BRACKET SYSTEM FOR MODULAR WALL SYSTEM

Abstract

A bracket system for mounting an accessory structure or an adjacent pair thereof to a modular wall system is provided. A first bracket member and a second bracket member of the bracket system are each configured to be selectively engageable with a vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system and are configured to be interleaved with each other.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

The present patent application relates to modular walls or modular wall systems, and particularly to a bracket system for mounting an accessory structure or an adjacent pair thereof to a modular wall system. The modular wall system generally comprises at least a vertical frame member. The vertical frame member has a series of vertically arranged mounting openings.

Description of Related Art

Architectural wall systems (also called modular wall systems) are designed to easily subdivide open spaces into offices, conferences rooms and open spaces using pre-fabricated components. Because they are designed to be put up and taken down and add no additional stability to the building itself (that is, they are not load bearing walls), they are utilized to save time during the remodeling and construction phases by architects and contractors along with interior designers. The materials used in these walls systems may vary but may typically include glass, aluminum, steel, and a variety of wall panel materials such as gypsum, fiberboard, hardboard to name a few.

Architectural wall systems may take either a stick-built approach, where most of the work may be done on-site typically using aluminum extrusions cut to size and assembled along with locally acquired glass or solid panels, or alternatively, may use unitized walls. The unitized walls may be wall sections that have been preassembled off-site at a factory or a manufacturing facility with the final placement of the preassembled sections into wall runs are done on-site. These types of systems are attractive to architects and designers since they emulate the look of finished walls and are sold to them as being flexible and modular to the point of being re-usable.

Existing systems allow for a pair of accessory structures or furniture (e.g., cabinets, shelves, frames, etc.) to be hung onto the architectural wall systems. Typically, these existing systems use a dual/double track slotted pattern wall standard, but this makes the spacing between the finished wall segments to be wider as the dual tracks need to be accessible. Another alternative is to install an additional dual/double track slotted patterned wall standard onto, or into the thinner wall slotted wall standard of the modular/architectural wall systems when hanging accessory structure(s)/furniture items onto the architectural wall system. But, this alternative creates an additional part protruding from the architectural wall system and creates an additional step/procedure that needs to be performed when adding/altering the wall mounted elements (e.g., accessory structure/furniture).

The present patent application endeavors to provide various improvements over prior mentioned examples along with any similar examples that may not have been mentioned or included.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the present patent application, a bracket system for mounting an accessory structure or an adjacent pair thereof to a modular wall system is provided. The modular wall system comprises at least a vertical frame member. The vertical frame member has a series of vertically arranged mounting openings. The bracket system comprises a first bracket member configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system, and a second bracket member configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system. Each of the first bracket member and the second bracket member has a base portion and a plurality of vertically spaced mounting inserts. Each mounting insert extends away from the respective base portion. Each of the base portions is configured for attachment to the accessory structure. Each mounting insert of the first bracket member and the second bracket member is configured to be selectively inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system. The first bracket member and the second bracket member are configured to be interleaved with each other with the mounting insert of the first bracket member alternating with the mounting insert of the second bracket member such that the mounting insert of the first bracket member is received in one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member and the mounting insert of the second bracket member is received in another adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member.

Exemplary and non-limiting implementations of the foregoing aspects may include one or more of the following features.

One of the first bracket member and the second bracket member may include an anti-dislodging member that is configured to be positioned on the mounting insert at a top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member when the first bracket member and the second bracket member are interleaved with each other. The anti-dislodging member may be configured to be selectively inserted into the same one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member as that of the mounting insert at the top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member is inserted into so as to prevent dislodging of the first bracket member or the second bracket member. The anti-dislodging member may be configured to engage with a rear surface of the vertical frame member near an upper edge of one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member when the anti-dislodging member is received in the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member.

Each mounting insert of the first bracket member and the second bracket member may have a downwardly facing slot that is configured to receive a lower edge of one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member when each mounting insert of the first bracket member and the second bracket member is received in the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member. When each mounting insert of the first bracket member and the second bracket member is moved downwardly, in a longitudinal direction of the vertical frame member, in the corresponding one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member, inner surfaces of the downwardly facing slot of each mounting insert are configured to engage with outer surfaces of the lower edge of the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member.

The bracket system may further comprise a bracket member lock configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system. The bracket member lock may be configured to be positioned at the top end of at least one of the first bracket member and the second bracket member. The bracket member lock may include at least one mounting insert. The mounting insert of the bracket member lock may be configured to be selectively inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member so as to further prevent dislodging of the first bracket member and/or the second bracket member.

The mounting insert of the bracket member lock may be configured to be inserted into the same one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member as that of the mounting insert at the top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member is inserted into. The mounting insert of the bracket member lock may be configured to be inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member that is positioned above an adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member the mounting insert at the top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member is inserted into.

The at least one mounting insert of the bracket member lock may include a first mounting insert and a second mounting insert. One of the first mounting insert and the second mounting insert may be configured to be inserted into the same one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member as that of the mounting insert at the top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member is inserted into. The other of the first mounting insert and the second mounting insert may be configured to be inserted into an adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member that is positioned above the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member the mounting insert at the top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member is inserted into.

One of the first mounting insert and the second mounting insert may be configured to be engaged with an upper edge of the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member. The other of the first mounting insert and the second mounting insert may be configured to be engaged with both an upper edge and the lower edge of the adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member.

The at least one mounting insert of the bracket member lock may include a third mounting insert. The third mounting insert may be configured to be inserted into an adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member that is positioned below the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member the mounting insert at the top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member is inserted into.

Another aspect of the present application includes a method of mounting the bracket system discussed above to a modular wall. The method comprises inserting the mounting inserts of the first and second bracket members into the vertically arranged series of the vertical frame member with the mounting insert of the first bracket member alternating with the mounting insert of the second bracket member such that the mounting insert of the first bracket member is received in one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member and the mounting insert of the second bracket member is received in another adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member.

Exemplary and non-limiting implementations of the foregoing aspects may include one or more of the following features.

The method further comprises attaching an accessory structure to the base portion of the first bracket member. The accessory structure is attached to the base portion of the first bracket member before the act of inserting the mounting inserts of the first and second bracket members into the vertically arranged series of the vertical frame member.

The method further comprises attaching another accessory structure to the base portion of the second bracket member. The accessory structures are attached to the base portions of the first and second bracket members before the act of inserting the mounting inserts of the first and second bracket members into the vertically arranged series of the vertical frame member.

The method further comprises attaching an accessory structure to both base portions of the first and second bracket members. The accessory structure is attached to both base portions of the first and second bracket members before the act of inserting the mounting inserts of the first and second bracket members into the vertically arranged series of the vertical frame member.

The bracket system further comprises a bracket member lock configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system, wherein the bracket member lock is configured to be positioned at a top end of at least one of the first bracket member and the second bracket member, wherein the bracket member lock includes at least one mounting insert, and wherein the mounting insert of the bracket member lock is configured to be selectively inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member so as to prevent dislodging of the first bracket member and/or the second bracket member. The method further comprises positioning the bracket member lock at a top end of at least one of the first bracket member and the second bracket member and inserting the mounting insert of the bracket lock member into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member so as to prevent dislodging of the first bracket member and/or the second bracket member.

These and other aspects of the present patent application, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. In one embodiment of the present patent application, the structural components illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present patent application. It shall also be appreciated that the features of one embodiment disclosed herein can be used in other embodiments disclosed herein. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, as used in the specification and the claims, the term “or” means “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be appreciated that some of the components and features discussed herein may be discussed in connection with only one (singular) of such components, and that additional like components which may be disclosed herein may not be discussed in detail for the sake of reducing redundancy.

