Abstract:
A wall mounted shelving system for electronic devices that provides simple and effective post-installation wire management and that can also be easily positionally adjusted post-installation.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/950,325, entitled WALL-MOUNTED FURNITURE SYSTEM, filed Jul. 17, 2007, said application being fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to wall mounted furniture systems and more specifically to wall mounted shelving systems for electronic devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Electronic display devices such as stereo components, DVD players, surround sound systems, and LCD flat panel displays are in widespread use in commercial, industrial, institutional and home settings. There is often a need to mount these devices to a wall in order to save counter, table or floor space. Numerous specialized mounts and shelving systems have been developed for the purpose of mounting electronic devices from walls. 
         [0004]    Cables and wires for supplying signal and power to a mounted device present certain challenges. These wires and cables are unsightly and it is therefore desirable to conceal them in the mount or in other structures associated with the mount. Pre-fabricated wires, especially video and signal cables, are generally terminated at both ends with molded plugs or connectors, which may be relatively large. Existing mount systems typically do not define wire channels or passages large enough and properly configured so as to accommodate the passage of these connectors after the mount is installed. This results in unsightly wires and cables protruding from the mounting device or in additional difficulty, expense and delay in mount installation. 
         [0005]    Another drawback of existing mounting systems relates to height and location adjustment of the system. For aesthetic reasons, it is often desirable to mount devices at a very specific height and location on the wall. Existing mounting systems are often fixedly attached in one location on the wall and therefore often require a great deal of attention and effort during installation to ensure that the mount will be positioned on the wall as desired before being attached. Once attached, the position of the mount cannot be adjusted without removing it and relocating the attachment fasteners. In addition, it may not be possible to relocate the device only a small distance due to holes in the wall made by fasteners during the previous installation. 
         [0006]    What is needed in the industry is a wall mounted shelving system for electronic devices that provides simple and effective post-installation wire management and that can also be easily positionally adjusted post-installation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The wall mounted furniture systems according to the present invention address the need of the industry for a wall mounted shelving system for electronic devices that provides simple and effective post-installation wire management and that can also be easily positionally adjusted post-installation. According to an embodiment of the invention, a wall mounted shelving system includes a frame with a plurality of spaced apart parallel vertical members coupled by spaced apart horizontal mounting brackets. The vertical members include a centrally positioned wire management channel flanked by shelf attachment columns. The wire management channel defines a forwardly facing slot along with a plurality of laterally facing wire apertures. The shelf attachment columns define a forwardly facing shelf adjustment channel that slidingly receives a plurality of shelf attachment cars. Each of a plurality of forwardly extending horizontal shelves is supported by coupling to laterally registered cars in each of the shelf adjustment channels. With the shelves in place, a wire can be routed from a first piece of equipment on one of the shelves through the forwardly facing slot in the wire management channel at a location above the shelf on which the piece of equipment rests and laterally out through a proximately located wire aperture into the space between the wire management channel and an adjacent shelf attachment column. The wire can then be routed upward or downward to and through a wire aperture proximate a second one the shelves, and through the forwardly facing slot at a location above the second shelf. The wire can then be connected to a second piece of equipment resting on the second shelf. Concealment panels can then be fitted between the wire management channel and the shelf attachment columns to conceal the wire from view. 
         [0008]    The spaced apart horizontal mounting brackets include a u-shaped channel formed along the upper edge thereof and a flange formed along the lower edge. A pair of elongate wall plates is included, each wall plate having projecting flanges formed along the upper and lower edges thereof. The wall plates are spaced apart on the wall at locations corresponding to the location of the horizontal mounting brackets at a desired height of the system on the wall. The system can then be attached to the wall by hooking the u-shaped channel over the upper edge of the wall plate. A locking fastener can then be inserted through the flange at the lower edge of the horizontal mounting bracket so as to extend under the lower projecting flange of the wall plate, thus preventing the u-shaped channel from being disengaged from the wall plate. Before insertion of the locking fastener, the u-shaped channel is laterally slidable on the upper flange of the wall plate, thereby enabling limited lateral positioning of the system on the wall. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the system includes a wall mounting interface assembly and a plurality of shelves. The wall mounting interface assembly generally includes an elongate housing, which may be a unitary extrusion formed from aluminum, defining a plurality of longitudinally extending parallel channels proximate a rear side of the housing, and a separate elongate wall plate presenting a plurality of projecting hooks. A load-bearing plate is received in one of the channels and a locking plate is slidably received in an adjacent one of the channels. Each of the load bearing plate and the locking plate define a plurality of apertures for receiving a separate one of the hooks of the wall plate. The wall plate is attached to the wall with the hooks facing outward. To attach the housing to the wall plate, the apertures in the load bearing plate and locking plate are registered by sliding the locking plate to a first position. The hooks are then inserted through the apertures in the locking plate and the load plate. The hooks have upwardly facing slots registered with the locking plate, such that the locking plate can be slid into a second position wherein the locking plate is engaged in the slots in the hooks to lock the housing to the wall plate. When the housing is thus engaged on the wall plate, the edges of the apertures in the load-bearing plate bear on a load bearing surface of each hook to transfer the load on the shelves to the wall plate and the wall. 
