JEWELRY ORGANIZER FOR STORING AND DISPLAYING JEWELRY, ACCESSORIES AND THE LIKE

Abstract

A system for organizing, storing and displaying jewelry, accessories and the like is described, which includes a first panel, wherein the first panel comprises a front surface and a back surface, the front surface is composed of an impenetrable magnetic material and the back surface is composed a support material. The system further includes a second panel comprising a non-laminar, non-slip material on its outer surface for supporting at least one modular mounting unit when positioned on said outer surface of the second panel. The second panel overlays the first panel. The at least one modular mounting unit is placed on the outer surface of the second panel. Each modular mounting unit includes one or more magnetic securing elements for securing the modular mounting unit to the first panel adjacent the outer surface of the second panel. Said modular mounting units are uniquely shaped and configured for displaying and organizing jewelry, accessories and the like and may be positioned as desired.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), this application claims the benefit of and hereby incorporates by reference for all purposes, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/789,764, filed Mar. 15, 2013.

BACKGROUND

The invention described relates to a storage and display system and more particularly to an organizer for storing and displaying jewelry, accessories and the like that is suspendible on a wall or other generally vertical surface or for stationary positioning on a more horizontal surface, the organizer having magnetic properties.

Jewelry including earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets and the like are traditionally stored in a jewelry box or a jewelry drawer provided with a limited number of prearranged small compartments configured specifically for a particular type or piece of jewelry. Said jewelry boxes and jewelry drawers are also not generally designed for organizing and displaying accessories, such as watches, scarfs, hair bows, hair bands, belts, eyeglasses, handbags, gloves, and the like.

Known jewelry boxes generally sit on a top surface of a dressing table or chest of drawers and are designed to enclose the jewelry within, allowing access to the jewelry via a hinged lid that, when opened, provides only a limited number of compartments in a fixed or preconstructed arrangement. Similarly, known jewelry drawers reside inside a dressing table or chest of drawers and are similarly arranged with only a limited number of compartments in a fixed or preconstructed arrangement which can be accessed only when the drawer is opened. Because of the described limited number of compartments and fixed arrangement, jewelry contained in these jewelry boxes or jewelry drawers will, over time, become intermixed, often getting entangled, making them difficult to find and no longer readily accessible. Such arrangements also makes viewing each piece of jewelry difficult, affecting selection of a particular piece of jewelry and may even lead to damage or breaking of certain pieces of jewelry.

Attempts have been made to ease the difficulties associated with confined jewelry boxes and jewelry drawers. For example, one configuration is a wall-mounted container having a back wall with pegs extending outwardly from the container for hanging necklaces and bracelets. The container includes a hinged cover that is a frame in which is supported a screen. Earrings for pierced ears (having a protruding post) are mounted on the screen by inserting the post through the screen from one side and securing it in place with a post cap on the other side of the screen. While such a jewelry container assists in jewelry selection and extraction, the fixed position of the screen, the pegs and other permanently fixed components limit the use of the container, particularly when a consumer does not own or want certain types of jewelry. If, for example, the consumer does not own or want earrings, the preconfigured screen and space allotted for said earrings is wasted, and that space could have been useful, instead, to store and display more necklaces. Thus, this container, like other jewelry boxes and jewelry drawers, has a similar disadvantage because the preconfigured system renders the entire system limiting and inefficient, and unable to accommodate a consumer's specific jewelry inventory.

The use of a mesh material for mounting earrings may assist with holding earrings; however, the mesh material typically used is a flat single layer or sheet, which, over time, particularly with heavy earrings, will sag downward due to its lack of stability, and, over time, will destroy the mesh or create certain portions unusable.

Current mesh solutions have a one-size-fits-all loose weave which is intended to store all types of earrings. Yet, it is found that such mesh is not suitable for all types of earrings. For example, the weave must be loose and have sufficient spacing between each weave to allow only hook-style earrings to be fitted into a gap between the weave. The configuration has been found unsuitable for small stud earrings, as they will fall through the mesh. When the mesh is fitted for small stud earrings, it is then unsuitable for hooked or dangle earrings because said dangle earrings cannot be inserted or removed with any ease from the mesh. Thus, two different types of storage containers would be required for housing the two different types of earrings.

As an alternative, a solid piece of wood or rigid plastic has been used that has multiple small consecutive holes in fixed positions for the purpose of storing hooked or dangle earrings. The holes, however, present a problem because of their fixed position as well as the difficulty in inserting and removing said earrings through the rigid wood or plastic.

Jewelry organizers also often lack proper storage for jewelry items with small ring attachments such as pendants and charms. These items often end up stored together in multiples in a single compartment where they are out of view and one must dig through the compartment to find one in particular, which may also damage an item, particularly when said items are often delicate.

