Abstract:
A modular wall paneling system includes at least two plates. Each plate defines a longitudinal length, and each plate has a plurality of fixture apertures disposed through the plate along the longitudinal length. Each plate has a plurality of panel apertures disposed through plate along the longitudinal length. The plurality of fixture apertures are generally parallel to the plurality of fixture apertures. Included are a plurality of panels, each panel having a panel substrate and each panel having at least two hooks disposed on a backside of the panel substrate. Each of the at least two hooks are configured to removably lock into the panel apertures of the at least two plates.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part application that claims priority to application Ser. No. 14/214,817 filed on Mar. 15, 2014, which itself claimed priority to provisional application 61/786,597 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of which all applications are fully incorporated herein with this reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a modular wall paneling system that allows quick and easy replacement of a variety of different types of panels. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention discloses two inventions, the first being directed to a pilf/theft resistant packaging system and the second being directed to a modular wall panel system. 
         [0004]    The first invention concerns pilf resistant packaging and systems thereof. Theft of various products from within a store is a huge problem. A thief will literally cut a product out of the clear plastic packaging and steal the product after discarding the packaging. For instance, some department stores claim they have four knives stolen for every one knife that they actually sell. In the prior art, many have attempted to reduce the theft of such goods. The prior art has focuses at making cutting through the clear packaging more difficult such that it is a deterrent to a potential thief. However, adding a deterrent also makes the packaging harder to open for a legitimate customer. Also, various deterrents can appear ugly and deter a customer from purchasing the product. Accordingly, the present invention overcomes these problems and provides other benefits and advantages. 
         [0005]    The second invention concerns construction of inside walls and surfaces of a building or domicile. In the prior art, construction of one&#39;s residence/home is dominated through the use of drywall. Drywall is placed over top of the studs of walls and usually insulation is placed between the spaces in the studs. Drywall is then either painted or wallpapered to finish the inside of a home. 
         [0006]    A problem exists when a resident wants to install shelving or other various features into a dry walled wall. The home owner must purchase and use a stud finder to locate where the studs are now located. Once the studs are located, the studs are marked and then shelving can be directly attached to the studs. Shelves can be installed into the drywall itself, with special drywall screws. However, drywall is not nearly as strong as screwing directly into the studs of the home. 
         [0007]    Many times during shelving installation the drywall is damaged or destroyed. This may occur from missing the studs when attempting to screw therein, marring the drywall with improper screws, having screws become jammed or having the threads on the screw head strip. Damage is also likely when electrical features are installed. For instance, to install a flat screen television onto a wall usually means the studs in a wall must be cross-drilled to accommodate the various electrical cords. To perform such work, a section of drywall must be removed to facilitate the installation of such electrical cords by running them through the studs. Accordingly, the present invention overcomes these problems and provides other benefits and advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A modular wall paneling system includes at least two plates, where each plate is defined along a longitudinal length, and each plate has a plurality of fixture apertures disposed through the plate along the longitudinal length. Each plate also has a plurality of panel apertures disposed through plate along the longitudinal length, where the plurality of fixture apertures are generally parallel to the plurality of fixture apertures. Connecting to the plates are a plurality of panels, where each panel has a panel substrate and each panel has at least two hooks disposed on a backside of the panel substrate. Each of the at least two hooks are configured to removably lock into the panel apertures of the at least two plates. 
         [0009]    At least one panel from the plurality of panels may comprise an electronic switch panel, a light switch panel, a cabinet panel, a light bulb panel, a back lit panel, a picture frame panel, a mirror panel, a T.V. stand panel, an electronic equipment stand panel, an equipment stand panel, a shelf panel, an electrical socket panel or an air register panel. 
         [0010]    At least one plate from the at least two plates may comprise at least two plurality of panel apertures, wherein the at least two plurality of panel apertures are separated by the plurality of fixture apertures. 
         [0011]    At least one plate from the at least two plates may comprise an angled bend. 
         [0012]    Each of the at least two plates may comprise a first and a second extension disposed perpendicular to a surface of the plate. 
         [0013]    The at least two plates may extruded. The at least two plates may be formed from a single flat piece of metal and then the plurality of fixture apertures and the plurality of panel apertures are punched there through. The first and second extensions may be formed from a bending process applied to each plate. 
