Patent Publication Number: US-8979054-B2

Title: Wall mountable storage assembly with articulating connection

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to storage devices (e.g., caddies, shelves, etc.) that can be adhesively mounted to a wall. More particularly, it relates to wall mountable storage devices useful to hold a variety of items and adhesively mounted to various wall surfaces, including uneven and/or non-flat wall surfaces, such as a bath or shower enclosure wall. 
     Adhesives (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesives) have often found use in attaching articles to surfaces. For example, double-faced adhesive strips (i.e., strips bearing adhesive on both opposing major surfaces) are widely known and used. In particular, stretch-releasing adhesive strips and tapes have found use in a wide variety of assembly, joining, attaching, and mounting applications. 
     One such exemplary use of double-faced adhesives is to hold or mount a storage device (e.g., shelves, containers, baskets, caddies, etc.) to a wall. For example, shower and bath storage devices, often referred to as a shower or bath caddy, are commonly used to hold and/or store items such as soap, shampoo, and other bath items in shower and bath enclosures. Because of the weight of the stored items and because it is generally not practical to mount such items to the shower or bath enclosure wall using mechanical fasteners (e.g., nails or screws), such devices are typically hung from the shower nozzle fixture. Other techniques include mounting the storage device to the shower or bath wall with suction cups; however, suction cups have limited holding capacity and tend to lose their holding ability over time. To address these problems, shower caddies and other storage or organizing devices have been devised that utilize stretch-releasable adhesive tapes to secure the storage device to the shower wall. For example, 3M Command Shower Caddy™ products available from 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. are available and have been well received. 
     A variety of mounting plate or backplate constructions have been developed that facilitate secure connection between the storage device and the double-faced adhesive (and thus the wall to which the storage device is mounted). In general terms, the mounting plate serves as an intermediate structure that mechanically connects the storage device with the double-faced adhesive. The mounting plate provides a bracket or other mounting fixture along one side, and is directly attached to the adhesive along the opposite side. The storage device, in turn, carries a complimentary bracket or fixture configured to releasably engage the mounting plate&#39;s bracket, preferably in a snap fit engagement. Mounting of the storage device to a wall surface includes the mounting plate attached to the storage device, a first side of the adhesive secured to the mounting plate, and a second side of the adhesive connected to the wall surface. When removal of the entire assembly from the wall is desired, the storage device is first disconnected from the mounting plate. Once the storage device is removed, the mounting plate/adhesive can easily be accessed and released from the wall surface (e.g., stretch-releasing the adhesive). Similar designs and mounting techniques are commonly employed for other wall mountable storage devices that are not necessarily intended to be used in a shower or bath environment. 
     In many instances, the storage device in question is relatively long (e.g., 6 inches or more) and is intended to be maintained in a horizontal orientation. Under these circumstances, one or more individual strips of the double-faced adhesive are applied at or adjacent opposite ends of the storage device (via the mounting plates described above) to provide robust support upon mounting to a wall surface. Where the elongated storage device is mounted to a flat wall surface by two spaced apart mounting plates/adhesives, the above-described formats are highly efficient. As a point of reference, it is desirable to provide a rigid, snap fit connection between the mounting plates and the storage device. While this construction is highly beneficial in establishing necessary support of the storage device relative to the wall surface, variations in flatness of the wall surface can prevent complete contact (or “wetting”) between the adhesive and the wall surface from occurring. A typical mounting technique first entails connecting the two (or more) mounting plates to the storage device (such that the two mounting plates are spaced from one another), and then exposing an adhesive face of the double-faced adhesive carried by each the mounting plates. The exposed adhesives are then brought into contact with the wall surface typically by directing the storage device toward the wall surface. Where the wall surface is not flat across the spacing distance between the two mounting plates, one or both of the exposed adhesive faces may not come into complete contact with the wall surface. This concern is more prevalent in certain end-use environments such as shower and bath enclosures (e.g., a tiled bath wall surface is inherently uneven from tile-to-tile, fiberglass shower walls typically have a slight curvature, etc.). 
