[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application

Serial No. 62/403,294, filed on October 3, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to wall-mount systems and, more specifically, to a wall-mount system for hanging modules.

[0003] Modular wall-mount systems are generally known. However, because of the increasing premium on square-footage, there is a continuing need for visually appealing, space- saving, and easy-to-install wall-mount system for hanging modules.

SUMMARY

[0004] To the extent consistent, any of the aspects and features detailed herein may be utilized with any of the other aspects and features detailed herein.

[0005] Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a wall-mount system including a frame assembly and a module. The frame assembly includes a plurality of horizontal ledgers configured for attachment to a wall and first and second vertical struts releasably engagable with the plurality of horizontal ledgers. Each of the first and second vertical struts includes a mounting surface defining a first receiver slot. The module is releasably mountable on the frame assembly and includes first and second cleats disposed towards opposite sides of the module. The first and second cleats are configured to releasably engage the first and second vertical struts, respectively. Each of the first and second cleats includes a base and an upright extending from each side of the base to define a U-shaped configuration. The base includes a first spring finger extending therefrom between the uprights. Each upright includes a first hook disposed towards a first end thereof. The first hooks of the first and second cleats are configured for receipt with the first receiver slots of the first and second vertical struts, respectively, to engage the module with the frame assembly. The first spring fingers of the first and second cleats are biased into contact with the mounting surfaces of the first and second vertical struts, respectively, to maintain the engagement of the module with the frame assembly.

[0006] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the first spring fingers are cut-out from the bases of the first and second cleats and deflected therefrom between the uprights.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first and second cleats is formed from a single piece of steel.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the uprights of the first and second cleats include second hooks disposed towards respective second ends thereof. The second hooks are configured for receipt within second receiver slots of the first and second vertical struts, respectively.

[0009] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the bases of the first and second cleats include second spring fingers extending therefrom between the uprights. The second spring fingers of the first and second cleats are biased into contact with the mounting surfaces of the first and second vertical struts, respectively. In such aspects, the first spring fingers may be disposed towards the first ends of the uprights and the second spring fingers may be disposed towards the second ends of the uprights.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the module further includes a latch mechanism having first and second spring posts movable from an inwardly retracted position to an outwardly extended position. In such aspects, each of the first and second vertical struts defines a transverse aperture configured to receive one of the first or second spring posts in the outwardly extended position thereof to releasably lock the module in engagement with the frame assembly.

[0011] In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the latch mechanism includes a lever configured for selective manipulation to transition the first and second spring posts between the inwardly retracted position and the outwardly extended position. The first and second spring posts may be biased towards the inwardly retracted position.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the latch mechanism extends transversely between the first and second cleats towards second ends of the uprights of the first and second cleats.

[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the uprights of the first and second cleats include nubs towards the second ends thereof. The nubs are configured for receipt within second receiver slots of the first and second vertical struts, respectively, to align the module for receipt of the first and second spring posts within the transverse apertures of the first and second vertical struts.

[0014] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of horizontal ledgers includes a pair of base flanges configured to abut a wall surface and a mounting surface raised relative to the pair of base flanges.

[0015] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting surface of each of the plurality of horizontal ledgers defines a plurality of mounting arrangements along a length thereof.

[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of horizontal ledgers is formed from a single piece of steel. [0017] In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first vertical strut is a single vertical strut and/or the second vertical strut is a double vertical strut.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first and second vertical struts is formed from a single piece of steel.

[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first and second vertical struts defines a C-shaped configuration including feet extending from side legs thereof. The feet are configured for receipt within slots defined within the plurality of horizontal ledgers to releasably mount the first and second vertical struts on the plurality of horizontal ledgers.

[0020] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second vertical struts and the plurality of horizontal ledgers each further include apertures configured to enable bolting of the first and second vertical struts to the plurality of horizontal ledgers.

[0021] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the module includes a panel having the first and second cleats mounted on a backside thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Aspects and features of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a front, perspective, exploded view of a frame assembly of a wall-mount system provided in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a rear, perspective view of a panel configured for releasable mounting on the frame assembly of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a rear, perspective view of another panel configured for releasable mounting on the frame assembly of FIG. 1; [0026] FIG. 4 is a rear, perspective, partially-exploded view of still another panel configured for releasable mounting on the frame assembly of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a rear, perspective, partially-exploded view of yet another panel configured for releasable mounting on the frame assembly of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 6 is a side, perspective view of a latch mechanism configured for use with the panels of FIGS. 4 and 5 and having the cover removed therefrom;

[0029] FIG. 7 is a front, perspective view of the wall-mount system provided in accordance with of the present disclosure illustrating engagement of panels with the frame assembly;