Some attempts have been made to include small hooks for hanging necklaces, which do not allow for thick necklaces or bulky necklaces or irregularly shaped necklaces because said hooks are either not accessible due to a fixed placement near an adjacent fixed hook or are improperly sized and shaped to hold such necklaces.

Alternatively, attempts have been made to use a hook and loop system (e.g., Velcro®, a registered trademark of Velcro Industries B.V., The Netherlands). However, the use of said material is difficult, particularly because the hook and loop material, snags easily, loses its ability to hook and/or loop with multiple usages, and readily accumulates dust and other small particles to its surface, which is unattractive and is disruptive to the material, which reduces it usage, as well as negatively affects its appearance. The hook and loop material may also damage certain jewelry or accessories having surfaces that are attracted to or may get entangled with the hook and loop material.

It is also found that the above described jewelry containers or jewelry drawers do not allow for the proper display and storage of additional items, such as headbands, hair bows and brooches/pins. These items are often left to be stored elsewhere where they cannot be properly displayed or viewed, and may get crushed or otherwise damaged.

In addition, the described jewelry containers do not have sufficient space for large or irregular shaped items such as eyeglasses, hair bows, head bands, scarfs, belts or small hand bags. These items are often left to be stored elsewhere where they cannot be properly displayed or viewed, and may get crushed or otherwise damaged.

Current jewelry containers do not feature modularity or an ability to add or remove storage components, or customize the arrangement of said components, as is required to meet the specific needs of an individual consumer. Therefore, there remains a need for a new and improved jewelry display and storage system that overcomes one or more of the shortcomings found in the prior art.

Overview

Described herein are systems for organizing, storing and displaying jewelry, accessories and the like, the systems comprising wall suspendible systems. Such systems overcome one or more of the shortcomings found in the prior art. For example, a described system allows for the proper storage and display of each item of jewelry, accessory and the like. The storage and display components in the described system are each generally designed for a specific type of jewelry item or accessory item, thereby ensuring that every item is both readily visible, adequately displayed and readily accessible. The described system includes modularity, with an ability to quickly and readily add or remove storage and display components to the system and provide customization to meet each particular need of a different consumer. Thus, a described system is multi-functional for storing and displaying both jewelry as well as accessories and is appropriate for each item that is to be organized, such that each item is properly displayed with the use of materials and/or unique compartments that do not damage or pull or otherwise disturb the jewelry or accessory to be stored and displayed, and are thus, compatible with each jewelry item or accessory item, including those that are fragile, delicate or require particular care. In addition, a system as described herein is not limited in type of compartments or types of items to be stored and displayed. Furthermore, each system may be decoratively designed and shaped to suit any need.

A wall suspendible system for organizing, storing and displaying jewelry, accessories and the like is described, which includes a first panel, wherein the first panel comprises a front surface and a back surface, the front surface is composed of an impenetrable magnetic material and the back surface of the first panel is composed of a support material. The system includes a second panel comprising a non-laminar, non-slip material on its outer surface for supporting at least one modular mounting unit when positioned on said outer surface of the second panel. The second panel is proximate to the first panel. The second panel overlays the first panel.

The front surface of the first panel may be galvanized steel. In some embodiments, the front surface is a galvanized steel of about 0.010 inches thick.

The back surface of the first panel may be the same material as the front surface or may be different material. In some embodiments, the back surface of the first panel is a hardboard or a fiber board. Additionally, the back surface may be a hardboard or a fiber board of about 0.125 inches thick.

The at least one modular mounting unit is placed on the outer surface of the second panel. Each modular mounting unit is for storage and display of one or more jewelry items. Each modular mounting unit includes one or more magnetic securing elements. The one or more magnetic securing element secures the modular mounting unit to the first panel adjacent the outer surface of the second panel. Magnetic securing elements allow each modular mounting unit to be suspended from the second panel. Magnetic securing elements are coupleable to the first panel. Magnetic securing elements provide customization to the system. Magnetic securing elements may be placed at any location on the outer surface of the second panel that is cooperative with a first panel.

The non-laminar, non-slip material of the second panel should offer a sufficient coefficient of friction to its outer surface to prevent the one or more magnetic securing elements in each modular mounting unit from slipping on the outer surface of the second panel. The non-laminar, non-slip material of the second panel may be fabric. The non-laminar, non-slip material of the second panel may be decorative. In some embodiments, the non-laminar, non-slip material is a decorative material positioned about the second panel and extending to at least a portion of the back surface of the first panel, to which it is affixed.

For said system, at least one of the modular mounting units may also include a decorative covering. At least one of the modular mounting units may be configured as or includes a shelf or drawer extending outwardly from the second panel. The at least one the modular mounting unit includes one or more of a ring mounting unit, an earring mounting unit for hooked earrings, a stud mounting unit for stud earrings, pins, cufflinks and the like, a pin mounting unit, a panel mounting unit for headbands, scarfs, bows, cufflinks, small handbags, small electronic accessories and the like, a charm mounting unit, a headband mounting unit, a bracelet mounting unit, a shelf mounting unit for loose jewelry and/or accessories, electronic accessories, watches and the like, an eyeglass mounting unit, and various combinations thereof.