         [0014]    The first and second extensions may comprise a plurality of tabs. The plurality of tabs may be cut and bent at the same time the plurality of fixture apertures and panel apertures are formed. 
         [0015]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary pressure sensor assembly of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary product package containing the pressure sensor assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of the present invention in action; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of a pressure sensor assembly integrated with a product packaging; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary pressure sensor assembly of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken of the structure of  FIG. 5  along lines  6 - 6 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a top view of an exemplary pressure activated switch of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken of the structure of  FIG. 7  along lines  8 - 8  wherein a high pressure is present; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view taken of the structure of  FIG. 7  along lines  9 - 9  wherein the high pressure is released; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view taken of the structure of  FIG. 7  along lines  10 - 10  wherein the high pressure is present; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an exemplary plate embodying the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a sectional view taken of the structure of  FIG. 11  along lines  12 - 12 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view taken of the structure of  FIG. 11  along lines  13 - 13 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 13  now where the plate has an angled bend; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 13  now where the plate is manufactured in a bending step; 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another exemplary plate embodying the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  is a sectional view taken of the structure of  FIG. 16  along lines  17 - 17 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  is a sectional view taken of the structure of  FIG. 16  along lines  18 - 18 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a front side of an exemplary panel of embodying the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the back side of the structure of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 21  is a sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 19  taken along lines  21 - 21 ; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the modular wall paneling system of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0039]      FIGS. 1-10  generally concern a theft-proof packaging system which includes a product package having a compartment configured to encapsulate a product, wherein the compartment is pneumatically pressurized above a surrounding environment. A pressure sensor assembly is located within the compartment. The pressure sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor, a power source electrically connected to the pressure sensor and a transmitter electrically connected to the power source. The transmitter is configured to send a signal. A receiving unit is located outside the compartment of the product package and disposed remote from the product package. The receiving unit includes a receiver configured to receive the signal from the transmitter and an alarm electrically coupled to the receiver. The pressure sensor assembly is configured to detect a change in pressure inside the compartment and then send the signal to the receiving unit activating the alarm. 
         [0040]    The alarm may comprise a light or a speaker configured to produce an audible sound. The alarm may also send an alarm signal to an operator, where the alarm signal comprises a text message, an email, a phone message, a paging message. 
         [0041]    An air pressure valve may be disposed within a surface of the compartment. The pressure sensor may comprise a pressure sensing bias, where the bias is configured to be overcome by the pneumatic pressure in the compartment and configured to not be overcome by a pressure of the surrounding environment. 
         [0042]    A portion of the pressure sensor assembly may be in fluid communication with the inside of the compartment and an opposite portion of the pressure sensor assembly may be in fluid communication with the surrounding environment. 
         [0043]    The pressure sensor may comprise a switch, where the switch is open in the presence of the pneumatic pressure inside the compartment and where the switch is closed when the pneumatic pressure inside the compartment is released. 
         [0044]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  shows a pressure sensor assembly  10 . The pressure sensor assembly  10  is preferably small in size such that it can be placed within a packaging of a product. Many types of pressure sensor assemblies  10  may be used by one skilled in the art. A pressure sensor assembly  10  usually has a base substrate or circuit board  12 . On the base substrate/circuit board  12  is mounted a power source  18 , which can be a battery  18  or an externally powered passive RFID tag/receiver  18 . As shown herein it is a battery  18 . A battery  18  is preferred as it can transmit an extended distance as compared to a passive RFID tag and it also doesn&#39;t require a constant external signal to derive its power. 
         [0045]    The battery  18  is connected to a microprocessor  16 . The microprocessor  16  is able to perform various tasks that it is programmed to do. However, a microprocessor  16  is not even necessary in the present invention. A simple electrical circuit can be constructed that does not require the use of any electronic logic or programming, as will be later disclosed. 
         [0046]    The battery  18  is also connected to a pressure sensor  14 . Many types of pressure sensors  14  may be utilized for the present invention. 
         [0047]    Also disposed or connected to the circuit board  12  is a transmitter/antenna  20 . The transmitter  20  is configured to send a signal  44 . The signal  44  may be many types of signals, such as a radio frequency signal or an infrared signal. The pressure sensor assembly  10  is constructed and configured to send the signal  44  upon detecting a pressure differential. 