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present patent application will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which

FIG. 1 shows an example of a partially constructed office space formed from modular walls where walls meet at corner and end-to-end junctions in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 2 shows perspective exploded views of exemplary internal frames for a modular wall section in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show cross-sectional views of a vertical frame member and an end view of a pair of such vertical frame members from adjacent wall sections featured together in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIGS. 3C and 3D show various views of a pair of vertical frame members from adjacent wall sections in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIGS. 4A-4C show a generalized sequence of assembly for a modular wall system using internal frames in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a pair of vertical frame members from adjacent wall sections and an example of different accessories mounted to a modular wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 6 shows a first bracket member and a second bracket member of a bracket system in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application, where the first bracket member and the second bracket member of the bracket system are positioned next to the vertical frame member of the modular wall system, and where the vertical frame member has a series of vertically arranged mounting openings;

FIG. 7 shows the first bracket member and the second bracket member of the bracket system, where the first bracket member and the second bracket member of the bracket system are positioned next to each other;

FIG. 8 shows the first bracket member and the second bracket member of the bracket system interleaved with each other with mounting insert of the first bracket member alternating with mounting insert of the second bracket member such that the mounting insert of the first bracket member is received in one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member and the mounting insert of the second bracket member is received in another adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member;

FIG. 9 shows the bracket system of FIG. 8 with base portions of the first bracket member and the second bracket member attached to an accessory structure and an adjacent pair thereof;

FIGS. 10 and 11 show two perspective views of the bracket system of FIG. 7, where the base portion of one of the first bracket member and the second bracket member is attached to the accessory structure, while the base portion of the other of the first bracket member and the second bracket member is not attached to the accessory structure so as to clearly show other portions of the bracket system, where the accessory structure and portions of the modular wall system including portions of the vertical frame member are also shown;

FIG. 12 shows a side view of a bracket member of a bracket system in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application, where the base portion of the bracket member is attached to the accessory structure, where mounting inserts of the bracket member are inserted into corresponding one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member, the bracket member includes an anti-dislodging member that is configured to be positioned on the mounting insert at a top end of the bracket member, where the anti-dislodging member is configured to be selectively inserted into the same one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member as that of the mounting insert at the top end of the bracket member is inserted into so as to prevent dislodging of the bracket member;

FIGS. 13A-13E show various procedures in a method of mounting the bracket member of the bracket system of FIG. 12 to a modular wall;

FIG. 14 shows the first bracket member, the second bracket member and a bracket member lock of the bracket system in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application, where the bracket member lock is inserted into corresponding two adjacent of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member after the first bracket member and the second bracket member are interleaved with each other and are selectively engaged with the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system,

FIG. 15 shows a bracket system that supports a work surface system in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application, the bracket member lock of FIG. 14 is used in the bracket system of FIG. 15 to prevent both the interleaved bracket members from lifting out of/dislodging from the vertical frame member;

FIG. 16 shows the first bracket member, the second bracket member and a bracket member lock of the bracket system in accordance with another embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 17 shows the first bracket member, the second bracket member and the bracket member lock of the bracket system, where the first bracket member and the second bracket member of the bracket system are interleaved with each other, where mounting insert of the bracket member lock is inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member so as to prevent dislodging of the first bracket member and/or the second bracket member; and

FIG. 18 shows the bracket system of FIG. 17, where the base portions of the first bracket member and the second bracket member are attached to the accessory structure and the adjacent pair thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a partially constructed office space formed from modular walls formed of wall sections where walls meet at corner and end-to-end junctions. The space constructed need not be office related, and can be any setting, including residential, factory, educational, or otherwise. The office example is not limiting and is used for illustrative context.

Modular walls typically have a frame supporting panels of a variety of styles. Such panels may be wood, frameless glass (or another translucent or transparent material), back painted or frosted glass (or other translucent or transparent material), framed glass, gypsum, fiberboard, sheet metal, canvas exterior, etc. Any such panels can also be finished or covered with different treatments. Such panels can also be functional components, like a whiteboard, display screen, etc. The types of modular walls and panels thereof are not limiting and the examples mentioned herein are exemplary only.

In FIG. 1, for example, wall sections W1, W2 and W3 are shown meeting at end-to-end junctions, and wall sections W1 and W4 are shown meeting at a corner junction. A partial, cut-away wall section W5 also shown meeting wall section W4 at an end-to-end junction. The details of the end-to-end junctions and the corner junctions are discussed in detail in U.S. Patent Application Ser. Nos. 63/328,756 and 18/127,617 both titled “Connecting Members And System For Modular Wall Junctions”, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. These patent applications are commonly owned by the same assignee as the present patent application.

Wall sections W1-W3 are shown as having wood, fiberboard or other non-transparent material, while wall sections W4 and W5 are glass wall sections.

FIG. 1 also shows a detailed view of different options for a bottom rail of wall sections W4 and W5, including a version R1 for mounting a single pane of glass, a version R2 for mounting two panes of glass, and a version R3 where the glass is replaced with one or more solid wood or fiberboard panels with acoustic dampening material (which may be used for wall sections W1-W3). The acoustic dampening material may be interchangeably referred to as insulation material. The acoustic dampening material may be positioned on both sides of the solid wood or fiberboard panel. The acoustic dampening material may be positioned between two solid wood or fiberboard panels. These examples are not limiting, and are provided simply to provide context of the types of wall sections that can be connected together using the features described herein below and the above-noted related patent applications.

FIG. 2 shows examples of internal frame assemblies 10 and 10′ used for mounting wall panels made of wood, fiberboard, gypsum, etc., or framed glass panels. The frame assembly may be interchangeably referred to as a frame or an internal frame. The frames are shipped pre-assembled and installed at the installation site (e.g., an office location). Corresponding parts for the second example 10′ are denoted with a ′ on the reference number. The frame 10, 10′ generally includes a pair of vertical rail members 12, 12′, a bottom rail 14, 14′, a top rail 16, 16′ and at least one intermediate horizontal rail 18, 18′. These rails are assembled together using any types of fasteners. The bottom rail 14 or vertical rail member 12′ has a height adjuster 20, 20′, respectively, that can be used to vertically adjust a height of the internal frame member 10, 10′ to better match the ceiling and align components as needed.

The details of the bottom rail of the wall sections, the top rail of the wall sections, the height adjuster, and systems and methods of mounting the one or more panes of glass or solid wood/fiberboard panels to the bottom/top rail of the wall sections are discussed in detail in the above incorporated applications. The details of the bottom rail, the top rail, and the height adjuster are also discussed in detail in U.S. Patent Application Ser. Nos. 63/327,389 and 18/129,681 both titled “Pre-assembled Internal Frame For Modular Wall Section”, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. These patent applications are commonly owned by the same assignee as the present patent application.

The vertical frame members 12, 12′ each have a series of vertically arranged mounting openings 22, 22′ for mounting wall panels 25 during installation of the wall section as will be described in detail below. The vertical frame members 12, 12′ may also have a stepped configuration 24, 24′ as discussed in detail in those applications.

The frame 10 may also include a plurality of horizontal frame members, e.g., 14, 16, 18, extending laterally between the vertical frame members 12 to connect the vertical frame members together, typically in parallel relation. Any horizontal frame members may be used, and those illustrated are not intended to be limiting. Typically, the plurality of horizontal frame members includes at least one intermediate horizontal frame member (e.g., 18) spaced vertically from the top and bottom of the frame. The frame's horizontal frame members may include a bottom horizontal frame member 14 and/or a top horizontal frame member 16. These frame members may also have any construction or configuration. These may be connected differently or in the same manner.

FIGS. 3A-3D show an example of the vertical frame member, which will be numbered 12 for convenience (and which could be any vertical frame member, and is only provided for context).

The vertical frame member 12 in FIGS. 3A-3D is included in an internal frame for a modular wall section, which has a pair of the frame members 12 at the opposing ends thereof. Each vertical frame member 12 has a central web 30 extending in a depth direction of the frame (i.e., to the right-left in FIGS. 3A-3B, which is the depth or thickness direction of the finalized wall section). The central web section 30 extends between a first flange 32 and a second flange 34. Each of the first and second flanges 32, 34 extends laterally inwardly from the central web 30. Here, laterally inwardly refers to inwardly in the lateral direction of the wall section. FIG. 3B shows the vertical frame members 12 of two different wall sections abutting in end-to-end relation, and the flanges 32, 34 of each extends laterally inwardly with respect to its associated wall section. Each first flange 32 has a pair of series of vertically arranged mounting openings 42, 44, and each second flange 34 has a single series of vertically arranged mounting openings 46. The vertically arranged mounting openings may be interchangeably referred to as the vertically arranged openings.