At least one of the modular mounting units will comprise at least one magnetic securing element for securing the modular mounting unit to the wall suspendible system, the magnetic securing element centrally positioned. The modular mounting unit may further comprise a first layer of members extending outwardly from the magnetic securing element, the first layer including a plurality of members formed of a resistance forming mesh-like material, the resistance forming mesh-like material folded to form at least two layers for support of an item of jewelry, accessory or the like and a second layer of members extending outwardly from the magnetic securing element, the second layer including a plurality of members formed of a decorative material.

One of the modular mounting units may also comprise two or more magnetic securing element for securing the modular mounting unit to the wall suspendible system, the two or more magnetic securing elements spaced apart and secured to a plurality of materials that form an elongated band. The plurality of materials include at least a first material overlaying a second material and a third material overlaying the second material. The first material has a decorative surface and is positioned directly adjacent the modular mounting unit. The second material is formed from a resistance forming mesh-like material. The third material has a decorative surface.

The system further comprises a support member supporting the first and second panels, such that when the second panel overlays the first panel, the second panel is disposed on the support member or is disposed within the support member. The first and second panel, when combined, may press-fit in the support member. The first and second panel, when combined, may additionally be secured to the support member by suitable securing means, such as fasteners and/or adhesives. For said systems, the support member may have a thickness that is up to ten times the thickness of the back surface or is about ten times the thickness of the back surface.

The support member typically frames the first and second panel when said panels are cooperative with one another. The support member has a forward edge or surface and a rear edge or surface as well as side surfaces on the interior of the support member and on the exterior of the support member. For framing the cooperative first and second panel, said cooperative first and second panel may be seated on a recess of the support member or may be seated in a recess of the support member. In some embodiments, a recess in the support member is about 0.16 inches from a forward edge of the support member.

The support member of such a system often includes a decorative surface or a decorative covering positioned on or affixed to the support member.

The support member may further comprise a thin base panel of a material that is cooperative with or generally affixed to the rear facing surface or edge of the support member.

In some embodiments the support member comprises a thin base panel positioned on a rear facing surface of the support member, such that the thin base panel is affixed to the rear edge or facing surface of the support member. In some embodiments the support member further comprises one or both of a stand and at least one leg for positioning the system on a horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the recess of the support member is positioned such that when the second panel is disposed on the support member, the outer surface of the second panel extends outwardly from a front facing surface of the support member. Alternatively, the recess of the support member is positioned such that when the second panel is disposed on the support member, the outer surface of the second panel is flush with a front facing surface of the support member. Alternatively, the recess of the support member is positioned such that when the second panel is disposed on the support member, the outer surface of the second panel extend inwardly from a front facing surface of the support member.

For a described system for organizing, storing and displaying jewelry, accessories and the like, the system is made by preparing a first panel that includes a front surface and a back surface, such that the front surface is composed of an impenetrable magnetic material and the back surface is composed of either of a semi-rigid material and rigid support material, and affixing the first panel to a second panel in such a manner that the first and second panel are cooperative with one another. The second panel comprises a non-laminar, non-slip material on its outer surface for supporting a magnetic securing element when positioned on said outer surface. Said first and second panels may be individually pre-sized or cut to size once cooperative with one another. In some embodiments, the second panel overlays the first panel and optionally wraps around the first panel to its back surface to which the second panel is affixed. A support member is sized to be disposed about the periphery of the first and second panel when the first and second panels are cooperative with one another. The support member includes a recess on its inner peripheral surface, such that when the first and second panels are cooperative with one another, they may positioned with the recess of the support member, such as by press-fitting therein for proper securement with the recess so that a portion of an interior surface of the support member is adjacent side edges of the cooperative panels. This may be with or without the addition of suitable fasteners. As an alternative, the first and second panels when cooperative with one another may be positioned to be disposed on the recess of the support member. In this configuration, the back surface of the first panel is disposed on the recess of the support member. In this configuration, side edges of the cooperative panels are not necessarily adjacent the interior surface of the support member. In this configuration, suitable fasteners or means for fastening are used to ensure that the first and second cooperative panels remain in place on the support member.

In some embodiments, once the cooperative first and second panels are disposed on the support member, a space is created between the interior surface of the support member and one or more side edges of the first and second cooperative panels. In some embodiments, the recess portion of the support member contacts the outer surface of the second panel, when the second panel overlays and wraps about the side edges of the first and second cooperative panels.

