Wall hanging system

A wall panel system including a first wall panel, the first panel including at least a first panel hook portion. The system also including a second wall panel having a different configuration than the first wall panel. The second panel includes at least a second panel hook portion and a third panel hook portion opposing the second panel hook portion. The first wall panel is configured to engage with the second wall panel to create a wall panel assembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to a system for the hanging and storage of items, such as tools, on a wall.

BACKGROUND

It is desired to provide wall hanging system which effectively provides storage.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is a wall panel system. The wall panel system includes a first wall panel, the first panel including at least a first panel hook portion; and a second wall panel having a different configuration than the first wall panel, the second panel including at least a second panel hook portion and a third panel hook portion opposing the second panel hook portion. The first wall panel is configured to engage with the second wall panel to create a wall panel assembly.

The first panel hook portion may project in the same direction as the second panel hook portion.

The wall panel system may further include a third wall panel, having a different configuration than the first wall panel and the second wall panel, the third wall panel including a fourth panel hook portion.

The third wall panel may be configured to engage with the first wall panel or the second wall panel.

The third wall panel may include a groove and a power strip in the groove.

The wall panel system may further include a first hook configured to hang on the first panel hook portion, the second pane hook portion and the fourth panel hook portion.

The fourth panel hook portion may project in the same direction as the first panel hook portion.

The first wall panel and the second wall panel may each include a connector portion and a connector receiving portion.

The connector receiving portion may be configured to receive the connector portion so as to engage the first wall panel to the second wall panel.

The first wall panel, the second wall panel and the third wall panel may each include a connector portion and a connector receiving portion.

The connector receiving portion may be configured to receive the connector portion.

The wall panel system may further include a cabinet.

The cabinet may include at least one groove

The connector portion fits into the at least one groove.

According to another aspect, there is a securing member and wall panel assembly which includes a wall panel and a securing member. The wall panel includes a lower panel hook portion and an upper panel hook portion. The securing member includes a panel abutting member and a latch member, the latch member movable relative to the panel abutting member to unlock the securing member from the wall panel.

The panel abutting member may include an upper section, a lower section and a central section connecting the upper section and the lower section.

The upper section may be generally parallel to the lower section.

The central section may be generally perpendicular to the upper section.

The central section may be generally perpendicular to the lower section.

The latch member may include a gripping member, a latching portion and an attachment member.

The attachment member of the latch member may be fixedly attached to the panel abutting member.

The attachment member may be fixedly attached to the lower section of the panel abutting member.

The gripping member may be configured to rotate upon force from a user and unlock the securing member from the panel.

In a locked position, the lower section of the panel abutting member may abut a front side of the lower panel hook and the latching portion abuts a rear side of the lower panel hook so as to secure the securing member on the panel.

In the locked position, the upper section of the panel abutting member may abut a rear side of the upper panel hook.

In the locked position, the central section of the panel abutting member may abut an upper side of the lower panel hook, the upper side of the lower panel hook being generally perpendicular to the rear side of the lower panel hook.

The securing member and wall panel assembly may further include a tool holding hook projecting from the lower section of the panel abutting member.

According to another aspect, there is an exemplary embodiment of a clip and wall panel assembly including a wall panel and a clip. The wall panel includes a first panel hook portion and a second panel hook portion. The clip includes a base portion and a pair of legs at opposite ends of the base portion, each of the legs configured to latch over the first panel hook portion or the second panel hook portion. Each leg includes a base portion and a finger portion, the finger portion being angled with respect to the base portion. The legs are flexible such that a first leg of the pair of legs can snap behind the first panel hook portion and the second leg of the pair of legs can snap behind the second panel hook portion to secure the clip to the wall panel.

The wall panel may include a central groove.

When the clip is secured to the wall panel, it may cover a portion of the central groove.

The clip and wall panel assembly may further include a battery charger, the battery charger secured to the wall panel.

The clip and wall panel assembly may further include a power strip secured to the wall panel.

The battery charger may include a power cord which passes under the clip so that the cord is secured in the central groove.

The power strip may include a power cord which passes under the clip so that the cord is secured in the central groove.

According to another aspect, there is an exemplary embodiment of a clip and wall panel assembly. The assembly includes a wall panel, the wall panel including a first panel hook portion, a second panel hook portion and a groove. The assembly further includes a plurality of clips, each clip including a base portion and a pair of legs at opposite ends of the base portion, each of the legs configured to latch over the first panel hook portion of the second panel hook portion. Each leg includes a base portion and a finger portion, the finger portion being angled with respect to the base portion. At least one of the plurality of clips is attached to a battery charger and secures the battery charger to the wall panel. At least one of the plurality of clips is attached to a power strip and secures the power strip to the wall panel. The battery charger may include a cord. The cord may extend from the battery charger in the central groove to the power strip. At least one of the plurality of clips may be attached to the wall panel and secures the cord in the central groove.