     In light of the above, a need exists for a storage device that can be adhesively mounted to a wall surface of a shower or bath enclosure (or other potentially uneven or non-flat wall surface) in a manner promoting thorough contact between spaced apart exposed adhesive surfaces and the uneven or non-flat wall. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a wall mountable storage assembly. The storage assembly includes a storage device, at least one mounting plate, and at least one double-faced adhesive. The storage device includes a main body and at least one coupling bracket. The main body can have a variety of forms (e.g., caddy, shelf, etc.). The coupling bracket is attached to the main body and forms a first engagement feature. The mounting plate forms a bonding face and a second engagement feature. The bonding face is adapted to receive the double-faced adhesive and the second engagement feature is formed opposite the bonding face. The first and second engagement features have a complimentary construction configured to provide a releasable snap fit connection of the mounting plate with the coupling bracket. In this regard, the snap fit connection includes the mounting plate being articulatable relative to the coupling bracket. The double-faced adhesive is configured to be arranged between the bonding face and a wall for securing the storage assembly to the wall. With this construction, the storage assembly can be mounted to a wall surface, with the mounting plate articulating relative to the coupling bracket (and thus relative to the storage device) to facilitate complete contact between the adhesive and the wall, while retaining the snap fit connection. In some embodiments, the coupling bracket provides a cross-bar as the first engagement feature, whereas the mounting plate includes a finger serving as the second engagement feature. The cross-bar forms a curved (e.g., convex curve) shape about which a substantially flat surface of the mounting plate can articulate. In related embodiments, the finger forms a tent-like or tapering shape about which a substantially flat surface of the coupling bracket can articulate and/or presents minimal interference to the mounting plate articulating along the cross-bar curved shape. With embodiments in which the storage device has an elongated length and is formatted to be mounted such that the length is substantially horizontal, the first and second engagement features are configured such that articulation of the mounting plate relative to the storage device includes the mounting plate effectively pivoting about an axis that is substantially vertical. In yet other embodiments, the storage device includes two of the coupling brackets, with the coupling brackets being longitudinally spaced from one another. Two of the mounting plates are also provided, with each mounting plate carrying, or adapted to carry, a piece or strip of the double-faced adhesive. With these constructions, when the mounting plates are engaged with a corresponding one of the coupling brackets in the releasable snap fit connection, the mounting plates can articulate relative to the storage device independent of one another, thereby accommodating variations in flatness of the wall surface to which the storage assembly is mounted. 
     Other aspects in accordance with principles of the present disclosure relate to a method of mounting a storage device to a wall. A storage device is received, with the storage device including a main body, and first and second coupling brackets. The coupling brackets are longitudinally spaced from one another, and each includes a first engagement feature. A second engagement feature of a first mounting plate is snap fitted to the first engagement feature of the first coupling bracket, and a second engagement feature of a second mounting plate is snap fitted to the first engagement feature of the second coupling bracket. An adhesive surface of a double-faced adhesive carried by each of the mounting plates is exposed. The storage device is moved toward the wall such that the exposed adhesive surfaces initially contact the wall. At least one of the mounting plates is articulated relative to the main body such that the exposed adhesive surfaces fully contact and bond to the wall. In this regard, the mounting plates retain the snap fit connection to the corresponding coupling bracket with articulation of the mounting plate relative to the main body. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective, exploded view of a storage assembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a front plan view of a storage device useful with the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear plan view of the storage device of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the storage device of  FIG. 3 , illustrating a coupling bracket in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the coupling bracket of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a front perspective view of a mounting plate useful with the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a rear perspective view of the mounting plate of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a lateral cross-sectional view of the mounting plate of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5D  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mounting plate of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a rear perspective view of a portion of the assembly of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a relationship of a coupling bracket, mounting plate, and double-faced adhesive; 
         FIG. 6B  is a front perspective view of the arrangement of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the arrangement of  FIG. 6A  upon final assembly; 
         FIG. 7B  is a lateral cross-sectional view of the assembly of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 7C  is a simplified end view of the arrangement of  FIG. 7B  and illustrating articulation of the mounting plate relative to the coupling bracket; 
         FIG. 8  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a portion of assembly of  FIG. 1  upon final construction; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear plan view of the assembly of  FIG. 1  upon final construction; 
         FIG. 10A  is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating mounting of the assembly of  FIG. 1  to a wall surface; and 
         FIG. 10B  is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating attempted mounting of a storage device assembly not in accordance with the present disclosure to the wall surface of  FIG. 10A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One embodiment of a storage assembly  20  in accordance with principles of the present disclosure is shown in  FIG. 1 . The assembly  20  includes a storage device  22 , at least one mounting plate  24 , and at least one double-faced adhesive  26 . Details on the various components are provided below. In general terms, however, the mounting plates  24  couple with corresponding components (i.e., coupling brackets hidden in the view of  FIG. 1 ) of the storage device  22  in a releasable snap fit connection. In this regard, an interface between each of the mounting plates  24  and the corresponding coupling bracket is configured to promote articulation of the mounting plates  24  relative to the storage device  22  while maintaining the snap fit connection. The double-faced adhesives  26  are adhered to corresponding ones of the mounting plates  24 , and serve to adhesively bond the assembly  20  to a wall surface. