Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting assembly for supporting objects. Background

[0002] Boards that are mounted on a surface and used to support objects are known. These boards are typically large, non-modular, making them difficult for an individual to install on their own.

[0003] Further, due to the size of these boards, there are limited configurations of a mounting assembly using multiple boards without physically modifying one or more of the boards.

Accordingly, these boards do not effectively utilise the surface area of the installed space. As will be appreciated, modifying these boards for a particular use is a time consuming and specialized process. These boards are also difficult to attach to a surface and difficult to position at a horizontal level. The use of complicated fixing systems, drills, and other tools make it a difficult task for an ordinary person.

[0004] Another disadvantage of the above described boards is that they are predominantly designed for industrial use. Accordingly, these boards are heavy, costly, and unsightly.

[0005] Another disadvantage of the above described boards is that the means by which these boards are mounted to a surface is typically visible and not aesthetically appealing.

Object of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the foregoing disadvantages. Summary of Invention

[0007] The present invention provides a mounting assembly comprising:

a panel having a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface being opposite the front surface;

at least one aperture extending through the panel from the first surface to the second surface;

at least one mounting peg configured to support one or more objects, the at least one mounting peg comprising:

a body having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be removably received in the at least one aperture; and

a passage extending through the body from the first end to the second end; and a fastener configured to be removably received in the passage,

wherein, when the first end of the at least one mounting peg is removably received in the at least one aperture, the fastener is configured to extend through the passage, through the at least one aperture, and past the rear surface of the panel such that the fastener engages both the at least one mounting peg and a surface onto which the panel is to be mounted, thereby removably mounting the panel to the surface.

[0008] In a preferred form, the at least one mounting peg further comprises a sleeve configured to receive the body of the at least one mounting peg therein.

[0009] In a preferred form, the at least one mounting peg is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position in the at least one aperture.

[0010] In a preferred form, moving the at least one mounting peg to the locked position comprises rotating the at least one mounting peg in a first direction, and moving the at least one mounting peg from the locked position to the unlocked position comprises rotating the mounting support in a second direction, the first direction being opposite the second direction.

[0011] In a preferred form, an inner surface of the at least one aperture has a groove.

[0012] In a preferred form, the first end of the at least one mounting peg has a projection configured to cooperate with the groove when moving the at least one mounting peg between the locked position and the unlocked position. [0013] In a preferred form, each groove has a locking portion, the locking portion being configured to removably receive the projection of the at least one mounting peg when the at least one mounting peg is in the locked position, thereby retaining the at least one mounting peg in the locked position.

[0014] In a preferred form, the at least one aperture is defined by an insert inserted into at least one orifice in the panel.

[0015] In a preferred form, the panel is formed of a first material and the insert is formed of a second material, the first material being different to the second material.

[0016] In a preferred form, the at least one mounting peg is a plurality of mounting pegs.

[0017] In a preferred form, the panel and the at least one aperture are integrally formed.

[0018] In a preferred form, the mounting board further comprises at least one support peg removably receivable in one of the plurality of apertures, the at least one support peg configured to support one or more objects.

[0019] In a preferred form, the at least one support peg is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position within a respective one of the plurality of apertures.

[0020] In a preferred form, moving the at least one support peg to the locked position comprises rotating the at least one support peg in a first direction, and moving the at least one support peg from the locked position to the unlocked position comprises rotating the at least one support peg in a second direction, the first direction being opposite the second direction.

[0021] In a preferred form, the at least one support peg has a projection configured to cooperate with the groove when moving the at least one support peg between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0022] In a preferred form, the locking portion of each aperture is configured to receive the projection of the at least one support peg when the at least one support peg is in the locked position, thereby retaining the at least one support peg in the locked position. [0023] In a preferred form, the at least one support peg is one of a plurality of support pegs.