         [0010]    The position of the load-bearing plate in the housing is vertically adjustable relative to the housing with an adjusting screw. The vertical position of the housing and attached shelves can be adjusted, post-installation, with this adjusting screw within a limited range of travel. 
         [0011]    The housing further defines a shelf adjustment channel proximate a front side with a forwardly facing slot, and a pair of rearwardly facing generally v-shaped grooves flanking the slot. The shelf adjustment channel slidingly receives a shelf attachment member therein. The shelf attachment member defines a pair of wedge-shaped projections corresponding to the v-shaped grooves. A shelf support member is attached to the shelf attachment member with a fastener. The shelf attachment member may be fixed against sliding in the shelf adjustment channel by tightening the fastener, causing the wedge-shaped projections to be drawn into the v-shaped grooves. As the fastener is tightened, the mating of the wedge-shaped projections with the v-shaped grooves causes the slot to be narrowed, thereby preventing the shelf attachment member from being drawn through the slot and increasing the frictional force holding the shelf attachment member in position in the shelf adjustment channel. 
         [0012]    In embodiments of the invention, the shelf support members may include shelf support pads or bumpers that are faced with a high friction, low slip material, thereby inhibiting slippage of the shelf on the shelf support member and preventing the shelf from being drawn forwardly away from the housing or frame. 
         [0013]    The housing also defines laterally facing wire management channels on each side thereof. Wires may be routed through these channels from equipment on one shelf to equipment on other shelves. The wires can be concealed from view with snap-in covers fitted over the openings to the channel. 
         [0014]    Accordingly, in an embodiment, a furniture system adapted to mount on the wall of a structure includes a body portion adapted to mate with a planar, generally vertical surface of a wall. The body portion defines at least one vertically oriented wire channel for concealing wires therein and having structure receiving a plurality of shelf support brackets. The system further includes a plurality of shelves, each of the shelves supported on a separate one of the shelf support brackets. 
         [0015]    In embodiments of the invention, the body portion may include an elongate generally vertically oriented column structure. The column structure defines a pair of vertically oriented wire channels, each of the wire channels having a laterally facing opening. The system may further include a pair of covers, each cover for covering a separate one of the laterally facing openings. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, the structure receiving a plurality of shelf support brackets may be a vertical channel in the body portion, the channel defined by opposing side walls, a rear wall, and a front wall. The front wall defines an elongate vertically oriented opening and inwardly oriented v-shaped grooves on either side of the opening. Each of the shelf support brackets includes a shelf-height adjustment block defining a pair of spaced apart pointed members, the shelf-height adjustment blocks received in the vertical channel with the pointed members engaged in the v-shaped grooves. 
         [0017]    In other embodiments, each of the shelf support brackets of the system has at least one contact portion for contacting the shelf. The shelf contact portion may be faced with a high friction, low slip material to inhibit slippage of the shelf on the shelf support member. 
         [0018]    In further embodiments, the body portion may include a pair of shelf attachment columns, the columns disposed on opposite sides of the wire management channel and spaced apart from the wire management channel. Each of the shelf attachment columns may define a forwardly facing shelf adjustment channel, with the system further including a plurality of shelf attachment cars, each of the cars slidingly received in one of the shelf adjustment channels. 
         [0019]    The system may include a wall interface plate presenting an upwardly oriented flange and the body portion may present a hook structure. The hook structure is engagable over the upwardly oriented flange of the wall interface plate to support the furniture system on the wall. The system may further include locking structure for selectively inhibiting disengagement of the hook structure from the wall interface plate. 