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 2 , the storage device  22  includes a main body or frame  40  configured to provide a desired storage or organizational attribute(s). For example, in the embodiment shown, the main body  40  is a caddy or basket sized and shaped to receive and contain various articles of interest (e.g., shampoo bottle, soap, body wash, etc.). Alternatively, the main body  40  can consist of or include a shelf, a rail or similar structure and/or can provide other storage features of interest (e.g., a holder configured to retain a particular object such as a hand-held razor, etc.). Even further, the main body  40  can provide multiple shelves, multiple caddies, a single caddy with one or more dividers, etc. Alternatively, the storage device main body  40  can include or carry a mirror. Regardless, the main body  40  has an elongated length defined, for example, by a primary shelf or base  42  (e.g., with the construction of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , where the main body  40  is a caddy, the shelf  42  constitutes a bottom of the caddy). It will be understood that a construction of the primary shelf  42  is not of particular importance to principles of the present disclosure; rather, reference is made to the primary shelf  42  for purposes of designating an intended orientation of the main body  40  during use. A longitudinal (or length) direction defined or generated by a shape of the elongated main body  40  (e.g., by the shelf  42 ) is designated by the arrow X in  FIG. 2 , and a transverse (or height) direction perpendicular to the length by the arrow Y. A depth direction (Z) is into the plane of the page of  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the storage device main body  40  is sized and shaped such that the shelf  42  is intended to be arranged in a horizontal orientation upon final mounting of the storage device  22  to a wall. This orientation is reflected in  FIG. 2 , with the horizontal direction corresponding with the longitudinal direction X. In this same spatial orientation, the vertical direction corresponds with the transverse direction Y. As made clear below, various other features of the storage assembly  20  can be described with respect to the horizontal and vertical (or longitudinal and transverse) directions X, Y established by the intended orientation of the storage device  22 . It will be understood, however, that the storage device  22 , and in particular the main body  40 , can be configured for other spatial orientations in which the primary shelf  42  is not necessarily horizontal. The terms “longitudinal” and “horizontal” are used interchangeably throughout this disclosure, as are the terms “transverse” and “vertical”. It should be understood that those terms are used in their relative sense only for ease of explanation and are not limiting. For example, reference to the “horizontal direction” of a feature of a particular object does not limit that object or feature to only being oriented horizontally. 
     The main body  40  can be made of any desired material or combination of materials. For example, the main body  40  can comprise a generally solid structure (e.g., a molded plastic article) that may have one or more perforations (e.g., for drainage, in the event that the assembly  20  is used as a shower caddy). The main body  40  may encompass any conceivable shape and construction, so long as it may be attached to a wall as described herein. As another example, the main body  40  may comprise a wire-rod structure (e.g., a wire basket). 
     As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the storage device  22  further includes at least one coupling bracket  50  attached to, or formed by, the main body  40 . While four of the coupling brackets  50  are illustrated, in other embodiments a greater or lesser number can be provided. Regardless, the coupling brackets  50  are configured to interface with a corresponding one of the mounting plates  24  ( FIG. 1 ) as described below, and include or provide a first engagement feature  52  (referenced generally). The coupling brackets  50  can be generally identical and is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . For ease of explanation, only a portion of the main body  40  is shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  and is illustrated in simplified form. In some constructions, the coupling bracket  50  includes first and second legs  60 ,  62  projecting from the main body  40 , and a cross-bar  64  extending between and interconnecting the legs  60 ,  62 . The cross-bar  64  serves as the first engagement feature  52 , and is laterally spaced from the main body  40  to establish a gap  66  within which a corresponding component of a respective one of the mounting plates  24   a ,  24   b  is selectively received in a snap fit relationship. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 4B , the cross-bar  64  defines opposing, first and second major surfaces  68 ,  70 . The first major surface  68  “faces” the main body  40  (and thus defines a portion of the confines of the gap  66 ), and the second major surface  70  is opposite the first major surface  68 . As a point of reference, a face  72  of the main body  40  in a region of the coupling bracket  50  can be substantially flat (e.g., a flatness of the face  72  varies by no more than 3% in the vertical direction Y), and each of the legs  60 ,  62  projects in a substantially perpendicular fashion from the face  72  (i.e., within 2% of a truly perpendicular relationship). The first and second legs  60 ,  62  can be substantially parallel with one another in extension along the vertical direction Y (shown in  FIG. 4A ), and the second major surface  70  extends between the legs  60 ,  62  in the horizontal direction X. With this in mind, the second major surface  70  is not substantially flat in the horizontal direction X, but instead forms a convex curvature in extension between the legs  60 ,  62 . The second major surface  70  can have a constant radius of curvature, forming an apex at a mid-point  74  between the legs  60 ,  62  (i.e., the second major surface  70  defines a convex curve relative to a plane of the first major surface  68  and/or relative to a plane of the main body face  72  in the horizontal direction X). In some embodiments, the radius of curvature defined by the second major surface  70  in the horizontal direction X is on the order of 2-8 inches. Conversely, the first major surface  68  is substantially flat in the horizontal direction X (e.g., a flatness of the first major surface  68  does not vary by more than 3% in the horizontal direction X between the legs  60 ,  62 ). As a point of reference, in some constructions the storage device  22  ( FIG. 2 ) is a homogenous structure, including the main body  40  and the coupling brackets  50  being integrally formed (e.g., the storage device  22  is an injection molded plastic article). With these and other manufacturing techniques, a tolerance range or engineering tolerance is assigned to various dimensional attributes of the finished product and establishes the acceptable limits to deviations from specified physical dimensions engineered into the product design due to manufacturing inconsistencies. The designed flatness of the first major surface  68 , for example, can have an engineering tolerance of plus or minus 0.0015 inch. The arcuate or curved shape of the second major surface  70  is well outside of this engineering tolerance range (or other tolerance range associated with the coupling bracket  50   a ) and can include, for example, a difference in “height” (relative to the orientation of  FIG. 4B ) between the mid-point  74  and the legs  60 ,  62  of about 0.005-0.015 inch. In other words, the arcuate shape (e.g., convex curve) provided by the second major surface  70  is specifically designed into the coupling bracket  50 , and is not the unintended result of manufacturing variations. 