[0024] There is also disclosed herein a method of mounting the above mounting assembly to a surface, the method comprising the following steps:

removably inserting the first end of one of the at least one mounting pegs into the at least one aperture;

positioning the panel at a desired position on the surface;

inserting the fastener into the passage of the at least one mounting peg;

manipulating the fastener such that the fastener extends through the passage, through the at least one aperture, and past the second surface of the panel, and engages both the at least one mounting peg and a surface onto which the panel is to be mounted, thereby removably mounting the panel to the surface..

[0025] There is also disclosed herein a mounting assembly for supporting objects, the mounting assembly comprising:

at least two adjacent mounting panels, each of the mounting panels having a first front surface, a second rear surface and a peripheral edge extending between the first front surface and the second rear surface;

at least one recess provided by the peripheral edge of each of the mounting panels, the at least one recess of each of the mounting panels extending from the first front surface towards the second rear surface;

at least one aperture in the first front surface of each of the mounting panels;

at least one key; and

at least one support peg receivable in the at least one aperture of either of the mounting panels, the at least one support peg configured to support one or more objects,

wherein the recesses of the adjacent mounting panels align to form a keyhole and the key is inserted into the keyhole in a direction generally perpendicular to the first front surface thereby interlocking the adjacent mounting panels together.

[0026] In a preferred form, the at least one recess extends from the first front surface to the second rear surface.

[0027] In a preferred form, the at least one recess of each of the mounting panels is a dovetail recess. [0028] In a preferred form, the at least one key is a dovetail key.

[0029] In a preferred form, an inner surface of each of the at least one recesses has an indentation.

[0030] In a preferred form, the at least one key has a protrusion configured to be received within the indentation of the at least one recess of each of the mounting panels, the protrusion and the indentation cooperate to retain the key within the keyhole.

[0031] In a preferred form, the at least one support peg is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position within the aperture.

[0032] In a preferred form, moving the at least one support peg to the locked position comprises rotating the at least one support peg in a first direction, and moving the at least one support peg from the locked position to the unlocked position comprises rotating the at least one support peg in a second direction, the first direction being opposite the second direction.

[0033] In a preferred form, an inner surface of each of the at least one apertures has a groove.

[0034] In a preferred form, the at least one support peg has a projection configured to cooperate with the groove when moving the at least one support peg between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0035] In a preferred form, each groove has a locking portion, the locking portion being configured to receive the projection of the at least one support peg when the at least one support peg is in the locked position, thereby retaining the at least one support peg in the locked position.

[0036] In a preferred form, the first front surface of each of the mounting panels comprises a V- shaped channel, the V-shaped channel configured to guide a fastener through the mounting panel and into a mounting surface thereby coupling the mounting panel to the mounting surface.

[0037] In a preferred form, the at least one recess of each of the mounting panels is one of a plurality of recesses. [0038] In a preferred form, the plurality of recesses of each of the adjacent mounting panels align to form a plurality of keyholes.

[0039] In a preferred form, the at least one key is one of a plurality of keys.

[0040] In a preferred form, the at least one aperture of each of the mounting panels is one of a plurality of apertures.

[0041] In a preferred form, the at least one support peg is one of a plurality of support pegs. Brief Description of Drawings

[0042] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to similar features throughout the figures, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 is a front view of a mounting panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 is a partial cross-section of the mounting panel of Figure 1;

[0045] Figure 3 is a front view of a mounting assembly utilising the mounting panel of Figure 1;

[0046] Figure 4 is a perspective view of installation of the mounting assembly of Figure 3;

[0047] Figure 5 is a front view of a mounting panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 is a front view of a mounting assembly utilising the mounting panel of Figure 5;

[0049] Figure 7 is a perspective view of interconnection of the mounting panels of Figure 5;

[0050] Figure 8 is a perspective view of installation of the mounting panels of Figure 5;

[0051] Figure 9 is a perspective view of installation of a mounting support into a mounting panel of either the first and second embodiments; [0052] Figure 10 is cross-sectional view of installation of a mounting support into a mounting panel of either the first and second embodiments;

[0053] Figure 11 is a front view of a mounting assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 12 is a front view of the panel of the mounting assembly of Figure 1 1; [0055] Figure 13 is a rear view of the panel of Figure 12;

[0056] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of installing the mounting assembly of Figure 11 to a surface;

[0057] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according to a fourth

embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 16 is a front view of two apertures of the mounting assembly of Figure 15;

[0059] Figure 17 is an exploded parts view of a mounting peg of the mounting assembly of Figure 15;

[0060] Figure 18 is a section view of the body of the mounting peg of Figure 17; and

[0061] Figure 19 is a front view of shelves that can be used with the mounting assembly of Figure 15.

