Abstract:
A slat wall assembly comprising a first slat, an attachment assembly, and a second slat. The first slat includes a body and a lower flange. The body includes an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower flange emanates from the lower edge of the body. The attachment assembly is associable with the lower flange of the first slat and facilitates attachment of the first slat to an existing wall. The second slat includes a body and an upper flange. The body includes an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper flange emanates from the upper edge of the body. The upper flange is configured to be insertable into the lower flange of the first slat and retainable therein.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates in general to a slat wall system, and, more particularly, to a metal slat wall system having a simplified installation and assembly, to, in turn, facilitate installation and assembly by consumers. 
     2. Background Art 
     Slat walls have been known in the art for many years. Typically, conventional slat walls comprise a plurality of slats and a frame member. The frame member is attached to a wall or outside surface. Subsequently, the slats are attached to the frame member to complete the slat wall. Once complete, users can selectively attach shelving units and other storage and display accessories to the slat wall. Slat walls provide an aesthetically pleasing storage assembly, and, in addition, permit a user to quickly reconfigure and re-deploy the shelving units and other storage and display items which are attached to the slat wall. 
     While such slat walls have become quite popular for the above-identified reasons, a plurality of problems and/or drawbacks exist in association with their use. For example, among other drawbacks, the frame member is often difficult to properly install. In many instances, the frame member includes a plurality of components which must be individually aligned and installed in a particular orientation relative to the wall or outside surface and relative to the other components. Moreover, in many prior art designs, slats are difficult to assemble relative to the frame and relative to other slats. As such, great skill is required to properly install such a slat wall. Often, such slat walls are installed by professional slat installation personnel. 
     As a result, it is an object of the present invention to, in turn, overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention comprises a slat wall assembly. The slat wall assembly comprises a first slat, an attachment assembly, and a second slat. The first slat includes a body and a lower flange. The body includes an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower flange emanates from the lower edge thereof. The attachment assembly is associable with the lower flange of the first slat. The attachment assembly facilitates attachment of the first slat to an existing wall. The second slat includes a body and an upper flange. The body includes an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper flange emanates from the upper edge. The upper flange is configured to be insertable into the lower flange of the first slat and retainable therein. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the lower flange comprises a contour extending from a lower edge thereof having, in succession, a bulge region, an inward wall, a downward wall, and an outward wall. In one such embodiment, the upper flange comprises a contour extending from an upper edge thereof having, in succession, an inward wall, an upward wall, and an outward wall. In one embodiment of the type, the downward wall of the lower flange further includes a retaining recess capable of cooperating with an attachment assembly. In another embodiment of the type, the downward wall of the lower flange further includes a plurality of openings positioned along the retaining recess at predetermined intervals. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment, the first slat further includes an upper flange extending from the upper edge of the body thereof and the second slat further includes a lower flange extending from the lower edge of the body thereof. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the slat wall assembly further comprises a trim assembly positioned along an edge of the first and second slats. In such an embodiment, the trim assembly further includes a base bracket having one of at least one leg and at least one receiving region and a finishing bracket having the other of at least one leg and at least one receiving region. The finishing bracket and the base bracket are releasably associated with each other by way of the al least one leg and the at least one receiving region. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a wall assembly formed from a plurality of slats. Each slat comprises a body, an upper flange, and a lower flange. The body includes an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper flange emanates from the upper edge of the body. The lower flange emanates from the lower edge. The upper flange is configured to be insertable into the lower flange of a first slat and lockable therein. This, in turn, facilitates the assembly of a wall assembly through successive insertion of an upper flange of a slat with a lower flange of an adjoining slat. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, each slat includes a region capable of attachment to an existing structure by way of an attachment assembly. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, each slat is substantially identical in configuration. 
     In yet another embodiment of the invention, each upper flange and lower flange is structurally configured such that an upper flange of a first slat is insertable into a lower flange of a second slat and rotatable relative to the upper flange, to, in turn, retain the two slats in operative engagement. 
     In one embodiment, at least one of the slats is attached to an existing structure by way of an attachment assembly. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a method for assembling a wall assembly. The wall assembly comprises the steps of (a) providing a first slat having a body with a lower edge and a lower flange extending from the lower edge; (b) attaching the first slat to an existing outside surface with an attachment assembly; (c) providing a second slat having an upper edge and an upper flange extending from the upper edge of the second slat; (d) positioning the upper flange of the second slat into abutment with the lower flange of the first slat; and (e) attaching the upper flange of the second slat to the lower flange of the first slat. 