     As further evidenced by  FIG. 4B , the coupling bracket  50  has a width W as defined by the lateral distance between outer edges  76 ,  78  of the first and second legs  60 ,  62 , respectively. The width W is selected in accordance with features of the mounting plates  24  ( FIG. 1 ) as described below. 
     Returning to  FIG. 4A  and with additional reference to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments the legs  60 ,  62  are arranged substantially parallel with one another, and the cross-bar  64  is substantially perpendicular to the legs  60 ,  62 . Further, the coupling bracket  50  is arranged such that the cross-bar  64 , in extension between the legs  60 ,  62 , is substantially parallel with a plane of the primary shelf  42 . It will be recalled that in some embodiments, the storage device  22  is intended to be arranged during use such that the plane of the primary shelf  42  is substantially horizontal (i.e., arranged in the horizontal direction X). When so arranged, extension of the cross-bar  64  between the legs  60 ,  62  will also be substantially horizontal, with the curvature of the cross-bar second major surface  70  establishing a cross-bar articulation axis A through the mid-point  74 . Upon final mounting to a wall, then, the cross-bar articulation axis A is substantially in the vertical direction Y (i.e., the cross-bar articulation axis A is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shelf  42  that is otherwise horizontally arranged). Alternatively, the cross-bar articulation axis A can have other relationships relative to the shelf  42  and/or relative to the environment in which the storage device  22  is mounted. However, the cross-bar articulation axis A is substantially aligned with the transverse direction Y in some embodiments. 
     As made clear below, snap fit engagement of the coupling bracket  50  with a corresponding one of the mounting plates  24  ( FIG. 1 ) is facilitated by a size and shape of the cross-bar  64 . In this regard, the cross-bar  64  defines opposing, first and second engagement edges  80   a ,  80   b  that bear against complimentary features of the mounting plate  24  as described below. The engagement edges  80   a ,  80   b  each define a major plane at which the cross-bar  64  interfaces with the mounting plate  24  in snap fitted engagement, and are substantially parallel with one another in some embodiments. Relative to the conventions/directions identified in  FIG. 4A , the engagement edges  80   a ,  80   b  (and thus the plane of snap fit interface) are in the horizontal direction X that is substantially perpendicular to the cross-bar articulation axis A. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates additional, optional features provided with the coupling bracket  50 . For example, a notch  90  can be formed in the cross-bar  64  (e.g., at the second engagement edge  80   b ). Where provided, the notch  90  is sized and shaped in accordance with a corresponding component of the mounting plates  24  ( FIG. 1 ) as described below. In some embodiments, the notch  90  is at the mid-point  74 . Other mating features can be provided with the cross-bar  64  or at other portions of the coupling bracket  50 , and in other embodiments the notch  90  can be omitted. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , with embodiments in which the storage device  22  includes two (or more) of the coupling brackets  50 , the coupling brackets  50  can be aligned in the horizontal direction, and can be grouped in pairs as shown. Other arrangements of a plurality of the coupling brackets  50  relative to one another are also acceptable. With some embodiments, an enlarged longitudinal spacing L is established between outermost ones of the coupling brackets  50   a ,  50   b . The longitudinal spacing L is a function of an overall length of the storage device  22 , and in some constructions is not less than 4 inches, alternatively not less than 5 inches. It will be understood, however, that in other embodiments, the longitudinal spacing L can be less than 4 inches. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , with embodiments in which two or more of the mounting plates  24  are provided, the mounting plates  24  can be identical. One embodiment of the mounting bracket  24  is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 5A-5C , and includes a second engagement feature  100  (referenced generally). In general terms, the second engagement feature  100  corresponds with the coupling bracket first engagement feature  52  ( FIG. 3 ), with the engagement features  52 ,  100  having a complimentary configuration that facilitates a releasable snap fit connection. To assist in understanding a relationship of the engagement features  52 ,  100  relative to one another, the X, Y, and Z directions established by the storage device  22  ( FIG. 2 ) as described above are shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C  commensurate with a spatial arrangement of the mounting plate  24  relative to the storage device  22  upon final assembly to a corresponding one of the coupling brackets  50  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     The mounting plate  24  includes a base  102 , a finger  104 , and opposing ribs  106 ,  108 . The finger  104  projects from the base  102  and serves as at least a portion of the second engagement feature  100 . The ribs  106 ,  108  also project from the base  102  apart from the finger  104  for reasons made clear below. 