         [0020]    In other embodiments, a furniture system adapted to mount on the wall of a structure includes a body portion adapted to mate with a planar, generally vertical surface of a wall, the body portion defining at least one vertically oriented wire channel for concealing wires therein, a plurality of shelves, and means for coupling the plurality of shelves with the body portion. The means for coupling the plurality of shelves with the body portion may be a plurality of shelf support brackets and structure for receiving each one of the plurality of shelf support brackets. 
         [0021]    In other embodiments, the furniture system may include a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the body portion relative to the wall interface plate when the hook structure is engaged with the wall interface plate. 
         [0022]    An advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that wires and cables can be easily concealed from view within the system post-installation. 
         [0023]    An advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that the location of the system on the wall can be easily adjusted post-installation. 
         [0024]    An advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that a shelf attachment member or car can be vertically, slidably, positioned at any location along a vertical member of the system, thereby enabling shelves to be individually positioned at any vertical location on the system. 
         [0025]    An advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that a shelf attachment member or car has forwardly facing wedge shaped projections that mate with corresponding rearwardly facing v-shaped grooves in a shelf attachment channel, thereby enabling secure vertical positioning of the shelf attachment member and preventing the shelf attachment member from being drawn out of the shelf attachment channel by overtightening of fasteners attaching the shelf to the shelf attachment member. 
         [0026]    Further objects and advantages of particular embodiments of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the figures and descriptions of the present invention herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the following drawings, in which: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a wall-mounted furniture system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is an opposing side view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8   a  is a fragmentary view of the inset portion of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a wall-mounted furniture system according to an embodiment of the present invention with a shelf and portions of the body portion removed; 
           [0038]      FIG. 9   a  is a fragmentary view of the inset portion of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the wall mounted furniture system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is a rear view of the wall mounted furniture system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a wall-mounted furniture system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 16  is a front view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 18  is a rear view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 19  is a side cutaway view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 19   a  is a fragmentary view of the inset portion of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the wall-mounted furniture system of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 20   a  is a fragmentary view of the inset portion of  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a wall-mounted furniture system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 22  is a front view of the wall mounted furniture system of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a wall plate of a wall-mounted furniture system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of components of a height-adjustment mechanism of a wall-mounted furniture system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 25  is perspective view of a height-adjustment mechanism of a wall-mounted furniture system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a height-adjustment mechanism and a wall plate of a wall-mounted furniture system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 27  is a partially transparent perspective view of a wall-mounted furniture system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0059]      FIG. 28  is a partially transparent perspective view of a portion of a height-adjustment mechanism of a wall-mounted furniture system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0060]    While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosed invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0061]    The present invention can be more readily understood by reference to  FIGS. 1-28  and the following description. While the present invention is not necessarily limited to such an application, the present invention will be better appreciated using a discussion of exemplary embodiments in such a specific context. Referring to  FIGS. 1-28 , wall-mounted furniture system  100  generally includes shelves  102 , wall-mounting mechanism  200 , and shelf-adjustment mechanism  300 . Wall-mounted furniture system  100  can also include height-adjustment mechanism  400  and cable-management system  500 . 
         [0062]    In an embodiment of the present invention, wall-mounting mechanism  200  includes wall plate  210  and mounting bracket  212 , as depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 11 . In another embodiment, wall-mounting mechanism  200  has wall-mounting interface assembly  214 , as depicted in  FIGS. 18-19  and  26 . Wall-mounting interface assembly  214  generally includes wall plate  211 , mounting bracket  213 , and locking bracket  216 . 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 11 , wall plate  210  has apertures  218 . Apertures  218  can be elongated apertures  218   a  and/or circular apertures  218   b.    
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , mounting bracket  212  generally includes upper lip  220 , lower lip  221 , mounting apertures  222 , stabilizing apertures  223 , and column-mounting apertures  225 . Upper lip  220  is generally U-shaped, and lower lip  221  is generally L-shaped in profile with mounting bracket  212 . In an example embodiment of the present invention, wall plate  210  and mounting bracket  212  are rectangular in shape. Although wall plate  210  and mounting bracket  212  can be any number of sizes, mounting bracket  212  is generally longer and wider than wall plate  210 , as depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 11 . 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIGS. 19-20 , wall plate  211  of wall-mounting interface assembly  214  has mounting apertures  224  and retaining clips  226 . Retaining clips  226  have load-bearing surface  228  and mouth  230 . Load-bearing surface  228  is adapted to support mounting bracket  213  and mouth  230  is adapted to receive locking bracket  216 . 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 25 , mounting bracket  213  generally has upper portion  232  and upper portion  232 . Upper portion  232  defines locking aperture  236 . Main portion  234  defines mounting slots  238 . 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 24 , locking bracket  216  has upper potion  240  and main portion  242 . Upper portion  240  defines push-lift  244  and locking aperture  246 . Main portion  242  defines locking slots  248 . In an example embodiment of the present invention, locking aperture  246  of locking bracket  216  and locking aperture  236  of mounting bracket  213  are aligned and adapted to receive locking screw  249 . Locking slots  248  are designed to receive retaining clips  226  and engage mouth  230  of mounting bracket  213 . 