     In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of attaching the second slat to the existing surface by way of an attachment assembly. 
     In another embodiment, the second slat further includes a lower edge and a lower flange extending from the lower edge of the second slat. In such an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: (a) providing a third slat having an upper edge and an upper flange extending from the upper edge of the third slat; (b) positioning the upper flange of the third slat into abutment with the lower flange of the second slat; and (c) attaching the upper flange of the third slat to the lower flange of the second slat. 
     In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of aligning the first slat on the existing wall with a level. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the invention further comprises a method of assembling a wall assembly. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of slats, each slat having an upper flange extending from an upper edge thereof, and a lower flange extending from a lower edge thereof; (b) attaching a first slat to an outside surface by way of an attachment assembly; and (c) sequentially attaching the upper flange of a successive slat to the lower flange of the preceding slat, to, in turn, assemble a wall assembly. 
     In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of attaching at least one slat other than the first slat to an outside surface by way of an attachment assembly. 
     Preferably, the step of attaching further comprises the step of attaching each slat to an outside surface by way of an attachment assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be described with reference to drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  of the drawings is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 7   a - 7   e  of the drawings comprise cross-sectional views of various embodiments of the trim assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While this invention is capable of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, one specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated. 
     It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, are identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely representations, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , slat wall assembly  100  is shown as generally comprising a plurality of slats  10  which are both mounted to wall  200  and to each other. 
     Preferably, the slats comprise an elongated metal material which has been extruded or otherwise formed into the desired shape. With respect to size, it is contemplated that each slat may comprise a height, for example, in excess of 1″ on center and a thickness of about 0.75 inches. Of course, various embodiments may be differently sized and shaped, and the disclosed embodiment is merely one example of the dimensions. In one embodiment, slats  10  may comprise a 0.030 ga steel. Of course, other metals and alloys thereof are contemplated for use. Such materials may be anodized, brush finished, painted or otherwise coated or treated to achieve the desired appearance. Additionally, the separate slats may comprise plastic members. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each slat  10  includes body  20 , upper flange  22 , and lower flange  24 . As will be explained, each slat may be retained to the underlying wall  200  via an attachment assembly  26 . Body  20  is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  as comprising front surface  30 , rear surface  32 , upper edge  34  and lower edge  36 . Front surface  30  generally comprises a planar surface, however, it is likewise contemplated that the front surface may include a particular configuration (i.e., an embossing, etc.). Generally, inasmuch as the body is substantially uniform in thickness, the rear surface is generally parallel to the front surface, however, various other embodiments are likewise contemplated for use. Upper edge  34  and lower edge  36  are generally uniformly spaced apart and parallel to each other. 
     Upper flange  22  is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  as extending from upper edge  34 . As will be explained, the upper flange cooperates with a lower flange of an adjoining slat, to engage same. Upper flange  22  defines a channel, the contour of which includes inward wall  38 , upward wall  40 , outward wall  42  and finish wall  44 . Inward wall  38  extends from upper edge  34  of body  20  in a generally inward direction. Upward wall  40  extends in a generally upward direction from inward wall  38 . Outward wall  42  extends generally outwardly from upward wall  40  and is generally parallel to inward wall  38 . Finish wall  44  extends both downwardly and inwardly (i.e., at an acute angle relative to outward wall  42 ). As is shown in  FIG. 2 , it will be understood that in certain embodiments, an upper, starter, slat  10 ′ may be utilized. Such a starter slat includes upper flange  22 ′ which is not configured for attachment to a lower flange, and which provides a decorative finish along the upper edge of slat wall assembly  100 . 
     Lower flange  24  is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  as extending from lower edge  36 , and cooperates with an upper flange of an adjoining slat, to engage same. Lower flange  24  defines a channel the contour of which includes bulge region  46 , inward wall  48 , downward wall  50 , outward wall  52  and support wall  53 . Inward wall  48  generally extends inwardly from bulge region  46 . Downward wall  50  extends in a generally downward orientation from inward wall  48  and includes retaining recess  58 . Retaining recess  58  includes at least one opening therethrough for accommodating various attachment assemblies. Outward wall  52  extends away from downward wall  50 . Support wall  53  extends from outward wall  52  and is interfaceable with the underlying wall. In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 4 , support wall  53  can be omitted from the lower flange. 
