Abstract:
A panel set system and storage system is provided having faces which can be easily interchanged, creating a new look for the furniture and even the whole room. The new décor is easily accomplished at reasonable prices the average homeowner can afford.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/686,553, filed Apr. 9, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to the field of storage systems. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a storage system and related method for interchanging an exposed furniture surface of the storage system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Many people enjoy redecorating rooms in their homes and businesses. However, redecorating can become expensive, tedious and time consuming (even life consuming), especially to the extent storage systems are replaced in the remodeling process. Many storage systems are custom made and have unique dimensions; hence, redecorating that includes creating a new custom made storage system having, for example, cabinets, drawers and shelves for the kitchen may involve a steep expense. In addition, the remodeling may require disassembling the original storage system and building a new storage system using specialized tools. This endeavor takes time, disrupting the lives and/or businesses of those who use the room occupied by the storage system. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present disclosure is directed to a storage system having a plurality of panel sets including a plurality of edges, opposing interior and exterior faces, and a plurality of layers including a replaceable exterior layer panel set. The storage system further includes a frame having a plurality of legs, including a first plurality of legs, which are configured to support the first panel set, wherein the first plurality of legs includes a leg that corresponds to the respective plurality of edges of the first panel set. 
         [0005]    The frame and the plurality of panel sets define a storage cavity disposed behind the interior face of the first panel set. The first plurality of legs and the first panel set are configured for the exterior layer panel set to be replaceably coupled with other layers of the first panel set, so that the plurality of edges of the first panel set are concealed by the frame. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment of the present disclosure, storage system  100  includes a frame having a plurality of legs that define a plurality of polygonal faces. The storage system further includes first and second panel sets configured to be supported by the first plurality of legs. The first plurality of legs define a first face of a plurality of polygonal faces and is configured to support the first and second panel sets. Once assembled, one of the first and second panel sets is selected to be supported by the first plurality of legs. 
         [0007]    The present disclosure is directed to a panel set system having a plurality of panel sets including a first panel set having a plurality of edges, an exterior face, an opposing interior face, a plurality of layers and a replaceable exterior layer panel set. The panel set system includes a frame having a plurality of legs defining at least one face and including a leg that corresponds to the respective plurality of edges of the first panel set. Further features of the present disclosure include a first plurality of legs configured to support the first panel set, and where the first plurality of legs and the first panel set are both configured for the exterior layer panel set to be replaceably coupled with other layers of the first panel set. At least one of the plurality of edges of the first panel set are concealed by the frame. 
         [0008]    The present disclosure is directed to a storage system including a plurality of panel sets including a first panel set. The first panel set includes a plurality of edges, opposing exterior and interior faces, a plurality of layers including a backing panel set and a replaceable exterior layer panel set. The storage system in the present disclosure further includes a frame having a plurality of legs including a first plurality of legs configured to support the first panel set. The first plurality of legs further includes a leg that corresponds to the respective plurality of edges of the first panel set. 
         [0009]    A cavity of the storage system is disposed behind the interior face of the first panel set, and is defined by the frame and by the plurality of panel sets, where a second plurality of legs coupled to the first plurality of legs, and a second panel set cooperate to further define the cavity. 
         [0010]    The first plurality of legs and first panel set are configured for the exterior layer panel set of the door panel set to be replaceably inserted in the frame and surrounded by the first plurality of legs. The first plurality of legs and the first panel set are configured for the exterior layer panel set to be replaceably coupled with other layers of the first panel set. 