         [0068]    In various embodiments, wall-mounted furniture system  100  can include one or more shelf-adjustment mechanisms  300 . Shelf-adjustment mechanism  300  generally includes vertical column  302  and movable shelf support  304 . In an example embodiment of the present invention, vertical column  302  has housing  306 , defining height-adjustment channel  305 , bearing-block recess  305   a,  cable-management cavities  307 , channel  308  and track  309 , as depicted in  FIGS. 20 and 20   a.  In another example embodiment of the present invention, vertical column  302  has housing  306 , channel  308  and track  309 , and central column  303  has housing  306 , defining panel channel  311  and cable-management cavities  307 , as depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 9   a.  Shelf-adjustment mechanism  300  enables vertical columns  302  to be selectively raised and lowered. 
         [0069]    Housing  306  has outer surface  310 , inner surface  312 , and side surfaces  314 . Movable shelf support  304  generally includes support body  316 , shelf-height adjustment block  318  and shelf-height locking member  317 . Support body  316  generally has support arms  322  and retainer  324 . In an example embodiment of the present invention, both support body  316  and shelf-height adjustment block  318  have locking-member apertures  320  which allow support body  316  to be attached to shelf-height adjustment block  318  with shelf-height locking member  317 , as depicted in  FIG. 19 . In another example embodiment of the present invention, support body  316  has support clips (not shown) which can engage support slots  319  of shelf-height adjustment block  318  so that support body  316  can be attached to shelf-height adjustment block  318 . 
         [0070]    In an example embodiment of the present invention, support body  316  also has locking component  326 , as depicted in  FIG. 21 . Locking component  326  is substantially planar and has locking-member apertures  320  aligned with channel  308 . Shelf-height adjustment block  318  defines main portion  328  and extended portion  330 . Main portion  328  has pointed members  332  and main surface  334 . Extended portion  330  has extended surface  336 . Main portion  328  fits within channel  308  and extended portion fits within track  309 , as depicted in  FIG. 20   a.  The distance between pointed members  332  and the plane defined by extended surface  336  is approximately the thickness of the portion of housing  306  between outer surface  310  and inner surface  312 . 
         [0071]    In another example embodiment of the present invention, support arms  322  of support body  316  have support clips and shelf-height adjustment block  318  defines support-clip slots  319 , as depicted in  FIG. 10 . Shelf-height adjustment block  318  fits within channel  308  and main portion extends between channel  308  and track  309 , as depicted in  FIG. 8   a.  Support slots  319  are adapted to receive the support clips of support arms  322 . Shelf-height adjustment block  318  also defines apertures  321 . Apertures  318  are adapted to receive shelf-height locking member  319 . 
         [0072]    Shelf-adjustment mechanism  300  generally secures shelves  102  in place in relation to support body  316 . Support arms  322  and retainer  324  of support body  316  present bumpers  350 . Specifically, retainer  324  presents upper bumper  350   a  and support arms  322  present lower bumpers  350   b.  Bumpers  350  present outer surface  352 . To ensure that shelves  102  are level, the distance between the plane defined by outer surface  352  of upper bumpers  350   a  and the plane defined by outer surface  352  of lower bumpers  350   b  is approximately the thickness of shelf  102 . 
         [0073]    Lower bumpers  350   b  generally include bumper housing  354  defining recess  356  and mouth  358 , bumper pin  360  and bumper insert  362 . Bumper pin  360  extends from bumper recess  356  into mouth  358 . Mouth  358  of bumper  350  is adapted to receive support arm  322  such that bumper  350  rests on support arm  322 . Bumper  350  receives bumper insert  362 . Upper bumper  350   a  may be substantially similar to lower bumpers  350   b  or may include a single component. In an example embodiment of the present invention, upper bumper  350   a  may be integrally formed as a single component. Although upper bumper  350   a  and bumper insert  362  can be made from any material, upper bumper  350   a  and bumper insert  362  are typically made from a material that provides relatively strong adhesion to high surface energy substrates such as metals, glass, polycarbonate and acrylic, and an extremely low slip resilient contact surface. In an embodiment of the invention, the shelf contact faces of bumpers  350   b,    350 , are faced with 3M® Bumpon™. 