     As will be understood, the upper flange and the lower flange are configured so as to matingly engage, which define an outwardly opening cavity capable of receiving and retaining at least a portion of an outside object (e.g.  FIG. 3 ). Specifically, inward wall  38  of upper flange  22  abuts outward wall  52  of lower flange  24 . Upward wall  40  of upper flange  22  abuts downward wall  50  of lower flange  24 , which forms a chamber for containing an attachment assembly (e.g.  FIG. 3 ). Outward wall  42  of upper flange  22  abuts inward wall  48  of lower flange  24 . Finish wall  44  of upper flange  22  abuts bulge region  46  of lower flange  24 . The abutting surfaces cooperate to facilitate locking yet releasable engagement of the upper and lower flanges of successive slats  10 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 5 , outward wall  52 ′ of lower flange  24  of slat  10  comprises a substantially concave surface having edge  61 . The edge of the concave surface then provides support for inward wall  38  of upper flange  22 . When force is placed upon the lower flange, the lower flange can rotate about edge  61  thereby forcing outward wall  42  of the upper flange into bulge region  46  of the lower flange, thereby precluding any movement of the lower slat relative to the upper slat. 
     Attachment assembly  26  is shown in  FIG. 2  as comprising a fastener. In the embodiment shown, the fastener may comprise a screw. Such fasteners can be positioned in multiple locations along the recessed region of the lower flange of each slat. It is contemplated that the recessed region may include a plurality of openings extending along the length thereof. Fasteners can be selectively placed in any one or more of the openings for fastening into wall  200  (i.e., in locations wherein the opening corresponds to an underlying stud in the wall). Of course, various other attachment assemblies are likewise contemplated for use, such as nails, screws, industrial adhesives, hanger assemblies mounted to the wall, dowels, and/or hooks. 
     To assemble wall assembly  100  upon wall  200 , the user first obtains a plurality of slats  10  of a suitable length, surface finish, and size. These slats may be manufactured through a variety of different manufacturing processes. For example, the slats may be formed by metal fabricating equipment such as a press brake, roll form, extrusion, etc. Plastic members can be injection molded to the proper configuration. Indeed, the application is not limited to any particular configuration or form of manufacturing process. 
     Once the slats are provided, the user determines the location upon which the wall assembly is to be mounted. Next, the user places the first slat across the wall and positions the first slat at the upper end of the desired mounting region. The slat is then adjusted so that it is positioned in a level, horizontal orientation. 
     Once adjusted, the user attaches the slat to the wall via the attachment assembly. For example, the user can identify which openings  60  on the retaining recess  58  of the lower flange correspond to studs positioned behind the wall. The user can then extend fasteners through such identified openings, through the wall and into the studs. The user can extend fasteners through corresponding openings such that the slat is attached to each successive stud. In other embodiments, where studs are not conveniently positioned, the user can position anchors in the wall which the fasteners can engage. In further embodiments, wherein the walls comprise solid structures (i.e., concrete, blocks, wood, etc.), the user can fasten the attachment assembly as desired along the length of the slats. 
     Once the first slat is positioned and fastened, a successive slat can be introduced and attached to the lower end of the first slat. Specifically, to attach the second slat, the upper flange of the second slat is inserted into the lower flange of the first slat at an angle. Once inserted, the second slat is rotated toward the wall. This rotation fully inserts the upper flange of the second slat into the lower flange of the first slat. 
     The cooperation between the two flanges locks and retains the second slat in the engaged orientation. In particular, bulge region  46  of the lower flange of the first slat interfaces with outward wall  42  and finish wall  44  of the upper flange to preclude outward movement of the upper flange relative to the wall. Similarly, the interfacing between bulge  46  and finish wall  44  and the interfacing between inward wall  38  of upper flange  22  and outward wall  42  of the lower flange precludes vertical movement of the second slat relative to the first slat and the wall. 
     To further secure the second slat in the desired orientation, the user can utilize attachment assemblies to attach lower flange  24  to the wall. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that flanges of subsequent slats may or may not be secured to the wall via attachment assemblies, and, rather, the subsequent flanges can rely on the engagement between the corresponding and interfacing flanges. 
