Patent Publication Number: US-7219475-B2

Title: Method and apparatus for applying a modular paneling assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for applying a modular paneling assembly to a mounting surface. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying aromatic cedar wood paneling to the walls of a confined area, such as a closet. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   There are many known advantages to using cedar wood to line the interior of a storage area for clothing, accessories, and other valuables. Cedar is a lightweight and dimensionally stable wood that lies flat and stays straight. Contrary to many other wood species, cedar resists the natural tendency to crack and check over time. In addition, most cedar wood is resistive to bacterial and fungal growth and contains natural oils that serve as preservatives to help the wood resist rot and decay. Naturally occurring organic compounds contained in cedar wood give off a richly distinct cedar aroma that smells good to humans, but makes the wood highly unattractive to insects, moths and other pests. 
   Although it is highly desirable to line the interior of a storage area with cedar wood, known methods for accomplishing this objective are typically complex and can be very expensive. Thus, unfortunately, many individuals that want to install a cedar closet liner are forced to pay expensive labor costs for professional installation by a carpenter or the like. 
   In addition, the beneficial aspects of cedar wood described above tend to degrade over time. As such, individuals looking to replace an old existing cedar closet liner are forced to pay expensive labor costs for removal and reinstallation by a professional, such as a carpenter or the like. 
   It is therefore desirable to provide a method and apparatus for applying a modular paneling assembly that is simple and low cost. It is desirable to provide such a method and apparatus which may be installed using little technical skill or know-how relating to carpentry or the like. It is desirable to provide a modular paneling assembly that may be easily installed in small areas and corners. It is also desirable to provide a modular paneling assembly that facilitates simple removal and replacement of individual panel members which are older or damaged. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to a modular paneling assembly, such as cedar wood paneling, which can be easily mounted to a mounting surface. The invention provides a simple and low cost method for applying paneling to the walls of a confined area, such as a closet. The unique construction allows for panel members to be installed vertically, accommodating installation in small areas and corners. Existing panel members which may be older or damaged, are easily removed and replaced with new panel members. 
   The modular paneling assembly comprises at least one elongated panel member having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion; a lower rail defining a lower recess for receiving and supporting the lower edge portion of the panel member; an upper rail defining an upper recess for receiving the upper edge portion of the panel member, the upper recess being deeper than the lower recess; the upper and lower recesses spaced apart a distance greater than the distance between the upper and lower edge portions such that the panel member is removably retained in the recesses when supported by the bottom rail. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the upper rail is mounted to a mounting surface and has a downwardly extending lip, wherein the lip and the mounting surface form the upper recess. The lower rail is mounted to the mounting surface and has an upwardly extending lip and a base surface, wherein the upwardly extending lip, the base surface and the mounting surface form the lower recess. 
   A further aspect of the preferred embodiment is that the panel member, upper rail and lower rail are formed of cedar wood. The panel member has at least one longitudinal side having a lip for mating with an adjacent panel member which also has a longitudinal side and a lip. 
   The method of applying a paneling assembly to a mounting surface comprises the steps of providing an elongated panel member having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion; providing a lower rail defining a lower recess for receiving and supporting the lower edge portion of the panel member; providing an upper rail defining an upper recess for receiving the upper edge portion of the panel member, the upper recess being deeper than the lower recess; and mounting the upper rail and lower rail on a mounting surface, the upper and lower recesses spaced apart a distance greater than the distance between the upper and lower edge portions such that the panel member may be removably retained in the recesses when supported by the bottom rail. 
   Once the upper and lower rail are mounted on the mounting surface, the upper edge portion of the panel member is inserted into the upper recess and the lower edge portion of the panel member is inserted into the lower recess. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the modular paneling assembly applied to the side wall and rear wall of a storage closet. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the modular paneling assembly having a single elongated panel member. 
       FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the modular paneling assembly as taken along section  3 — 3  in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of the modular paneling assembly having a plurality of panel members. 
       FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the modular paneling assembly as taken along section  5 — 5  in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the modular paneling assembly having a panel member removed therefrom. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the modular paneling assembly showing the upper edge portion of the panel member inserted into the upper recess. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the modular paneling assembly wherein a lower edge portion of the panel member is inserted into the lower recess. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   In the preferred embodiment of the invention as described below, a modular paneling assembly and a method for mounting same to a mounting surface is provided. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , a storage area, or closet  2  has side walls  4 , a front entry  6 , and a rear wall  8 . The modular paneling assembly  10  is mounted to mounting surfaces, or the side wall  4  and rear wall  8  of the closet  2 . It is recognized that the modular paneling assembly may also be mounted to the remaining side wall  4  and front entry  6 . If desired, the modular paneling assembly  10  may also be mounted to the floor  5  and ceiling  9  of the closet  2 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the modular paneling assembly  10  includes at least one elongated panel member  12  disposed between upper rail  14  and lower rail  16 . The panel member  12 , while depicted as a rectangular member, may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, such as for example, a square or S-shaped member. The panel member  12  may also comprise a variety of lengths and widths. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , upper rail  14  has a downwardly extending lip  18  and is mounted to a mounting surface, shown generally as  7 , of the closet  2  by at least one fastener  20 . The fastener  20  shown in  FIG. 3  is a screw, however it should be recognized that any known means for fastening the upper rail  14  to the rear wall  8  will suffice, for example a nail, glue or the like. 
   The lower rail  16  has an upwardly extending lip  22  and is mounted to the mounting surface  7  by at least one fastener  20 . As stated above, the fastener  20  may comprise a any known means for mounting a rail to a mounting surface. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , the upper rail  14  defines an upper recess  24 , sized to receive an upper edge portion  26  of the panel member  12 . More specifically, the upper recess  24  is defined by the downwardly extending lip  18 , top  28 , and mounting surface  7 . 
   As further shown in  FIG. 3 , the lower rail  16  defines a lower recess  30  for receiving and supporting a lower edge portion  32  of the panel member  12 . More specifically, the lower recess  30  is defined by upwardly extending lip  22 , base  34  and the mounting surface  7  of closet  2 . 
   The upper rail  14  and lower rail  16  are mounted to the mounting surface  7  and spaced apart a distance greater than the distance between the upper edge portion  26  and lower edge portion  32  of the panel member  12 . More specifically, the top  28  and base  34  are spaced apart a distance greater than the distance between the upper edge portion  26  and lower edge portion  32  of the panel member  12 . 
   The unique paneling assembly permits the panel members to be installed vertically, accommodating quick easy installation in small areas and corners. Referring now to  FIGS. 6–8 , the panel member  12  is vertically installed between the upper and lower rails  14 ,  16 . Once the upper rail  14  and lower rail  16  are mounted to the mounting surface  7 , the upper edge portion  26  of the panel member  12  is wedged into the upper recess  24 , as shown at arrows  36  and  38  in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Once the upper edge portion  26  of the panel member  12  is inserted into the upper recess  24 , and the panel member  12  is aligned flush with the mounting surface  7 , the lower edge portion  32  is inserted downward into the lower recess  30 , as shown at arrow  39  shown in  FIG. 8 . Thus, the panel member  12  is supported by base  34  of lower rail  16  and retained against the mounting surface  7  by downwardly extending lip  18  and upwardly extending lip  22 . 
   To remove the panel member  12  from the upper rail  14  and lower rail  16 , the above process is completed in reverse. Specifically, the panel member  12  is moved up as shown at arrow  38  in  FIG. 7 , causing the lower edge portion  32  to emerge from the lower recess  30 . Thereafter, the lower edge portion  32  of the panel member  12  is pulled away from the mounting surface  7  and the upper edge portion  26  is removed from the upper recess  24 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a series of panel members  12  are disposed between the upper rail  14  and the lower rail  16 . As shown more clearly in  FIG. 5 , each panel member has a first longitudinal side  40  having an outer lip  42  and a second longitudinal side  44  having an inner lip  46 . In this manner, adjacent panel members  12  mate with each other when positioned adjacent each other. More specifically, the panel members  12  are inserted into the upper recess  24  and lower recess  30  and subsequently slid into an adjacent position with an adjacent panel member, as shown by arrow  45  on  FIG. 4 . The inner lip  46  of one of the panel members mates with the outer lip  42  of the adjacent panel member. In this manner, a series of adjacent panel members vertically align to cover the mounting surface  7 . 
   In the preferred embodiment, the longitudinal edges of the panel member  12  are chamfered, to create a more decorative appeal to the paneling assembly  10 . 
   It is recognized that other equivalents, alternatives, and modifications aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appended claims. For example, while the method and apparatus of the present invention have been described in terms of a cedar paneling system for a storage area or closet, it is appreciated that the paneling system may comprise a variety of materials and may be installed in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations. It is also appreciated that outer and inner lips of the panel members may be replaced with an alternate mating structure, such as a tongue and groove arrangement.