Abstract:
An improved universal wall hanging system for use in hanging an article from a wall is provided. The improved wall hanging system may allow for more convenient storage and hanging of a plurality of differently dimensioned, weighted and configured articles from a wall. The present invention may be utilized to hang oddly shaped articles and may be configured to be utilized with a plurality of different articles when desired by a user. The present invention utilizes a universal receiver unit and an adapter configured to be adapted to the article to be hung whereby the adaptor unit may be releasably attached to the article to be hung and may be releasably attached to any of a plurality of different receiver units.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/978,350 filed Oct. 8, 2007, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The field of the invention is for a wall hanging system and method. More specifically, the field of invention is for an adaptable novel universal system for hanging an article from a wall. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The desire to use space efficiently has been a priority for centuries. One of the simplest ways to conserve space while still allowing for effective location of a device is to hang the device from a wall. 
         [0004]    There are several ways that an individual may be able to hang something from a wall, door or the like. The easiest way to take a nail, or tack and insert that nail or tack into the wall/door and hang whatever needs to be hung from the nail or tack. However, a problem with this type of hanging system is that it is not very stable and does not support a wide range of dimensionally challenged or weight challenged articles. Additionally, because the nail or tack uses the structural integrity of the wall to support the load, if the wall is not of sufficient strength to support the load, the nail and the supported article may be dislodged from its perch. 
         [0005]    Another popular system is the hook. A hook can be looped over a door, or drilled into a wall. Additionally, the hook may have a screw like mechanism on the back portion whereby the hook may be screwed into the support beams behind the wall. The hook is also advantageous because it allows for proper support of a plurality of different articles to be hung therefrom. However, a significant problem with the hook apparatus is that most loads are not uniform weight and distribution, therefore it is often very difficult to use the hooks to properly hang the article. Additionally, many articles to be hung do not have the appropriate dimension and shape to effectively utilize the hook apparatus and therefore, must be hung with another device not having hooks. 
         [0006]    The prior art illustrates a plurality of different hanging systems both elaborate and complex. However, of principle concern is that these prior art hanging systems tend to be uni-functional in that they only provide one way to hang an article from a wall. If an article has a different configuration, weight or distribution, a different hanging system may need to be adapted for use with that particular article. This necessitates that a user have a several different hanging systems available for use with different articles. 
         [0007]    There have been several attempts to utilize a universal wall hanging system that may support a plurality of different articles, but these systems are usually expensive, complex and cumbersome. They also typically require significant configuration and tend to be permanent in nature making them difficult to remove and move to another location if desired by a user. 
         [0008]    Therefore, a need exists for an improved wall hanging system for use by an individual which may support a plurality of different loads, weighted and configured articles. Additionally, a need exists for an improved wall hanging system that does not require significant work to utilize and thereby is relatively easy to configure and make use of. Moreover, a need exists for an improved wall hanging system that may support a plurality of different weights and may be utilized to support different hanging configurations of oddly shaped articles. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention provides an improved universal wall hanging system for use in hanging an article from a wall. Additionally, the present invention provides an improved wall hanging system which allows for convenient storage of a plurality of differently dimensioned, weighted and configured articles from a wall. The present invention may be utilized to hang oddly shaped articles and may be configured to be utilized with a plurality of different articles when desired by a user. The present invention utilizes a universal receiver unit and an adapter configured to be adapted to the article to be hung. 
         [0010]    To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for use in hanging an article from a surface is provided. The apparatus has a support means adapted to attach to a surface and a receiving portion connected to the support means. Additionally, the apparatus has an adaption portion for connecting to an article to be hung. 
         [0011]    In an exemplary embodiment, the adaption portion is receivable into said receiving portion. 
         [0012]    In an exemplary embodiment, the adaption portion may be configured to support a plurality of differently weighted and dimensioned articles to be hung. 
         [0013]    In an exemplary embodiment, the adaption portion may be removably attached to an article to be hung. 
         [0014]    In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver portion is adapted to receive the adaption portion whereby a plurality of adaption portions may fit into any receiving portion. 
         [0015]    In an exemplary embodiment, the support means may allow for hanging of an article to any vertical surface including doors, walls, exterior walls, vehicles and the like. 
         [0016]    In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver portion may be constructed in a plurality of different configurations including a hook. 
         [0017]    In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver portion may be constructed in a plurality of different configurations including straps, nets, tool racks, shelving and the like. 
         [0018]    In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus has a receiver portion configured to receive a plurality of adaptors thereon such that each receiver portion may support a plurality of adaptors and thereby support a plurality of different articles. 