         [0048]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a package  46  containing a product  26 . The product  26  shown herein is a knife. However, any type of product  26  can be housed within the packaging  46 . The package  46  has a packaging base  22  and a packaging top  24 . The packaging top  24  is shown herein as a clear bubble  24 . In this way a consumer can visually see the product  26  enclosed within. It is a key aspect of the invention that the package top  24  and package bottom  22  are sealed together by a bond or seal  32  such that the enclosed volume can be pneumatically pressurized. 
         [0049]    The pressure sensor assembly  10  is shown inside the bubble  24 . The pressure sensor assembly  10  is configured to monitor the pressure inside the package  46 . If a thief attempts to open the package the pressure inside the bubble  24  is released which is then detected by the pressure sensor assembly  10 . The pressure sensor assembly  10  can then send a signal  44  to alert various devices. 
         [0050]    Also shown in  FIG. 2  is an RFID tag  42  attached to the package  46 . The RFID tag  42  does not have to be inside the pressurized dome  24  and can be non-removably attached anywhere to the package  46 . The RFID tag  42  is typically a passive RFID tag/device that can be detected when it passes through a detector. It is very typical for stores to have two scanners placed at the entrance of the store to scan for RFID tags that pass there between. This prevents a thief from attempting the steal the whole package  46 . It is due to the knowledge of the RFID tag  42  that thieves will open the package  46 , remove the product  26  and then discard the packaging  46 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 2  also shows a bump  34 . This bump  34  is a portion of the package that may be constructed to hide either the pressure sensor assembly  10  or the RFID tag  42  from view. In this way a thief would not even know the package  46  contained any theft deterrent devices. If the pressure sensor device  10  is located within a bump  34 , it must be in fluid communication with the chamber enclosing the product  26 . As can be devised by one skilled in the art, various sizes and shapes of the bump  34  may be created that are aesthetically pleasing while also being functional. The present invention is not limited to the precise form disclosed and shown herein but is merely a representation of one embodiment. 
         [0052]      FIG. 3  is a simple schematic of the present in operation. If the pressure inside the package  46  is released, the pressure sensor assembly  10  is configured to send a signal  44 . The signal  44  is received by an external receiver  28 . The receiver is then electrically connected to an alert device  30 . 
         [0053]    The alert device  30  can be a multitude of devices such as visual lights, audible alarm sounds, computers, cell phones, smart phones, laptop computers, specialized security systems and devices or combinations thereof. The alert device  30  can even be programmed to send a second signal  48  to alert various other devices or personnel. The second signal  48  can be a text message, an email, a pager signal, a tweet, a phone call or a phone message. The second signal  48  can be received by a buildings security system and direct security personnel to the area where the theft is occurring. 
         [0054]    It would also be advantageous if the alert device  30  was configured to direct other electronic surveillance means to the location of the pressure sensor device  10 . For instance, when a pressure sensor device  10  sends a signal  44 , the location of the signal  44  can be tracked. Video of the area or location of the pressure sensor assembly  10  can be recorded and tracked. For example, two or three receivers  28  and two or three alert devices  30  can be used to accurately locate the location of the pressure sensor assembly  10 . 
         [0055]    A significant advantage of the present invention is that the exact moment a thief attempts to open a package  46  the pressure sensor assembly  10  will detect the pilfering. Yet, a customer can purchase the product and then open the package  46  outside the store. The package  46  does not have to include extra thick plastic or other theft deterrent means that is also difficult for the customer to open. 
         [0056]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention. The inside of the dome  24  contains a high pressure side. A low pressure side is outside the package  46 . The low pressure side is atmospheric pressure. Here, the pressure sensor assembly  10  is coupled to a wall of the package base  22 . The pressure sensor assembly  10  is sealed  32   b  to the base  22 . This means that the pressure sensor assembly itself has a low pressure side and a high pressure side which is used to detect a pressure change. The seal  32   a  seals the top  24  to the base  22 . 
         [0057]    A valve  40  is also shown. The valve  40  is just one embodiment of how a high pressure is created inside the package  46 . The valve  40  can be used to pressurize the inside of the package  46 . Alternatively, the inside of the package  46  can be pressurized during manufacture of the package  46  when the product  26  is enclosed therein. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are just one example of an exemplary pressure sensor assembly  10 . Shown herein, the pressure sensor assembly  10  has a housing  36 . The housing  36  may then be sealed to the base  22  or top  24 . The housing  36  has at least one hole/aperture  38  on each side. Air pressure is able to then flow to each side of the circuit board  12 . The housing prevents a thief from tampering with the pressure sensor assembly  10  itself. The valve  40  may be integrated into the housing  36 . 