The details of the vertical frame members, their manufacturing procedures, their stepped configurations, and an inverted relationship between the pair of vertical frame members (e.g., the vertical frame member at the left side of one wall section (e.g., the top one of the two) is inverted with respect to the vertical frame member at the right side of an adjacent wall section (e.g., the bottom one of the two as shown in FIG. 3B) are discussed in detail in the patent applications incorporated above. Those applications also disclose in detail how the inverted arrangement of the frame members in the same frame enables the frame to be arranged in an end to end junction with another frame with adjacent vertical frame members thereof abutting, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B and also how the frame, which is arranged in an end to end junction with another frame, is connected to another frame. Those applications further discloses in detail how the horizontal frame member(s) may be fastened to the vertical frame members 12.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the basic installation sequence of the modular wall in a generalized manner for non-limiting, explanatory context. FIG. 4A shows the internal frames 10 being installed to create a general office space.

FIGS. 2-3D show the pre-assembled internal frames 10 that are made at a manufacturing location rather than at the installation site. The pre-assembled internal frames are delivered pre-assembled, at the installation site, without the wall panels mounted thereto. The installation of the modular wall by positioning a plurality of pre-assembled internal frames 10 is described in detail in the application incorporated above. As shown in FIG. 4A, the side walls may have acoustic dampening material in the pre-assembled frames 10 of the wall sections and the front wall sections having no acoustic dampening materials, as they will receive glass panels.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the internal frame may be assembled at the installation site. That is, the internal frame may not be pre-assembled at the manufacturing location but rather assembled at the installation site.

In one embodiment, the internal frame, as used in the discussion below, may include either pre-assembled internal frame that is assembled at the manufacturing location and as shown in FIGS. 2-3D or internal frame that is assembled at the installation site.

The vertical frame members, the horizontal frame members, the height adjusters, the fasteners, and/or other components of the internal frame may have the same configuration as those in the pre-assembled internal frame. The vertical frame members, the horizontal frame members, the height adjusters, the fasteners, and/or other components of the internal frame may have different configurations than those in the pre-assembled internal frame.

In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, each adjacent pair of the first and second flanges 32, 34 of the abutting vertical frame members 12 are positioned adjacent one another to provide three of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 42, 44, 46 on each side of the modular wall at the corresponding end to end junction of the adjacent wall sections.

FIG. 4B shows wall panels 70 may be mounted to the opposing faces of the internal frames 10. The wall panels 70 on the wall sections of the side walls are wood, fiberboard, canvas or textile covered sections, or the like, while the panels for the front wall sections are framed glass panels 72. These are non-limiting examples. As further examples, a panel may also be or include a functional component, and such as an electronic display (e.g., a display screen), a regular or interactive electronic whiteboard, chalkboard or the like, as mentioned above.

The methods and systems for mounting wall panel 70, 72 to the internal frame (e.g., pre-assembled at the manufacturing location as shown in FIGS. 2-3D or assembled at the installation site) of the modular wall are described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Ser. Nos.: 63/338,274 and 18/143,478 both titled “System and method for mounting a panel to an internal frame of a modular wall”, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. These patent applications are commonly owned by the same assignee as the present patent application.

After the wall panels 70, 72 are installed, the modular wall system can be completed with the addition of fascia trim members. In FIG. 4C, this is illustrated by the addition of corner trim members 84 at the corner junctions between the front and side wall sections 70, 72, top trim members 86 extending horizontally along the top frame members, and bottom trim members 87 extending horizontally along the bottom frame members. These trim members can match the extent of an individual wall section or can be extend over the course of two or more wall sections. The particular trim members used and how they are mounted is not intended to be limiting, and any type of trim member may be used. Trim members where the wall sections meet at an end-to-end junction are described in detail in the above-noted incorporated applications.

The adjacent wall panels (e.g., 70 and 70 or 72 and 72 in FIG. 4B) have a gap 90 (see FIG. 5) between vertical edges thereof to leave one of the series 44 of the vertically arranged mounting openings on the first flange 32 exposed (which is the middle one of a set of three). That is, the one of the two adjacent panels 70 and 70 or 72 and 72 is mounted to the openings 42 on the first flange 32 of its associated vertical frame member 12 (which may be considered an inner series of the series 42, 44 with respect to the panel of which the associated frame member 12 is a part, or it may be considered an outer series with respect to the three adjacent series 42, 44, 46) and the other of the two adjacent panels 70 and 70 or 72 and 72 is mounted to the single openings 46 on the second flange 34 of its associated vertical frame member 12, which can be appreciated from the arrangement shown in FIGS. 3A-3D. This leaves the middle or inner series of openings 44 on the first flanges 32 exposed via the gap 90 between the two adjacent panels 70 and 70 or 72 and 72.

Using that gap 90 enables at least one accessory structure to be mounted to the exposed series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44 at the area between the two adjacent panels 70 and 70 or 72 and 72. An accessory structure can include any type of structure (e.g., design element), and may include a fascia trim member for covering the gap 90 if desired. Alternatively, the accessory structure can be a functional accessory, such as a shelf, a cabinet, a receptacle, an electronic device, a desk, a table, a computer monitor support, or a lighting device, a hanger support, a picture or painting frame, a clothing rack, an acoustical dampening panel, a fan, a slat wall panel, a tray for office implements, or a sign. The accessory structure mounted to openings 44 can be a larger structure that mounts to another set openings 44 elsewhere in the wall system as well, and can be any component that serves to attach another structure, such as the structural arm for supporting a shelf, electronic display, cabinet, etc. The particular accessory structure itself is not limiting. These accessory structures can be mounted using mounting inserts 110 (e.g., 110₁, 110₂, 110₃) of a first bracket member 102 and 114 (114₁, 114₂, 114₃) of a second bracket member 104 of a bracket system 100 as will be discussed in detail below.

For example, to provide non-limiting context, FIG. 5 includes an image of a series of wall sections 70 installed in end-to-end junctions with various accessory structures. A series of shelves 88 are mounted to the openings 44 exposed between the gaps 90. A desk or work surface 92 is also mounted in the same manner, with a slidable keyboard tray 94 mounted below it. A display screen, e.g., a TV monitor 96 is also mounted in the same manner. Similar, various drawers or other storage areas 98 are also mounted in the same manner. Any types of accessories or combination of accessories may be mounted in this manner. Also, shorter sections of trim members may be used to cover the portions of the gaps 90 above or below may be an accessory. For example, in FIG. 5 such trim members could be added in the areas between the vertically spaced shelves 88 and/or between the shelves 88 and the drawers 98 to conceal the gaps 90. For example, the accessory structure(s) may be attached to the wall sections 70 using bracket system(s) 100 as described in detail with respect to and shown in FIGS. 6-18.

One advantage of the modular design described in this patent application for the modular wall system is that upgrades can be easily made after installation of the modular wall system is complete. For example, if customer wants a different aesthetic appearance, trim members can be removed and replaced easily as an upgrade change. As another example, after the modular wall system is installed, a customer may decide to add shelving or another functional accessory structure 120 (see FIGS. 9-15 and 18). In that case, trim members covering gaps 90 can be removed (if used) and the shelves/cabinets 120 can be installed on the openings 44 in those gaps 90. Likewise, if a customer decides to upgrade a conference room to add a large display screen, a wall panel can be removed and a display screen can be mounted in place of the removed wall panel. Also, different panels can be swapped out for an aesthetic upgrade in a straightforward manner. Any number of modifications and variations can be made during or after the installation process of the modular wall system is completed.

The use of the bracket members 102, 104 as discussed herein is not limited to the frame members 12 discussed herein and disclosed in the above-referenced applications. Instead, the bracket system discussed in the present application may also be used in conjunction with other frame members having any construction that presents a series of vertically arranged openings whereby the bracket system can be mounted in the interleaving manner discussed herein to a single series of openings.

FIGS. 6-18 disclose an example of the bracket system 100 for mounting the accessory structure 120 or an adjacent pair 120′ (see FIGS. 9 and 18) thereof to the modular wall system MWS (as shown in FIGS. 1, 4C and 5). The bracket system 100, in one embodiment, is configured to be inserted into the openings 44 in the gaps 90 between the wall panels 70. In other embodiments, the bracket system 100 may configured to be used with other single row of openings in the modular wall systems.

For example, as shown in and described with respect to FIGS. 1-5, the modular wall system comprises at least a vertical frame member 12. The vertical frame member 12 has a series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44 (e.g., see mounting openings 44₁, 44₂, 44₃, 44₄, 44₅, 44₆ in FIG. 6). The mounting openings 44, the vertical frame member 12 and the modular wall system have been described in detail above with respect to FIGS. 1-5. The mounting openings 44 may be elongated shaped configuration as shown. In another embodiment, the shape and configuration of mounting openings 44 may vary. In FIGS. 6 and 8, the openings 44 are shown in isolation from other parts of the frame members for convenience and clarity to focus on the mounting to those openings 44, as discussed below.