Description of Embodiments

[0062] Figure 1 shows a mounting panel 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The mounting panel 100 has a front surface 102, a rear surface 104, a peripheral edge extending between the front surface 102 and the rear surface 104, and a series of apertures 108 (only one labelled for clarity of illustration) in the front surface 102. Referring to Figure 10, the inner surface of each of the apertures 108 has a pair of spiral grooves 122 extending the depth of the aperture 108. At the bottom of each spiral groove 122 there is a locking portion 123. It is also envisaged that internal surfaces other than the spiral grooves 122 may be utilised. Referring to Figure 4, the inner surface of each of the dovetail recesses 106 has an indentation 118.

[0063] It is envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the mounting panel 100 are 600x300mm, however, other dimensions may be utilised. Although the depicted

embodiment shows the mounting panel 100 having a rectangular shape, it will be appreciated that the mounting panel 100 can be in the form of other shapes (such as triangular, partially circular, or the like). The depicted embodiment shows the apertures 108 in a grid pattern, however, it will also be appreciated that the apertures 108 may be arranged in any pattern.

[0064] The mounting panel 100 further comprises one or more dovetail recesses 106 (only one labelled for clarity of illustration) provided by the peripheral edges of the mounting panel 100 and a pair of V-shaped channels 110 extending along the length of the mounting panel 100. As can be seen from Figure 4, each of the dovetail recesses 106 extend from the front surface 102 to the rear surface 104. It is also envisaged that each of the dovetail recesses 106 may alternatively be formed in the front surface 102 and only partially extend toward the rear surface 104. It is also envisaged that the V-shaped channel 110 may have other shapes, and that the dovetail recesses 106 may also have other shapes.

[0065] Referring to Figure 2, the mounting panel 100 further comprises a rearward facing flange 113 extending along the peripheral edges of the mounting panel 100 and a pair of guiding flanges 140 projecting from the rear surface 104 along either side of each V-shaped channel 110. The mounting panel 100 also has strengthening ribs 142 projecting from the rear surface 104 to improve the strength of the mounting panel 100.

[0066] Figure 3 shows a mounting assembly 150 installed on a mounting surface 101 (such as a wall, ceiling, or the like). The mounting assembly 150 comprises a series of the mounting panels 100, a series of dovetail keys 114, and a series of fasteners 112. Referring to Figure 4, each of the dovetail keys 114 has a protrusion 116. It is envisaged that the dovetail keys 1 14 may be integrally formed with one of the mounting panels 100, and may be in the form of other shapes.

[0067] Installation and assembly of the mounting assembly 150 will now be discussed.

Referring to Figure 2, each of the mounting panels 100 of the mounting assembly 150 is coupled to the mounting surface 101 by the fasteners 112. The fasteners 112 are positioned along the V- shaped channels 110. Although the depicted embodiment illustrates the mounting assembly 150 having a rectangular shape, it will be appreciated that mounting panels 100 having different shapes can be utilised to form mounting assemblies 150 having various shapes and/or configurations. Although Figure 2 shows the fastener 112 as a self- tapping screw, it will be appreciated that other fasteners known in the art may be used to couple the mounting panel 100 to the mounting surface 101.

[0068] The V-shaped channels 110 together with the guiding flanges 140 guide the fasteners 112 through the front surface 102 of the mounting panel 100 and into the mounting surface 101. Being able to position the fasteners 112 anywhere along the V-shaped channels 110 allow the mounting panels 100 to accommodate for different stud distances. It is envisaged that, in a preferred embodiment, the fasteners 112 are countersunk into the V-shaped channels 110.