When the cooperative first and second panels are disposed on or fitted with the recess of the support member, the cooperative first and second panels may be sized and fitted in such a manner that a gap is created between the back surface of the first panel and a surface to which the support member may be suspended on. To create such a gap, the support member will have a thickness that is sufficiently larger that the thickness of the first and second panels when combined.

In operation, with suitable anchoring or mounting elements, the system is suspendible or mountable from a vertical surface or, in an alternative arrangement requiring only minor modifications, the system is suitable to be positioned and maintained on a horizontal surface. Known means for positioning vertically or for positioning horizontally are used, said means known to one of skill in the art.

The describe system is for use by a consumer, in a retail or marketing environment, or in any other environment for such a system for organizing, storing and displaying jewelry, accessories and the like.

These and other embodiments and features and the advantages thereof, will become readily apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with any exemplary representations, drawings and/or example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages described herein, reference is now made to a description along with accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view in perspective of a first panel and a second panel for a representative organizational system described herein;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of a first panel of FIG. 1, in which the front surface and the back surface are different materials;

FIG. 3 is perspective view of a representative support member described herein;

FIG. 4 is a close-up of a portion of another support member described herein;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a representative organizational system showing a plurality of distinct modular mounting units;

FIG. 6 is a representative organization system described herein in cross section showing a portion of a support member, a first panel, a second panel, and a modular mounting unit coupled thereto; and

FIG. 7 is a portion of a modular mounting unit of FIG. 5, showing, in cross section a supporting member of a modular mounting unit 80, which is also suitable as an end portion of a first ribbon member of a modular mounting unit 90.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although making and using various embodiments are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that as described herein are provided many inventive concepts that may be embodied in a wide variety of contexts. Embodiments discussed herein are merely representative and do not limit the scope of the invention.

In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a first panel 10 is depicted. The first panel 10 includes a front surface 12, a back surface 22, and side edges 8. The front surface 12 is an impenetrable magnetic material, typically provided as a single sheet, although strips or other patterns of the front surface 12 may also be suitable for the first panel 10. An example of an impenetrable magnetic material is galvanized steel. In one embodiment, the back surface 22 is the same material as the front surface 12. In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 2, the back surface 22 is a different material that offers additional rigidity to the first panel 10. A suitable material for the back surface 22 is a material lighter in weight than the front surface 12, yet rigid or semi-rigid, thereby offering the additional rigidity to the first panel 10 without adding significant additional weight. Examples include a hard board or a fiber board or a composite fiber board. Additional materials that are rigid or semi-rigid are also acceptable.

When the front surface 12 and back surface 22 of the first panel 10 are of different materials, the front surface 12 includes a top 14, a bottom 16 and, as depicted in FIG. 2, one or more sides 18. Similarly, the back surface 22 includes, as depicted in FIG. 2, a top 24, a bottom 26 and one or more sides 28.

When different materials are used for the front surface 12 and the back surface 22 of the first panel, the front surface 12 and back surface 22 are generally affixed by means known in the art, including adhesion, bonding, lamination, which generally includes an adhesive. In addition or as an alternative, front surface 12 and back surface 22 are affixed with affixing elements such as screws, pins, staples, bolts, bands, clamps or other suitable fastening members. When affixing front surface 12 to back surface 22, top 24 of back surface 22 is positioned directly adjacent to bottom 16 of front surface 12. The first panel 10 may be sized and shaped as desired. In some embodiments, the first panel 10, when comprising different materials for the front surface 12 and the back surface 22, is shaped such that the front surface 12 and back surface 22 are of the same size, at least in their overall length and width, thereby having parallel edges for sides 18 and 28 of front surface 12 and back surface 22, respectively. In an alternative embodiment, the back surface 22, when of a different material that the front surface 12, is only sufficiently sized and shaped to offer enough rigidity to the front surface 12 to prevent it from bowing or bending. Examples include one or more spaced apart slats (in series or crossing) or other suitable configurations that provide rigidity to the first panel 10 (minimizing bowing or bending) and minimize the amount of material or surface area required for the material of the back surface 22, when different material than the material of the front surface 12 of first panel 10.

In some embodiments, when different materials are used for the front surface 12 and the back surface 22 of the first panel 10, the front surface 12 and back surface 22 are affixed together following by shaping. In an alternative embodiment, front surface 12 and back surface 22 are individually shaped prior to affixing together. It is also understood that only one of the front surface 12 or back surface 22 may be shaped before affixing and thereafter one or both surfaces are additionally shaped, as needed. In many embodiments, when different materials are used for the front surface 12 and the back surface 22 of the first panel 10, both the front surface 12 and the back surface 22 have the same overall shape in at least two dimensions.