         [0011]    The backing panel set includes a supporting board and/or a first layer with magnetic properties, and the exterior layer panel set includes an exterior layer panel set and/or a second layer with magnetic properties. The exterior layer panel set is coupled to the backing panel set adhesively, mechanically, or magnetically. The plurality of edges of the first panel set&#39;s layers are concealed by the frame. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method of assembling a storage system including the steps of coupling a first plurality of legs to form an integral frame that at least partially defines a cavity, and then inserting a plurality of panel sets into the frame, including a first panel set. The method further includes coupling an exterior layer set to a backing panel set through the front face of the storage system so that the frame conceals the edges of the first panel set. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method of assembling a panel set system, having the steps of coupling a first plurality of legs to form an integral frame, inserting a plurality of panel sets into the frame, including a first panel set The method further includes coupling an exterior layer set to a backing panel set through the front face of the storage system so that the frame conceals the edges of the first panel set. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the figures, wherein: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1   a  represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage system of the present disclosure in a closed configuration with transparent panel sets; 
           [0016]      FIG. 1   b  represents an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a storage system  100  of the present disclosure in a closed configuration; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  represents a perspective view of the storage system shown in  FIG. 1   a  in an open configuration and with opaque panel sets; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  represents an exploded perspective view of the cabinet shown in  FIG. 1   a  in an open configuration; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  represents a cross sectional top view of two corners of the storage system shown in  FIG. 1   a;    
           [0020]      FIG. 5  Shows a perspective view of an embodiment of storage system  100  with multiple cabinets coupled together. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  represents an exploded view of an exposed panel set of the storage system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , or of a standalone panel set; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  represents a cross sectional top view of the exposed panel set; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  represents a cross sectional top view of the exposed panel set as shown in  FIG. 7 , with the exterior layer panel set removed from the backing panel set; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  represents a cross sectional top view of the exposed panel set shown in  FIG. 7 , shown as an embodiment of storage system  100  with a glass panel; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  represents a cross sectional perspective view of the exposed panel set showing the interior face; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  represents another cross sectional perspective view of the exposed panel set, as shown in  FIG. 10 , showing the exterior face. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    The present disclosure provides an economical way in which a home or business owner can change the décor of their storage system while said storage system is still assembled, without disassembling the storage system, and without tools. The present disclosure provides a storage system with replaceable exposed surfaces. The interchangeable feature of the exposed surfaces is not visible from the perspective of a person viewing the storage system, mainly because the edges of the interchangeable exposed surfaces are substantially concealed by a frame. The frame may have a small lip that is sufficient to substantially conceal the edges, allowing the frame to be thin and minimally visible. By simply replacing the exposed surfaces with exposed surfaces having a new design, it seems to a viewer that the whole room was redecorated, and the entire storage system was replaced. The storage system, in accordance with the present disclosure, provides savings in environmental costs by minimizing waste and/or using biodegradable materials. Furthermore, it reduces decorating costs and expands options for redesigning living and working environments. 
         [0028]    Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals identify identical or corresponding elements, the storage system and method in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described in detail. With initial reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , an exemplary storage system in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated and is designated generally as storage system  100 . ** 
         [0029]      FIGS. 1 and 2  represent perspective views of a storage system  100 . The storage system  100  in  FIG. 1  includes a plurality of panel sets  104  inserted into a frame  102 , with panel set  104   e  shown in a closed configuration. Panel set  104   e  is shown in an open configuration in  FIG. 2 . The plurality of panel sets  104  in storage system  100  cooperate with the frame  102  to define at least one storage cavity  108 . The storage cavity  108  herein includes a space defined by the frame  102  and panel sets  104 . The storage cavity  108  may be divided into multiple cavities, such as by walls or shelves. 
         [0030]    The panel sets  104  additionally include a combination of a top panel set  104   a , a bottom panel set  104   b , side panel sets  104   c,d , a back panel set  104   f , and a front first panel set  104   e  that is also a door panel set  104   z . Panel sets  104 , herein include all panel sets inserted into and cooperating with frame  102  to define storage system  100  and/or a standalone panel set  104 . Panel sets  104   x  herein include exposed panel sets with removable and replaceable exterior layer panel sets as shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b . Panel sets  104   x  include door panel sets  104   z  that additionally are doors. Panel set  104   e  that is also a door panel set  104   z , is shown to have an exterior face  112  (see  FIG. 1 ), and an interior face  110  (see  FIG. 2 ). All panel sets  104  have exterior  112  and interior faces  110 . A panel  104   y , shown in  FIG. 5 , include internal panel sets  104  of storage system  100  that are not exposed and do not include replaceable exterior layer panel sets  138 . Panel sets  104   y  of storage system  100  additionally include all panel sets  104  that do not include a replaceable exterior layer panel set  138 . 