According to another aspect, there is an exemplary embodiment of a wall panel system. The wall panel system includes a wall panel, the wall panel including at least one hook and a groove, an insert in the groove, the insert including at least one conductor. The wall panel system also includes power supply device which provides electricity to the at least one conductor and a power receiving device which receives electricity from the at least one conductor.

The power receiving device may be at least one of a battery charger, a light, a fan and an electrical outlet.

The at least one conductor may be a positive rail and a ground rail.

The power supply device may receive power from at least one of a battery pack, an AC power source and a solar power source.

The power supply device may be configured to receive power from at least one of a power tool battery pack and an AC power source.

The power supply device may be configured to receive power form at least one of a power tool battery pack and a solar power source.

The at least one conductor may be three conductors.

The three conductors may run parallel to one another.

Two of the three conductors may be positively charged conductors.

The conductors may include copper.

The conductors may be made of metal.

The wall panel may be plastic.

According to another aspect, there is an exemplary embodiment of a wall panel system which includes a wall panel, the wall panel having a longitudinal axis and including at least one hook and a groove. The wall panel also includes at least one hook which is selectively engageable with the wall panel and is configured to hold one or more items. The wall panel system also includes at least one conductor, a power supply device which provides electricity to the at least one conductor and a power receiving device which receives electricity from the at least one conductor.

The at least one conductor may run along a length of the wall panel.

The at least one conductor may be on or parallel to the longitudinal axis.

The power receiving device may include at least one of a battery charger, a light, a fan and an electrical outlet.

The at least one conductor may include a positive rail and a ground rail.

The power supply device may receive power from at least one of a battery pack, an AC power source and a solar power source.

The power supply device may be configured to receive power from at least one of a power tool battery pack and an AC power source.

The power supply device may be configured to receive power form at least one of a power tool battery pack and a solar power source.

The at least one conductor may be three conductors.

The three conductors may run parallel to one another.

Two of the three conductors may be positively charged conductors.

The conductors may include copper.

The conductors may be made of metal.

The power supply device may include a control box.

The control box may include a power supply connector which at least one pin configured to engage the at least one conductor.

The control box may include an AC/DC converter for converting an AC power supply to a DC power supply.

The control box may output a DC power supply to the at least one conductor.

The control box may include a controller.

The control box may include a circuit for measuring a voltage of the at least one conductor.

The control box may include a circuit for measuring a current of the at least one conductor.

The control box may be removably attached to the wall panel.

The control box may include clips for removably attaching to the wall panel.

According to another aspect, three is a wall panel. The wall panel includes a first hook portion and a second hook portion. The first hook portion may face in a direction opposite the second hook portion.

The wall panel may include a connector portion and a connector receiving portion, the connector receiving portion configured to receive a connector portion of another wall panel.

The connector receiving portion may overlap with one of the hook portions.

The wall panel may further include a spacing projection adjacent to the connector portion.

The spacing projection may project generally perpendicularly to the connector portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of a wall hanging assembly1. The wall hanging assembly1includes a number of different panels of different design. Particularly, the wall hanging assembly1includes first panel10, second panel20and third panel30. As shown inFIG. 1, each of these panels10,20,30may be connected to other panels of the same or different type. The panels10,20,30may also be connected to a pegboard60and a cabinet70, as shown inFIG. 2and discussed in further depth below.

Details of the panels10,20and30will be discussed with reference toFIGS. 3-9andFIG. 1.FIG. 3is a side view of the first panel10,FIG. 4is a side view of the second panel20andFIG. 5is a side view of the third panel30. Additionally,FIG. 6illustrates front views of the first panel10and the second panel20.FIGS. 7-9illustrate various assemblies including the panels10,20,30.

As shown inFIGS. 3-5, each of the panels10,20,30include a connector portion11at their lower end. Each of the panels also include a connector receiving portion12. The connector receiving portions12are located at the top end of the panels10,20,30. The connector portions11and the connector receiving portions12are sized and shaped so that the connector portions11fit into the connector receiving portions12. This allows multiple panels to be connected together as shown in, for example,FIGS. 1 and 7-9.

The panels10,20,30can be connected to other panels of the same type or to panels of a different type. That is, a first panel10can be connected to one or more other first panels10. The first panel10can also be connected to one or more of the second panels20and third panels30. For example,FIG. 7illustrates two first panels10being connected in sequence.FIG. 9illustrates a first panel10being connected to a second panel20and a third panel30. The panels10,20,30may also be connected to panels of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,871, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The connector receiving portions12include two different width openings. The smaller width is a peg board opening13and the larger width is a panel opening14. As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the peg board opening13has a width corresponding to a peg board60and can accommodate a peg board60. The panel opening14has a width corresponding to the width of the panel connector portions11.