[0069] Referring to Figure 4, the mounting assembly 150 is coupled to the mounting surface 101 such that dovetail recesses 106 of one mounting panel 100 align with dovetail recesses 106 of an adjacent mounting panel 100 to form a dovetail keyhole 115. The dovetail key 114 is inserted into the dovetail keyhole 115 until the protrusion 116 of the dovetail key 114 engages the indentations 118 of adjacent dovetail recess 106 forming a respective dovetail keyhole 115 of adjacent mounting panels 100. A dovetail key 114 is inserted into each of the dovetail keyholes 115 in the mounting assembly 150 in a direction generally perpendicular to the front surface 102 as indicated by arrow 10 (see Figure 4), thereby interlocking each adjacent mounting panel 100 in the mounting assembly 150 together. This provides a more stable and sturdier mounting assembly, as loads applied to one mounting panel 100 may be transferred to another mounting panel 100 in the mounting assembly 150.

[0070] Figure 5 shows a mounting panel 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Features of the mounting panel 200 that are identical or equivalent to those of the mounting panel 100 are provided with reference numerals that are equivalent to those of the mounting panel 100 but incremented by 100. For features that are identical between the mounting panel 100 and the mounting panel 200, it will be appreciated that the above description of these features in relation to the mounting panel 100 is also applicable to the corresponding identical/equivalent features found in the mounting panel 200. Accordingly, the identical features between the mounting panel 100 and the mounting panel 200 will not again be described in relation to the mounting panel 200 as these features of the mounting panel 200 have already been described above with respect to the mounting panel 100.

[0071] The mounting panel 200 is similar to the mounting panel 100 of Figure 1 but does not have a series of dovetail recesses or a pair of V-shaped channels. The mounting panel 200 instead has a series of snap hooks 220 (only one labelled for clarity of illustration) and a series of fastener apertures 210 (only one labelled for clarity of illustration) in the front surface 202. It will be appreciated that the snap hooks 220 can be integrally formed with one of the mounting panels 200 or be an independent component applied to the mounting panels 200. Although the depicted embodiment illustrates the mounting panel 200 having three snap hooks 220, it will be appreciated that any number of snap hooks 220 may be utilized.

[0072] It is envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the mounting panel 200 are 600x300mm, however, other dimensions may be utilised. Although the depicted

embodiment shows the mounting panel 200 having a rectangular shape, it will be appreciated that the mounting panel 200 can be in the form of other shapes (e.g. triangular, partially circular, etc.). The depicted embodiment shows the apertures 208 in a grid pattern, however, it will also be appreciated that the apertures 208 may be arranged in any pattern.

[0073] Figure 6 shows a mounting assembly 250 installed on a mounting surface 201 (such as a wall, ceiling, or the like). The mounting assembly 250 comprises a series of mounting panels 200, a series of fasteners 212 (see Figure 8) and a series of support pegs 326 (only one labelled for clarity of illustration). The support pegs 326 will be discussed in more detail below with reference to both mounting panels 100 and 200.

[0074] Installation and assembly of the mounting assembly 250 will now be discussed.

Referring to Figure 7, adjacent mounting panels 200 are connected to each other by positioning the snap hooks 220 of the mounting panel 200b behind the mounting panel 200a such that the snap hooks 220 of the mounting panel 200b engage with the rearward facing flange 213 of the mounting panel 200a, thereby interlocking both mounting panels 200a and 200b together.

Although the depicted embodiment illustrates the mounting assembly 250 having a rectangular shape, it will be appreciated that mounting panels 200 having different shapes can be utilised to form mounting assemblies 250 having various shapes and/or configurations. [0075] Referring to Figure 8, after adjacent mounting panels 200 of the mounting assembly 250 are interconnected, they are coupled to the mounting surface 201 by the fasteners 212. The fasteners 212 extend through respective fastener apertures 210 in the front surface 202 of the mounting panel 200 and into the mounting surface 201. This provides a more stable and sturdier mounting system, as loads applied to one mounting panel 200 may be transferred to another mounting panel 200 in the mounting assembly 250. Although Figure 8 shows the fastener 212 as a bolt, it will be appreciated that other fasteners known in the art may be used to couple the mounting panels 200 to the mounting surface 201. It is also envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, the fasteners 212 are countersunk into respective fastener apertures 208.