         [0019]    In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may have a receiver portion connected to an adaptor whereby the adaptor is releasable from the receiver portion when the article is removed from its hung position and whereby the adaptor is removable from the article to be placed on another article to be hung. 
         [0020]    To this end in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for hanging a device is provided. The method comprising the steps of: providing a support means adapted to attach to a surface the support means being removably attachable to a surface; providing at least a receiving portion integrally formed in the support means whereby the receiving portion is adapted to receive an attachment portion; and providing a plurality of attachment portions whereby an attachment portion is mated to the receiving portion whereby the attachment portion is configurable to hang and article thereon. 
         [0021]    In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises a surface wherein the surface is a wall. 
         [0022]    In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises applying an adhesive to the attachment portion whereby the attachment portion may be substantially permanently affixed to an article to be hung. 
         [0023]    In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises inserting the attachment portion into the receiving portion of the support means for connectivity of the attachment portion to the support means. 
         [0024]    In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises providing a plurality of adaptors which may be configured for facilitating the hanging of a plurality of devices whereby the adaptors may be received by the receiving portion. 
         [0025]    In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises providing a locking mechanism on the attachment portion to allow for securement of the attachment portion about the receiving portion and further allowing for release of the attachment portion from the receiving portion of the apparatus. 
         [0026]    In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises allowing for removal and replacement of the adaptor from the receiving portion such that the adaptor may be removed and replaced with a more suitable adaptor for use. 
         [0027]    Among the many different possibilities contemplated, the apparatus may allow for multiple configurations of the apparatus whereby a plurality of different articles may be hung therefrom. 
         [0028]    Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to accommodate a plurality of different articles having different shapes and dimensions. 
         [0029]    In another exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that the apparatus may be configurable to accommodate a plurality of differently weighted articles therefrom. 
         [0030]    In yet another exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that the apparatus may be configured to have a hook apparatus. 
         [0031]    Still a further exemplary embodiment contemplates where the apparatus may be configured to be simple peg system, a plurality of hooks or any other configuration necessary to hang any particular article. 
         [0032]    A further exemplary embodiment contemplates that the apparatus may be constructed of a suitable material such as plastic. 
         [0033]    In another exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that the apparatus may be constructed of any suitable material such as metal and the like. 
         [0034]    Further, a contemplated embodiment of the apparatus may have an adapter portion and a receiver portion. 
         [0035]    Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may have a adapter portion fitted to the article to be hung. 
         [0036]    In yet another exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that the apparatus may have an adapter portion fitted to the article to be hung and a receiver portion affixed to the wall. 
         [0037]    A further exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an apparatus whereby the apparatus may only have a receiver portion configured to receive the article to be hung. 
         [0038]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an apparatus having a receiver portion adapted to fit to the wall and an adaptor portion whereby the adaptor portion may fit into the receiver portion. 
         [0039]    A further exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an apparatus having a receiver portion adapted to fit to the wall and an adaptor portion whereby the adaptor portion may fit into the receiver portion and whereby a plurality of different adaptor portions may be utilized to fit into the receiver portion. 
         [0040]    In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus having a receiver portion adapted to fit to the wall and an adaptor portion whereby the adaptor portion may fit into the receiver portion and whereby a plurality of different adaptor portions may be utilized to fit into the receiver portion and whereby the adaptor portions are interchangeable with a plurality of receiver portions. 
         [0041]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an apparatus having a receiver portion adapted to fit to the wall and an adaptor portion whereby the adaptor portion may fit into the receiver portion and whereby a plurality of different adaptor portions may be utilized to fit into the receiver portion whereby the adaptor portion may be releasably affixed to any article for receipt of the article to the wall hanging apparatus. 
         [0042]    In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus may be provided whereby the apparatus has a receiver portion adapted to fit to the wall and an adaptor portion, whereby the adaptor portion may fit into the receiver portion and whereby the adaptor portion may be removably attached to an article whereby the adaptor portion may be fitted to a plurality of different articles to be hung by a user. 
         [0043]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an apparatus that may be adapted for use with a plurality of differently sized, dimensioned, weighted and configured articles to be hung. 
         [0044]    In still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention an apparatus for hanging an article from a wall is provided wherein the apparatus does not require location of wall studs to properly support the weight of the article to be hung. 
         [0045]    In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for hanging an article from a wall wherein the apparatus does not require pegboard, slatwall or wall studs as the apparatus has a weight bearing mechanism to support the receiver and adaptor portions. 