With reference toFIG. 3, the first panel10includes a lower panel hook15and an upper panel hook16. A space17is formed behind the lower panel hook15and a space18is formed behind the upper panel hook16. As shown inFIG. 4, the second panel20is smaller than the first panel10. The second panel20only includes a lower panel hook15and the corresponding space17. The third panel30, shown inFIG. 5, includes a lower panel hook15and the corresponding space17. As with the second panel20, the third panel30does not include an upper panel hook16. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 5, for example, the third panel30includes a slot31for receiving a power strip40. The power strip40includes a number of outlets for receiving plugs, as is well known. The power strip40may be a removable part which can be inserted or removed from the slot31or it may be integral or fixedly connected in the third panel30.

As shown inFIGS. 7-9, the panels can receive a hook90or95. As shown inFIGS. 7-9, the hooks90fit over the lower panel hooks15of the panels. The hook95is an extended hook. As shown inFIG. 7, an upper end of hook95fits over a lower panel hook15and a lower end of the hook95fits under an upper panel hook16.

Each of the panels have rear surfaces, as shown inFIGS. 3-5. The first panel10has a rear surface19, the second panel20has a rear surface29and the third panel30has a rear surface39. The rear surfaces are intended to abut against a wall. The panels10,20,30can be attached to walls through the use of a screw or other fastener or attachment means. Typically, the panels10,2030would be screwed to a wall at a stud, however, other attachment means or locations are possible. For example, in an assembly with a cabinet70, the wall panels may connect with the cabinet70and simply rest against a wall.

As shown inFIGS. 10-13, the cabinet70of the exemplary embodiment is configured to be integrated with the panels10,20,30. The cabinet70has a pair of side receivers71and a rear slot72. As shown inFIG. 11, the side receiver71has a cabinet hook75with the same dimensions as the lower panel hook15, described above. The cabinet hook75can receive the hook90, as shown. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 12, the side receiver71can also receive a panel, such as the third panel30. This allows a power strip40to be attached to the cabinet70. As also shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the rear slot72is able to receive one or more panels10,20,30. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 13, a combination cabinet70, wall panel and peg board system can be provided. As shown inFIG. 13, multiple power strips40may be plugged into one another so that only a single power strip40needs to be plugged into the wall.

FIGS. 14-20illustrate a securing member100which can be used with the first panel10to hang a tool or other device on the wall. The securing member100is able to be secured to or removed from the panel10and a variety of different hooks may be secured to the securing member100to hold tools of various types. A tool holding hook130is shown inFIG. 18. In other embodiments, the multiple hooks, projections or other types of holders may be used with the securing member100. The hooks, projections or other holders may be integrally formed with the securing member100or may be attached to the securing member100by any of a variety of means, such as an adhesive, welding or fasteners. The securing member100may also be attached directly to tools or other objects. For example, a light may be directly attached to the securing member100so that the light can be secured to one of the first panels10.

FIG. 14is a perspective view of the securing member100attached to a panel10andFIG. 15illustrates the securing member100alone. The securing member100of the exemplary embodiment is made of two main parts. The first part is a panel abutting member110. The panel abutting member110is relatively rigid and abuts portions of the panel10. The second part is the latch member120. The latch member120pivots and latches to the panel10, as will be explained in further detail below.

The panel abutting member110includes an upper section111, a central section112and a lower section113. The latch member120includes a gripping member121, a central member112a spring member123and a lower/attachment member124. The spring member123includes a latching portion125, which latches over the lower channel hook15.

The latch member120is attached to the panel abutting member110at the panel abutting member lower section113. In particular, the attachment member124of the latch member120is attached to the lower section113. In the exemplary embodiment, the attachment member124is welded to the lower section113of the abutting member110. Other attachment methods including, but not limited to, adhesives, fasteners or crimping could also be used.

Operation of the securing member100can be seen inFIGS. 17-20. InFIG. 17, the securing member100is inserted into the panel10. As shown, the upper section111is inserted behind the upper panel hook16into the space17such that the latching portion125abuts against the lower panel hook15. The user then pushes the securing member100towards the rear19of the panel10(i.e., to the left inFIG. 17). The latching portion125is able to deflect and slides over the lower panel hook15until the securing member100reaches the position shown inFIG. 18.

FIG. 18shows the securing member100in an attached position where it is attached to the panel10and including a hook130which holds a tool140. The tool may be a screwdriver, wrench, power tool or other tool, for example.

As shown inFIG. 18, the latching portion125wraps around a rear side of the lower panel hook15. Additionally, the central portion112of the abutting member110is on a top surface of the abutting member and the lower section113of the abutting member110is on the front side of the lower panel hook15. This sandwiches the lower panel hook15between the latching portion125and lower section113.