     The base  102  is a generally a planar body defining opposing, first and second major faces  120 ,  122 . The first major face (or “bonding face”)  120  is substantially flat, and serves as a bonding surface that is configured to receive and be bonded by an adhesive surface provided with one of the double-faced adhesives  26  ( FIG. 1 ). The second major face  122  is also substantially flat in some embodiments, at least in a region of the finger  104 . 
     The finger  104  includes a shoulder  130  and a capture body  132 . The shoulder  130  projects outwardly from the second major face  122  in a direction opposite the first major face  120  (e.g., the depth direction Z). The capture body  132  extends in a generally transverse fashion (e.g., the vertical direction Y) from the shoulder  130  in a manner establishing a lateral spacing  134  (e.g., in the depth direction Z) between the capture body  132  and the second major face  122 . In this regard, the capture body  132  can be described as defining an interior surface  136  and an exterior surface  138 . The interior surface  136  “faces” the base  102 , whereas the exterior surface  138  is opposite the base  102 . With this in mind, the finger  104  is constructed to provide a biased or spring-like attribute to the capture body  132 , whereby the capture body  132  can deflect from the normal arrangement shown (effectively pivoting at the shoulder  130 ), and self-revert back to the normal arrangement. The capture body  132  includes a first segment  140  extending from the shoulder  130 , and a second segment  142  extending from the first segment  140  to a tip  144 . The lateral spacing  134  between the interior surface  136  and the second major face  122  of the base  102  tapers along the second segment  142  from the tip  144  to the first segment  140 . The lateral spacing  134  along the first segment  140  is relatively uniform. A step  146  is formed as a protrusion from the interior surface  136  at a transition between the first and second segments  140 ,  142  and represents a further reduction in the lateral spacing  134 . More particularly, a capture zone is established between the shoulder  130  and the step  146 , and is sized and shaped in accordance with a size and shape of the cross-bar  64  ( FIG. 3 ). The lateral spacing  134  at the step  146  is less than a thickness of the cross-bar  64 , and establishes the snap fit connection described below. In this regard, the step  146  and the shoulder  130  combine to define opposing, first and second capture edges  148   a ,  148   b  at which the mounting plate  24  interfaces with the cross-bar  64  in snap fitted engagement. The capture edges  148   a ,  148   b  extend in the horizontal direction X (into the plane of the sheet of  FIG. 5C ). 
     As best shown in  FIG. 5D , the capture body  132  further defines opposing edges  150 ,  152 . The interior and exterior surfaces  136 ,  138  extend between the edges  150 ,  152 . In some embodiments, the interior surface  136  along the first segment  140  ( FIG. 5C ) has a tent-like shape in extension between the opposing edges  150 ,  152 . For example,  FIG. 5D  reflects the first segment interior surface  136  forming a peak  154 , and is recessed at opposite sides of the peak  154  by reliefs  156   a ,  156   b . The tent-like shape of the interior surface  136  is distinct from allowable or tolerated deviations in flatness due to inherent manufacturing variations. For example, the engineering tolerance for allowable deviations from flatness can be less than 1 degree, whereas the shape of the interior surface  136  represents a 2 degree (or more) relief (relative to the peak  154 ) from a truly flat arrangement. Thus, the tent-like shape of the interior surface  136  is specifically designed into the finger  104  and is not the unintended result of manufacturing deviations. As made clear below, the tent-like shape of the interior surface  136  facilitates (e.g., does not cause interference with) articulation of the mounting plate  24  relative to the corresponding coupling bracket  50  ( FIG. 3 ) at an interface between the mounting plate second major face  122  and the cross-bar second major surface  70  ( FIG. 4B ). However, the tent-like shape terminates at or is otherwise not formed along the step  146 . State otherwise, the reliefs  156   a ,  156   b  do not extend into the step  146 . Thus, the step  146  provides desired surface area for establishing a tight snap fit at the second capture edge  148   b.    
     The finger  104  can include other features that promote robust snap fit connection with a corresponding one of the coupling brackets  50  ( FIG. 3 ). For example, the finger  104  can include a detent (not shown) sized and shaped to nest within the notch  90  ( FIG. 4A ) of the coupling bracket  50 . Other components are also envisioned, and in other embodiments the detent can be omitted. 