         [0031]    In the current example shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the storage system  100  is shown to include a single cabinet that defines storage cavity  108 . A cabinet herein includes for example, but not limited to, an upright cabinet  186 , a storage chest  184 , and a drawer  182  (see  FIG. 5 ). The storage system  100  may also include multiple cabinets, as shown in  FIG. 5 , which may be configured as, for example, but not limited to, any combination of one or more upright cabinets  186 , storage chests  184 , or drawers  182 , that define storage cavity  108 . A panel set  104 , that is also a door  104   z , may be located for example, but not limited to, in the front of the cabinet  104   e , on top  104   a , on bottom  104   b , or sides and back  104   c ,  104   d ,  104   f . The door to the storage system may also be part and the front of the receptacle itself like in drawer  182 . 
         [0032]    Access to the storage cavity  108  may be gained by, for example, but not limited to, rotating a door panel set  104   z  from a closed to an open position, (such as but not limited to, rotating about on an axis or sliding along a path), or by moving the receptacle itself as in the case of a drawer  182  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). A door panel set  104   z  may be coupled to frame  102  with hinges  128  so that door panel set  104   z  may rotate about hinges  128  to open and close. The storage system  100  may include cabinets configured as, for example, but not limited to, kitchen cabinets, utility cabinets, office filing cabinets, and stand-alone or built-in furniture (such as used in a bedroom, living room, dining room, and bathroom). 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  represents an exploded view of the storage system  100 , showing storage system  100  in greater detail. In one embodiment, the frame  102  may have a hollow cavity  142  running through it allowing frame  102  to be lightweight, as shown in FIGS.  4  and  7 - 9 . The frame  102  includes legs  114 - 120  and frame connectors  122 ,  140 , shown in FIGS.  3 , 6 . Legs  114  (for example, legs  114   a - d ), enclose panel set  104   e , as shown in FIGS.  3 , 6 ,  10  and  11 . The term “enclose” herein includes surrounding or encircling panel set  104   e  on at least one edge  146 . Edge  146  herein includes the line or surface forming the border of panel sets  104 , (and including the edges  146  of at least one layer of a plurality of layers included in panel sets  104 ). Legs  116 - 120  (for example legs  116   a - d ,  118   a,c,d , and  120   a,c,d ), enclose side panel sets  104   c,d  and back panel set  104   f . Legs  118  (for example  118   a - d ,) enclose top panel set  104   a , and legs  120  (for example  120   a - d ,) enclose bottom panel set  104   b.    
         [0034]    In one embodiment, as shown in an exploded view in  FIG. 6 , the legs  114   a - d  may be coupled to one another via, for example, but not limited to, dovetail coupling, connectors, or snap-fit, as is known by persons skilled in the art, to enclose panel set  104   x  in frame  102 . In one embodiment, a corner bracket  140  is provided that holds the legs  114   a - d  of the frame  102  together at the respective corners of panel set  104   x.    
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the legs  114 - 120  are coupled to one another via dovetail coupling or snap-fit, as is known by persons skilled in the art, and connectors  122  are not used for coupling. In one embodiment, legs  114 - 120  may be coupled to one another via connectors  122  to form the frame  102  as an integral frame  102 . Connectors  122  may include for example but not limited to, screws, fasteners, bolts, wires and cables. The term “integral frame  102 ” herein includes the frame  102  formed as a single unit from one or more parts. 