         [0074]    Housing  306  of shelf-adjustment mechanism  300  can receive and substantially conceal cables and cords for electrical appliances such as, for example, audio and video systems. Specifically, housing  306  defines one or more cable-management cavities  307 . Cable-management cavities  307  include cable-management opening  370  adapted to receive retainer clip  372 . Retainer clip  372  is selectively positionable within cable-management opening  370  so as to substantially conceal electrical connectors within cable-management cavities  307 . 
         [0075]    Wires can be further concealed by end caps  380 . End caps  380  generally fit onto top end  382  and bottom end  384  of housing  306 . In an example embodiment of the present invention, end caps  380  are secured with fastening members received by housing  306 . In another embodiment, end caps  380  are snap-fit into housing  306 . End caps  306  may also be secured to housing  306  by other means without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Wires are also concealed by removable panels  381 . 
         [0076]    Height-adjustment mechanism  400  enables the vertical position of housing  306  to be raised or lowered in relation to wall plate  211 . Height-adjustment mechanism  400  generally includes bearing block  402 , adjustment block  404  and adjusting screw  406 , as depicted in  FIG. 25 . Height-adjustment mechanism  400  may also include a screw-clamp (not shown). Bearing block  402  has upper surface  410 , lower surface  412 , an adjusting-screw aperture, and a second aperture. Adjustment block  404  has slot-engaging members  420  and an adjusting-screw aperture. The adjusting screw aperture of bearing block  402  is designed to freely receive adjusting screw  406 . The adjusting screw aperture of adjustment block  404  is designed to engagingly receive the threads of adjusting screw  406 . Mounting slots  238  of mounting bracket  213  are designed to matingly receive slot-engaging members  420  of adjustment block  404 . 
         [0077]    To mount wall-mounted furniture system  100 , wall plate  210  or  211  is affixed to a wall by driving mounting screws through apertures  218  in wall plate  210  or  211  after positioning wall plate  210  or  211  at a location that is generally proximate a desired height above the floor. Mounting screws are preferably anchored in studs or other vertical structural members, although mounting screws may be anchored in a wall by other means. In an example embodiment of the present invention, wall plate  210  or  211  is anchored by multiple mounting screws. 
         [0078]    As depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 11 , a pair of wall plates  210  can be horizontally mounted onto a wall in an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a mounting screw is driven through circular apertures  218   a  into a first stud or other vertical support member. Another mounting screw can then be driven through elongated apertures  218   b.  The elongated shape of elongated apertures  218   b  enables a mounting screw to be anchored in or near the center of a vertical support member even if variations exist in the spacing between vertical support members. 
         [0079]    As depicted in  FIGS. 18-19 , a wall plate  211  can be vertically mounted onto a wall in another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, mounting screws are driven through mounting apertures  218 . 
         [0080]    In an example embodiment of the present invention, mounting bracket  213  and locking bracket  216  are loaded into height-adjustment channel  305  of housing  306 , as depicted in  FIGS. 19 and 28 . Specifically, adjustment block  404  is attached to mounting bracket  213  by inserting slot-engaging members  420  into mounting slots  238 . Slot-engaging members  420  are generally inserted into mounting slots  238  located near the bottom of mounting bracket  213  such that the other mounting slots  238  are available for mounting onto retaining clips  226  of wall plate  211 . Mounting bracket  213  with attached adjustment block  404  and locking bracket  216  can be inserted through height-adjustment channel  305 . Generally, height-adjustment channel  305  is tracked so as to conform to the shape of mounting bracket  213  (with attached adjustment block  404 ) and locking bracket  216 . Unintended movement of mounting bracket  213  and locking bracket  216  is thereby substantially limited to translational sliding between top end  382  and bottom end  384  of housing  306 . 
         [0081]    Mounting bracket  213  can be movably secured within housing  306  with adjusting screw  406 . Adjusting screw  406  extends through an aperture in bearing block  402  and threads into adjustment block  404 . Bearing block  402  is situated within bearing-block recess  305   a  of housing  306 . A screw-clamp (not shown) can also be situated around adjusting screw  406  opposite bearing block  402 . Generally, adjusting screw  406  is situated in a non-threaded, grooved portion of adjusting screw  406 . 