     Whether or not attachment assemblies are utilized, the user continues to attach subsequent slats in a manner similar to that which is explained above. Specifically, the user attaches the upper flange of a subsequent slat to the lower flange of the immediately preceding slat. This procedure continues until a wall assembly having the desired dimension, shape, and configuration is completed. A piece of molding or other trim can be utilized to cover the exposed lower flange  24  of the final slat of the slat wall assembly. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 6 , inward wall  38  of upper flange  22  may include notch  63  which corresponds to the concave region of outward wall  52 ″ of the lower flange. To assemble such an embodiment, the user must force notch  63  beyond edge  61  of the concave surface which comprises outward wall  52 ″ of the lower flange. To achieve same, the panels are capable of elastically deforming at least partially to facilitate the movement of the notch beyond the edge. Such a structure further precludes inadvertent rotation of the second slat relative to the first slat, and, in turn, inadvertent detachment of the two slats. This is especially useful in embodiments wherein certain of the second slats (or lower slats) are not attached to a wall or outside surface with attachment assemblies. 
     It will be understood that the first slat may include only a lower flange, and may omit an upper flange. Similarly, it will be understood that the last slat may include only an upper flange, and may omit a lower flange, while the intermediate slats positioned between the first and last slat include each of an upper flange and a lower flange. In addition, it is likewise contemplated that the body region of the varying slats within a slat wall assembly may be varied such that a variety of differently dimensioned slats can be incorporated into a single wall assembly. 
     Once the wall is fully assembled, various shelving units, hangars, attachments, and other devices can be attached to the slat wall assembly by way of the various assembled upper and lower flanges. In turn, the flanges retain the shelving units, hangars, and attachments in the desired orientation and provide the support for the items that are stored on the various storage containers. 
     Advantageously, the design facilitates the assembly by a relatively unskilled user. In particular, once the first slat is positioned in a leveled orientation and is attached to the underlying wall, subsequent slats can be attached quite easily in succession without further measurement and construction. Thus, in a relatively short time period, with relatively few calculations and engineering, a user can assemble a full slat wall assembly. In addition, the relative ease of installation coupled with the relatively low cost of manufacture renders the slat wall assembly well suited for renovation as well as new construction in both residential and commercial applications. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7   a,  the invention further comprises trim assembly  70 . Trim assembly  70  includes base bracket  72  and finish bracket  74 . Base bracket  72  includes a first leg  76  and a second leg  78 . The legs are joined, in the embodiment shown, into an “L” shape. In the embodiment shown, the base bracket comprises a single material which is formed into the desired orientation. Of course, various embodiments having different shapes are likewise contemplated, wherein the resulting function is similar to that of the base bracket. 
     Finish bracket  74  is shown in  FIG. 7   a  as comprising exposed surface  80  and base bracket engaging region  82 . Exposed surface  80  may comprise a variety of configurations which provide for a unique ornamental appearance. As is shown in  FIGS. 7   a  through  7   e , exposed surface  80  may comprise a variety of different configurations, so as to provide a decorative finish in a variety of installations. It will be understood that these are merely examples, and the invention is not limited to such configurations. Base bracket engaging region  82  is in  FIG. 7   a  as comprising channel  84  sized so as to receive a portion of base bracket  72 . In such an embodiment, the channel and the base bracket have an interference fit so that once positioned, the two are maintained in releasable engagement. It will be understood that in certain embodiments, the base bracket may include a receiving channel and the base bracket engaging region may comprise a structure capable of receipt in such a channel. 
     To assemble the trim assembly, the user first positions the base bracket so that the slats cooperate at the ends with the base bracket. The base bracket can extend along the entire length of the slat wall assembly, or, it can extend only along a portion of the slat wall assembly. Once positioned as desired, the base bracket is secured to the wall by way of screws, adhesive and/or other retaining means (including an interference fit and the like). Once positioned, and once the slats have been installed, finishing trim  74  is positioned such that channel  84  interfaces with base bracket  72 . Advantageously, and as shown in  FIG. 7   a,  a portion of exposed surface  80  covers the edge of the slat walls, to, in turn, provide a substantially uniform edge. Thus, the user is not required to carefully cut the individual slats to identical lengths, as the trim assembly is capable of accommodating slightly different lengths of slats. 
     The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.