[0030] FIG. 8 is a front view of the wall-mount system of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line "E-E" in FIG. 8;

[0032] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line "D-D" in FIG. 8;

[0033] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line "B-B" in FIG. 8;

[0034] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the area of detail indicated as "H" in FIG. 11;

[0035] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the area of detail indicated as "F" in FIG. 9;

[0036] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the area of detail indicated as "G" in FIG. 9;

[0037] FIG. 15 is a top view of a cleat configured for use with the wall-mount system of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 16 is a side view of the cleat of FIG. 15;

[0039] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line "R-R" of FIG 15; [0040] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of another cleat configured for use with the wall- mount system of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 19 is a top view of the cleat of FIG. 18; and

[0042] FIG. 20 is a side view of still another cleat configured for use with the wall-mount system of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0044] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-20, provided in accordance with the present disclosure is a wall-mount system 10 (FIG. 7). Wall-mount storage system 10 (FIG. 7) includes a frame assembly 100 and a plurality of modules, e.g., panels "P" and/or panels 200-500, releasably mountable on frame assembly 100 in any suitable arrangement. Although panels "P" are illustrated as modules configured for use with system 10, it is contemplated that the modules may include any suitable structures including and/or mounting components thereon such as, for example, fixed shelves, pivoting shelves, single or double-door cabinets, drawers, Murphy beds, cubby boxes, hooks, pegs, and the like.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, frame assembly 100 includes a plurality of horizontal ledgers

110 and a plurality of vertical struts 120, 130. Horizontal ledgers 110 and vertical struts 120, 130 may each be formed from a single piece of cold rolled steel. Horizontal ledgers 110 are similar to one another and, thus, are described below in the singular with reference to one horizontal ledger 110.

[0046] Horizontal ledger 110 defines a generally C-shaped configuration and is configured for mounting horizontally on a wall (not shown). Horizontal ledger 110 includes a pair of base flanges 112 configured to abut the wall and defines a plurality of spaced-apart slots 114 along the length thereof to enable mounting of horizontal ledger 110 to studs (not shown) supporting the wall, e.g., using suitable screws or other hardware (not shown).

[0047] Horizontal ledger 110 further includes a mounting surface 116 raised relative to base flanges 112 (and the wall) due to the C-shaped configuration of horizontal ledger 110. Mounting surface 116 defines a plurality of spaced-apart mounting arrangements 118 therethrough. One or more mounting arrangements 118 may be spaced-apart from one or more other mounting arrangements 118 and/or one or more mounting arrangements 118 may be disposed adjacent one or more other mounting arrangements 118. For example, each end of horizontal ledger 110 may include a single mounting arrangement 118 while a plurality of adjacent-pairs of mounting arrangements 118 are spaced-apart along horizontal ledger 110 between the ends thereof. Mounting arrangements 118 may define any suitable configuration such as, for example, a pair of spaced-apart vertical slots 119a having a vertically-aligned pair of apertures 119b disposed therebetween.

[0048] Vertical struts 120, 130 include single vertical struts 120 and double vertical struts

130, each defining a C-shaped configuration and configured for mounting to two or more of the horizontal ledgers 110. Alternatively or additionally, vertical struts 120, 130 may be mounted to a U-channel secured to a floor or ceiling (not shown). Single vertical struts 120 are similar to one another and, thus, are described below in the singular with reference to one vertical strut 120. Likewise, double vertical struts 130 are similar to one another and, thus, are described below in the singular with reference to one double vertical strut 130.

[0049] Single vertical strut 120 includes features suitable for engaging a single mounting arrangement 118 of each of two or more horizontal ledgers 110, while double vertical strut 130 includes features suitable for engaging an adjacent pair of mounting arrangements 118 of each of two or more horizontal ledgers 110.

[0050] Single vertical strut 120 includes a mounting surface 122 and a pair of side legs

124 depending from either side of the mounting surface 122. Each side leg 124 includes a plurality of spaced-apart feet 126 extending therefrom along the length thereof. Each foot 126 is aligned with a foot 126 foot on the other side leg 124 such that feet 126 are provided in horizontally-aligned pairs. Side legs 124 are spaced-apart a distance equal to the spacing between the vertical slots 119a of one of the mounting arrangements 118 of horizontal ledger 110 such that an aligned pair of feet 126 may be inserted through the aligned vertical slots 119a of one of the mounting arrangements 118. Each foot 126 may further defines a toe (not explicitly shown) such that, upon insertion of feet 126 into vertical slots 119a and downward translation of vertical strut 120 relative to horizontal ledger 110, the toes catch on horizontal ledger 110 to engage vertical strut 120 with horizontal ledger 110. Side legs 124 further define aligned pairs of transverse apertures 128 therethrough and disposed in spaced-apart relation along the length thereof, as detailed below.