         [0036]    For example, legs  120   a  and  120   b  may be coupled together via connectors  122 . Legs  120   c  and  120   d  may be coupled together via connector  122 , and  120   d  to  120   a . Leg  116   a  is coupled to legs  120   a  and  120   d . Leg  116   b  is coupled to  120   d  and  120   c . Leg  116   d  to  120   c  and  120   b , and  116   c  is coupled to  120   b  and  120   a . Similarly for all legs  114 , 116 ,  118  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Thus, frame  102  may form a polyhedron, for example, but not limited to, a cuboid as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5 , for example, a storage system  100  may include a cabinet configured as a drawer  182  that may slidably open and shut. One or more panel sets  104  of the drawer may be omitted, such as top panel set  104   a . In one embodiment, a second plurality of legs such as a plurality from  116 ,  118  or  120  of frame  102  may be coupled to a permanent structure. The term permanent structure herein refers to a floor, ceiling or wall of a building or wall of a structure affixed thereto. Any portion of a face of the permanent structure may replace one or more of panel sets  104 . 
         [0038]    In one embodiment, a shelf peg insert  124  is coupled to each of legs  116   a - d  and is provided with holes  125 . Shelf pegs may be inserted in holes  125  to provide a support for a shelf (not shown). A cabinet of storage system  100  may stand on a floor surface. Alternatively, a storage system  100  may be mounted to a wall, for example, but not limited to, the wall of a building. The storage system  100  may be mounted to the wall by for example, but not limited to, coupling the storage system  100  to the wall with connectors  122  or a bracket. Additionally, a person may mount a support  126  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to a wall. A cabinet of storage system  100  may then be mounted to support  126  for mounting the cabinet to the wall. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  shows an exploded view of the panel set  104   x  whereas  FIGS. 7-9  show top crossectional views of panel set  104   x . Panel set  104   x  may include a combination of layers including a backing panel set  132  and an exterior layer set  138  shown in  FIG. 7-11 . Backing panel set  132  may include a backing board  132   a  and/or a layer  132   b  with magnetic properties. The backing panel may be formed of, for example, but not limited to, any combination of one or more of the following: concrete/cement, glass, sheetrock, wood, metal, glass, tile, plastic, and fiberglass. The exterior layer set  138  includes an exterior layer  138   a  and/or a layer  138   b  with magnetic properties. The exterior layer  138  may be formed of, for example, but not limited to, any combination of one or more of the following: plastic, glass, wood, metal, concrete or a combination thereof. 
         [0040]    Layer  132   b  with magnetic qualities may be coupled, for example, but not limited to, adhesively, magnetically, or mechanically to the backing board  132   a , forming one embodiment of backing panel set  132 . The exterior layer  138   a  may be qualities may be coupled, for example, but not limited to, adhesively, magnetically, or mechanically to layer  138   b , providing one embodiment of exterior layer panel set  138 . Exterior layer panel set  138  may be magnetically held in place by backing panel set  132 . In one embodiment, exterior layer panel set  138  may be coupled to backing panel set  132  via, for example, but not limited to, adhesive, mechanical or magnetic means. In one embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , second layer with magnetic properties  138   b  and first layer with magnetic properties  132   b  may provide the magnetic force between exterior layer panel set  138  and backing panel set  132 . 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the thickness of the layers  132 - 138  may be minimized in order to preserve the appearance of panel set  104   x , and to substantially conceal that panel set  104   x  includes a replaceable exterior layer panel set  138 . Additionally, minimizing the thickness of panel set  104   x  aids in ease of transport and assembly. In one embodiment, the exterior layer  138   a , second layer with magnetic properties  138   b  and the first layer with magnetic properties  132   b  may each be 1/32 to 0.05 inches thick. The backing panel set may be in the range of ⅛ to 1.5 inches thick. In one embodiment, panel set  104   x  may be between 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches thick. In one embodiment, for example, the backing board  132   a  may be 0.25 inches thick, the first layer with magnetic properties  132   b  may be 0.025 inches thick, the second layer with magnetic properties  138   b  may be 0.050 inches thick, and the exterior layer  139   a  may be 0.0625 inches thick. 
