Modular magnetic fixture system

Abstract

A customizable modular magnetic wall system is provided for displaying items while allowing a user to aesthetically configure and tailor the system to the user's needs. The system includes a magnetic backing plate and at least one module. The module includes a base portion and a utility member. The base portion of the module is magnetically securable at a plurality of positions on the backing plate. In addition, the utility member projects outwardly from the base portion and is sized and configured to receive the item. The module may include a shelf, hooks, and other various devices for displaying the item.

1 . A module for use in a modular magnetic wall system, the module comprising: 
 a base portion defining opposed front and back surfaces;    a utility member protruding from the front surface of the base portion;    at least one elongate channel formed in the back surface of the base portion; and    at least one magnetic element disposed within the channel of the base portion.    
   
   
       2 . The module of  claim 1  further comprising a backing sheet which is releasably attached to the back surface of the base portion and is operative to at least partially enclose the channel when attached to the back surface.  
   
   
       3 . The module of  claim 1  wherein the channel and the magnetic element have complimentary, generally quadrangular cross-sectional configurations.  
   
   
       4 . The module of  claim 1  wherein the at least one magnetic element comprises a plurality of magnetic elements disposed within the channel.  
   
   
       5 . The module of  claim 1  wherein the base portion includes a pair of channels disposed and extending within the back surface thereof in spaced, generally parallel relation to each other.  
   
   
       6 . The module of  claim 5  wherein the at least one magnetic element comprises a plurality of magnetic elements disposed within respective ones of the channels.  
   
   
       7 . The module of  claim 1  wherein the channel and the magnetic element have complimentary, generally trapezoidal cross-sectional configurations.  
   
   
       8 . The module of  claim 1  wherein the base portion includes three channels disposed and extending within the back surface thereof in spaced, generally parallel relation to each other.  
   
   
       9 . The module of  claim 4  wherein the plurality of magnetic elements are spaced from each other at a fixed distance.  
   
   
       10 . The module of  claim 1  further comprising an elongate gutter disposed in the back surface of the base portion proximate to the channel.  
   
   
       11 . The module of  claim 10  further comprising at least one pad is disposed within the gutter.  
   
   
       12 . A module for use in a modular magnetic wall system, the module comprising: 
 a base portion defining opposed front and back surfaces;    a utility member protruding from the front surface of the base portion;    at least one elongate channel formed in the back surface of the base portion;    at least one magnetic element disposed within the channel of the base portion; and    a backing sheet releaseably attached to the back surface of the base portion partially enclosing the channel.    
   
   
       13 . The module of  claim 12  wherein the channel and the magnetic element have complimentary, generally quadrangular cross-sectional configurations.  
   
   
       14 . The module of  claim 12  wherein the at least one magnetic element comprises a plurality of magnetic elements disposed within the channel.  
   
   
       15 . The module of  claim 12  wherein the base portion includes a pair of channels disposed and extending within the back surface thereof in spaced, generally parallel relation to each other.  
   
   
       16 . The module of  claim 15  wherein the at least one magnetic element comprises a plurality of magnetic elements disposed within respective ones of the channels.  
   
   
       17 . The module of  claim 12  wherein the channel and the magnetic element have complimentary, generally trapezoidal cross-sectional configurations.  
   
   
       18 . The module of  claim 12  wherein the base portion includes three channels disposed and extending within the back surface thereof in spaced, generally parallel relation to each other.  
   
   
       19 . The module of  claim 14  wherein the plurality of magnetic elements are spaced from each other at a fixed distance.  
   
   
       20 . The module of  claim 12  further comprising an elongate gutter disposed in the back surface of the base portion proximate to the channel, the gutter being configured to slidably receive a non-stick pad.