[0051] Mounting surface 122 of vertical strut 120 defines a plurality of spaced-apart receiver slots 123a along the length thereof and one or more apertures 123b disposed along the length thereof. The one or more apertures 123b are configured for alignment with one or more of the vertically-aligned pair of apertures 119b of one of the mounting arrangements 118 of horizontal ledger 110 when vertical strut 120 is engaged thereon to enable bolting of vertical strut 120 to horizontal ledger 110 to securely lock vertical strut 120 in engagement with horizontal ledger 110. Receiver slots 123a are detailed below.

[0052] Vertical strut 130 includes a mounting surface 132 and a pair of side legs 134 depending from either side of the mounting surface 132 and is similar to vertical strut 120 except that mounting surface 132 generally takes the form of a pair of abutting mounting surfaces 122 formed together. As such, side legs 134 are spaced-apart a distance equal to the spacing between the outer-most vertical slots 119a of an adjacent pair of mounting arrangements 118 of horizontal ledger 110.

[0053] Turning now to FIGS. 2-6, various panels 200-500 are configured for releasable mounting on frame assembly 100. Panels 200, 300 are similar to one another in the manner in which they are engaged with frame assembly 100 but differ in terms of dimensions. Likewise, panels 400, 500 are similar to one another in the manner in which they are engaged with frame assembly 100 but differ in terms of dimensions.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, panels 200, 300 include bodies 210, 310, respectively, and a pair of cleats 220, 320 mounted to the back face of the respective body 210, 220 via screws 240, 340. Embodiments of cleats suitable for use as cleats 220, 320 are detailed below.

[0055] With reference to FIGS. 4-6, panels 400, 500 are similar to panels 200, 300 and include bodies 410, 510, respectively, and a pair of cleats 420, 520 mounted to the back face of the respective body 410, 520 via screws 440, 540. Panels 400, 500 differ from panels 200, 300 in that panels 400, 500 each further include a latch mechanism 600 engaged thereon. Latch mechanisms 600 are similar to one another and, thus, are described below in the singular with reference to one latch mechanism 600. [0056] Latch mechanism 600 includes a base plate 610, a pair of spring posts 620, a pair of connector rods 630, a pivoting lever 640, and a cover 650. Base plate 610 may be formed from a single piece of cold rolled steel and includes an elongated body 612 and a spring finger mount 660 at each end of the elongated body 612. Elongated body 612 defines a U-shaped configuration having a pair of upright walls 614 interconnected by a floor 616. Floor 616 defines apertures 617 to enable mounting of base plate 610 to the backside of a panel, e.g., panels 400, 500, using screws or other suitable hardware. Floor 616 further pivotably supports pivoting lever 640 thereon. Upright walls 614 define opposed slots 618 adjacent the position where pivoting lever 640 is pivotably coupled to floor 616 and receive the opposing ends of pivoting lever 640 therethrough to permit pivoting of pivoting lever 640 relative to base plate 610 while defining the range of pivoting motion thereof. Pivoting lever 640 further includes a grasping extension 642 extending from one end thereof.

[0057] Each spring finger mount 660 defines apertures 661 to enable mounting of spring finger mounts 660 to the backside of a panel, e.g., panels 400, 500, using screws or other suitable hardware. Each spring finger mount 660 further includes a pair of spaced-apart support brackets 662, 664 configured to slidably support spring posts 620 therethrough.

[0058] Spring posts 620, as noted above, are slidably supported through support brackets

662, 664 of spring finger mounts 660. Spring posts 620 include biasing members 624, e.g., coil springs, disposed about the bodies 622 thereof and disposed between the support brackets 662, 664 of the corresponding spring finger mounts 660. A collar 626 is engaged about the body 622 of each spring post 620 such that as bodies 622 are slid inwardly through support brackets 662, 664, biasing members 624 are compressed. In this manner, biasing members 624 bias bodies 622 of spring posts 620 outwardly. [0059] Connector rods 630 interconnect bodies 622 of spring posts 620 with pivoting lever 640 on opposite sides of the position where pivoting lever 640 is pivotably coupled to floor 616 of base plate 610. As such, rotation of pivoting lever 640 in a first direction, e.g., in response to pivoting of grasping extension 642 in a first direction, slides both spring posts 620 inwardly relative to base plate 610 against the bias of biasing members 624, while pivoting of pivoting lever 640 in a second, opposite direction, e.g., in response to release or return of grasping extension 642 in the second direction, slides both spring posts 620 outwardly relative to base plate 610.