Thicknesses of the front surface 12 and back surface 22, when of differing materials, may be the same or, often, when desiring a lighter weight panel, the thickness of the back surface 22 is greater than that of the front surface 12, assuming that the back surface 22 is a material that is lighter in weight than the impenetrable magnetic material of the front surface 12. In one example, the first panel 10 includes a front surface 12 of galvanized steel having a thickness of about 0.01 inches affixed to a back surface 22 of a hard board having a thickness of about 0.125 inches. In this example, the front surface 12 is affixed to the back surface 22 by a bonding glue. The bonding glue is applied by spraying, but any other acceptable manner may be used.

Proximate to or overlaying the first panel 10 is a second panel 30 (FIG. 1, FIG. 6). The second panel 30 comprises a non-laminar, non-slip material on its outer surface 32 for supporting at least one modular mounting extension or modular mounting unit (e.g., units 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 76, 78, 80, 90) when said units are positioned on the outer surface 32 of the second panel 30, as depicted in FIG. 6. The non-laminar, non-slip material is selected to have a sufficient coefficient of friction on its outer surface 32 to prevent slipping of the at least one modular mounting extension or modular mounting unit. In at least one embodiment, the non-laminar, non-slip material is a fabric material. The outer surface 32 of second panel 30 may include additional embellishments or details, as desired.

The second panel 30 is either the same overall shape as the first panel 10 or is sufficiently large enough, allowing it to overlay and wrap around at least the side edges 8 of the first panel 10. Preferably, in such a configuration, the second panel 30 wraps around side edges 8 of the first panel 10 and is suitably affixed to the back surface 22 of the first panel 10.

A support member 40, as depicted in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, surrounds the first and second panels when first panel 10 and second panel 30 are cooperative with one another. Generally, the support member 40 includes an exterior surface 42, an interior surface 44a, 44b, a forward edge 46 and a rear edge 48. The distance between the forward edge 46 and the rear edge 48 provides a thickness for the support member 40 that is generally substantially greater than the thickness of the first panel 10 and second panel 30 when said first and second panels are cooperative with one another. In some embodiments, the thickness of the support member 40 is at least five times or seven time or ten times greater that the thickness of the first panel 10 and second panel 30 when said panels are cooperative with one another.

The interior surface 44a, 44b of support member 40 further includes a recess 49. In some embodiments, recess 49 is for receiving and seating the back surface 22 of the first panel 10. In other embodiments, recess 49 is for receiving and seating the sides 18 of front surface 12 and/or sides 28 of back surface 22.

When a first panel 10 and second panel 30 are cooperative with one another and the second panel 30 overlays first panel 10 by also wrapping around the first panel 10, it is the second panel 30 that will be adjacent the interior surface 44a, 44b and/or recess 49.

The recess 49 of support member 40 typically extends continuously around the periphery of the interior surface of the support member 40, as depicted in FIG. 3. In an alternative embodiment, recess 40 forms lip extending portions that appear in discrete locations along the interior surface 44 of support member 40 (not shown).

With a recess 49 in any of the embodiments described, the recess will be formed in the interior of the support member 40 forming interior surface 44a and interior surface 44b. Positioning of the support member 40 will be such that it generally frames the first panel 10 and the second panel 30, when said panels are cooperative with one another. In some embodiments, the framing will be such that there is a space 52 between the side edges of the cooperative first panel 10 and second panel 30 and the support member 40, as depicted in FIG. 5. The recess 49 is often closer to the forward edge 46 so that when the cooperative first panel 10 and second panel 30 are seated on recess 49, there is a gap (depicted by line 47 on FIG. 4) formed between the back surface of the first panel 10 and a vertical surface to which the support member 40 may be suspended on.

In one or more embodiments, a support member 40 has a width of about 1.5 inches. The recess 49 is positioned at or about 0.16 inches from the forward edge 46 of the support member 40 and, when seating the back surface 22 of the first panel 10, allows the outer surface 32 of the second panel 30, which is cooperative with the first panel 10, to be flush with the plane formed by forward edge 46. With a wider cooperative first and second panel 10 and 30, the outer surface 32 of the second panel 30 will extend outwardly from the plane formed by forward edge 46. Conversely, with a narrower cooperative first panel 10 and second panel 30, a plane formed by outer surface 32 of the second panel 30 will be inward with respect to the plane formed by forward edge 46.

When the first panel 10 is cooperative with the second panel 30 and seated, as described, with recess 49 of support member 40, there may be a space 52 between the interior surface 44a of the support member 40 and the sides 8 of first panel 10, which is cooperative with second panel 30. With this configuration, the cooperative first panel 10 and second panel 30 may be affixed to recess 49 by means of rivets 34, as depicted in FIG. 5, or by alternative and suitable fastening means or adhesive means known to one of skill in the art.