The accessory structure 120 has also been described in detail with respect to FIG. 5. The accessory structure may interchangeably referred to as an accessory. As described with respect to and as shown in FIGS. 5, 9 and 18, the accessories 120 may include shelf/shelves/shelving 88, cabinets 120/120′, the desk or work surface 92 (with or without the slidable keyboard tray 94 mounted below it), legs of supportive work surface, the display screen (e.g., the TV monitor 96), drawers, receptacles, or other storage areas 98, an electronic device, a desk, a table, a computer monitor support, or a lighting device, a hanger support, a picture or painting frame, a clothing rack, an acoustical dampening panel, a fan, a slat wall panel, a sign, etc. The cabinets may each include doors pivotally mounted to front edges of side walls of the cabinet, shelves selectively mounted on an interior of the cabinet, or drawers slidably mounted within the interior of the cabinet. As will be clear from the discussions below, the bracket system 100 may include brackets/bracket members 102, 104 that are configured for mounting these accessories 120.

As shown in FIGS. 9-15 and 18, the bracket system 100 may be configured for mounting the accessory structure 120 or the adjacent pair 120 thereof to the modular wall system. For example, the bracket system 100 may be configured for mounting shelves 88₁, 88₂ or 88₂, 88₃, or 88₄, 88₅ (as shown in FIG. 5). Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 9-15 and 18, the bracket system 100 may be configured for mounting a cabinet 122₁ or an adjacent pair of cabinet 122₂. as shown in FIGS. 9-15 and 18, the bracket system 100 may be configured for mounting any other accessory structure 120 or an adjacent pair thereof 120′. The accessory structure 120 may be attached to the bracket member or members 102, 104 before the bracket members 102, 104 are mounted to the openings 44 and the associated frame member 12. For convenience and clarity, in some views the accessory structure 120 is omitted so the manner in which the bracket members 102, 104 attaches can be seen more clearly. In other approaches, the accessory structure can also be attached to the bracket member 102, 104 after they are mounted to the openings 44 and the associated frame member 12.

The bracket system 100 comprises a first bracket member 102 configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member 12 associated with the modular wall system, a second bracket member 104 configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member 12 associated with the modular wall system, and a bracket member lock 106 (as shown in FIGS. 16-18) configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member 12 associated with the modular wall system.

The term “selectively engageable” herein refers to arrangements in which the bracket member 102, 104/bracket member lock 106 may be engaged with the vertical frame member 12 associated with the modular wall system (e.g., for mounting the accessory structure 120 or the adjacent pair thereof 120′ to the modular wall system) and in which the bracket member 102, 104/bracket member lock 106 may be disengaged from the vertical frame member 12 (e.g., without any damage). For example, the disengaged configuration of the first bracket member 102, the second bracket member 104, and/or the bracket member lock 106 from the vertical frame member 12 is shown in FIGS. 6-7 and 16. The engaged configuration of the first bracket member 102, the second bracket member 104, and/or the bracket member lock 106 with the vertical frame member 12 is shown in FIGS. 8-11 and 17-18. The installer or user also has the freedom of choosing the installation height by selecting which openings 44 to use for mounting the bracket members 102, 104.

The first bracket member 102 may be either the left side bracket member or the right side bracket member, and the second bracket member 104 may be the other of the left side bracket member or the right side bracket member. The first bracket member 102 is depicted as the left one and the second bracket member is depicted as the right one. However, which of the two is denoted first versus second is a matter of convenience and the terms first and second are used to simply denote one bracket member versus the other without limitation as to whether it is in the left or right one in implementation.

Each of the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104 has a base portion and a plurality of vertically spaced mounting inserts. The first bracket member 102 has a base portion 108 and a plurality of vertically spaced mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, 110₃. The second bracket member 104 has a base portion 112 and a plurality of vertically spaced mounting inserts 114₁, 114₂, 114₃.

Each of the base portions 108 and 112 is configured for attachment to the accessory structure 120, as discussed above. The base portions 108 and 112 may have any shape or configuration. The shape and the configuration of the base portion may depend on the type of the accessory structure, the weight of the accessory structure, the function of the accessory structure, etc. that is being mounted to the modular wall system. In one embodiment, the base portions 108 and 112 may have the same length and same width. In another embodiment, the base portions 108 and 112 may have different lengths and/or different widths. The length and width of the base portion may also depend on the type of the accessory structure, the weight of the accessory structure, the function of the accessory structure, etc. that is being mounted to the modular wall system.

The base portions 108 and 112 may extend in a plane that is parallel to a plane of the wall panels (e.g., 70) of the modular wall system. Each base portion 108, 112 has an opening 116, 118 that allows the respective bracket member 102, 104 to be connected/attached to the accessory structure 120, 120′ with fasteners (screws, bolts, etc.) or the like. Welding, snap-fits, magnetic attachment, or any other types of fasteners may also be used to connect the respective bracket member 102, 104 to the accessory structure 120, 120′. This attachment arrangement provides the desired strength for mounting the accessory structure 120, 120′ to the modular wall system, and may vary in accordance with the accessory structure 120, 120′ to be supported. In the illustrated embodiment, two openings 116 are provided (one in the top portion and one in the bottom portion) in the base portion 108 of the first bracket member 102. Similarly, two openings 118 are provided (one in the top portion and one in the bottom portion) in the base portion 112 of the second bracket member 104. The number of openings in the base portion may vary in other embodiments. The openings 116, 118 may be elongated shaped configuration as shown. In another embodiment, the shape and configuration of openings 116, 118 may vary. These non-limiting openings 116 and/or 118 may be used to receive screw or bolts for attachment to an accessory structure, such as bolts for attaching a base portion to a rear wall or structure of a cabinet, shelf, display device, etc.

In one embodiment, the base portion 108 of the first bracket member 102 and the base portion 112 of the second bracket member 104 may each be configured for attachment to the same type of accessory structures (shelving 88₁, 88₂ or 88₂, 88₃ as shown in FIG. 5, cabinets 122₁, 122₂ or other accessory structures 120, 120′ as shown in FIGS. 9 and 18, etc.). In such an embodiment, the shape, configuration, length, and/or width of the base portion 108 may be the same as the shape, configuration, length, and/or width of the base portion 112.

In another embodiment, one of the base portion 108 and the base portion 112 may be configured for attachment to a first type of accessory structure and the other of the base portion 108 and the base portion 112 may be configured for attachment to a different, second type of type of accessory structure. In such an embodiment, the shape, configuration, length, and/or width of the base portion 108 may be different from the shape, configuration, length, and/or width the base portion 112. Also, the base portions 108, 112 may be used to attach two different accessory structures side-by-side, or they may be used to attach the same accessory structure to provide additional support by sharing the load between both bracket members 102, 104.

Each mounting insert 110, 114 of the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104 extends away from the respective base portion. Each mounting insert 110, 114 of the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104 may be perpendicular to the respective base portion. Each mounting insert 110, 114 of the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104 is also perpendicular to the mounting openings 44 in the vertical frame member 12. The mounting inserts 110, 114 may extend in a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the wall panels (e.g., 70 or 72) of the modular wall system. Each mounting insert 110 may be provided on a lateral side 124 of the first bracket member 102 and each mounting insert 114 may be provided on a lateral side 126 of the second bracket member 104. These lateral sides 124, 126 are shown at the edges of the base portions 108, 112 in the illustrated embodiment.

Three mounting inserts are shown for each of the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104. That is, the first bracket member 102 may include three vertically spaced mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, 110₃ and the second bracket member 104 may include three vertically spaced mounting inserts 114₁, 114₂, 114₃. The number of mounting inserts for the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104 may vary in other embodiments.

The number of mounting inserts of the first bracket member 102 is shown to be same as the number of mounting inserts of the second bracket member 104. However, in one other embodiments, the number of mounting inserts of the first bracket member 102 may be different from the number of mounting inserts of the second bracket member 104. For example, in one embodiment, the first bracket member 102 may include three vertically spaced mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, 110₃ and the second bracket member 104 may include two vertically spaced mounting inserts 114₂, 114₃, or the first bracket member 102 may include two vertically spaced mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, and the second bracket member 104 may include three vertically spaced mounting inserts 114₁, 114₂, 114₃.

