Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
ORGANIZER WALL PANEL ASSEMBLY
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an organizer wall panel assembly, and more
particularly an organizer wall panel assembly formed from a number of
stackable,
modular panels which are configured for use and securement as a wall section
in
substitution for part or all of a conventional dry wall sheet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The construction of organizer wall panel assemblies by securing in place, a
series
of stacked, individual wall panels is well known. United States Patent No.
7,306,107 to
Secondino describes an earlier panel construction which individual wall panels
are
adapted for interconnection with horizontally adjacent panels in the erection
of an
organizer wall. Conventional panels used in organizer wall applications are
typically
formed as an elongated hollow extrusion and have variable lengths of between
about six
and twelve feet, a vertical height of about 8 inches, and lateral thickness of
about 3/4
inches. The panels are formed with a longitudinal, "L-shaped" mounting groove
which is
sized to receive the bent end of a hangar member or bracket used to hang power
or
garden tools, garden equipment as well as other items, and which is formed
with
normally extending horizontal and vertical segments configured for
complementary
placement within the groove.
The applicant has appreciated that organizer walls formed from conventional
panels suffer the disadvantage that the wider thickness of the profile
frequently
necessitates the assembly of conventional panels as a whole-wall application,
where the
panels are arranged to extend vertically fully from the floor to the ceiling.
In particular,
the added thickness of the panel extrusion prevents the easy integration of
the wall panel
assembly with conventional dry wall sheets, as part of a finished wall
section. As a result,
conventionally such panels are installed either over the top, or in place of
conventional
dry wall sheets, at increased costs.
1
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
In addition, the erection of organizer wall panel assemblies with panels
arranged
in a whole-wall arrangement results in the presence of mounting grooves in
areas
adjacent to the floor and ceiling with no practical functionality to the user.
In addition to
significantly increased production costs compared to the cost of securing
conventional
dry wall sheets, the requirement to install individual organizer wall panels
individually, is
far more labour intensive and time consuming.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To at least partially overcome some of the difficulties associated with
conventional organizer wall panel constructions, the present invention
provides an
organizer wall panel assembly which is adapted for integration into a
conventional wall
construction, in place of part or all of a conventional half inch thick sheet
of dry wall or
gypsum board.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides for an organizer wall panel
assembly which is formed at least in part from a series of horizontally
stacked,
longitudinally elongated panels. Each of the panels is most preferably from
plastic or
aluminum and are extruded or molded with a constant horizontal profile and
variable
longitudinal length of up to 20 feet, and preferably between 8 to about 16
feet. Most
preferably, the panels have a generally modular construction, allowing the
panels to be
secured in place in a horizontal edge-to-edge arrangement in no particular
order. The
panels are formed having a generally rectangular body, an upper connecting
portion
which with the body forms an elongate mounting groove, and a lower covering
flange
portion.
Although not essential, the body is preferably formed as a mostly hollow
construction having a generally planar front and rear surface. The rear
surface is adopted
for juxtaposed placement and mounting to a wall or wall studs. The front
surface is
generally parallel to the rear surface and is spaced therefrom to provide the
panel body
with a lateral thickness substantially corresponding to a thickness of a
conventional dry
wall sheet. Most preferably, the lateral thickness of the body is selected at
between about
0.4 and 0.7 inches, most preferably between about 0.5 and to about 0.6 inches.
2
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
.
The lower covering flange portion projects downwardly past the lower extent of
the panel body. Preferably, the covering flange portion is formed as a
resiliently
deformable web which is integral with the lower edge of the front panel
surface. With the
panel in a mounted arrangement, the covering flange portion most preferably
extends
downwardly below the body by a distance selected to overlie at least part of
the
connecting portion of a next lower adjacent panel or dry wall sheet. The
covering flange
portion further includes a rearwardly tapering lowermost edge portion. The
tapering edge
portion bends or curves rearwardly downwardly towards the rear of the panel.
Most
preferably, the lowermost edge of the covering flange portion is spaced
rearwardly from
the plane of the panel body front surface by a distance of between about 0.4
inches and
0.1 inches, and preferably about 0.3 inches and 0.15 inches, towards the panel
rear.