         [0046]    Still, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided whereby the apparatus may be adapted to placed in almost any location including doors, walls, exterior walls, garages, vehicles and the like. 
         [0047]    In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided whereby the apparatus does not require tools to assemble, and/or utilize. 
         [0048]    Further, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for hanging an articles is provided whereby the apparatus may have a plurality of attachment heads such as a hook. 
         [0049]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for hanging an article is provided whereby the apparatus may have a plurality of attachment heads such as a strap, shelve, net and the like. 
         [0050]    Still a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that may be utilized to hang an article from a wall wherein the apparatus is convenient and flexible to allow for hanging of a plurality of different articles. 
         [0051]    Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0052]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the invention illustrating the apparatus in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the invention showing the back side of the apparatus in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the apparatus in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 4   a  illustrates an adaptor of the apparatus in an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0056]      FIG. 4   b  illustrates an alternative adaptor unit in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 4   c  illustrates another alternative adaptor unit in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 4   d  illustrates yet another alternative adaptor unit in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 4   e  illustrates yet another alternative adaptor unit in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0060]      FIG. 5  illustrates a plurality of uses for the apparatus in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0061]    In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention where like numbers represent like elements, the invention is described in the figures. Referring first to  FIG. 1 , the invention is disclosed therein. 
         [0062]      FIG. 1  illustrates the hanging apparatus  1  whereby the apparatus  1  has at least a support means  3  which may be adapted to fit the surface  5  of some pre-determined structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the surface  5  may be a wall, such as a garage wall or the like. However, it should be understood that the surface  5  may incorporate a plurality of different surfaces whereby the apparatus  1  may be hung therefrom, such as a wall, wood studs, metal boards, and the like. For illustrative purposes, the surface  5  is illustrated as a wall for simplicity of explanation. The support means  3  is adapted to be removably affixed to the surface  5  such that the support means  3  may be easily placed and removed from the surface  5 . The support means  5  may be integrally connected to a receiving portion  7 . The receiving portion  7  may be adapted to be removably attached to the support means  3 . The support means  3  may have an attachment portion  9  which attaches to the surface  5 . The attachment portion  9  may be a plurality of different attachment portions  9  including screws, hooks, nails, toggle bolts and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment portion  9  may be adaptable to fit a plurality of different attachments and may be interchangeable with different attachments depending on the need of the individual user. The support means  3  may have a opening  11  adapted to receive the attachment portion  9  whereby the attachment portion  9  may be locked into place within the opening  11  by means of a locking mechanism  13  which may include a tensioner, snap-fit, hook and fastener and the like. As can be appreciated, the individual user may desire a specific attachment portion  9  that they desire to use with a specific surface  5  that they may want to hang something therefrom. The individual user may select an attachment portion  9  and insert the attachment portion  9  into the opening  11  of the support means  3 . Upon insertion of the attachment portion  9 , the individual user may utilize the locking mechanism  13  such as a tensioner to secure the attachment portion  9  into the support means  3 . Once the attachment portion and support means  3  are integrally configured, the apparatus  1  may be placed in a proximity to the surface  5  such as a wall and the attachment portion  9  may penetrate or otherwise attach to the surface  5  to allow the apparatus  1  to hang therefrom. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrates an adaptor  15  which may be connectively attached to the support means  3 . The adaptor  15  may be configured to be removably attached to the support means  3  in a similar fashion to the connectivity of the attachment portion  9  to the support means  3 . In an exemplary embodiment, support means may have a connection portion  17  which is configured to be mated to the adaptor  15  of the apparatus  1 . In practice, the individual user may select an adaptor  15  from a plurality of different adaptors  15 . In an embodiment, at least a first adaptor  15  may be provided for use by the individual. However, a second adaptor  19 , a third adaptor  21  and a fourth adaptor  23  and firth adaptor  24  may also be provided to the individual for selection by the individual depending on the device  27  for which the individual user may wish to hang. For example, if an individual user desires to hang a helmet  29 , the individual user may select the third adaptor  21  which may facilitate appropriate hanging of the helmet  29 . Thereby the user will select the third adaptor  21 , and insert the adaptor  21  into the connection portion  17  of the support means  3 . A mating area  31  may be provided to allow for the connection portion  17  to combine with the adaptor  21  such that the adaptor  21  and connection portion  17  are sufficiently joined to allow for increase structural support of the helmet  29  being hung. It should be understood that although adaptor  21  is connected to the support means  3  of the apparatus  1 , it is not a permanent connection. After use, the adaptor  21  may be removed from its connection with the support means  3  at the connection portion  17  and may be replaced with the firs adaptor  15  which may support another device more adequately than the adaptor  21 . Therefore, it should be understood that the adaptor  15  is an interchangeable piece that may allow for proper configuration of the apparatus for use with a plurality of different items to be hung by the individual user. 