     The ribs  106 ,  108  project from the second major face  122 , and are located at opposite sides of the finger  104 . As identified in  FIG. 5D , a spacing S is defined in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the horizontal direction X) between the ribs  106 ,  108 , and is selected in accordance with the lateral width W ( FIG. 4B ) of the coupling bracket  50 . For example, in some embodiments, the rib spacing S is slightly greater than the coupling bracket lateral width W for reasons made clear below. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the double-faced adhesives  26  can be identical and can comprise any suitable sheet, film, layer, etc. that comprises pressure-sensitive adhesive functionality on oppositely-facing surfaces. The double-faced adhesive  26  can be configured such that a first major adhesive surface  160  can be exposed for bonding to the bonding face  120  ( FIG. 5B ) of a corresponding one of the mounting plates, and such that a second major adhesive surface  162  (hidden in  FIG. 1  but shown in  FIG. 6A ) can be exposed for bonding to the wall to which the storage device  22  is to be mounted. 
     The double-faced adhesives  26  can be supplied to a user already bonded to the corresponding mounting plate  24 ; or, the double-faced adhesives  26  can be supplied separately to be bonded to the corresponding mounting plate  24  by the user. The double-faced adhesive  26  can comprise any suitable adhesive that is available in the form of a sheet, tape, roll, etc., from which a discrete piece of adhesive  26  can be obtained that is suitable for being contacted with and bonded to the mounting plate bonding face  120  ( FIG. 5B ). Suitable adhesives thus include double-stick tapes, laminating adhesives, double-faced foam tapes, and the like, as are commonly known in the art. 
     In a particular embodiment, the double-faced adhesives  26  each comprise a stretch-release adhesive. Such a stretch-release property can allow the adhesive  26  to be securely attached to a surface and to be later removed from the surface without visual disfigurement of, or leaving adhesive residue on, the surface. 
     A suitable stretch-releasing adhesive can comprise an elastic backing, or a highly extensible and substantially inelastic backing, with a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed (e.g., coated) thereupon. Or the stretch-releasing adhesive can be formed of a solid, elastic pressure-sensitive adhesive. Thus, in this context, the term “stretch-releasing adhesive” encompasses products that comprise a unitary, integral, or solid construction of adhesive (in addition to products that comprise a backing with separate layers of adhesive residing thereupon). Suitable exemplary stretch-releasing adhesives are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,024,312 to Korpman; German Patent No. 33 31 016; U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,581 to Kreckel et al.; and PCT International Publication No. WO 95/06691 to Bries et al., the teachings of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Such stretch-release adhesives can range, for example, from about 0.2 mm in thickness to about 2 mm in thickness. If the storage assembly  20  is to be mounted in a moist environment (e.g., if the storage device  22  is a shower caddy), the composition of the stretch-releasing adhesive can be chosen so as to maintain appropriate adhesion in the presence of moisture. 
     If the double-faced adhesive piece  26  is a stretch-releasing adhesive, it can comprise a pull tab  168  portion (e.g., an end of the adhesive piece  26  that does not comprise adhesive), which may be grasped by a user and pulled so as to activate the stretch-release properties of the adhesive when it is desired to detach the assembly  20  from a wall. A suitable stretch-releasing adhesive is the double-sided stretch removable adhesive strips available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn. under the COMMAND trade designation. Commercially available COMMAND adhesive strips are currently manufactured as discrete strips with one end of the strip including a non-adhesive pull tab to facilitate stretching of the strip during removal. 