The upper connecting portion is preferably integrally formed with the panel
body
as a single molding or extrusion. Although not essential, most preferably the
panel is
provided whereby the upper connecting portion is adapted for engagement with
the lower
edge of a next vertically adjacent panel in a mated fit arrangement. In one
non-limiting
construction, the upper connecting portion extends vertically from about 1
inch to about 2
inches from the upper edge of panel body. The connecting portion is provided
with a
fastener receiving portion which is sized to receive a nail, screw or other
suitable
mechanical fastener thereto, in the securement of the panel in place against
the wall. The
fastener receiving portion is connected to the panel body towards or along its
rearward
side by a vertical web. Horizontally extending shoulder and arm members,
respectively
project upwardly and downwardly along forward portions the fastener receiving
portion.
The fastener receiving portion, arm member and panel body comprise to define
an L-
shaped mounting groove sized to receive therein, the bent or hooked ends of
one or more
mounting brackets.
The applicant has appreciated that a number of panels may be assembled in a
horizontally stacked, side-by-side arrangement together with one or more
conventional
dry wall sheets. Such an arrangement may provide a finished wall section which
incorporates into part of the wall only, an organizer panel wall assembly
which provides
for hangar member retaining mounting grooves only in selected or preselected
areas,
having regard to customer preferences.
3
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
In one non-limiting possible mode of use, a number of stackable panels of the
present invention may be adapted for securement directly to wall studs in
place of a
conventional dry wall sheet to provide an organizer wall panel assembly which
extends
vertically as only part of a conventional wall section. Where the lower extent
of the wall
section is finished with a conventional dry wall sheet, the covering flange
portion of a
lowermost positioned wall panel is provided overlying a horizontal upper edge
of the
conventional dry wall sheet. In such an arrangement, the rearwardly tapering
portion of
the covering flange portion is urged into resilient contact against the
adjacent dry wall
panel, to provide a visually finished edge.
Although not essential, the organizer wall panel assembly is preferably
adapted
for use with hangar members/brackets which incorporate a hooked mounting end
sized
for mated placement within the mounting groove in an edge-fit manner. Most
preferably,
the hooked end includes a generally horizontal web portion which extends
inwardly from
a rear portion of the hangar bracket adapted for juxtaposed placement against
the panel
front surface to an upwardly extending finger portion. The finger portion most
preferably
extends angularly upward from the innermost edge of the horizontal web at an
angle
selected at between about 55 to about 85 degrees, preferably about 65 to 75
degrees, and
most preferably about 70 to 80 degrees relative thereto. The extent and
angular
orientation of the finger portion is selected to engage a rearwardmost portion
of the arm
member, and assist in maintaining bearing contact between the panel body and
rear
portion of the hangar member when under load.
Optionally, the upper connecting portion may be provided with a guide groove
or
other visual indicia for use guiding placement of mechanical fasteners through
the
fastener receiving portion at desired positions. The upper connecting portion
may further
be provided with one or more longitudinally extending channels, slots or
recesses which
are adapted for mated engagement with complementary formed members provided on
the
covering flange portion of a next adjacent upper panel.
Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention resides in an organizer wall
panel assembly comprising a plurality of stackable panels having the
substantially the
same height and width, each said panel comprising a generally rectangular
panel body
having front surface, a wall engaging rear surface and horizontally extending
upper and
4
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
lower edges; an horizontally extending upper connecting portion, and a lower
horizontally extending covering flange portion, the rear surface extending
generally in a
first plane, the front surface extending generally in a second plane parallel
to and spaced
laterally forward from the first plane by a distance selected at between about
0.5 and 0.65
inches, the upper connecting portion including, a vertical connecting web
extending
vertically upward from the upper edge and having a rear portion substantially
coplanar
with the rear surface and adapted for juxtaposed placement with said wall, a
fastener
receiving portion joined to the vertical connecting web, the fastener
receiving portion
being spaced rearwardly from the second plane and including a fastener
pierceable body
adapted to receive a mechanical fastener therethrough, and upwardly extending
shoulder
member and a downwardly extending arm member, the shoulder member projecting
upwardly from the pierceable body to define at least in part a longitudinally
extending
channel groove therewith, the arm member projecting downwardly from the
pierceable
body a distance part way towards the upper edge, wherein the arm member,
pierceable
body and panel body define at least in part a longitudinally extending
retention groove
seized for receiving an end portion of a hooked member therein, the covering
flange
portion being integral with and extending downwardly from the front surface a
distance
selected to substantially overly the fastener receiving portion of a next
lower panel when
positioned adjacent thereto, the covering flange portion tapering rearwardly
to a bottom
panel edge portion, the bottom panel edge portion being resiliently deformable
between
an unbiased position, wherein the bottom edge portion is spaced a distance
selected at
between about 0.03 inches and 0.15 inches, preferably about 0.04 inches and
0.1 inches,
rearwardly from the second plane, and a biased position wherein the bottom
edge portion
is moved towards coplanar alignment with the second plane.