         [0042]    Backing panel set  132  is inserted in to the frame  102  and supported via a channel  148 . Channel  148  is formed along the length of legs  114   a ,  114   c , 114   b  and  114   d  of frame  102  extending in the longitudinal direction of each leg as may be seen in crossectional perspective views in  FIGS. 7-9 . Each channel  148  may extend along the entire length or along a partial length of a leg. 
         [0043]    In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , a glass sheet  168 , whose width is less than channel  148 , may be inserted into channel  148  from the exterior face  112  of panel set  104   x . Glass sheet  168  may be thinner than the backing board  132   a  that may be inserted in channel  148 , so a channel  170  may hold the glass sheet  168  in place. The channel  170  may be coupled to fit around a compensating structure  172  that may be a part of or included in channel  148 . Structure  172  may be a part of, or coupled to, leg  114   c  of the frame  102 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  represents a cross-sectional top view of storage system  100 , and FIGS.  7 , 8 - 9  show crossectional top views of panel set  104   x . Frame  102  may have a small lip  144  that extends to sufficiently conceal the edges  146  while maintaining minimal thickness and visibility. Exterior layer panel set  138  may appear permanent and non replaceable to a person viewing storage system  100 . A person may not realize that exterior layer  138  is replaceable primarily because frame lip  144  substantially conceals edges  146  of layers  132 - 138 . At least a portion of edges  146  may also be manually unaccessible from the exterior face  112  of panel set  104   x  because the frame lip  148  substantially conceals them 
         [0045]    At least one gap  176  is defined by the meeting of at least one frame lip  148  and the edges  146  of layers  132 - 38 . Gap  176  allows exterior layer panel set  138  to be easily removed from panel set  104   x . In one embodiment, the lip  144  substantially conceals the edges  146  that define the top surface of panel set  104   x . In one embodiment, lip  148  of frame  102  substantially conceals the edges  146  on all four sides of the panel set  104   x  to the degree that any gap  176  between the frame  102  and panel set  104   x  is less than or equal to ⅛ th  of an inch so that the layers  132 - 138  of panel set  104   x  are firmly held in place. The gap  176  may be miniscule so that it is impossible for a person to insert his or her finger between panel set  106  and lip  148 . In one embodiment, the gap  176  may measure 1/32 nd  of an inch wide. In one embodiment, gap  176  may measure 1/20 th  of an inch. 
         [0046]    In the present disclosure, the interior face  110  of a panel set  104  is adjacent to the cavity  108 . In one embodiment, the interior face  110  of the panel set  104   x  is provided with at least one hole  156  on the frame. At least one removable plug  174  may plug or cover at least one hole  156  when not in use. The at least one plug  174  may also act as a protective barrier for when a door panel set  104   z  is pulled open or pushed shut, preventing a loud noise and preventing damage to frame, storage system, or door. 
         [0047]    The at least one hole  156  may extend through frame  102  and backing panel set  132 , and may provide access to push exterior layer panel set  138  out of panel set  104   x . Additionally or alternatively, a hole  156   b  may be included on the interior face  110  that is not on the frame  102 . Hole  156   b  may extend through the backing panel set  132  and reach the exterior layer panel set  138 . 
         [0048]    A person may apply a force to the exterior layer panel set  138  through the hole  156 . The force may be applied through the one or more holes  156  in the backing panel set  132  and reaching the exterior layer panel set  138 . A person may use his or her finger or a simple implement, for example, but not limited, to a pen, handle of spoon, or a key to apply the force. The force disrupts the magnetic force between the first layer with magnetic properties  132   b  and second layer with magnetic properties  138   b , or between the backing panel set  132  and exterior layer panel set  138 . Thus, the force decouples backing panel set and pushes exterior layer  138  out of the exterior face  112  of panel set  104   x.    