The term “vertically spaced” herein refers to an arrangement in which the adjacent mounting inserts of each of the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance VSD. For example, the distance between a bottom edge BE of the mounting insert 110₁/114₁ and a top edge TE of the adjacent mounting insert 110₂/114₂ may be the predetermined distance VSD. The predetermined distance VSD may be selected such that the mounting insert 114₁ of the second bracket member 104 is received in and engaged with the mounting opening 44₁ and the adjacent mounting insert 114₂ of the second bracket member 104 is received in and engaged with the mounting opening 44₃ (i.e., the mounting opening 44₂, in between the mounting opening 44₁ and the mounting opening 44₃, receives and engages with the mounting insert 110₁ of the first bracket member 102). The predetermined distance VSD may be selected such that the mounting insert 110₁ of the first bracket member 102 is received in and engaged with the mounting opening 44₂ and the adjacent mounting insert 110₂ of the first bracket member 102 is received in and engaged with the mounting opening 44₄ (i.e., the mounting opening 44₃, in between the mounting opening 44₂ and the mounting opening 44₄, receives and engages with the mounting insert 114₂ of the second bracket member 104).

Each mounting insert of the first bracket member and the second bracket member is configured to be selectively inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system. As shown in FIG. 8, the mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, 110₃ of the first bracket member 102 are received in and engaged with the mounting openings 44₂, 44₄, 44₆, respectively, while the mounting inserts 114₁, 114₂, 114₃ of the second bracket member 104 are received in and engaged with the mounting openings 44₁, 44₃, 44₅, respectively. This creates an interleaving relationship where the mounting inserts 110, 114 of each bracket member alternate in engaging the openings 44.

The mounting inserts 110, 114 can have any construction or configuration. In the non-limiting design of FIG. 7, the mounting inserts 110, 114 are hooks or fingers punched, stamped, or otherwise formed from the respective base portions 108, 112 of the first and second bracket members 102, 104. Each mounting insert 110 of the first bracket member 102 and each mounting insert 114 of the second bracket member 104 has a downwardly facing slot DFS that is configured to receive a lower edge LE of one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44 of the vertical frame member 12. This enables the slot DFS and the hook/finger to securely retain the mounting insert 110, 114 against withdrawal from an opening 44.

As will be explained in detail below, referring to FIG. 8, after the mounting inserts 110 of the first bracket member 102 and/or the mounting inserts 114 of the second bracket member 104 are inserted into corresponding one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44 of the vertical frame member 12, the first bracket member 102 (along with their mounting inserts 110) and/or the second bracket member 104 (along with their mounting inserts 114) can be moved in a downwardly direction DD (as shown in FIG. 8) causing (inner) surfaces of the downwardly facing slots DFS of the mounting inserts 110, 114 to be engaged with (outer) surfaces of the lower edge LE of one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44 of the vertical frame member 12. The downwardly direction DD may be along the vertical longitudinal direction VLA.

This engagement between the (inner) surfaces of the downwardly facing slots DFS of the mounting inserts 110, 114 with the (outer) surfaces of the lower edge LE of one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44 of the vertical frame member 12 can prevent dislodging the first bracket member 102 and/or the second bracket member 104 from the vertical frame member 12. The weight of the accessory structures 120, 120′ attached to the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104 enables the (inner) surfaces of the downwardly facing slots DFS of the mounting inserts 110, 114 to be engaged with (outer) surfaces of the lower edge LE of one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44 of the vertical frame member 12.

The mounting inserts 110, 114 are configured to be received in the corresponding openings 44 when the first and second bracket members 102, 104 (e.g., along with the accessory structure 120 attached thereto) are mounted to the vertical frame member 12, thus providing for easy and fast installation of the accessory structure 120 to the already-installed pre-assembled frames 10 (including the vertical frame members 12).

The term “selectively inserted” herein refers to arrangements in which the mounting inserts 110, 114, 128, 130 of the bracket member 102, 104/bracket member lock 106 may be inserted into the mounting openings 44 of the vertical frame member 12 associated with the modular wall system (e.g., for mounting the accessory structure 120, 120′ to the modular wall system) and in which the mounting inserts 110, 114, 128, 130 of the bracket member 102, 104/bracket member lock 106 may be removed from the mounting openings 44 of the vertical frame member 12 associated with the modular wall system (e.g., without any damage).

As shown in FIG. 8, the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104 are configured to be interleaved with each other with the mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, 110₃ of the first bracket member 102 alternating with the mounting inserts 114₁, 114₂, 114₃ of the second bracket member 104 such that the mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, 110₃ of the first bracket member 102 are received in one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₂, 44₄, 44₆, respectively of the vertical frame member 12 and the mounting inserts 114₁, 114₂, 114₃ of the second bracket member 104 is received in another adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁, 44₃, 44₅, respectively of the vertical frame member 12. The term “interleaved” may generally refer to mixing mounting inserts of the first and the second bracket members 102, 104 in an alternating pattern. The interleaving can be accomplished in a variety of ways and patterns as long as the brackets/bracket members can be interleaved to fit into the single vertical receiving openings. The interleaving brackets/bracket members may include brackets/bracket members alternating of each as shown in the figures of the present patent application. In another embodiment, the interleaving brackets/bracket members may include brackets/bracket members alternating every two (vs. one) etc. or any other configuration that may be advantageous to a given implementation and support of the accessory to be mounted.

The mounting inserts 110, 114 of the first and the second bracket members 102, 104 may share a common axis (e.g., along a vertical longitudinal axis VLA as shown in FIG. 8) and are substantially parallel to each other when the first and the second bracket members 102, 104 are mounted to the vertical frame member 12 of the modular wall system.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the bracket member 104 of the bracket system 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present patent application. The bracket member 102 of the bracket system 100 is not shown in FIG. 12 to clearly illustrate portions of the bracket member 104 of the bracket system 100. The base portion 112 of the bracket member 104 is attached to the accessory structure 120, 120′. The mounting inserts 114₁′, 114₂, 114₃ of the bracket member 104 are inserted into corresponding one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁, 44₃, 44₅ of the vertical frame member 12.

In one embodiment, one of the first bracket member and the second bracket member may include an anti-dislodging member that is configured to be positioned on the mounting insert at a top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member when the first bracket member and the second bracket member are interleaved with each other.

For example, the bracket member 104 includes an anti-dislodging member 146 that is configured to be positioned on the mounting insert 114₁′ at a top end of the bracket member 104. The anti-dislodging member 146 may be configured to be selectively inserted into the same one 44₁ of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁, 44₃, 44₅ of the vertical frame member 12 as that of the mounting insert 114₁′ at the top end of the bracket member 104 is inserted into so as to prevent dislodging of the bracket member 104. The anti-dislodging member 146 may also interchangeably referred to as dislodging protection feature/member.

The anti-dislodging member 146 may be configured to engage with a rear surface of the vertical frame member 12 near an upper edge of one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12 when the anti-dislodging member 146 is received in the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12.

The anti-dislodging member 146 may include an upward protrusion UP that is equal to or greater than the depth of notch/downwardly facing slot DFS that receives the lower edge LE of the vertically arranged mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12.

The anti-lodging member 146 is shown to be part of the mounting insert 114₁′ of the bracket member 104 when the mounting insert 114₁′ of the bracket member 104 is the topmost mounting insert of the bracket system 100. Although the anti-lodging member 146 is shown to be part of the mounting insert 114₁′ of the bracket 104, in another embodiment, the anti-lodging member 146 may be part of the mounting insert 110₁ of the bracket 102 when the of the mounting insert 110₁ of the bracket 102 is the topmost mounting insert of the bracket system 100.

FIGS. 13A-13E show various procedures in a method of mounting the bracket member 104 of the bracket system 100 of FIG. 12 to the modular wall. The bracket member 104 is attached/connected to the accessory structure 120/120′. The rear surface of the accessory structure 120/120′ may be attached to, for example, the front surface of the base portion 112 of the bracket member 104. The accessory structure 120/120′ may be attached to the base portion 112 using fasteners (i.e., passing through the opening 118 in the base portion 112).