In another aspect, the present invention resides in an organizer wall panel
assembly comprising a plurality of stackable panels having the substantially
the same
height and width, said panels being secured to a wall in a stacked side-by-
side
arrangement, each said panel comprising a generally rectangular hollow panel
body
having front surface, a wall engaging rear surface and horizontally extending
upper and
lower edges; an upper horizontally extending connecting portion, and a lower
horizontally extending covering flange portion, the rear surface extending
generally in a
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
first plane, the front surface extending generally in a second plane parallel
to and spaced
laterally forward from the first plane by a distance selected at between about
0.5 and 0.65
inches, the upper connecting portion including, a vertical connecting web
extending
vertically upward from the upper edge and having a rear portion substantially
coplanar
with the rear surface and adapted for juxtaposed placement with said wall, a
fastener
receiving portion joined to the vertical connecting web, the fastener
receiving portion
being spaced rearwardly from the second plane and including a fastener
pierceable body
adapted to receive a mechanical fastener therethrough, and upwardly extending
shoulder
member and a downwardly extending arm member, the shoulder member projecting
upwardly from the pierceable body to define at least in part a longitudinally
extending
channel groove therewith, the arm member projecting downwardly from the
pierceable
body a distance part way towards the upper edge, wherein the arm member,
pierceable
body and panel body define at least in part a longitudinally extending
retention groove
sized for receiving an end portion of a hooked member therein, the lower edge,
further
including a horizontally extending boss, the boss sized for mated placement
within the
channel groove of a next lower-panel when positioned adjacent thereto, the
covering
flange portion being integral with and extending downwardly from the front
surface a
distance selected to substantially overly the fastener receiving portion of
the next lower
panel, the covering flange portion tapering rearwardly to a bottom panel edge
portion, the
bottom panel edge portion being resiliently movable from an unbiased position,
wherein
the bottom edge portion is spaced a distance selected at between about 0.03
and 0.15
inches, preferably about 0.4 and 0.1 inches, rearwardly from the second plane
to a biased
position wherein the bottom edge portion is moved forwardly by a deflected
distance
selected at least between about 0.03 and 0.3 inches, and preferably about 0.3
and 0.15
inches.
The present invention additionally provides various further non-limiting
aspects,
and which include without restriction as follows:
1. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or
hereafter described aspects, wherein the panel body comprises a
substantially hollow body, having inner and outer walls having a
6
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
thickness selected at between about 30 and 50 Mil and preferably
about 40 Mils.
2. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or
hereafter described aspects wherein, wherein the wall panels
comprise modular wall panels wherein the panel body extends
from the channel groove to the bottom of the panel body with a
vertical height selected at about between about 6 inches .25
inches and/or the covering flange extends with a vertical thickness
of about 1 inch 0.2 inches.
3. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or
hereafter described aspects wherein a groove is provided between
the shoulder member and arm member, and/or includes a visual
indicia selected from the group consisting of a guide bevel, a
molded starter line or other molded indicators, selected to indicate
a desired mechanical fastener position.
4. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter
described aspects, wherein the shoulder member and the arm member
define a longitudinally extending groove therebetween, the groove being
sized to substantially receive therein the entirety of a head portion of said
mechanical fastener.
5. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter
described aspects, wherein a forwardmost portion of the fastener receiving
portion is spaced a distance rearwardly from the second plane.
6. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter
described aspects, wherein the arm member includes a horizontally
extending slot, the bottom edge portion including a rearwardly projecting
rib adapted for resilient mated positioning in the slot of the next lower
panel positioned adjacent thereto.
7. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter
described aspects, wherein each of said panels comprise modular
7
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
interchangeable panels formed as a unitary plastic, aluminum or polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) extrusion.
8. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter
described aspects, wherein said panel body includes a plurality of
reinforcing webs spanning horizontally from said rear surface to said front
surface, at least three of said reinforcing webs positioned for bearing
contact with said hangar bracket when said tab is provided in engagement
with said retention groove.
9. An organizer wall panel according to any of the foregoing or hereafter
described aspects, wherein the first groove is further provided with a V-
shaped notch, and in the installed position of a plurality of panels the
fastening means are secured through the V-shaped notches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference may now be had to the following detailed description taken together
with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a partial perspective view of a wall section which incorporates
an
organizer wall panel assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
Figure 2 shows an elevational end view of a modular panel used in the
construction of an organizer wall panel assembly in accordance with a
preferred
embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2A shows an enlarged view of the lower covering flange portion of the
panel illustrated in Figure 2.
Figure 3 shows a perspective end view illustrating the positioning of a panel
shown in Figure 2 in an arrangement overlapping a conventional dry wall panel,
in the
construction of a wall section in accordance with the preferred embodiment.
Figure 4 shows a perspective end view illustrating the interlocking
positioning of
a number of panels shown in Figure 2 in a stacked edge-to-edge arrangement in
the
erection of the organizer wall panel assembly shown in Figure 1.
8
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
Figure 5 shows an enlarged view illustrating the interlocking securement of
adjacent panels shown in Figure 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference may be had to Figure 1 which illustrates a finished wall section 6
which incorporates organizer wall panel assembly 8 in accordance with a
preferred
embodiment of the invention. As will be described, in addition to the
organizer wall panel
assembly 8, the finished wall section 6 incorporates one or more conventional
half inch
dry wall sheets 10 and a series in individual modular organizer panels 20
which are
mounted to the wall studs 12 (Figure 4).
As is illustrated, the organiser wall panel assembly 8 is provided at a height
spaced above the floor 4, and forms a section of the finished wall 6 and has
an overall
vertical extent selected at between about 2 and 6 feet, for increased
efficiency, and
reduced manufacturing and installation costs. It is to be appreciated however,
that
depending on individual user requirements, the organizer wall panel assembly 8
may be
provided with a greater or lessened vertical height, or if desired, could
extend the full
vertical height of the wall 6.
Reference may be had to Figure 2 which illustrates an organizer panel 20 used
in
the organizer panel wall assembly 8 in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the
invention. The panels 20 are each provided with a modular construction having
a constant
cross-sectional profile. The panels 20 are adapted for use and assembly in a
horizontally
stacked edge-to-edge arrangement with both additional identical panels 20 as
shown with
reference to Figure 1, and with one or more conventional dry wall sheets 10 in
the
construction of the finished wall section 6.
Each panel 20 is preferably provided as interchangeable panels having a
unitary
construction, and for example are formed as a plastic, aluminum or most
preferably
polyvinylchloride (PVC) extrusions. The panels 20 have an overall vertical
height of
between about 5 and about 8 inches, preferably between about 6 and 7 inches,
and may
be provided with a variable longitudinal length. Typically, the panel 20
length ranges
between about 6 feet to about 16 feet; and most preferably between about 8
feet to about
9
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
12 feet. Longer or shorter panels 20 may however be provided depending on the
final
applicator.
Figures 2 and 2A illustrate each panel 20 best as having a generally
rectangular
panel body 22, an upper connecting portion 24 and a lower covering flange
portion 26.
The panel body 22 is formed having a generally hollow, rectangular
construction, having
generally planar front end rear surfaces 28, 30. Figure 2A shown best the
front and rear
surfaces 28, 30 as being substantially planar and respectively lying in
parallel, spaced
apart planes PF and PR. To facilitate simplified use of the panel 20 with the
conventional
dry wall sheets 10, the construction of the finished wall 6, the front and
rear surfaces 28,
30 are preferably provided with a lateral spacing selected to provide the
panel 20 with a
maximum lateral thickness T of between about 0.5 and about 0.65 inches. The
panel body
22 preferably an overall vertical height selected at about 5 inches 0.5
inches, however
longer or shorter constructions may be provided. Figure 2 shows the front and
rear
surfaces 28, 20 being connected at each of their top and bottom edges, and as
middle
intervals by a series of spaced integral transverse reinforcing webs 32a-f. To
minimize
panel deformation under higher load conditions, each of the front and rear
surfaces 28, 30
and reinforcing webs 32a-f are most preferably formed with a thickness
selected at
between about 30 Mil and about 50 Mil, and most preferably about 40 Mil. It is
to be
appreciated however, that thinner or thicker front and/or rear surfaces 28, 30
and/or webs
32 may be provided, depending on the panel material selection.
