Decorative wall hanging, dropdown shelf storage system for accent bedding and pillows

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/002,171, filed Nov. 7, 2007, and provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/067,185, filed Feb. 8, 2008.

This invention relates to a wall hanging that also functions as a storage shelf.

Decorative pillows and shams finish off the look of a made bed. However, when the bed is in use, there typically is no dedicated place to store these bedding items away from settling dust, dirt and germs. Currently, an individual has the following alternative approaches:

• • 1) To store the bedding items in a closet (but most homeowner closets and hotel room closets do not have open unused space for storing items of this sort);
  • 2) To store the bedding items in a bedroom furniture piece, such as a chest (but this requires the purchase of additional furniture specifically reserved for storing the bedding items where open floor space in the bedroom may not be available, and when available, may create bulk in a room cluttered with pieces, such as trunks, chests, racks or additional compartments);
  • 3) To store the bedding items on top a chair or other piece of furniture in the bedroom (thus removing the intended use of certain furniture items in a bedroom);
  • 4) To pile the bedding items on the floor (thus, taking up floor space and collecting dust, dirt and germs on to the bedding items for transfer to the bed itself and potentially creating a safety issue);
  • 5) To store the bedding items under the bed itself (though bed storage has become increasingly common in youth bedroom sets for function over beauty, the items are still brought down to the floor to collect dirt, dust, or germs and the under bed storage may also inhibit the comfort of the mattress due to the elimination of a typical box spring; or
  • 6) To not use the decorative pillows and shams (because the trouble in storing these items when removed from the bed outweighs the benefits of decorating the bedroom).

Thus, a sophisticated storage solution for extra decorative bedding, particularly pillows, has not been produced. A sophisticated storage solution would improve the functionality of a bedroom set, by eliminating the collection of dirt, dust, and germs that settle at or near ground level on the bedding items while the bed itself is in use.

The present invention provides a convenient, novel storage solution for storing objects, such as decorative pillows and bedding. The invention takes the form of a wall hanging which also functions as a decorative accent to the bedroom furnishings when in the closed position. The decorative front panel appears to be the wall hanging, and then easily opens to form a storage shelf. The structure may include a back frame, forming a minimal protrusion of the panel from the wall. Opening preferably is performed by a one-hand, one-motion process. The wall hanging may complement the bedroom furniture, with endless flexibility in customizing the front panel by incorporating preferred wood, wood finish, color, decorative designs, paintings, or pictures. The invention may be customized by choosing the look for the front panel, which allows for easy coordination for decorating changes.