[0076] Figure 9 illustrates one of the support pegs 326 . Although Figure 9 illustrates installation of the support pegs 326 into mounting panels 200, it will be appreciated that installation of the support pegs 326 into mounting panels 100 will be the same. Although the depicted embodiment shows support pegs 326, it will be appreciated that the support pegs 326 may have other shapes for supporting objects. It is also envisaged that the support pegs 326 could take the form of hooks or the like for supporting objects.

[0077] Referring to Figure 9, each support peg 326 has a bayonet portion 328 and projections 330 projecting from a surface of the bayonet portion 328. Referring to Figure 10, the bayonet portion 328 of each support peg 326 is dimensioned to be received in the apertures 108 of the mounting panel 100 and the apertures 208 of the mounting panel 200. It is also envisaged that the projections 330 may be spring -loaded in a biased extended position and be able to move to a retracted position within the bayonet portion 328.

[0078] When the bayonet portion 328 is inserted in one of the apertures 108 of the mounting panel 100 or one of the apertures 208 of the mounting panel 200, the projections 330 engage with the respective spiral grooves 122 or 222 of the apertures 108 and 208 . Whilst the bayonet portion 328 is inserted in one of the apertures 108 of the mounting panel 100 or one of the apertures 208 of the mounting panel 200, the projections 330 and the respective spiral grooves 122 or 222 cooperate when rotating the support peg 326 to move the support peg 326 between a locked position and an unlocked position within the respective aperture 108 or 208. To move the support peg 326 into the locked position, the support peg 326 is rotated until the projections 330 are received within respective locking portions 123 or 223 of the spiral grooves 122 or 222. To move the support peg 326 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the support peg 326 is rotated in the opposite direction to that required when moving the support peg 326 into the locked position. The support pegs 326 can be used to support various objects thereon that are required to be mounted on a surface permanently or temporarily. It is envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, a half turn action of each support peg 326 moves the support peg 326 between the locked and unlocked positions in a respective aperture 108 or 208 of the mounting panels 100 or 200.

[0079] Although not illustrated, a double-sided adhesive strip can be applied to the rear surfaces 104 and 204 of the mounting panels 100 and 200 to engage the respective mounting surfaces 101 and 201. This is to improve the load bearing capabilities of each of the mounting panels 100 and 200 and, therefore, the load bearing capabilities of the mounting assemblies 150 and 250. Alternatively, the double-sided adhesive strip can be used to attach the mounting panels 100 and 200 to the respective surfaces 101 and 201 without the use of respective fasteners 112 and 212. It is envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, three strips of the double-sided adhesive strips are applied to the rear surface 104 and 204 of the mounting panels 100 and 200. It is also envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, the double sided adhesive tape is at least substantially round in cross-section.

[0080] It will be appreciated that features described in relation to one of the mounting panels 100 and 200 may also be included in the other of the mounting panels 100 and 200.

[0081] The mounting assemblies described above are advantageous over known mounting devices. The mounting panels 100 and 200 are capable of providing a mounting assembly that is customizable to suit a wide variety of needs, sizes, configurations, or the like. As will be appreciated, the mounting panels 100 and 200 allow for support peg 326 configurations that are able to accommodate a wide range of objects to be supported thereon. Further, the mounting panels 100 and 200 are simple to install and interconnect, thereby providing for easy installation of a customizable mounting assembly that can be used to mount a wide variety of objects thereon.