Figure 2 illustrates best the lower edge of the panel body 22 as further
including a
horizontally extending rectangular boss 34. The boss 34 extends downwardly
along the
rearward most edge of the body 22 and is integral with the rear surface 30 and
lowermost
web 32f. Most preferably the boss 34 extends forward laterally from the place
PR of the
rear surface 30 a distance less than 0.3 inches and preferably between about
0.2 inches
and about 0.25 inches. In a simplified construction, the boss 34 is formed as
a generally
square projection, however, other geometrics are possible. As shown in Figures
3a and 4,
the formation of the boss 34 is preferably selected to allow its mated
placement within
either a bevel groove 14 formed along the upper rear portion of the dry wall
sheet 10, or a
channel groove 60 provided in a next lower panel 20, to assist in maintaining
the
securement of the panel 20 in a vertical orientation against the studs 12.
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
Figure 2A illustrates best the lower covering flange portion 26 in accordance
with
a preferred embodiment. The covering flange portion 26 projects downwardly
from the
panel body front surface 28 a distance of between about 1 to about 2 inches,
and which is
selected to overlie an upper edge portion of a lower horizontally adjacent
panel 20 or dry
wall sheet 10. The covering flange portion 26 is preferably provided having
generally the
same dimensional thickness as the front surface 28, and which provides the
flange portion
26 with a degree of resilient deformation. The front covering flange portion
26 extends
downwardly from the panel body 22, tapering rearwardly from the front panel
plane PF
towards the rear panel plane PR by a distance D selected at between about 0.4
and 0.1
inches, and preferably about 0.3 to 0.15 inches to a lowermost bottom edge 36.
The
lowermost bottom edge further includes a rearwardly projecting rib 38. As will
be
described, the rib 38 is configured for either bearing engaging contact with
the front
facing surface of a next lower positioned sheet of dry wall 10, or against
part of the upper
connecting portion 24 of next adjacent lower panel 20. The covering flange
portion 26
preferably has a thickness selected so as to be resiliently deformable for
movement
between an unbiased position shown in solid lines in Figure 2A, where the
bottom edge
portion 36 is spaced rearwardly relative to the front panel plane PF, and a
biased position
shown in stippled lining, where the bottom panel edge portion 36 is moved
forwardly
therefrom, and into generally co-planar alignment with the plane PF.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate best the use of the upper connecting portion 24 in
the
securement of adjacent panels 20, as part of a stacked edge-to-edge array in
the organizer
panel assembly 8 of Figure 1. The upper connecting portion 24 of each panel 20
is shown
best in Figure 2 as including a double-walled connecting web 40 and a fastener
receiving
portion 42. The connecting web 40 is shown best as having a generally planar
rearwardmost wall 44 which is integral with and co-planar with the panel body
rear
surface 30 at its lower end, and the fastener receiving portion 42 at its
upper end.
Optionally, a secondary reinforcing wall 46 may be positioned forwardly and
spaced
from the wall 44. The secondary reinforcing wall 46 spans between the upper
and panel
body 22 and connecting portion 24 for added rigidity. One or more reinforcing
webs may
further be provided between the rearwardmost wall 44 and reinforcing wall 46,
for
additional structural support.
11
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the upper connecting portion 24 as including a
generally
rectangular fastener receiving portion 42 integrally formed with the
connecting web 40.
The fastener receiving portion 42 includes a hollow, fastener pierceable body
54. As
shown best in Figure 4, the pierceable body 54 has a generally cross-sectional
profile and
is sized to receive a mechanical screw fastener 16 therethrough. A
horizontally extending
shoulder member 56 projects upwardly along a forward edge portion of the
pierceable
body 54. The shoulder member 56 extends vertically between about 0.2 inches to
about
0.5 inches and with the pierceable body 54 defines the longitudinally
extending channel
groove 60. The channel groove 60 is sized to receive in a complimentary fit
therein, the
lower edge boss 34 of a next, horizontally adjacent panel 20.