     A single piece or strip of the double-faced adhesive  26  can be attached to the bonding face  120  ( FIG. 5B ) of the corresponding mounting plate  24 ; or, multiple ones of the pieces  26  can be used with a single one of the mounting plates  24 . For example, if the bonding face  120  is approximately 1⅝ inches wide, two pieces of the double-faced adhesive  26 , each approximately ¾ inch wide, can be bonded side-by-side on the bonding face  120 . If two (or more) pieces of adhesive are used, the pieces may be bonded so as to not be in contact with one another. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a relationship between one of the coupling brackets  50 , one of the mounting plates  24 , and one of the double-faced adhesives  26 . As described above, the coupling bracket  50  is formed by or provided with the organizer main body  40 ; for ease of illustration, a portion of the main body  40  is shown in simplified form in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . With this in mind, the double-faced adhesive  26  is arranged such that the first major adhesive surface  160  faces and is exposed to the bonding face  120  of the mounting plate  24 . The mounting plate  24  is further arranged relative to the coupling bracket  50  such that the first and second engagement features  52 ,  100  can be assembled to one another in a releasable snap fit connection. For example, and with additional reference to  FIG. 7A , the mounting plate  24  is secured to the coupling bracket  50  by sliding the capture body  132  of the finger  104  between the cross-bar  64  and the main body  40 . As reflected in the view, a thickness of the cross-bar  64  is less than the transverse spacing  134  between the step  146  and the base  102  such that as the cross-bar  64  comes into contact with the step  146 , the capture body  132  is caused to deflect away from the base  102 . With further movement of the cross-bar  64  toward the shoulder  130 , the capture body  132  self-reverts back to the arrangement shown, thereby capturing the cross-bar  64  between the finger  104  and the base  102 . A rigid snap fit connection is effectuated between the cross-bar  64  and the finger  104  by robust contact/engagement of the cross-bar engagement edges  80   a ,  80   b  with the corresponding finger capture edges  148   a ,  148   b , respectively. In some embodiments, the snap fit connection is configured to be maintained under loads (e.g., a load in the vertical direction Y) of at least 2 lbs, optionally loads up to 10 lbs. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 7B , in the snap fit connection arrangement, the second major face  122  of the mounting plate  24   a  abuts against the second major surface  70  of the cross-bar  64 , whereas the interior surface  136  of the capture body  132  abuts against the first major surface  68  of the cross-bar  64 . Due to the arcuate or convexly curved shape of the cross-bar second surface  70  and the substantial flatness of the second major face  122 , the second major face  122  can articulate, slide, pivot or rock relative to the cross-bar  64  (and vice-versa) while the rigid snap fit connection is at all time maintained. An interface between the cross-bar first major surface  68  and the finger interior surface  136  does not overtly interfere with this desired articulation. In particular, the reliefs  156   a ,  156   b  along the interior surface  136  provide clearance for the capture body  132  relative to the cross-bar  64  as the mounting plate  24  articulates relative to the coupling bracket  50 . As shown by the arrow R in  FIG. 7C , then, the mounting plate  24  can articulate (e.g., pivot and/or rock) relative to the coupling bracket  50  (and thus relative to the main body  40 ), and vice-versa. In some embodiments, the mounting plate  24  can pivot relative to the coupling bracket  50  over a range of 1°-5° while retaining the snap fit connection. As a point of reference, the cross-bar articulation axis A is identified in  FIG. 7C . Because the component interface does permit possible sliding of the mounting plate second major face  122  relative to the cross-bar second major surface  70 , the final snap fit connection does not rigidly maintain contact of the mounting plate second major face  122  at the cross-bar articulation axis A, nor does the mounting plate  24  pivot relative to the coupling bracket  50  only about the cross-bar articulation axis A. Instead, a more rolling-like interface is established, with the mounting plate  24  capable of “pivoting” relative to the cross-bar  64  at an effectively infinite number of points along the cross-bar second major surface  70 . The articulating relationship can more generally be described as including pivoting about an axis that is parallel with the cross-bar articulation axis A and thus in the vertical direction Y (i.e., into the plane of the page of  FIG. 7C ) as the mounting plate second major face  122  “rolls” or articulates along the cross-bar second major surface  70 . 
     With embodiments in which the coupling bracket  50  includes the legs  60 ,  62  and the mounting plate  24  includes the ribs  106 ,  108 , the width W defined by the legs  60 ,  62  is less than the spacing S between the ribs  106 ,  108 , thereby providing sufficient clearance for articulation, pivoting or rotation of the mounting plate  24  relative to the coupling bracket  50  (and vice-versa). 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a portion of one embodiment of the storage assembly  20  upon final assembly of each of the mounting plates  24 /double-faced adhesives  26  to respective ones of the coupling brackets  50 . With this one exemplary embodiment, four of the coupling brackets  50   a - 50   d  are provided, along with four of the mounting plates  24   a - 24   d . As shown, the outer face  72  of the storage device main body  40  can have a curvature in the horizontal or longitudinal direction X; under these circumstances, the coupling brackets  50   a - 50   d  may not be identical to accommodate the curved face  72  (e.g., the legs  60 ,  62  of each of the coupling brackets  50   a - 50   d  can have differing dimensions in the depth direction Z, and the legs  60 ,  62  of the outer coupling brackets  50   a ,  50   b  can be larger (in the depth direction Z) than the legs  60 ,  62  of the inner coupling brackets  50   c ,  50   d ). Other configurations of the coupling brackets  50  relative to one another are also acceptable. However, with embodiments including two or more of the coupling brackets  50 , the corresponding cross-bars  64  can be arranged to be co-planar as shown. 