[0082] The mounting assemblies 150 and 250 can be designed for many purposes. In particular, the mounting assemblies 150 and, 250 can be designed for inside and/or outside use, and can also be designed for domestic, commercial and industrial applications. The mounting panels 100 and 200 allow for simple installation of a mounting assembly in a relatively short period of time.

[0083] Figure 11 shows a mounting assembly 400 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The mounting assembly 400 comprises a panel 403, a number of inserts 432 (only one labelled for clarity of illustration) and at least one mounting peg 526 (see Figure 14). The panel 403 has a front surface 402 and a rear surface 404 (see Figure 13) opposite the front surface 402. Each of the inserts 432 define a respective aperture 408 that extends through the panel 403 from the front surface 402 to the rear surface 404. It is envisaged that the panel 403 may be formed from a first material (such as wood or the like) and each of the inserts 432 may be formed of a second material (such as polymer or the like). It is also envisaged that the panel 403 and each of the inserts 432 may be formed from the same material (such as polymer or the like). The inserts 432 and the panel 403 may also be available in different colours, thereby allowing a user to form a mounting assembly 400 having different colour combinations of inserts 432 and panels 403.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the panel 403, the apertures 408, the spiral groves 422, and the locking portions 423 are integrally formed. In this case, the panel 403 and the inserts 432 are effectively integrally formed as a single component.

[0085] It is envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the panel 403 are 600x300mm, however, other dimensions may be utilised. Although the depicted embodiment shows the panel 403 having a rectangular shape, it will be appreciated that the panel 403 can be in the form of other shapes (such as triangular, partially circular, or the like). The depicted embodiment shows the apertures 408 in a grid pattern, however, it will also be appreciated that the apertures 408 may be arranged in any pattern.

[0086] Referring to Figure 14, the inner surface of each of the apertures 408 has a pair of spiral grooves 422 extending the depth of the aperture 408. At the bottom of each spiral groove 422 there is a locking portion 423. It is also envisaged that internal surfaces other than spiral grooves 422 may be utilised.

[0087] Each insert 432 has a body 434 that defines a respective aperture 408 and its respective spiral grooves 422 and locking portions 423. The insert 432 also has a base in the form of a flange 436. [0088] Referring to Figure 12, the panel 403 has a plurality of orifices 438 extending through the panel 403 from the front surface 402 to the rear surface 404. Referring to Figure 13, each orifice 438 is countersunk on the rear surface 404 to define a cut-out 440 surrounding a respective orifice 438. Referring to Figure 14, the cut-out 440 defines an edge 442.

[0089] Referring to Figure 14, each mounting peg 526 comprises a body 544, a fastener 556, and a sleeve 560. The body 544 has a first end 546 and a second end 548. The first end 546 is defined by a bayonet portion 528, and the bayonet portion 528 has projections 530 projecting from a surface of the bayonet portion 528. The bayonet portion 528 of each mounting peg 526 is dimensioned to be received in one of the apertures 408. It is also envisaged that the projections 530 may be spring-loaded in a biased extended position and be able to move to a retracted position within the bayonet portion 528.

[0090] A passage 550 extends through the body 544 of each mounting peg 526 from the first end 546 to the second end 548. The passage 550 defines a rim 552. Located toward the first end 546 of each mounting peg 526 is a lip 554. The fastener 556 is configured to be received in the passage 550, and has a head 558. The sleeve 560 has an open first end 562 and a closed second end 564. The sleeve 560 is dimensioned to receive the body 544 of one mounting peg 526 therein.

[0091] Assembly and mounting of the mounting assembly 400 on a surface will now be discussed. An insert 432 is inserted into each orifice 438 from the rear surface 404 of the panel 403. Each insert 432 is inserted into a respective orifice 438 until the flange 436 of the insert 432 abuts the edge 442, thereby preventing further insertion of the insert 432 into the orifice 438.