The upper section111of the abutting member110serves to further secure the securing member100to the panel10. As shown inFIG. 18, when the securing member100is inserted into the panel10, the upper section111contacts a rear side of the upper panel hook16. This secures the securing member100in a second direction and helps the securing member100resist being pulled away from the panel10by, for example, the force of the tool140being held.

FIGS. 19 and 20illustrate the securing member100being removed from the panel10. As shown inFIG. 19, a user pulls on the gripping member121. That moves the latching portion125up above a top of the lower panel hook15. This unlocks the securing member100from the panel10. As shown inFIG. 20, the upper section111is pivoted inward, towards the rear19of the panel10, and the securing member100can be slid out in a downward and frontward direction.

FIGS. 21 and 22illustrate a clip200for use with the panels.FIG. 21is a perspective view of the clip200andFIG. 22is a side view of the clip200. The clip200includes two leg members201. The leg members201are made up of a base portion202and a finger portion203. There is an abutting surface204at one end of the finger portion203, which secures the clip on a panel, as discussed in further detail below.

The leg members201are configured to fit over a lower panel hook15and an upper panel hook16. In particular, the leg member201at the upper end of the clip200fits over a lower panel hook15and the leg member201at the lower end of the clip200fits over an upper panel hook16. This requires either that multiple of the panels10,20,30be configured together or that there be a different panel design. For example, a fourth panel50, shown inFIG. 23.

As shown inFIG. 23, the fourth panel50includes a lower panel hook15and an upper panel hook16as well as the accompanying spaces17and18. As shown, the panel hooks15and16are in different locations in the fourth panel50. The fourth panel50also includes a connector portion11which can be connected with another fourth panel50or other panels10,20,30. The fourth panel50includes a modified connector receiving portion12′. The modified connector receiving portion12′ is still configured to receive connector portions11and peg board60. However, the peg board60is received forward of the location in the previously discussed connector receiving portion12. Additionally, the modified connector receiving portion12′ includes a circular groove56which may receive a wire or the like. The fourth panel55also includes a central groove150

FIGS. 24-27show the clip200in use. One leg201of the clip200fits over a lower panel hook15and the other leg201of the clip200fits over the upper panel hook16. Legs201have some flexibility. The flexibility allows the legs201to snap over the panel hooks15and16and the abutting surface204to snap behind the panel hooks15,16. This secures the clip200in place on the fourth panel55. In order to remove the clip200, again the legs flex so that the abutting surfaces204travel over the panel hooks15,16and the clip200is removed from the panel55. The base205of the clip200may also have some flexibility to aid in the securing and removal of the clip200to the panel55.

As shown inFIG. 24, when the clip200is secured to the panel55, the clip200covers the central groove150at the location of the clip200. In particular, the clip base205covers the central groove150. This may be used to secure items in the central groove150, such as the power cord42shown inFIG. 24.

The clips200may be secured to items such as the power strip41shown inFIGS. 25 and 26, a battery charger300, as shown inFIG. 27, or other tools or items so that the items can be secured to the panel55(or an appropriate combination of panels10,20,30). As shown inFIG. 27, the clips200may be secured to an item such as a battery charger300. InFIG. 27, the clips are secured to the base of the battery charger300by screws206. Other fasteners or attachment methods may be used or the clips200could be integrally formed with the item. In some instances, only the legs201may be joined with or integrally formed with the item and the legs201will allow the item to snap onto the panel55or a combination of panels.

FIGS. 25 and 26illustrate a second power strip41. The second power strip41has a number of outlets, like the first power strip40and also includes posts for wrapping power cords42. The power strip41may be attached to the panel55through the use of the clips200. As discussed above, the clips200may be attached to the power strip41in any of a number of ways and, in some instances, it may be suitable only to include the legs21of the clips200. The power strip41may include a light bar45, as shown inFIG. 26. The light bar45includes a number of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and serves as an illumination device. The light bar45may have a separate switch to turn on and off the LEDs or the LEDs may turn on with the power strip42.

In combination, the panel55and clips200described above, in combination with other clips and hooks, may be used to make the wall storage hanging arrangement ofFIG. 28. As shown inFIG. 28, there is a battery charger300, hedge trimmer310, rake320, blower-vac330and string trimmer340all hanging on the panel55along with the power strip41. The power strip41may be plugged into a wall power outlet43. Items that require power, such as the battery charger300, may then be plugged into the power strip41to provide power to the battery charger300. Additionally, as discussed above, power cords42may be routed through the central groove150and may be secured in the groove by clips200.

FIGS. 29-51illustrate another exemplary embodiment. Features of the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 29-51may be used with the exemplary embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-28.

