sided
adhesive in contact therewith.
[0040] Next, a method of assembling the slotwall board system 20 is
described. First, the extrusions 30 should be cut to size based on
the area that is to be covered by the slotwall board system 20. For
example, an exemplary slotwall board system 20 may be intended to
cover a wall that is four feet in height by eight feet in length.
Thus, the extrusions 30 should be cut to the desired length to
appropriately fit the dimensions of the area. Next, the panel
dimensions should be determined and the panels 40 should be cut to
the desired length. As previously stated, the various panels 40
included in the slotwall board system 20 may have different
dimensions. For example, certain panels 40 may have a greater
height than other panels 40. The user should determine the
dimensional requirements of the panels based on the area to be
covered. Next, the extrusions 30 are mounted onto a support frame
25, which may be a stand alone support frame 25 or the extrusions
30 may be mounted onto a wall or other surface of a building
structure. The extrusions 30 are mounted to the support frame 25
using conventional hardware, including without limitation, screws,
nails, staples and other similar fasteners. The panel dimensions
should be considered when the extrusions 30 are mounted onto the
support frame 25, as the extrusions 30 may or may not be mounted
onto the support frame 25 at evenly spaced intervals. Next, the top
edge and the bottom edge of each panel 40 are slidably inserted
into the opposing channels 110, 110' of adjacent extrusions 30.
Finally, additional mounting hardware, such as brackets and hooks
are, inserted the T-shaped areas 165 of the extrusions 30, as
desired. The slotwall board system 20 may also incorporate wall
dividers to divide the length of the panels into more aesthetically
pleasing segments. The wall dividers may be attached to the
slotwall board system 20 using conventional forms of attachment,
including nails, screws, fasteners, double sided adhesive and
tape.
[0041] The extrusions of the slotwall display system 20 bear a
substantial portion of the weight of the objects stored or
displayed on the slotwall board system 20 which reduces the
possibility of failure of the slotwall board system. Thus, the load
carrying capabilities and the safety of the slotwall board system
20 are greatly improved.
[0042] It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that
the particular slotwall board system, including the extrusions, the
mounting hardware and the panels, is presented by way of example
only and not of limitation. Such a person will be able to readily
derive additional accessories, including without limitation,
different configurations and types of panels and mounting hardware,
which are suitable for use with the slotwall board system. Any such
accessories are therefore deemed to be within the scope of the
invention. The particulars shown herein are by way of example and
for purposes of an illustrative discussion of the embodiments of
the present invention only and are presented in the cause of
providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily
understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of
the present invention.
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