[0092] The first end 546 of a mounting peg 526 is removably received in one of the apertures 408. When the bayonet portion 528 is inserted in one of the apertures 408, each of the projections 530 of the bayonet portion 528 engage with a respective one of the spiral grooves 422 of the aperture 408. Whilst the bayonet portion 528 is inserted in the aperture 408, the projections 530 and the spiral grooves 422 cooperate when rotating the mounting peg 526 to move the mounting peg 526 between a locked position and an unlocked position within a respective aperture 408. To move the mounting peg 526 into the locked position, the mounting peg 526 is rotated until the projections 530 are received within respective locking portions 423 of the spiral grooves 422. To move the mounting peg 526 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the mounting peg 526 is rotated in the opposite direction to that required when moving the mounting peg 526 into the locked position. The mounting pegs 526 can be used to support various objects thereon that are required to be mounted on a surface permanently or temporarily. It is envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, a half turn action of each mounting peg 526 moves the mounting peg 526 between the locked and unlocked positions in a respective aperture 408.

[0093] When the mounting peg 526 is in the locked position within one of the apertures 408, the passage 550 of the mounting peg 526 aligns with the aperture 408. When the peg is in the locked position within one of the apertures 408, , the panel 403 may then be positioned to a desired position on a mounting surface 401 (such as a ceiling, wall, or the like). The fastener 556 is subsequently, inserted into the passage 550 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 12. The fastener 556 is then manipulated such that the fastener 556 extends through the passage 550, the respective aperture 408, and past the rear surface 404 of the panel 403. The fastener 556 in Figure 14 is a screw, and it would therefore be appreciated that manipulating the fastener 556 comprises rotating the fastener 556 with a screwdriver engaging the head 558 of the fastener 556. It is also envisaged that bolts, nails and any other fastener known in the art may be used as the fastener 556 instead of a screw. It will also be appreciated that the step of positioning the panel 403 may be performed before the step of moving the mounting peg 526 into the locked position within one of the apertures 408.

[0094] The fastener 556 is rotated until the fastener 556 engages the mounting surface 401 and the head 558 of the fastener 556 engages the rim 552 of the passage 550. Once the fastener 556 has engaged both the mounting surface 401 and the rim 552 of the passage 550, further tightening rotation of the fastener 556 forces the mounting peg 526 in a direction toward the mounting surface 401, which consequently forces the panel 403 toward the mounting surface 401, thereby mounting the panel 403 to the mounting surface 401. It will be appreciated that to demount the panel 403 from the mounting surface 401, the fastener 556 is rotated in the opposite direction described above until the fastener 556 no longer engages the mounting surface 401 or the rim 552 of the passage 550. It is envisaged that any number of mounting pegs 526 may be used as required to mount the mounting assembly 400 to the mounting surface 401. [0095] The sleeve 560 slidably receives the body 544 of one of the mounting pegs 526 therein. The sleeve 560 slides along the body 544 of the respective mounting peg 526 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 14 until the open first end 562 of the sleeve 560 abuts the lip 554, thereby preventing further movement of the sleeve 560.

[0096] It will be appreciated that the support pegs 326 discussed above with respect to the mounting panels 100 and 200 may be utilized with the the apertures 408 of the mounting assembly 400. The mounting supports 326 are removably received in one of the apertures 408 in the same manner that the mounting pegs 526 are removably received in the apertures 408 discussed above. It will therefore be appreciated that the mounting assembly 400 may utilize any combination of support pegs 326 and mounting pegs 526. It will also be appreciated therefore that the mounting pegs 526 may be utilized with the mounting panels 100 and 200.

[0097] When the body 544 of one of the mounting pegs 526 is received within the sleeve 560, the fastener 556 used to mount the mounting assembly 400 to the mounting surface 401 is not visible, which creates a more visually appealing mounting board.

[0098] Although not illustrated, a double-sided adhesive strip can be applied to the rear surface 404 of the panel 403 to engage the mounting surface 401. This is to improve the load bearing capabilities of the panel 403. It is envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, three strips of the double-sided adhesive strips are applied to the second surface 404 of the panel 403. It is also envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, the double sided adhesive tape is at least substantially round in cross-section.