FIGS. 29 and 30are perspective view of a powered wall panel system400. The powered wall panel system400includes the fourth wall panel50and an insert450. The insert450includes three conductors451,452and453, which conduct power along the wall panel50. As shown inFIG. 29, the panel50supports a power supply and control box500. The power supply and control box500provides power to the insert450. The insert450conducts power along the wall panel50to any of the variety attachments550shown thereon. The attachments include a battery charger560, a light570, a Wi-Fi router580, a fan585and a security system590. The attachments550may be able to directly connect to the wall panel50and the insert450. For example, the battery charger560and the security system590each attach directly to the wall panel50. Other attachments may be powered through an attachment interface600.

FIGS. 30, 31 and 53-55illustrate the mechanical features of the insert450with the panel50.FIG. 30is a perspective view of the wall panel50with the insert450attached to the panel50.FIG. 31is a perspective view of one end of the panel50with the insert450.FIG. 53is a close-up view of a central section of the panel50with the insert450.FIG. 54is an end perspective view of the panel50with the insert450with one of the clips455shown unassembled from the panel50.FIG. 55illustrates an end perspective view of the panel50with the insert450not assembled with the panel50.

As noted above, the insert450includes three conductors451,452,453. The three conductors451,452,453run parallel to one another along a horizontal axis of the wall panel50, the wall panel50being configured to hang horizontally on a wall. The conductors451,452,453are vertically spaced apart from one another and do not contact one another. A series of clips455hold the conductors451,452,453in place along the wall panel50. Additionally, the clips455are designed to fit into the groove150of the wall panel50and are held in place there. In this way, the insert450can be inserted into an existing panel. As shown, the conductors451,452,453are held fixed between the clips and a surface of the panel50. In the exemplary embodiment, the conductors451,452,453are not secured to the clips455independently. That is, the conductors451,452,453are separate from the clips455before insertion and are held by being sandwiched between the clips455and the panel. The clips455are shaped to snap into and be secured by the wall panel50. In other embodiments the conductors and clips could be formed as one part, or the conductors could clip into the clips455or wall panel50. Additionally, in other embodiments, conductors may be formed along with the wall panel, such that the conductors are not part of an insertable and removable insert.

The control box500is shown in further detail inFIGS. 32-35. As shown inFIG. 32, the control box500receives a battery pack600. The control box500includes a battery pack receiving portion505. The battery pack receiving portion505includes rails for guiding the battery pack600into place as well as electrical connectors for connecting with the battery pack600. The battery pack600connected to the control box500serves as a ballast battery. The battery pack600may be a power tool battery pack that can be used to power a variety of power tools, such as drills, saws, sanders and the like. The battery pack receiving portion505may be the same as the receiving portion for power tools which the battery pack600may receive. The battery pack600may be one of the battery packs shown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,406,915.

The control box500includes a pair of hooks501on a front side. The hooks501may be used to hold a screwdriver, phone or other item. The control box500also includes an input jack502which receives a cord with a power input, such as an AC input or a DC input provided by solar panels, as will be discussed later. Also shown inFIG. 53, the control box500may include USB ports503. The USB ports503can be used to charge or power phones or other devices from the power input through the jack502or the battery pack600.

As shown inFIGS. 34 and 35, the control box500includes a pair of legs201on its rear side. The legs201are the same as the legs201described for the clip above. In this case, the legs201are integrated into the control box500. In other embodiments, a separate clip200could be attached to the rear of the control box500. The legs201include base portions202, finger portions203and an abutting surface204and allow the control box500to latch onto the panel wall50in the manner shown inFIG. 34and discussed above with respect to the legs201.

As shown inFIGS. 33-35, the control box500has a power supply connector510which connects it to the conductors451,452and453. The power supply connector510is shown by itself inFIG. 36. As shown inFIGS. 34 and 35, part of the power supply connector510projects out of the rear of the control box500. That portion includes three pins511,512and513. Pin512is a ground pin and pins511and513are positive pins. The three pins511,512,513contact the three conductors451,452,453.

As shown inFIG. 36, the pins511,512,513are part of larger connectors514,516,518. Specifically, pin511is an end of connector514which is attached with a screw515to the rest of the power supply connector510. Pin512is part of connector516attached by a screw517. Pin513(not shown inFIG. 36) is part of pin518attached by screw519. The connectors514,516,518are made of metal and have elasticity such that they act as a spring. In particular, the pins511,512,513are biased downwardly towards the conductors451,451,453when the power supply connector510is on the wall panel50with the insert450. The pins511,512,513may retract upwards into the housing520of the power supply connector510in response to being pressed on the conductors451,452,453. That is, the pins511,512,513are able to move some and may be pressed upwardly when the power supply connector510is in contact with the conductors451,452,453, as is shown inFIGS. 34 and 38. In this way, the pins511,512,513are biased against the conductors451,452,453to provide good contact between the pins511,512,513and conductors451,452,453. The shape of the connectors514,516,518allows the pins to move in a generally linear fashion when they retract.