[0060] Cover 650 may be formed from a single piece of cold rolled steel and is configured to surround the internal components of latch mechanism 600. Cover 650 defines a slot 652 through which grasping extension 642 of pivoting lever 640 extends to enable external manipulation of grasping extension 642. Cover 650 may be screwed or otherwise secured to base plate 610 and/or the panel, e.g., panel 400, 500.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, in use, grasping extension 642 is moved in the first direction to retract spring posts 620 inwardly relative to base plate 610. Once this has been achieved, the panel(s) 400, 500, may be engaged between a pair of vertical struts 120, 130 using the pairs of cleats 420, 520 thereof, as detailed below. Grasping extension 642 may then be released or returned in the second direction to extend spring posts 620 outwardly relative to base plate 610 and through transverse apertures 128 of the pair of vertical struts 120, 130 to lock the panel(s) 400, 500 in engagement between the vertical struts 120, 130. However, as with panels 200, 300, latch mechanisms 600 need not be provided, depending upon a particular purpose, e.g., the load and/or use expected, depending upon the particular cleats utilized, etc. [0062] Turning to FIGS. 8-20, cleats suitable for use with panels "P," which may be configured similar to any of panels 200-500, to releasably mount panels "P" on frame assembly 100 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) are detailed.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 15-17, in conjunction with FIGS. 8-14, a cleat 700 is detailed.

Cleat 700 may be configured for use with a panel "P" that lacks a latch mechanism 600 (FIG. 6), e.g., panel 200, 300, or may be used with a panel "P" that includes a latch mechanism 600 (FIG. 6), e.g., panel 400, 500. Cleat 700 may be formed from a single piece of cold rolled steel and includes a base 710 having an upright 720 extending from either side thereof to define a U- shaped configuration.

[0064] Base 710 defines a partial cut-out 712 wherein sides of a piece of material are cutout from base 710 to define a cantilever spring arm 714 that deflects inwardly from the opening defined by partial cut-out 712. Cantilever spring arm 714 defines a dog-legged free end 716 that deflects back towards partial cut-out 712. In use, as detailed below, cantilever spring arm 712 is configured to abut the mounting surface 122, 132 of the vertical strut 120, 130 cleat 700 is engaged with to bias cleat 700 away from the vertical strut 120, 130 to help maintain engagement therebetween. Base 710 of cleat 700 further defines a plurality of apertures 718 to enable mounting of cleat 700 to the backside of a panel using screws or other suitable hardware.

[0065] Uprights 720 of cleat 700 define pairs of hooks 722 extending therefrom adjacent to or at the upper and lower ends thereof, although hooks 722 may be positioned at any suitable position and/or in any suitable spacing along uprights 720. Hooks 722 define tangs 724 and notches 726. The tangs 724 of each pair of hooks 722 are configured for insertion through a receiver slot 123a of one of the vertical struts 120, 130 and notches 726, upon downwardly translation of cleat 700 relative to the vertical strut 120, 130, are configured to receive a portion of the vertical strut 120, 130 to engage cleat 700 therewith. The bias of cantilever spring arms 714, as noted above, helps maintain this engagement wherein tangs 724 are received within receiver slots 123a and notches 726 receive a portion of the vertical strut 120, 130.

[0066] Turning to FIGS. 18 and 19, in conjunction with FIGS. 8-14, cleat 800 is similar to cleat 700 except that cleat 800 defines a longer length and includes a pair of partial cut-outs 812 and cantilever spring arms 814 formed therefrom. Cantilever spring arms 814 are disposed towards opposite ends of cleat 800 and are oriented in opposite directions. Providing a pair of cantilever spring arms 814 in a longer cleat 800 enables biasing force to be applied closer to each of the engagement points between the cleat 800 and a vertical strut 120, 130. Additional cantilever spring arms 814 are also contemplated.

[0067] With reference to FIG. 20, in conjunction with FIGS. 8-14, cleat 900 is similar to cleat 700 except that, similarly as with cleat 800 (FIGS. 18-19), cleat 900 includes a pair of cantilever spring arms 914 (although only one or more than two are also contemplated) and, further, cleat 900 includes a nub 923 extending from each of the uprights 920 thereof towards the upper end thereof. Nubs 923 are configured for insertion through a receiver slot 123a of one of the vertical struts 120, 130; however, unlike hooks 722 (FIGS. 15-17), do not include engagement features to maintain nubs 932 in engagement within the receiver slot 123a. Rather, cleat 900 is configured for use with a latch mechanism 600 positioned towards the upper end of cleat 900 such that nubs 932 function to position and align, while the latch mechanism 600 is utilized to engage.

[0068] As can be appreciated in view of the forgoing, wall-mount system 10 (FIG. 7) provides modularity, secure engagement of components, and ease of assembly and dis-assembly with minimal tools required. [0069] While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.