[0099] Figure 15 shows a mounting assembly 600 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Features of the mounting assembly 600 that are identical or equivalent to those of the mounting assembly 400 are provided with reference numerals that are equivalent to those of the mounting assembly 400 but incremented by 200. For features that are identical between the mounting assembly 400 and the mounting assembly 600, it will be appreciated that the above description of these features in relation to the mounting assembly 400 is also applicable to the corresponding identical/equivalent features found in the mounting assembly 600. Accordingly, the identical features between the mounting assembly 400 and the mounting assembly 600 will not again be described in relation to the mounting assembly 600 as these features of the mounting assembly 600 have already been described above with respect to the mounting assembly 400.

[0100] Referring to Figure 16, the panel 603 is similar to the panel 403 of the mounting assembly 400 but each of the apertures 608 of the panel 603 has four spiral grooves 622. Each of the spiral grooves 622 has a respective locking portion 623. The panel 603 and each of the apertures 608, including the spiral grooves 622 and the locking portions 623, are integrally formed as a single component.

[0101] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the mounting pegs 726 are similar to the mounting pegs 526 of the mounting assembly 400 but have four projections 730 (only one labelled for clarity of illustration) projecting from the surface of the bayonet portion 728. It is also envisaged that the projections 730 may be spring-loaded in a biased extended position and be able to move to a retracted position within the bayonet portion 728.

[0102] The body 744 of the mounting peg 726 has a series of external grooves 766 extending in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 16 of the mounting peg 726. The sleeve 706 of the mounting peg 726 has a series of internal grooves 768 extending in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 16 of the mounting peg 726. The external grooves 766 of the body 744 complement the internal grooves 768 of the sleeve 760. When the body 744 is received in the sleeve 760, the external grooves 766 cooperate and form a friction fit with the internal grooves 768 of the sleeve 760. The cooperation of the external grooves 766 and the internal grooves 768 prevent the sleeve rotating with respect to the body 744 about the longitudinal axis 16 of the mounting peg 726.

[0103] It will be appreciated that assembly and mounting of the mounting assembly 600 on a surface will involve the same steps as those involved with assembling and mounting the mounting assembly 400 on a surface as discussed above in paragraphs [0090] to [0095].

[0104] As discussed above in paragraph [0096], when the body 744 of one of the mounting pegs 726 is received within the sleeve 760, a fastener used to mount the mounting assembly 600 to a mounting surface is not visible, which creates a more visually appealing mounting board.

[0105] Although not illustrated, a double-sided adhesive strip can be applied to the rear surface 604 of the panel 603 to engage a mounting surface. This is to improve the load bearing capabilities of the panel 603. It is envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, three strips of the double-sided adhesive strips are applied to the second surface 604 of the panel 603. It is also envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, the double sided adhesive tape is at least substantially round in cross-section.

[0106] Figure 19 shows a group of mounting assemblies 600, a number of mounting pegs 726, and a number of shelves 800. Each shelve 800 is able to slidably engage with two mounting pegs 726.

[0107] Each shelf 800 has two mounting passages 802 and a support surface 804 extending between the two mounting passages 802. The support surface 804 is adapted to support objects thereon.

[0108] Each mounting passage 802 is dimensioned to receive a mounting peg 726 therein. It will be appreciated that each shelf 800 is removably mounted to the mounting assembly 600 by receiving a mounting peg 726 in each mounting passage 802. The mounting pegs 726 are preferably in the locked position in a respective aperture 608 before mounting the shelf 800 to the mounting assembly 600. It can be seen from the Figure 19 that the shelves 800 can extend across two adjacent panels 603 by receiving a mounting peg 726 from each panel 603 in a respective mounting passage 802. It will be appreciated that the shelves 800 may be easily mounted and demounted from the mounting assemblies 600.

[0109] It will be appreciated that the shelves 800 can also be used with the mounting assembly 400 and the mounting panels 100 and 200 described above.

[0110] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the invention can be embodied in other forms. For example, the mounting panels 100, 200 and 400 can be manufactured having different shapes, number of apertures and number of dovetail recess.