         [0082]    Adjusting screw  406  is freely rotatable within the aperture of bearing block  402 , but threads in and out of adjustment block  404 . In this manner, upward travel of mounting bracket  213  through height-adjustment channel  305  is restricted by the presence of bearing block  402  within bearing block recess  305   a,  while downward travel of mounting bracket  213  is restricted by the presence of upper portion  232  that extends perpendicularly from upper portion  232 . 
         [0083]    The height of housing  306 —to which shelves  102  are functionally attached through shelf-adjustment mechanism  300 —in relation to wall plate  211  can thereby be raised or lowered by rotating adjusting screw  406 . Specifically, since the weight of wall-mounted furniture system  100  maintains the position of mounting bracket  213  on retaining clips  226 , rotation of adjusting block causes bearing block  402  to translate in relation to adjustment block  404 . With bearing block  402  situated within bearing-block recess  305   a  of housing, the movement of bearing block  402  caused by rotation of adjusting screw  406  produces a corresponding movement of housing  306 . Therefore, the amount of permitted height adjustment can be varied by changing the length of adjusting screw  406 . Once housing  306  is positioned at the desired height, the position can be locked in, and locking bracket  216  is locked in place by inserting locking screw  249  into locking aperture  246  of locking bracket  216  and locking aperture  236  of mounting bracket  213 , as depicted in  FIGS. 19 and 19   a.  In preferred embodiments, the post-installation height adjustment range of housing  306  obtainable with adjusting screw  406  is about one inch. Hence, wall plate  210  or  211  need only be initially positioned within about one-inch of the desired height of the system above the room floor, and adjusting screw  406  may be used for fine adjustment of height post installation. 
         [0084]    With mounting bracket  213  and locking bracket  216  loaded into housing  306 , housing  306  can be mounted onto a wall. Specifically, locking slots  248  of locking bracket  216  are aligned with mounting slots  238  of mounting bracket  213 . Push-lift  244  in upper portion of  240  of locking bracket  216  can be raised or lowered by a user to facilitate the alignment of slots  238 ,  248 . Mounting bracket  213  and locking bracket  216  are positioned onto wall plate  211  by sliding slots  238 ,  248 , over retaining clips  226 . Locking bracket  216  can then be slid downward such that locking slots  248  at least partially occupy respective mouths  230  formed by retaining clips  226 . In this manner, housing  306  cannot be removed from wall plate  306  without first re-aligning locking slots  248  with retaining clips  226  by sliding locking bracket  216  upward. In contrast to locking bracket  216 , mounting bracket  213  rests on an upwardly facing edge of retaining clips  226 . Specifically, mounting slots  238  are positioned on top of load-bearing surfaces  228  of retaining clips  226 . In this manner, the load on housing  306 —including the load of shelves  102  and any objects placed on shelves  102  by a user—is distributed through retaining clips  226  of wall plate  211  into a wall. 
         [0085]    In another embodiment, vertical columns  302  and central column  303  are attached to both ends of mounting brackets  212 , as depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  6 - 7 ,  9 , and  10 - 11 . Specifically, fasteners can be inserted through apertures  225  to secure columns  302 ,  303  to mounting brackets  212 . 
         [0086]    Mounting brackets  212  are attached to wall plate  210  such that U-shaped upper lip  220  fits over the upper edge of wall plate  210 , as depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 11 . In this embodiment, wall plate  210  is spaced apart from the wall. A stabilizing screw can be inserted through stabilizing aperture  213  of wall plate  210 . By positioning stabilizing aperture  213  from the top of upper lip  220  at a distance similar to the width of wall plate  210 , the stabilizing screw substantially prevents U-shaped upper lip  220  from being unintentionally lifted off of wall plate  210 . When stabilizing screw is removed and mounting bracket  212  is removed from wall plate  210 , L-shaped lower lip  221  can provide a physical limit to the upward movement of mounting bracket as well as a comfortable grasping location for the user. 
         [0087]    Although shelves can be raised or lowered by raising or lowering vertical columns  302 , shelves  102  can also be raised or lowered once the position of vertical columns  302  has been fixed. Specifically, shelf supports  304  of shelf-mechanism  304  permit a user to selectively raise or lower support arms  322  that support shelves  102 . 