The support member 40 may further include a cover 46 for protection and/or decoration (FIG. 3). In one or more embodiments the cover 46 is fabric, plastic, rubberized, a laminate or other covering material. In some embodiments, the cover is a thin film or paint. In addition, support member may also be provided with a base panel 54 positioned on the rear edge 48 of the support member 40 (FIG. 4). In one or more embodiments the base panel 54 is a hard wood or fiber board. A suitable example is a balsa wood panel that is at or about 0.125 inches thick.

Support member 40 may be suitably fitted in order to suspend from or mount to a vertical surface, such as a wall, panel, door, or the like. The fitting may be on the support member 40 and/or on the base panel 54, as desired. In addition or as an alternative, the support member 40 and/or base panel 54 may be fitted for placement on a horizontal surface, such as with stationary or pivoting legs, or other suitable supporting elements or stands that allow the organizational system when formed to remain stationary on the horizontal surface.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, one or a plurality of modular mounting extensions and/or modular mounting units are coupleable to the outer surface 32 of the second panel 30. Generally, each modular mounting extension or modular mounting unit is configured for a specific type of jewelry item or accessory item. Accordingly, there is any number of combinations of modular mounting units and extension that may be arranged on the outer surface 32 of the second panel 30.

As depicted in FIG. 5, there is a ring mounting unit 62 for rings or small bands and the like, an earring mounting unit 64 for earrings having a hooked portion, a shelf mounting unit 66 for loose jewelry and/or accessories, cuff links, electronic accessories, watches and the like, a charm mounting unit 70, an outwardly extending mounting unit 72 for head bands, bracelets, belts, scarfs, small purses and the like, a drawer mounting unit 76 for eyeglasses, watches, large bands, or the like, an outwardly extending necklace mounting unit 78, a stud mounting unit 80 for stud earrings, pins, cufflinks and the like, and a panel mounting unit 90 for brooches, hair bows, clips, scarfs or accessories having clips and optionally pins, hooked earrings and the like. The sizes and shapes of said units are not limited to those depicted in the drawings.

Each modular extension or modular mounting unit includes at least one magnetic securing element 87 at or adjacent a surface that faces the outer surface 32 of second panel 30 for suspending the modular extension or modular mounting unit on the outer surface 32 of second panel 30 (FIG. 6). In some embodiments, at least one magnetic securing element 87 may be slightly recessed in the modular mounting unit. Each magnetic securing element 87 will have a sufficient strength to support the modular extension or modular mounting unit in its suspended position. In use, the outer surface 32 of the second panel 30 assists in providing a frictional, non-slip surface for maintaining each modular mounting unit in its suspended position. Each modular mounting unit may optionally include a decorative exterior.

The ring mounting unit 62 for storing and displaying one or more rings includes an outwardly extended surface with at least one or a plurality of spaced apart slots therein, the slots having a depth and a width that is at least the same as the cross sectional diameter of the band of the ring. The slots are the same or slightly narrower than the thickness of the band. In some instances, slots of varying heights and/or lengths are provided. The slot may be cushioned to assist in fitting the ring therein. The slots may include a peripheral frame, if desired. Said frame may be decorative or optionally covered by a decorative material or include decorative embellishments, when desired.

The same modular mounting unit 62 is adjusted for fitting, storing and displaying one or more wrist bands, thereby including an outwardly extended surface from outer surface 32 of the second panel 30 with at least one or a plurality of spaced apart slots therein, the slots having a depth and a width that is at least the same as the cross sectional diameter of the wrist band. The slots are the same as or slightly narrower than the thickness of the band. In some instances, slots of varying heights and/or lengths are provided. The slot may be cushioned to assist in fitting of the wrist band therein. The slots may include a peripheral frame, if desired. In addition, a combination of slots for rings and slots for wrist bands may be combined on the same modular mounting unit 62. Said frame may be decorative or optionally covered by a decorative material or include decorative embellishments, when desired.

The modular mounting unit 64 is for storing and displaying one or more earrings have a hooked portion. Generally, this includes two spaced apart modular mounting units, each supporting a stiff wire or rope or chain, such as an 8 gauge wire) held there between by at least one fastener 65 or peg magnet, as depicted in FIG. 5. Alternatively, each stiff wire or rope or chain may include a hooked end that may cooperative with an adjacent hooked end. In another alternative, the stiff wire, rope or chain, or may include a T-bar configuration with a magnet therebetween.

The modular mounting unit 66 includes a shelf for storing and displaying one or more loose jewelry and/or accessories, such as cuff links, and may also include electronic accessories, watches and the like. The shelf extends outwardly from the outer surface 32 of second panel 30. The shelf may be configured with or without flanged members 68. Said flanged members when added prevent the one or more items from sliding off the extended shelf.