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the accessory structure 120/120′ with the bracket member 104 attached thereto may be tilted (e.g., see titled direction TD) with respect to the vertical frame member 12 such that the anti-lodging member 146 on the mounting insert 114₁′ of the bracket member 104 clears the upper/top edge of the mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12 as the mounting insert 114₁′ of the bracket member 104 is being inserted into the mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12 The accessory structure 120/120′ (with the bracket member 104 attached thereto) may also be positioned slightly lower than the corresponding mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12, in this titled configuration, to enable easy insertion of the mounting insert 114₁′ of the bracket member 104 into the mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12.

As shown in FIG. 13C, the anti-lodging member 146 on the mounting insert 114₁′ of the bracket member 104 is first inserted (e.g., see insertion direction ID) into the vertically arranged mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12 when the accessory structure 120/120′ (with the bracket member 104 attached thereto) is still tilted with respect to the vertical frame member 12. Once the anti-lodging member 146 on the mounting insert 114₁′ of the bracket member 104 is inserted into the vertically arranged mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12, the accessory structure 120/120′ (with the bracket member 104 attached thereto) may be made to be/disposed parallel to the vertical frame member 12 to enable the insertion of the rest of the mounting insert 114₁′ of the bracket member 104 into the vertically arranged mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12. At the same time, the mounting inserts 114₂, 114₃ of the bracket member 104 are also inserted into the corresponding vertically arranged mounting opening 44₃, 44₅ of the vertical frame member 12. In this configuration, the accessory structure 120/120′ (with the bracket member 104 attached thereto) may be moved in the downwardly direction DD with respect to the vertical frame member 12. This downwardly movement of the accessory structure 120/120′ (with the bracket member 104 attached thereto) causing (inner) surfaces of the downwardly facing slots DFS of the mounting inserts 114₁′, 114₂, 114₃ to be engaged with (outer) surfaces of the lower edge LE of one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁, 44₃, 44₅ of the vertical frame member 12.

FIG. 14 shows the first bracket member 102, the second bracket member 104 and a bracket member lock 148 of the bracket system 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present patent application. The bracket member lock 148, in the illustrated embodiment, has a U-shaped configuration having a base member 150 and two side/leg members 152, 154. The two side/leg members 152, 154 have lock portions 156, 158 disposed thereon. As will be explained in detail below, the lock portions 156, 158 are configured to engage with surfaces at the upper/top end portions of the mounting openings of the vertical frame member 12. The bracket member lock 148 may be made from a flexible or resilient material, such as ABS, nylon, polystyrene, polypropylene, etc. The bracket member lock 148 is inserted into corresponding two adjacent of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member 12 after the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104 are interleaved with each other and are selectively engaged with the vertical frame member 12 associated with the modular wall system.

As explained in the previous embodiments and the rest of the patent application, the bracket members 102, 104 are attached/connected to the respective accessory structures 120, 120′. The accessory structures 120, 120′ with the bracket members 102, 104 attached thereto may be made to be/disposed parallel to the vertical frame member 12 to enable the insertion of the mounting inserts 114₁, 114₂, 114₃ of the bracket member 104 into the mounting openings 44₁, 44₃, 44₅ of the vertical frame member 12 and the insertion of the mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, 110₃ of the bracket member 102 into the mounting openings 44₂, 44₄, 44₆ of the vertical frame member 12. The first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104 are interleaved with each other.

The bracket member lock 148 is then inserted into two adjacent mounting openings (e.g., 44₃, 44₄ (as shown); 44₁, 44₂; 44₂, 44₃; 44₄, 44₅; or 44₅, 44₆). That is, the side/leg member 152 of the bracket member lock 148 is inserted into the same mounting opening 44₃ of the vertical frame member 12 into which the mounting insert 114₂ is inserted. The mounting insert 114₂ of the bracket member 104 is positioned below the side/leg member 152 of the bracket member lock 148 when both the mounting insert 114₂ of the bracket member 104 and the side/leg member 152 of the bracket member lock 148 are inserted into the same mounting opening 44₃ of the vertical frame member 12.

Similarly, the side/leg member 154 of the bracket member lock 148 is inserted into the same mounting opening 44₄ of the vertical frame member 12 into which the mounting insert 110₂ is inserted. The mounting insert 110₂ of the bracket member 102 is positioned below the side/leg member 154 of the bracket member lock 148 when both the mounting insert 110₂ of the bracket member 102 and the side/leg member 154 of the bracket member lock 148 are inserted into the same mounting opening 44₄ of the vertical frame member 12.

As the bracket member lock 148 is being inserted, the lock portions 156, 158 resiliently or elastically flex so as to allow the legs 152, 154 of the bracket member lock 148 to be inserted into their corresponding mounting openings 44₃, 44₄. The lock portions 156, 158 have sufficient resiliency to allow sufficient flexure thereof during insertion thereof. Upon insertion, the lock portions 156, 158 regain their original configuration and are configured to engage with (rear) surfaces at the upper ends of the corresponding mounting openings 44₃, 44₄ of the vertical frame member 12 The engagement between the lock portions 156, 158 and the rear surfaces of the vertical frame member 12 enables the bracket member lock 148 to lock the bracket members 102, 104 (from tilting and dislodging from) with respect to the vertical frame member 12.

FIG. 15 shows a bracket system that supports a work surface system in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application. The bracket member lock of FIG. 14 is used in the bracket system of FIG. 15 to prevent both the interleaved bracket members from lifting out of/dislodging from the vertical frame member 12.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18, the bracket member lock 106 is configured to be positioned at a top end TE′ of at least one of the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104. The bracket member lock 106 includes at least one mounting insert 128, 130. The mounting insert 128, 130 of the bracket member lock 106 is configured to be selectively inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁, 44₀ (see FIG. 17) of the vertical frame member 12 so as to prevent dislodging of the first bracket member 102 and/or the second bracket member 104.

That is, the bracket member lock 106 can be installed into the opening 44₁, 44₀ (see FIG. 17) of the vertical frame member 12 above the mounting bracket 102, 104 to lock the mounting bracket 102, 104 into place. The bracket member lock 106 may be interchangeably referred to as locking bracket. In one embodiment, the bracket member lock 106 may include a plastic snap-in insert. In other embodiments, the shape, the configuration, or the material of the bracket member lock 106 may vary. In some embodiments or implementations, the bracket member lock 106 may be inserted after cabinets, shelving or other accessory structures 120, 120′ are installed on to the vertical frame member 12.

In one embodiment, the at least one mounting insert 128, 130 of the bracket member lock 106 includes a first mounting insert 128 and a second mounting insert 130. In another embodiment, the at least one mounting insert 128, 130 of the bracket member lock 106 includes the mounting insert 128. In yet another embodiment, the at least one mounting insert 128, 130 of the bracket member lock 106 includes the mounting insert 130.

In another embodiment, a mounting insert (shaped similar to the first bracket insert 128, that is, without the second bracket insert 130) of the bracket member lock 106 can be installed into any of the openings 44₂, 44₃, 44₄, 44₅, 44₆ (see FIG. 17) of the vertical frame member 12 to lock the mounting brackets 102, 104 into place. That is, such a mounting insert is installed into the openings 44₂, 44₃, 44₄, 44₅, 44₆ along with corresponding mounting inserts 110₁, 114₂, 110₂, 114₃, 110₃. Also, such a mounting insert may be positioned to be on top of the corresponding mounting inserts 110₁, 114₂, 110₂, 114₅, 110₃, when the mounting insert is installed into the openings 44₂, 44₃, 44₄, 44₅, 44₆.