         [0064]      FIG. 3  illustrates the adaptor  15  being connected with the support means  3 . The adaptor  15  may be removably attached to the support means whereby the support means  3  has a connection portion  17  which supports connectivity of the adaptor  15  to the support means. The mating area  31  is also illustrated in  FIG. 3  whereby in this exemplary embodiment, a slide wedged slot  35  is provided whereby the adaptor  15  may be slotted into the wedge slot  35 . In an exemplary embodiment, the adaptor  15  may have a locking mechanism  39  which may allow for locking of the adaptor to the wedged slot  35 . In order to unlock the adaptor  15  from the wedged slot  35 , the user may utilize a push tab  41  which may allow for release of the adaptor  15  from the wedged slot  35 . Once released, the adaptor  15  may be replaced with a second adaptor  17  which may have an alternative configuration more adept to its practical use for hanging a specific device. 
         [0065]      FIG. 2  illustrates the support means  3  in combination with the attachment portion  9 . As can be seen in the figure, the support means  3  may be configured to removably attach to the attachment portion  9 . As further illustrated, a first attachment portion  9  may be provided whereby the attachment portion  9  may have an anchor  45  system whereby the anchor  45  may allow for securement of the apparatus  1  while the anchor  45  distributes the load of the apparatus and the device hung more evenly about the surface  5  wherein the surface  5  is a wall. In another exemplary embodiment (see  FIG. 1 ), a second attachment portion  47  may be provided which may be adapted to allow for securing the apparatus  1  in a wood surface  5 . The present invention contemplates a third attachment portion  49  which may be utilized in conjunction with boards and sheet metal whereby the third attachment portion may have a screw  51  to secure the back side of the sheet metal or board. A fourth attachment portion  53  may be provided in the form of a toggle bolt  57  whereby the toggle bolt  57  portion may be adapted for use with dry wall. 
         [0066]      FIG. 4  illustrates the plurality of adaptors  15  including the first adaptor  15 , the second adaptor  17 , the third adaptor  19  and the fourth adaptor  21 . As illustrated previously, the plurality of adaptors  15  may be utilized in conjunction with different sized and dimensioned devices to be hung. As illustrated, the adaptors  15  may have a extension portions  61  which may act as a hook  63  adaptable to hold a device to be hung.  FIG. 4   a  illustrates a extension portion  61  having a singular hook  63 . However,  FIG. 4   b  illustrates an extension portion  61  having a first hook  63  and a second hook  65  whereby different articles or device may be hung from the respective hook. For example, a plurality of bags (not shown) may be hung from the first hook  63  and the second hook  65 .  FIG. 4   c  illustrates that the hook may have alternative configurations such that the hook  63  extends in a planar fashion versus in a vertical fashion.  FIG. 4   d  illustrates a further alternative embodiment wherein the hook  63  may extend away from the support means  3  in a vertical fashion such that it extends substantially away from the support means  3  and may accommodate larger items to be hung by an individual. Further the larger hook  63  may facilitate hanging of larger and heavier items whereby the hook  63  is thicker and more rigid to accommodate same.  FIG. 4   e  illustrates a plurality of hooks,  63 , 65  with a large base  66  to accommodate larger items. 
         [0067]      FIG. 5  illustrates the apparatus  1  in use. For example, the apparatus  1  having a support means  3  and a hook  63  may be utilized to hang certain device such as bicycles  71  from a wall  5 . However, it is contemplated that no hook  63  be provided but rather that the attachment portion be comprised of a magnetic attachment  73  which may be attracted to other metal devices to be hung. For example, the magnetic attachment  73  may be attract certain yard tools such as a rake having metal portions which will magnetically attach to the magnetic attachment  73  to facilitate hanging or suspension of the device about the attachment  73 . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the attachment portion may have an adhesive  75  thereon whereby the attachment portion may directly and semi-permanently attach to the device to be hung. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the attachment portion may be attached to a motorcycle helmet  29  whereby the attachment portion may stay affixed to the helmet  29  even when the helmet  29  is in use. Whereby when the user desires to hang the helmet  29  after use of same, the user simply inserts the attachment portion into the corresponding support means  1  of the apparatus  1 . Similarly, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , this same adhesive attachment portion may be adaptable for use with tools, such as drills, saws and the like. 
         [0068]    Thus, specific embodiments and applications of modular overhead storage have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.