     The articulating attributes provided by storage assemblies of the present disclosure are further illustrated in the view of  FIG. 9 . As shown, the mounting plates  24  have been secured to corresponding ones of the coupling brackets  50  (generally hidden in the view of  FIG. 9 , but shown in  FIG. 3 ). The snap fit interface between the mounting plate  24  and the corresponding coupling bracket is such that the mounting plate  24  can articulate (slide, pivot and/or rock) about an articulation axis due to the engagement features described above (it being recalled that due to the above described rolling-type interface between the first and second engagement features  52 ,  100  ( FIGS. 7B and 7C ), a singular pivot axis of the mounting plate  24  relative to the cross-bar  64  ( FIG. 7C ) does not exist; however, incremental “pivoting” will occur about an axis that is aligned with the articulation axis indentified in  FIG. 9 . For example,  FIG. 9  identifies a first articulation axis P1 established for the first mounting plate  24   a , and a second articulation axis P2 established for the second mounting plate  24   b . With the one exemplary embodiment providing four of the mounting plates  24  (and four of the coupling brackets  50 ),  FIG. 9  identifies corresponding third and fourth articulation axes at P3 and P4. In some embodiments, two or more of all of the articulation axes P1-P4 are substantially parallel to one another (i.e., within 5 percent of a truly parallel relationship). Further, with some end use arrangements, the storage device  22  is arranged such that the shelf  42  is spatially horizontal. Under these circumstances, two or more or all of the articulation axes P1-P4 are substantially vertical (i.e., extend in the transverse or vertical direction Y). Of course, the storage assembly  20  can be spatially arranged in other orientations that may or may not locate one or more of the articulation axes P1-P4 in the vertical direction Y. In some embodiments, however, each of the articulation axes P1-P4 are substantially parallel to the major plane of the shelf  42 . Moreover, the snap fit engagement/interface as described above is in the horizontal direction X (to support resist a load in the vertical direction Y), and the articulation axes P1-P4 are substantially perpendicular to the snap fit engagement direction (i.e., in the vertical direction Y). 
     In some embodiments, installation of the storage assembly  20  includes attaching the mounting plates  24  to respective ones of the coupling brackets  50  ( FIG. 1 ) as described above (i.e., snap fit connection), and bonding at least one of the double-faced adhesives  26  to a corresponding one of the mounting plates  24 . The second adhesive surface  162  of the double-faced adhesives  26  is then exposed, and the storage assembly  20  maneuvered toward the wall to which the storage assembly  20  is to be secured, with the exposed adhesive  162  facing the wall. Under circumstances where the wall in question is substantially flat, the double-faced adhesive  26  can be thoroughly bonded to the wall by simply pressing the main body  40  toward the wall. In some installation environments, however, the wall may not be substantially flat. For example, in some instances (e.g., a bath or shower enclosure), the wall can have a slight curvature and/or have surfaces that are not perfectly aligned (e.g., a tiled surface). Under these circumstances, as the main body  40  is pressed toward the wall, the mounting plates  24  can or will articulate relative to the corresponding coupling bracket  50  so that the exposed adhesive surface  162  of the double-faced adhesive  26  associated with each of the mounting plates  24  becomes substantially aligned with the contacted region of the wall surface and maximize wet out of the adhesive. 
     By way of comparison,  FIG. 10A  illustrates desired articulation of the mounting plates  24  in securing the storage device  22  to a less-than-flat wall surface  200  (in at least the horizontal direction X shown) while retaining the snap fit connection. For ease of explanation, the storage assembly  20  is shown in simplified form, including the outer face  72  of the main body  40  being relatively flat, and having two of the coupling brackets  50   a ,  50   b  and a corresponding two of the mounting plates  24   a ,  24   b . The mounting plates  24   a ,  24   b  have each articulated relative to the corresponding coupling bracket  50   a ,  50   b  so as to permit the corresponding adhesive surface  162  to come into complete contact with the wall surface  200 . The articulation attributes are equally beneficial with other non-flat installation environments (e.g., a shower enclosure wall forming a concave curve). Conversely,  FIG. 10B  illustrates an attempt to secure a storage device  300  to the wall surface  200  under circumstances where the mounting plates  302   a ,  302   b  are rigidly attached to the corresponding coupling brackets  304   a ,  304   b . As shown, because the mounting plates  302   a ,  302   b  cannot rotate or articulate relative to the coupling brackets  304   a ,  304   b , the adhesive surface  162  of the double-faced adhesives  26  do not come into complete contact with the wall surface  200 . This undesirable situation may be more prevalent where the double-faced adhesives  26   a  are thin (e.g., film-based or adhesive only). 
     The wall mountable storage assemblies of the present disclosure, and related methods of installation, present a marked improvement over previous designs. The first and second engagement features provided with the storage assemblies of the present disclosure afford a desired releasable snap fit between the corresponding components, yet facilitate articulation or rotation of the mounting plates relative to the storage device. This relationship, in turn, better ensures proper contact of the double-faced adhesives with the wall surface to which the storage device is being secured. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the coupling brackets have been described as including a first engagement feature in the form of a cross-bar and the mounting plates as providing a second engagement feature in the form of a finger, these constructions can be reversed (e.g., the coupling brackets can include the finger described above, whereas the mounting plates provide the cross-bar).