In one embodiment, the lower mounting insert 128 of the bracket member lock 106 is configured to be inserted into the same one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12 as that of the mounting insert at the top end TE′ of the first bracket member 102 or the second bracket member 104 is inserted into. As shown in FIG. 17, in one non-limiting embodiment, the mounting insert 114₁ is disposed at the top end TE′ of the second bracket member 104 and is inserted into the mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12. In this embodiment, the mounting insert 114₁ of the second bracket member 104 and the mounting insert 128 of the bracket member lock 106 are both inserted into the same mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12. In this configuration, the lower mounting insert 128 of the bracket member lock 106, inserted the mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12, is configured to prevent dislodging (e.g., the mounting insert 114₁) of the second bracket member 104 (and, therefore, the first bracket member 102 that is interleaved with the second bracket member 104). That is, because mounting insert 128 occupies the upper region of opening 44₁, the mounting insert 114₁ is blocked from being raised so its slot DFS cannot disengage from the lower edge of the opening 44₁ (and in turn the remainder of the mounting inserts 114 cannot be disengaged). In another embodiment, as would be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art, the mounting insert 110₁ may disposed be at the top end TE′ of the first bracket member 102. In such an embodiment, the mounting insert 110₁ of the first bracket member 102 and the mounting insert 128 of the bracket member lock 106 may be inserted into the mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12. In this configuration, the mounting insert 128 of the bracket member lock 106, inserted the mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12, is configured to prevent dislodging (e.g., the mounting insert 110₁) of the first bracket member 102 (and, therefore, the second bracket member 104 that is interleaved with the first bracket member 102).

In another embodiment, the mounting insert 130 of the bracket member lock 106 may be configured to be inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₀ of the vertical frame members 12 that is positioned above an adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12 the mounting insert 114₁ at the top end TE′ of the second bracket member 104 is inserted into. As noted above, although in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment the mounting insert 114₁, disposed at the top end TE′ of the second bracket member 104, is inserted into the mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12, in another embodiment, the mounting insert 110₁ of the first bracket member 102 may be disposed at the top end TE′ of the first bracket member 102 and may be inserted into the mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one mounting insert 128, 130 of the bracket member lock 106 includes a first mounting insert 128 and a second mounting insert 130. One of the first mounting insert 128 and the second mounting insert 130 is configured to be inserted into the same one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12 as that of the mounting insert 110₁/114₁ at the top end TE′ of the first bracket member 102 or the second bracket member 104 is inserted into. The other of the first mounting insert 128 and the second mounting insert 130 is configured to be inserted into an adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₀ of the vertical frame member 12 that is positioned above the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12 the mounting insert 110₁/114₁ at the top end TE′ of the first bracket member 102 or the second bracket member 104 is inserted into.

One of the first mounting insert 128 and the second mounting insert 130 (e.g., the first mounting insert 128 in FIG. 17) is configured to be engaged with an upper edge UE of the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12. The other of the first mounting insert 128 and the second mounting insert 130 (e.g., the first mounting insert 130 in FIG. 17) is configured to be engaged with both an upper edge UE and the lower edge LE of the adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₀ of the vertical frame member 12.

The bracket member lock 106 includes an elastically resilient portion 134 that is configured to be resilient enough to resume its original shape after being compressed to fit/pass through the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₀ of the vertical frame member 12. The resilient portion 134 is configured to press against an inner upper surface IUS of the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings 44₀ of the vertical frame member 12 to lock the bracket member lock 106 with respect to the vertical frame member 12.

The bracket member lock 106 includes a portion 132 that is configured to be connected/attached to the top surface TS of at least one of the accessory structure 120 and the adjacent pair thereof 120′ so as to further support the positioning of the bracket member lock 106 with respect to the vertical frame member 12. This portion 132 may be optional.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show two perspective views of the bracket system 100, where the base portion 108 of the first bracket member 102 is attached to the accessory structure 120, while the base portion 112 of the second bracket member 104 is not attached to the accessory structure so as to clearly show portions of the bracket system 100. Portions of the modular wall system including portions of the wall panels 70 and portions of the vertical frame member 12 are also shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIGS. 10 and 11 further show that the mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, 110₃ of the first bracket member 102 are inserted into corresponding openings 44₂, 44₄, 44₆ of the vertical frame member 12 for mounting the accessory structure 120 to the modular wall system and that the mounting inserts 114₁, 114₂, 114₃ of the second bracket member 104 are inserted into corresponding openings 44₁, 44₃, 44₅ of the vertical frame member 12.

A method for mounting an accessory structure 120 or an adjacent pair thereof 120′ to the modular wall system will be explained in detail here.

The method includes procedures of attaching/connecting the accessory structure 120 to one of the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104 and attaching/connecting the adjacent pair of the accessory structure 120′ to the other of the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104. Rear surfaces RS (as shown in FIGS. 9-11 and 18) of the accessory structure 120 and the adjacent pair thereof 120′ are attached to, for example, front surfaces FS (as shown in FIGS. 6, 8-11 and 18) of the base portions 108, 112 of the first bracket member 102 and the second bracket member 104, respectively. The accessory structure 120 and the adjacent pair thereof 120′ may be attached to the respective base portions 108, 112 using fasteners (passing through the openings 116, 118 in the base portions 108, 112). Other attachment/connections mechanisms may also be used to connect the respective bracket members 102, 104 to the accessory structure 120 and the adjacent pair thereof 120′.

The method also includes procedures of engaging the first bracket member 102 (with one of the accessory structure 120 and the adjacent pair thereof 120′ attached thereto) and the second bracket member 104 (with the other of the accessory structure 120 and the adjacent pair thereof 120′ attached thereto) with the vertical frame member 12 associated with the modular wall system. The engaging procedure of the first bracket member 102 with the vertical frame member 12 and the engaging procedure of the second bracket member 104 with the vertical frame member 12 may be performed simultaneously or may be performed one after the other.

The engaging procedures may include (a) procedure of inserting the mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, 110₃ of the first bracket member 102 into the vertically arranged mounting openings 44₂, 44₄, 44₆ of the vertical frame member 12, and (b) procedure of moving the mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, 110₃ of the first bracket member 102 in the vertically arranged mounting openings 44₂, 44₄, 44₆ of the vertical frame member 12 in the downwardly direction DD (as shown in FIG. 8) so that the downwardly facing slots DFS of the mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, 110₃ of the first bracket member 102 first receive the lower edges LE of the vertically arranged mounting openings 44₂, 44₄, 44₆ of the vertical frame member 12 therein and the inner surfaces of the downwardly facing slots DFS of the mounting inserts 110₁, 110₂, 110₃ of the first bracket member 102 engage with the outer surfaces of the lower edges LE of the vertically arranged mounting openings 44₂, 44₄, 44₆ of the vertical frame member 12.

Similarly, the engaging procedures may also include (a) procedure of inserting the mounting inserts 114₁, 114₂, 114₃ of the second bracket member 104 into the vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁, 44₃, 44₅ of the vertical frame member 12, and (b) procedure of moving the mounting inserts 114₁, 114₂, 114₃ of the second bracket member 104 in the vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁, 44₃, 44₅ of the vertical frame member 12 in the downwardly direction DD (as shown in FIG. 8) so that the downwardly facing slots DFS of the mounting inserts 114₁, 114₂, 114₃ of the second bracket member 104 first receive the lower edges LE of the vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁, 44₃, 44₅ of the vertical frame member 12 therein and the inner surfaces of the downwardly facing slots DFS of the mounting inserts 114₁, 114₂, 114₃ of the second bracket member 104 engage with the outer surfaces of the lower edges LE of the vertically arranged mounting openings 44₁, 44₃, 44₅ of the vertical frame member 12.

The method further includes procedure of engaging the bracket member lock 106 with the vertical frame member 12 associated with the modular wall system. In one embodiment, the engaging procedure includes procedure of inserting the mounting insert 128 and/or 130 of the bracket member lock 106 into the vertically arranged mounting openings 44₀, 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12.

For example, in one embodiment, the inserting procedure may include inserting the mounting insert 128 of the bracket member lock 106 (along with either the mounting insert 114₁ at the top end TE′ of the second bracket member 104 or the mounting insert 110₁ at the top end TE′ of the first bracket member 102) into the vertically arranged mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12 such that upper portions/surfaces 140 of the mounting insert 128 of the bracket member lock 106 engages the upper edge UE of the mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12 and either the mounting insert 114₁ at the top end TE′ of the second bracket member 104 or the mounting insert 110₁ at the top end TE′ of the first bracket member 102 engages the lower edge LE of the mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12.

In another embodiment, the inserting procedure may include inserting the mounting insert 130 of the bracket member lock 106 into the vertically arranged mounting opening 44₀ of the vertical frame member 12 (i.e., adjacent to the vertically arranged mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12 into which either the mounting insert 114₁ at the top end TE′ of the second bracket member 104 or the mounting insert 110₁ at the top end TE′ of the first bracket member 102 is inserted into) such that upper portions/surfaces 136 of the mounting insert 130 of the bracket member lock 106 engages the upper edge UE of the mounting opening 44₀ of the vertical frame member 12, lower portions/surfaces 138 of the mounting insert 130 of the bracket member lock 106 engages the lower edge UE of the mounting opening 44₀ of the vertical frame member 12, and the resilient portion 134 of the mounting insert 130 of the bracket member lock 106 presses against the inner upper surface IUS of the mounting openings 44% of the vertical frame member 12 to lock the bracket member lock 106 with respect to the vertical frame member 12.