The modular mounting unit 70 for storing and displaying one or more charms includes an outwardly extending surface from outer surface 32 of second panel 30; the outwardly extending surface is penetrable and includes a magnetic material. To such a surface are positioned a plurality of decorative hooks 71 having a magnetic securing element at or near the magnetic surface for hanging charms in any desired location on the surface. If the magnetic material is penetrable, the decorative hooks 71 may include a portion that extends through the magnetic material. In an alternative embodiment, the outwardly extending surface may include narrow slots of a width that is the same as or slightly less than the width of the chain on the charm for positioning and supporting the chain therein. The outwardly extending surface may be framed. Said surface and/or frame may be decorative, include decorative embellishments or optionally covered by a decorative material, when desired.

The modular mounting unit 72 for storing and displaying a headband, scarf and the like includes an extension member that extends outwardly from outer surface 32 of second panel 30. The extension member includes a stop at the end of the member to prevent the headband from slipping off its end. The length of the extension member is at least as wide as the headband. A stop at the end of the extension member may be decorative, if so desired.

The modular mounting unit 72 for storing and displaying a bracelet, belt, bangles, small purse and the like may include a thicker or longer extension member than one for bracelets, and will still extend outwardly from outer surface 32 of second panel 30. The extension member includes a stop at the end of the member to prevent the bracelet from slipping off its end. The length of the extension member is at least as wide as the item to be displayed and may include a stronger magnetic securing element and/or a base for supporting heavier weighted items. A stop at the end of the extension member may be decorative, if so desired.

The modular mounting unit 76 is configured as a drawer storing and displaying one or more eyeglasses, watches, large bands, or the like. The unit will include an outwardly extending shelf extending away from the outer surface 32 of second panel 30. The shelf will include raised or flanged side edges for retaining the item on the shelf. The shelf may be suitably framed, when desired. The shelf may optionally include removable pillows or cushioned unit that fit along the length or the width of the drawer onto which or between which a watch, large band, electronic accessory or the like may be suitable fitted for display. The outward surface of the drawer, frame and/or pillow may be decorative and may include decorative embellishments or be optionally covered by a decorative material, when desired.

The modular mounting unit 78 for storing and displaying a necklace and the like includes an extension member that extends outwardly from outer surface 32 of second panel 30. The extension member includes a stop at the end of the member to prevent the necklace from slipping off the end of the extension member. The length of the extension member is at least as wide as the necklace, and therefore, generally much less that the width of the extension member of modular mounting unit 72. The base of the extension member may include a stronger magnetic securing element and/or the base, itself, may be larger when supporting heavier weighted items. A stop at the end of the extension member may be decorative, if so desired.

The modular mounting unit 80 is for storing and displaying one or more studs, such as stud earrings, pins, cufflinks and the like. Said item includes supporting member 82 generally of a mesh or screen-like material, such as crinoline, folded as depicted in FIG. 7, which provides outward resistance or tension, as depicted by line 88, to any item 84 protruding through said member, thereby offering additional support and preventing the member from sagging from the weight of the item 84. Additional members 86 are decorative. Each of supporting member 82 and decorative members 86 may be continuous or include a plurality of extending portions, as is depicted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

The magnetic securing element 87 of modular mounting unit 80, as depicted in FIG. 6, and any other magnetic securing element provided in any of the other modular mounting units described herein, will have a strong enough magnetic force that when positioned on the outer surface 32 of panel 30, which is cooperative with panel 10 that comprises an impenetrable magnetic material, the magnetic force will maintain the modular mounting unit in position, even when said unit stores and displays a significant number of jewelry items and/or accessories, many or all of which may be heavy items.

The modular mounting unit 90 is for storing and displaying one or more brooches, hair bows, clips or accessories having clips and optionally pins, hooked earrings and the like. The modular mounting unit 90 includes a base 95 or an elongated panel made, in part, of a flexible material that is penetrable. The base 95 may be cushioned. Spaced apart along the base 95, on the back surface of base 95 and, thereby, facing the outer surface 32 of the second panel 30, are magnetic securing elements that are positioned within or on a securement member 98. One or more ribbon-like members overlay the base 95. A first ribbon member 94 is a penetrable material, generally of material having a screen or mesh-like configuration, such as crinoline, which, when included, will generally have a width that is greater than that of the second ribbon member 96 for access to the mesh-like material for displaying an item capable of hooking through the mesh-like material. The first ribbon member 94 may be folded at its edges as depicted in FIG. 7, for additional support and to provide outward resistance to any item protruding through said member, thereby offering additional support and preventing the member from sagging from the weight of the item. The second ribbon member 96 overlays the first ribbon member and may be a fabric and decorative and is also penetrable. Both first ribbon member 94 and second ribbon member 96 overlay the base 95 and are secured to the base by the spaced apart securement members 98. Clips are typically secured to the outer, second ribbon member 96. In some embodiments, the overlayed first and second members are directly adjacent one another. In other embodiments, the first and second members are configured such that they do not contact one another except at or near the spaced apart securement members 98. When the modular mounting unit 90 has two spaced apart securement member 98 (which include the magnetic securing elements) positioned near one another, the first and second ribbon-like members will bow out significantly from the outer surface 32 of the second panel 30. When two spaced apart securement member 98 are positioned far from one another on the modular mounting unit 90, the first and second ribbon-like members will have a more planar configuration with respect to the outer surface 32 of the second panel 30. Each securement member 98 may include a cushioned or penetrable portion. Said modular mounting unit 90 may be vertically or horizontally arranged. Each of its elements may be decorative, and may include decorative embellishments 97, when desired.