         [0088]    In an embodiment of the present invention, support body  316  and shelf-height adjustment block  318  are attached with shelf-height locking member  317 , as depicted in  FIGS. 12-22 . Specifically, shelf-height adjustment block occupies channel  308  within housing  306  and support body  316  is attached to shelf-height adjustment block  318  outside of housing  306 . In this manner, channel  308  provides a guide for movement of support body  316 . 
         [0089]    To secure support body  316  in place, shelf-height locking member  317  is tightened. As shelf-height locking member  317  is tightened, pointed members  332  of main portion  328  of shelf-height adjustment block  318  are drawn into corresponding v-shaped grooves  332   a  in channel  308 , as depicted in  FIG. 20   a,  and locking component  326  of support body  316  is drawn against housing  306 . By being drawn into the grooves  332   a  in channel  308 , pointed members  332  can cause the edges of housing  306  which define track  309  to be drawn together, thereby narrowing the width of track  309 . In this manner, the likelihood that the tightening shelf-height locking member  317  will cause shelf-height adjustment block  318  to be drawn through channel  308 —which can thereby result in slippage of support body  316 —is greatly reduced or eliminated. 
         [0090]    The height of support bodies  316  can be adjusted by reversing the above process. Specifically, as shelf-height locking member  317  is loosened, pointed members  332  are disengaged from the corresponding grooves in channel  308 . Shelf-height adjustment block  318  is thereby able to freely travel within channel  308 , which correspondingly moves of support body  316 . 
         [0091]    In another embodiment of the present invention, support body  316  is attached to shelf-height adjustment block  318  by support clips engaged in support slots  319  as depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 8   a.  Specifically, shelf-height adjustment block  318  is situated with channel  308 . To secure shelf-height adjustment block  318  within channel, height-adjustment locking member  319  is inserted through locking member aperture  320 . Extending through locking member aperture  320  and channel  308 , height-adjustment locking member  319  contacts the back wall of channel  308 . By tightening height-adjustment locking member  319 , shelf-height adjustment block  318  is forced against the front walls of channel  308  that define track  309 , thereby securing shelf-height adjustment block  318  in place. Generally, height-adjustment locking member  319  has a pointed tip that can create an indentation in the back wall of channel  308  with height-adjustment locking member  319  is tightened. The indentation reduces the risk that height-adjustment locking member  319  can slip when a load is placed upon shelves  302 . 
         [0092]    To change the height of support body  316 , support body  316  can be removed from shelf-height adjustment block  318  and height-adjustment locking member  319  can be loosened. With height-adjustment locking member  319  loosened, shelf-height adjustment block  318  can freely travel within channel  308 , which acts as a guide for shelf-height adjustment block  318 . Height-adjustment locking member  319  can then be retightened and support body  316  reattached to shelf-height adjustment block  318 . 
         [0093]    Once the selected height of support body  316  has been selected and height-adjustment locking member  319  tightened, shelves  102  can be positioned onto support arms  322 . Specifically, shelf  102  can be initially angled by a user so that bottom surface  104  makes first contact with lower bumpers  350   b.  As shelf  102  is leveled, upper surface  106  makes contact with upper bumpers  350   a  and additional lower bumpers  350   b.  In this manner, shelf  102  is supported held in placed by support arms  322  and retainer  324 . The material from which bumpers  350  are faced frictionally resists translational movement of shelf  102  across bumpers  102  to prevent slippage of shelf  102 . 
         [0094]    In an example embodiment of the present invention, each shelf  102  of wall-mounted furniture system  100  may support approximately 75 pounds. Among the various objects that shelves  102  can be used to support, stereo systems and other electronic devices that require the use of cords, cables, and other wires can be supported by shelves  102 . Wall-mounted furniture system  100  enables a user to conceal wires. Specifically, wires can be routed through cable-management cavities  307 . In an example embodiment of the present invention, cable-management cavities  307  are located in housing  306  defined by vertical column  302 , as depicted in  FIG. 20   a.  Wires can then be concealed by inserting retainer clip  372  over cable-management opening  370 . Retainer clip  372  is generally self-securing. In another example embodiment of the present invention, cable management cavities  307  are located in housing  306  defined by central column  303 . Wires can then be concealed by inserting removable panels  381  between vertical columns  302  and central column  303 . 
         [0095]    The embodiments above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Additional embodiments are encompassed within the scope of the claims. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.