A horizontally extending arm member 62 extends downwardly from the forward
edge portion of the pierceable body 54 generally vertically aligned beneath
the shoulder
member 56. The arm member 62 extends part way, and preferably approximately
half
way towards the upper edge 32a of the panel body 22. The shoulder member 56
and arm
member 62 preferably extend to a forwardmost distance which is spaced
rearwardly from
the plane PF. The configuration of the fastener receiving portion 42 is
selected to allow
for the positioning of a covering flange portion 26 of a next upper adjacent
panel 20, in a
position substantially overlying the fastening receiving portion 52, in a
generally co-
planar arrangement with the plane PF.
The panel body 22, reinforcing wall 46, body 54 and arm member 62 define an L-
shaped retention groove 64 therebetween. Preferably, the arm member 62 further
includes
a longitudinally extending notch 66, the notch 66 is adopted to receive
therein in a
complimentary fit arrangement therein, the rib 38 of the next horizontally
adjacent panel
20.
Although not essential, most preferably the shoulder member 56 and arm member
62 define a fastener receiving groove 68 therebetween. The fastener receiving
groove 68
is sized to substantially receive therein head portion 18 of the screw
fasteners 16, when
inserted through the fastener pierceable body 54 in the mechanical securement
of the
panel 20 to the wall studs 12.
Figure 1 illustrates best the completion of a finished wall 6 which
incorporates
panel wall assembly 8 in accordance with the preferred embodiment. Initially,
one or
12
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
more sheets of dry wall 10 are secured to the wall studs 12 to a desired
height. Typically,
the dry wall sheets 10 will extend vertically 3 to 6 feet from the floor 4.
Following
placement and securement of the sheets 10, the bevel groove 14 is formed along
the
rearward top edge of the dry wall sheet 10.
A first organizer panel 20 is then mounted horizontally against the dry wall
sheet
in the position shown in Figure 3 by locating the panel boss 34 in the bevel
groove 14,
and inserting screw fasteners 16 through the fastener pierceable body 54 into
the studs
12. So positioned, the lower covering flange portion 26 of the panel 20 is
thus provided in
resilient bearing contact with, and overlapping the upper edge of the dry wall
panel 10,
providing a prefmished appearance.
The remainder of the wall panel assembly 8 may then be completed by
assembling subsequent organizer panels 20 in a horizontally stacked edge-to-
edge
relationship to provide the wall panel assembly 8 of a desired vertical
height. As each
next panel 20 is positioned, the boss 34 of the next adjacent panel 20
received in the
channel groove 60 of the underlying panel 20, and screw fasteners 16 are
inserted
through the fastener pierceable body 54 and into the studs 12 in the manner
shown in
Figure 4. As each subsequent organizer panel 20 is positioned, the lower
covering flange
portion 26 overlies part of the upper connecting portion 24 of the adjacent
lower panel,
such that boss 38 of the covering flange portion 26 is provided in engaging
contact within
the arm notch 66 in a resilient fit.
As shown best in Figures 1 and 4 with the positioning of the panels 20 allows
for
suitable hangar members 80 to be suspended in a cam-fit arrangement within
each L-
shaped retention groove 64.
Figure 4 shows the hangar member 80 as including a generally planar back
surface 82 which is configured for juxtaposed placement flush against the
front surface
28 of the panel body 22, and a hooked end portion 84. The hooked end portion
84
includes a horizontal web 86 which extends from the upper edge of the hangar
back 82 to
an innermost finger 90. The finger 90 projects upwardly from the inner end of
the
horizontal web 86 at a forward angle a of between about 60 and 85 degrees, and
preferably between about 70 and 80 degrees. Most preferably, the finger 90 is
configured
13
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
, = so that the upper edge of the finger 90
engages the inner rearward surface of the arm
member 62 within the retention slot 64.
The applicant has appreciated that the angular orientation of the finger 90
relative
to the horizontal web 86 facilitates the positioning of the hangar member back
82 more
fully against the front surface 28 of the panel body 22, when a load is
suspended from the
hangar member 80.
Although the detailed description describes and illustrates various preferred
embodiments, the invention is not limited to the specific preferred
embodiments which
are described. May modifications and variations will now occur to persons
skilled in the
art.
14
CA 3109041 2021-02-11