         [0059]    It is preferred that the pressure sensor assembly  10  be fully enclosed in the pressurized enclosure of the package  46 .  FIGS. 7-10  show just one simple embodiment that creates a pressure sensor assembly  10 .  FIG. 7  is a top view of a simplistic pressure sensor assembly  10 .  FIGS. 8-10  are sectional views through the structure of  FIG. 7 . In  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the pressure sensor assembly  10  is disposed within a high pressure side of a package  46 . High air pressure is acted upon a flexible membrane  50  that is sealed against a top substrate  52 . A conductive switch  54  is placed onto the flexible membrane  50 . When the pressure sensor assembly  10  is inside the high pressure side, a force is exerted against the flexible membrane  50 . This then moves the conductive switch  54  away from a first conductive path  56  and a second conductive path  58 . The low pressure side  60  of the membrane  50  may also be a spring/bias element (not shown) located therein. The spring/bias element is configured with the appropriate force to be actuated by a release of the pressure. 
         [0060]    When the package  46  is opened, the membrane  50  moves downward as shown herein in  FIG. 9 . The conductive switch  54  then contacts the first and second conductive paths  56  and  58  which then completes an electrical circuit to send the signal  44 . The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein is merely representative of just one example of a pressure sensor assembly  10 . It is understood that those skilled in the art after understanding this disclosure could use other structures and geometries to accomplish similar goals and objectives. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the precise forms disclosed herein. The provisional application 61/786,597 also showed a similar embodiment of a pilf resistant packaging system embodying the present invention. The contents of the provisional application are incorporated herein with this reference. 
         [0061]    The second invention disclosed herein discloses a modular wall panel system  100 .  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an exemplary track  110 . The track  110  is a relatively long and thin structure that is configured to be mounted directly to a stud  120 . Therefore, the track  110  would typically be quite long such that it was able to be mounted to a significant vertical portion of the stud  120  from the bottom of the floor to the top of the ceiling. The track  110  may be made from a variety of materials and methods. It would be typical for the track  110  to be made from an extrusion of metal as shown in  FIGS. 12 ,  13  and  14 . However, the track  110  can be made from a flat piece of metal and then folded into shape as shown in  FIG. 15 . The track  110  may be made from any structural material including metal, plastic, polymers, composites or combinations thereof. 
         [0062]    The track  110  comprises a flat base  112  (i.e. a flat rectangular plate) which includes a plurality of fixture holes (fixture apertures)  114  along a centerline  115  of the plate and a plurality of slots (panel apertures)  116 . At least two fixture holes  114  should be used to properly attach the track  110  to the base, but in another embodiment at least 3-10 or more fixture holes  114  can be used. The plurality of slots  116  must be many in number to allow the ease of placement of the panels  124  (discussed later herein), therefore in one embodiment the plurality of slots is at least 5-18 slots or more. 
         [0063]    The track  110  also has first extension  118   a  and a second extension  118   b . The extensions  118  are typically perpendicular to the base  112  and extend along a backside  117 , such that no extensions extend beyond the frontside  119 . The width between the extensions are the same as the width of a 2×4 used in building constructions. The extensions  118  are used as guides to help place and capture the stud  120 . During attachment of the track  110  to the stud  120 , the extensions  118  dramatically increase the ease of placement. Fasteners may then be used to permanently attach the track  110  to the stud  120  through the plurality of fixture holes  114 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , either a nail  146  or a screw  148  can be used to go through the holes  114  and permanently attach the track  110  to the stud  120 . 
         [0064]    The extensions  118  can be on just one side (left to right) of the flat base  112  (not shown) or be on both sides of the base  112  as shown in  FIG. 16 . Alternatively, the extensions  118  can alternate sides (left to right) of the base  112  such that at least three extensions  118  are used with at least two extensions on one side and one extension  118  on the other side, therefore providing a minimum amount of extensions required to properly lock the track  110  onto and/or be positioned onto the stud  120 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 16-18  show an embodiment where the track  110  is comprised of a flat base  112 . Then the holes  114  and slots  116  are punched through the base  112  in one operation. At the same time the extensions  118  can be formed as tabs  118   a  and  118   b  that are bent over. In this manner the tabs  118 , holes  114  and slots  116  can be made in one stamping operation. 