A schematic diagram of the control box500is shown inFIG. 52. As shown inFIG. 32, the control box500includes an input jack502for receiving power. In the schematic ofFIG. 52, the power comes from either solar panels701or AC power from an electric wall outlet which is converted to DC power with an AC/DC converter702. When a user has a wall outlet available, the user may simply run a plug from the wall outlet to the input jack502. The AC/DC converter702is housed in a block, as is well known, and converts the AC power from the electric wall outlet to 24V DC power which is provided to the control box500at input jack502.

In other instances, solar power from solar panels701may be available. The user may choose to use the solar power instead of power from an electrical wall outlet or an electrical wall outlet may not be available. In this instance, a cord provides power from the solar panels701to the control box500through the input jack502. The solar panels701are a DC power source. Accordingly, there is no need for an AC/DC converter702, as there is when using power from an AC power source. In the exemplary embodiment, there is only one input jack502and only one power source is input to the control box500at one time. This is represented by the OR block703in the schematic ofFIG. 52.

Depending upon the number of solar panels and the weather, the solar panels701may provide power at different voltage and current levels. As discussed later, the system may operate differently under different power conditions. Accordingly, there is a solar voltage and current measuring circuit704which reads the voltage and current from the solar panel and provides that information to the microcontroller750.

The ballast battery600is also shown inFIG. 52. The ballast battery600operates at a maximum initial battery voltage of 20 volts. As shown inFIG. 52, the control box500includes a battery voltage measuring circuit705for measuring the voltage of the ballast battery600and a battery current measuring circuit706for measuring the current of the ballast battery600. The ballast battery600can output power to the system. Additionally, there is charge control circuitry707which allows the ballast battery600to charge.

The ballast battery600provides a ballast for the system. When the solar panels701are producing more power than is needed by the system, excess power can be stored in the ballast battery600. That is, the ballast battery600can be charged. In instances where the solar panels701provide insufficient power for the system, the ballast battery600can assist. When no power is provided through the input jack502by either an AC power source, solar power source or otherwise, the ballast battery600can itself provide DC power to the conductors451,452,453of the wall panel50with insert450. Typically, the AC power source provides sufficient power for the system that the ballast battery600is not needed to provide supplemental power. Additionally, the AC power source typically provides sufficient power to charge the ballast battery600. Accordingly, when the AC power source is inputted through the input jack502, typically the battery600charges. However, it is possible to utilize the AC power source in other ways. For example, the system may be designed to use the ballast battery600as a supplemental power source if the AC power source is insufficient. Additionally, AC power source may be used only for powering the insert450, and not charging the battery600, if there is sufficient load on the insert450.

The control box500also includes a SEPIC regulator710. As discussed, the power provided by the solar panels701is variable. On the other hand, the power provided to the conductors451,452,453needed to run the accessories550must be at least a certain voltage. For example, the accessories550such as the fan585and the light570may need 18V or higher to operate, or operate effectively. Accordingly, if the solar panels701are producing power with a voltage of only 10V, that is insufficient for running the accessories550on the wall panel50with insert450.

The SEPIC regulator710can adjust the power input from the solar panels701to adjust the voltage to a suitable level. For example, the SEPIC regulator710can adjust the power so that a voltage of 18V, 20V, 22V or 24V is provided, depending upon the particular need. Since power is the product of voltage and current, increasing the voltage decreases the amount of current that can be provided to the conductors451,452,453by the solar panels701. Conversely, decreasing the voltage, increases the amount of current that can be provided to the conductors451,452,453.

The schematic ofFIG. 52shows the output of power to the conductors451,452,453through the connectors514,516,518and pins511,512,513. In the exemplary embodiment, this connection is provided by wires which attach to the connectors514,516,518at the screws515,517,519and are held in place by the screws515,517,519. In particular, line716provides a ground feed and connects with connector516to provide a ground input at pin512, which makes conductor450a ground conductor. Line715outputs a positive voltage signal to pins511and513through connectors514,518, which make conductors451and452positive rails.

The control box500also includes a 3V coin cell718and a measurement circuit719for measuring a voltage of the coin cell718. The coin cell718may be used to power the microcontroller750. Switching regulator720has inputs from the ballast battery600, coin cell718and either the solar panels701or the converted AC power source702and can provide power to the microprocessor750from any of the sources, as appropriate. The coin cell718can provide power when power from the ballast battery600or other power sources701,702are unavailable so that the microprocessor750can operate.

USB port503is also shown schematically inFIG. 52. The USB port503outputs at 5V to charge phones, tablets or the like when they are plugged into the port503.