In yet another embodiment, the inserting procedure may include a combination of the above two described embodiments in which both (a) inserting the mounting insert 128 of the bracket member lock 106 (along with either the mounting insert 114₁ at the top end TE′ of the second bracket member 104 or the mounting insert 110₁ at the top end TE′ of the first bracket member 102) into the vertically arranged mounting opening 44₁ of the vertical frame member 12 and (b) inserting the mounting insert 130 of the bracket member lock 106 into the vertically arranged mounting opening 44₀ of the vertical frame member 12.

The method further includes procedure of connecting/attaching the portion 132 of the bracket member lock 106 with the top surface TS of at least one of the accessory structure 120 and the adjacent pair thereof 120′ so as to further support the positioning of the bracket member lock 106 with respect to the vertical frame member 12. This procedure may be optional.

Although the present patent application has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the present patent application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, it is to be understood that the present patent application contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

The illustration of the embodiments of the present patent application should not be taken as restrictive in any way since a myriad of configurations and methods utilizing the present patent application can be realized from what has been disclosed or revealed in the present patent application. The systems, features and embodiments described in the present patent application should not be considered as limiting in any way. The illustrations are representative of possible construction and mechanical embodiments and methods to obtain the desired features. The location and/or the form of any minor design detail or the material specified in the present patent application can be changed and doing so will not be considered new material since the present patent application covers those executions in the broadest form.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Terms of degree such as “generally,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and “about” may be used herein when describing the relative positions, sizes, dimensions, or values of various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These terms mean that such relative positions, sizes, dimensions, or values are within the defined range or comparison (e.g., equal or close to equal) with sufficient precision as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the context of the various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections being described.

The foregoing illustrated embodiments have been provided to illustrate the structural and functional principles of the present patent application and are not intended to be limiting. To the contrary, the present patent application is intended to encompass all modifications, alterations and substitutions within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bracket system for mounting an accessory structure or an adjacent pair thereof to a modular wall system, the modular wall system comprising at least a vertical frame member, the vertical frame member has a series of vertically arranged mounting openings, the bracket system comprising: a first bracket member configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system, anda second bracket member configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system,wherein each of the first bracket member and the second bracket member has a base portion and a plurality of vertically spaced mounting inserts, each mounting insert extends away from the respective base portion, the base portions each being configured for attachment to the accessory structure or the adjacent pair thereof,wherein each mounting insert of the first bracket member and the second bracket member is configured to be selectively inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system, andwherein the first bracket member and the second bracket member are configured to be interleaved with each other with the mounting insert of the first bracket member alternating with the mounting insert of the second bracket member such that the mounting insert of the first bracket member is received in one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member and the mounting insert of the second bracket member is received in another adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member.

2. The bracket system of claim 1, wherein one of the first bracket member and the second bracket member includes an anti-dislodging member that is configured to be positioned on the mounting insert at a top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member, wherein the anti-dislodging member is configured to be selectively inserted into the same one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member as that of the mounting insert at the top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member is inserted into so as to prevent dislodging of the first bracket member or the second bracket member.

3. The bracket system of claim 2, wherein the anti-dislodging member is configured to engage with a rear surface of the vertical frame member near an upper edge of one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member when the anti-dislodging member is received in the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member.

4. The bracket system of claim 1, wherein each mounting insert of the first bracket member and the second bracket member has a downwardly facing slot that is configured to receive a lower edge of one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member when each mounting insert of the first bracket member and the second bracket member is received in the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member.

5. The bracket system of claim 4, wherein, when each mounting insert of the first bracket member and the second bracket member is moved downwardly, in a longitudinal direction of the vertical frame member, in the corresponding one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member, inner surfaces of the downwardly facing slot of each mounting insert are configured to engage with outer surfaces of the lower edge of the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member.

6. The bracket system of claim 1, further comprising a bracket member lock configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system, wherein the bracket member lock is configured to be positioned at a top end of at least one of the first bracket member and the second bracket member,wherein the bracket member lock includes at least one mounting insert, andwherein the mounting insert of the bracket member lock is configured to be selectively inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member so as to further prevent dislodging of the first bracket member and/or the second bracket member.

7. The bracket system of claim 6, wherein the mounting insert of the bracket member lock is configured to be inserted into the same one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member as that of the mounting insert at the top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member is inserted into.

8. The bracket system of claim 6, wherein the mounting insert of the bracket member lock is configured to be inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member that is positioned above an adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member the mounting insert at the top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member is inserted into.

9. The bracket system of claim 6, wherein the at least one mounting insert of the bracket member lock includes a first mounting insert and a second mounting insert, wherein one of the first mounting insert and the second mounting insert is configured to be inserted into the same one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member as that of the mounting insert at the top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member is inserted into, andwherein the other of the first mounting insert and the second mounting insert is configured to be inserted into an adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member that is positioned above the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member the mounting insert at the top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member is inserted into.

10. The bracket system of claim 9, wherein one of the first mounting insert and the second mounting insert is configured to be engaged with an upper edge of the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member, and wherein the other of the first mounting insert and the second mounting insert is configured to be engaged with both an upper edge and a lower edge of the adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member.

11. The bracket system of claim 9, wherein the at least one mounting insert of the bracket member lock includes a third mounting insert, wherein the third mounting insert is configured to be inserted into an adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member that is positioned below the one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member the mounting insert at the top end of the first bracket member or the second bracket member is inserted into.

12. A method of mounting a bracket system for mounting an accessory structure or an adjacent pair thereof to a modular wall system, the modular wall system comprising at least a vertical frame member, the vertical frame member has a series of vertically arranged mounting openings, wherein the bracket system comprises: a first bracket member configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system, anda second bracket member configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system,wherein each of the first bracket member and the second bracket member has a base portion and a plurality of vertically spaced mounting inserts, each mounting insert extends away from the respective base portion, the base portions each being configured for attachment to the accessory structure or the adjacent pair thereof,wherein each mounting insert of the first bracket member and the second bracket member is configured to be selectively inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system, andwherein the first bracket member and the second bracket member are configured to be interleaved with each other with the mounting insert of the first bracket member alternating with the mounting insert of the second bracket member such that the mounting insert of the first bracket member is received in one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member and the mounting insert of the second bracket member is received in another adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member,the method comprising: inserting the mounting inserts of the first and second bracket members into the vertically arranged series of the vertical frame member with the mounting insert of the first bracket member alternating with the mounting insert of the second bracket member such that the mounting insert of the first bracket member is received in one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member and the mounting insert of the second bracket member is received in another adjacent one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising attaching an accessory structure to the base portion of the first bracket member.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the accessory structure is attached to the base portion of the first bracket member before the act of inserting the mounting inserts of the first and second bracket members into the vertically arranged series of the vertical frame member.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising attaching another accessory structure to the base portion of the second bracket member.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the accessory structures are attached to the base portions of the first and second bracket members before the act of inserting the mounting inserts of the first and second bracket members into the vertically arranged series of the vertical frame member.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising attaching an accessory structure to both base portions of the first and second bracket members.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the accessory structure is attached to both base portions of the first and second bracket members before the act of inserting the mounting inserts of the first and second bracket members into the vertically arranged series of the vertical frame member.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the bracket system further comprises a bracket member lock configured to be selectively engageable with the vertical frame member associated with the modular wall system, wherein the bracket member lock is configured to be positioned at a top end of at least one of the first bracket member and the second bracket member, wherein the bracket member lock includes at least one mounting insert, and wherein the mounting insert of the bracket member lock is configured to be selectively inserted into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member so as to prevent dislodging of the first bracket member and/or the second bracket member, and wherein the method further comprises positioning the bracket member lock at a top end of at least one of the first bracket member and the second bracket member and inserting the mounting insert of the bracket lock member into one of the series of vertically arranged mounting openings of the vertical frame member so as to prevent dislodging of the first bracket member and/or the second bracket member.