         [0066]      FIG. 14  is an embodiment of the track  110  that has an angle  122  to the base  112 . This embodiment would be best used in a corner of a building&#39;s wall. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 19-21  show one embodiment of an exemplary embodiment of a panel  124  of the present invention. The panel  124  may be made of a single substrate  124  or a plurality of substrates. Various materials can comprise the panel  124  such as wood, plastics, polymers, metal, composites or combinations thereof. On a backside of the panel  124  are a plurality of hooks  126 . Each panel  124  has at least a left side hook  126   a  and a right side hook  126   b.  The hooks  126  are configured to slip within the slots  116  and engage the slots  116  such that the panel is fixed and captured to the track  110 . The dimension between the left-side hook  126   a  and the right-side hook  126   b  is spaced to be equal to the slots  126  on two adjacent tracks  110  when installed upon the studs  120 . If studs  120  are placed 16 inches apart, it is foreseeable that the distance between the hooks  126  would be about 12-15 inches, or around 14 inches. 
         [0068]    It is important that the studs  120  be accurately placed during manufacturing. Therefore, a surrogate panel (not shown) can be made that is simply two hooks separated at a set distance. The surrogate panel is used to locate the studs before they are affixed to the permanent structure. The surrogate panel can then be removed or left in place for structural strength and continued alignment. The surrogate panel may be one thin piece of material that is designed to fit behind the regular panels  124 . 
         [0069]    The present invention teaches one embodiment of slots  116  and hooks  126  used for removably attaching the panels  124  to the tracks  110 . However a variety of structures could be used that accomplish similar functionality. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the precise forms described and shown herein. 
         [0070]      FIG. 22  shows a perspective view of the modular wall panel system  100 . The panels  124  can come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Panel  124   a  is square in shape. Panel  124   b  is rectangular in shape. Panel  124   c  is very long and rectangular in shape and extends from the floor to the ceiling. 
         [0071]    The panels  124  can also be configured with a variety of structures and features such as light switch panel  128 , cabinet panel  130 , light bulbs panel  132  (backlight panel also possible), picture frame panel  134 , mirror panel  136 , T.V. stand panel  138  (any electronic equipment stand also possible), shelf panel  140 , electrical socket panel  142 , air register panel  144 , and any other unique and custom panel  124 . Panels  124  can also include rods (not shown) for hanging clothing, such as is used in a closet. As one can see the use of specially configured panels  124  is endless. 
         [0072]    As can be seen by one skilled in the art, the panels and various panel features are easily moved and replaced. This provides the user with an ability to easily change and customize a wall for their particular needs. The present invention is ideally suited to be used along walls such as inside closets and along entertainment walls that would utilize and store a variety of electrical equipment or inside garages where storage, configurability and modularity is desired. 
         [0073]    The panels themselves can come in a variety of shapes, but also in a variety of materials, textures and design. For instance, panels can come in different colors where a user doesn&#39;t need to repaint a wall but needs to simply exchange one set of panels for another. The panels can be metalized, cloth covered or wall paper covered to create various designs. The panels may be covered in only a thin fabric and sound insulation placed between the studs to help absorb sound for use in a sound room. 
         [0074]    Various panel exchanges can be set up where a customer can exchange one panel for another. For instance, a customer can remove a set of panels and get credit for returning unneeded panels. This credit can then be used to help pay for new panels of varying designs. An aftermarket economy is possible that deals with trading used panels between customers. 
         [0075]    The present invention replaces the need for drywall. Therefore some cost saving is associated with the reduction of materials and labor for installing and surfacing the drywall. Also, it is easy for a user to reconfigure a specific wall layout without the need for tools or specialized expertise in home construction. Any person can simply take a panel off and replace it with a new panel, as it literally only takes seconds to accomplish. 
         [0076]    The panels are also earthquake proof, as the hook  126  is securely held within the slots  116 . 
         [0077]    The provisional application 61/786,597 also showed a similar embodiment of a modular wall panel system bodying the present invention. The contents of the provisional application are incorporated herein with this reference 
         [0078]    Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.