Finally, the control box500includes a rail voltage and current measurement circuit725which measures the voltage and current on the conductors451,452,453.

The accessories which receive power through the conductors451,452,453use a power receiving connector810, shown inFIG. 37. The power receiving connector810includes a housing820. A pair of pins811and812project out of the housing820. The pin812is a ground pin which is configured to engage the ground conductor453. The pin811is a positive pin which is configured to engage one of the positive conductors451and452. As shown, the power receiving connector810includes only two pins. The pin812is located so as to always engage the ground conductor453. On the other hand, the pin811is located so that it can engage either of the positive conductors451and452depending upon the orientation of the connector810. This allows for different orientations of the connector810and, thus, the accessories850.

The pins811and812of the connector810have the same structure as the pins of the connector510. Pin811is an end of a connector814which is secured to the connector housing820with a screw815. Pin812is an end of a connector816which is secured to the connector housing820with screw817. The connectors814and816are made of metal and have elasticity such that they act as a spring. The pins811,812are biased downwardly towards the conductors451,451,453when the connector810is on the wall panel50with the insert450. The pins811,812may retract upwards into the housing820of the power supply connector810in response to being pressed on the conductors451,452,453. That is, the pins811,812are able to move some and may be pressed upwardly when the connector810is in contact with the conductors451,452,453. In this way, the pins811,812are biased against the conductors453and one of451and452to provide good contact between the pins811,812and selected conductors451,452,453. The shape of the connectors814,816allows the pins811,812to move in a generally linear fashion when they retract.

FIGS. 39-43illustrate an attachment connector760. As shown inFIGS. 41 and 42, the attachment connector760includes a pair of clips201. The clips201slidingly attach the connector760to the wall panel50, as has been discussed. The attachment connector760also includes the previously discussed power receiving connector810. As shown inFIGS. 41 and 42, part of the power receiving connector810projects out of the attachment connector760and the pins811,812project out of the connector810for engagement with the conductors451,452,453.

As shown inFIGS. 39 and 40, the attachment connector760includes a pair of rails770and slots771adjacent to the rails770. The slots771are configured to accept rails from various previously discussed attachments550to connect the attachments with the attachment connector760. The slots771and rails770are also configured so that they are identical to rails and slots of a power tool battery pack system, particularly, a power tool battery pack system including the battery pack600. In this way, various accessories550which can attach to the connector760and be provided with electric power through the connector760may also be attached directly to a battery pack and powered directly by the battery pack. The battery pack may be a battery pack600. Additionally, there may be other battery packs in the system.

FIG. 43is an exploded view of the attachment connector760. As shown, the attachment connector760includes a bottom housing part761and a top housing part762. As shown inFIGS. 39, 40 and 43, the attachment connector760additionally has a latch763with a latch actuator764and a latching portion765. The latching portion765is configured to latch onto one of the accessories550when the accessory550is slid onto the rails770. The latching portion765thus secures the accessory550on the attachment connector760. The latch763projects out of the top housing part762and is biased in a direction towards projecting out of the housing part762by a spring or other biasing member (not shown). When a user slides an attachment550onto the attachment connector760, the latch763depresses towards the inside of the connector housing and then snaps back after the attachment550reaches a fully engaged position to secure the accessory550in place. A user releases the attachment550by depressing the latch actuator764to depress the latching portion765.

A power receiving connector810is housed in the attachment connector760. An electrical connector775is attached to the power receiving connector810through wires776and777. The electrical connector775can be engaged through an electrical connector engagement portion778. Thus, electricity can be provided from the power receiving connector810out through the attachment connector760to an attachment550. A holding piece774helps to hold the receiving connector810in place.

As shown inFIG. 29, the attachment connector760is attachable to the panel50in two orientations. In one orientation, pin811engages the lower conductor452and in the second orientation the pin811engages upper conductor541. In either case, pin812engages the central ground conductor450.

The light attachment570is shown inFIGS. 46-48. As shown in those Figs., the light attachment570includes an engagement connector571. The engagement connector571is configured to engage an attachment connector760, as shown inFIG. 29. When attached to the attachment connector760, the light570is provided with power through the conductors451,452,453, through the previously discussed mechanisms. The engagement connector571is attached to a lantern573. The lantern573includes a number of LED panels574which includes light emitting diodes (LEDs). The lantern573also includes a hook575for hanging the lantern573. The engagement connector571could also be engaged with a battery pack such as battery pack600to provide power to the light570directly from the battery pack600.

The Wi-Fi router580is illustrated inFIG. 49. The Wi-Fi router580is configured so that the body581of the router580engages with the attachment connector760so that power is provided to the router580. The router580includes a pair of antennae582. As with the light attachment570, the Wi-Fi router580may also be also be engaged with a battery pack such as battery pack600to provide power to the light580directly from the battery pack600.