Although representative processes and articles have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of what is described and defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wall suspendible system for organizing, storing and displaying jewelry, accessories and the like, the wall suspendible system comprising:

a first panel, wherein the first panel comprises a front surface and a back surface, the front surface composed of an impenetrable magnetic material and the back surface composed of a support material;

a second panel comprising a non-laminar, non-slip material on an outer surface for supporting at least one modular mounting unit when positioned on said outer surface, wherein the second panel overlays the first panel;

at least one modular mounting unit for placing on the outer surface of the second panel, wherein the at least one modular mounting unit includes one or more magnetic securing elements for securing the modular mounting unit to the first panel adjacent the outer surface of the second panel; and

a support member supporting the first and second panels, such that when the second panel overlays the first panel, the second panel is disposed on the support member.

2. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the support member has a thickness that is one of either at least and about ten times the thickness of the back surface.

3. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the front surface is galvanized steel.

4. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the front surface is a galvanized steel of about 0.010 inches thick.

5. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the back surface is a hardboard or fiber board.

6. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the back surface is a hardboard or fiber board of about 0.125 inches thick.

7. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the recess of the support member may be about 0.16 inches from a front edge of the support member.

8. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the support member includes a decorative covering.

9. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the modular mounting units includes a decorative covering.

10. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the modular mounting units includes a shelf extending outwardly from the second panel.

11. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a mounting arrangement for suspending the system from a vertical surface.

12. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the non-laminar, non-slip material of the second panel offers a sufficient coefficient of friction to its outer surface to prevent the one or more magnetic elements in each compartmentalized mounting unit from slipping on the outer surface of the second panel.

13. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the non-laminar, non-slip material of the second panel is fabric.

14. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the modular mounting unit is selected from a group consisting of a ring mounting unit, an earring mounting unit, a pin mounting unit, a brooch mounting unit a charm mounting unit, a headband mounting unit, a bracelet mounting unit, a shelf mounting unit, an eyeglass mounting unit, and various combinations thereof.

15. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the support member further comprises a thin base panel positioned on a rear facing surface of the support member.

16. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the recess of the support member is positioned such that when the second panel is disposed on the support member, the outer surface of the second panel extends outwardly from a front facing surface of the support member.

17. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the recess of the support member is positioned such that when the second panel is disposed on the support member, the outer surface of the second panel is flush with a front facing surface of the support member.

18. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the recess of the support member is positioned such that when the second panel is disposed on the support member, the outer surface of the second panel extend inwardly from a front facing surface of the support member.

19. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the support member further comprises one or both of a stand and at least one leg for maintaining the system on a horizontal surface.

20. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the non-laminar, non-slip material is a decorative material positioned about the second panel and optionally extending to at least a portion of the back surface of the first panel to which it is affixed.

21. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the support member has a thickness significantly greater than a combined thickness of the first and second panels such that when the second panel is disposed on the support member there is a gap created between the back surface of the first panel and a surface to which the support member may be suspended on.

22. The wall suspendible system of claim 1, wherein the support member includes a recessed portion for seating the first and second panels when the second panel overlays the first panel.

23. A modular mounting unit for a wall suspendible system, the modular mounting unit for organizing, storing and displaying jewelry, accessories and the like, the modular mounting unit comprising:

at least one magnetic securing element for securing the modular mounting unit to the wall suspendible system, the magnetic securing element centrally positioned;

a first layer of members extending outwardly from the magnetic securing element, the first layer including a plurality of members formed of a resistance forming mesh-like material, the resistance forming mesh-like material folded to form at least two layers for support of an item of jewelry, accessory or the like; and

a second layer of members extending outwardly from the magnetic securing element, the second layer including a plurality of members formed of a decorative material.

24. A modular mounting unit for a wall suspendible system, the modular mounting unit for organizing, storing and displaying jewelry, accessories and the like, the modular mounting unit comprising:

two or more magnetic securing elements for securing the modular mounting unit to the wall suspendible system, two or more magnetic securing elements spaced apart and secured to a plurality of materials that form an elongated band;

the plurality of materials including: at least a first material overlaying a second material and a third material overlaying the second material, wherein the first material has a decorative surface and is positioned directly adjacent the modular mounting unit; wherein the second material is a resistance forming mesh-like material; and wherein the third material has a decorative surface.