         [0049]    To replace the exterior layer panel set  138 , a new exterior layer panel set  138  may be inserted through the exterior face  112  of panel set  104   x  until it rests against the backing panel set  132 , and the lip  144  substantially conceals and blocks access to at least one edge  146  once again. In one embodiment, the magnetic force between the backing set  132  and exterior layer  138  may couple them together while frame lip  144  substantially conceals their edges  146 . 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, a person may access the exterior layer panel set  138  from the exterior face  112  with a tool like a crochet hook that grabs a corner of the exterior layer  138  and pulls it to remove and replace it from the exterior face  112  of panel set  104   x . In one embodiment, there may be a little protrusion attached to the exterior layer  138  that sticks out of the frame  102 , that can be pulled out with tweezers from the front via the exterior face  112  of panel set  104   x.    
         [0051]    In one embodiment of  FIGS. 1-11 , storage system  100  includes a door panel system, with panel set  104   z  a as one face of a door, and a panel set  104  serving as the second face of the door. At least one hole  156  in the interior face  110  of panel set  104   z  provides access to the cavity  152  of the door. An at least second hole  162  may be provided in the interior  182  (adjacent to cavity  152 ) of panel set  104   x . The at least second hole  162  extends through the backing panel set  132 . A person may use a finger or a simple implement to poke through one or more holes  156  and one or more holes  162  at the same time, and apply a force to push exterior layer panel set  138  out of panel set  104   x.    
         [0052]    Any face of a door may be a panel set  104   z  with the replaceable exterior layer  138 . In one embodiment, both sides of the door are panel sets  104   z  and each includes a replaceable exterior layer panel set  138 . In one embodiment, the exterior face  112  of the door includes panel set  104   z , and interior face  110  includes a panel set  104   y  which does not include a replaceable exterior layer. Each panel set  104   x  of a door system may include at least one hole  156  and one hole  162  to penetrate through layers  132  and access layers  138  of the panel sets  104   x.    
         [0053]    At least one removable plug  174  may plug or cover at least one hole  156  when not in use. The at least one plug  174  may also act as a protective barrier for when a door panel set  104   z  is pulled open or pushed shut, preventing a loud noise and preventing damage to frame, storage system, or door. If plug  174  is on the outside, or exterior face  112  of door panel  104   z , plug  174  may be elongated to also protect a wall or structure when a person swings door panel  104   z  open. 
         [0054]    In one embodiment, the point of access may be at least one hole  156  located for example, but not limited to, on a top panel set  104   a  of the door, a bottom panel set  104   b , or panel sets  104   c - d . A person may use his finger or a simple implement to apply a force to an object  154  in the cavity  152  by poking into the hole  156  located, for example, but not limited to, on the top  104   a  of the door. The hole  156  leads to the object  154  in the cavity  152  of the door. Upon being pushed via the hole  156 , said object  154  may push outward toward one or more holes  162  extending through the supporting panel set  132  of one or more panel sets  104   x  of the door. Object  154  in the cavity  152  may then push exterior layer panel set  138  out of panel set  104   x.    
         [0055]    In one embodiment, a frame and panel set system may be coupled to an appliance door  164  so that the appliance too can match the décor. A cavity  158  is defined between the appliance door  164  and the panel set  104   x . In one embodiment, a top panel set  104   a  or a bottom panel set  104   b  provides access for a force to be applied inside cavity  158 . Top panel set  104   a  and bottom panel set  104   b  are also located above and below cavity  158 , respectively. 
         [0056]    A person may stick a finger or a simple implement such as a pen or spoon into hole  156 , and in doing so, apply an additional force to object  154  in the cavity  158 . Object  154  then applies a force into a hole  162  in cavity  158  that reaches through the supporting panel set  132 . This force then pushes the exterior layer panel set  138  out of panel set  104   x.    
         [0057]    It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.