The fan585is shown inFIG. 50. The fan585has a body586which engages with the attachment connector760to provide power therethrough to the fan585. The fan585also has an operating portion587which includes enclosed fan blades. The power supplied to the fan585powers a motor which rotates fan blades to produce airflow. The fan585may also be also be engaged with a battery pack such as battery pack600to provide power to the fan585directly from the battery pack600.

The security system590is shown inFIG. 51. The security system590is provided to prevent theft from the wall panel50. The security system590includes a pair of clips200and a power receiving connector810so that it engages directly onto the wall panel50rather than through the attachment connector760. When the security system590is attached to the wall panel50via the clips200the connector810engages the conductors451,452,453, as is previously discussed, to provide power to the security system590. The security system590includes a motion detector591, a key pad592, a speaker593and a light594. It may also include a back-up battery (not shown) so that the security system590can operate even if there is no power provided by the control box500. A user may set the security system590so that it sounds an alarm via the speaker593if the motion detector591detects motion. The key pad592allows a user to enter a code to disable or enable the system590. The light594may be used an additional alarm indication or for illuminating the key pad592.

In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 29, the battery charger560and the security system590are connected directly to the conductors of the insert450and the light570, Wi-Fi router580and fan590are connected through the attachment connector760. In other embodiments, the different attachments could be directly connected or connected through the attachment connector760. For example, in another exemplary embodiment a light could be configured to attached directly to the conductors451,452,453. The light may have a similar design to the light570or be a different type of light. Similarly, there may be a security system which attaches to the wall panel50and conductors451,452,453through an attachment connector760. There may also be additional attachments550. For example, there may be attachments which provide a USB or standard electrical outlet. There could be a clock attachment or a heater attachment. All of these attachments550may be configured to be attached directly or through an attachment connector760.

FIGS. 56-61illustrate a fifth wall panel80. The fifth wall panel80may work with any of the other wall panels10,20,30,50.FIGS. 56 and 57illustrate a perspective view of the fifth wall panel80with a hook85and latch member86.FIGS. 58-61illustrate various views of the wall panel80and hook85.

The wall panel80includes a connector portion11. The connector portion11is able to fit into the connector receiving portions12,12′ previously described in order to connect the wall panel80with the various other wall panels. The connector portion11also allows the wall panel80to connect with other wall panels80of the same type, as is shown inFIGS. 58-61.

The fifth wall panel80also includes a modified connector receiving portion12″. The connector receiving portion12″ is configured to accept both peg boards60and the connector portion11, as with the other connector receiving portions. As shown, the connector receiving portion12″ has a peg board opening13for receiving a peg board60and a panel opening14″ for receiving the connector portions11.

The fifth wall panel80includes a rear side89which can be placed against a wall. On the front side the fifth wall panel80includes an upper panel hook16and a modified lower panel hook15″. These panel hooks15″ and16allow for a hook85to be attached to the fifth wall panel80. The other various hooks described previously may also be attached to the fifth wall panel80. The hook85includes a latch member86with a latch projection87. The latch member86, along with the latch projection87, is rotatable to move from a locking position shown inFIG. 54to an unlocked position (not shown). In the unlocked position, the latch projection87is rotated ninety degrees or more so that it does not overlap with the panel hook16. The hook85and latch member86may be similar to the brackets and retaining members of U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,871, which is incorporated by reference.

As shown inFIG. 57, the panel hook15″ overlaps with the connector receiving portion12″ in a horizontal plane when the fifth wall panel80is vertical (e.g., rear surface89placed against a vertical wall). In particular, it overlaps with the panel opening14″. When a connector portion11is in the panel opening14″, as shown inFIG. 59, the panel hook15″ overlaps with the connector portion11. This provides for a compact design with the features of multiple hooks15″, a connector portion11, and a connector receiving portion12″.

The wall panel80also includes a spacing projection81. The spacing projection81is adjacent to the connector portion11and projects generally perpendicularly to the connector portion11. The spacing projection81is on the rear side89of the panel80and abuts a wall when the wall panel80is placed against a vertical wall. As shown inFIG. 59, the spacing projection81also serves to abut a portion of an adjacent wall panel80when multiple wall panels80are connected to one another.

As shown inFIGS. 58 and 59, more than one fifth wall panel80may be engaged to form a wall panel assembly. Additionally, multiple hooks85may be used in the assembly. As shown inFIG. 60, the fifth wall panels80may be flipped so that the connector portions11are at the bottom of the wall panels80, as shown inFIGS. 58 and 59, or at the top of the wall panels80, as shown inFIGS. 60 and 61.

While the invention has been described by way of exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects.