Abstract:
A modular panel system including a plurality of posts where each post includes a front face, a rear face, and opposed lateral faces. A central channel is formed in the front face where the central channel has a linking opening, a first ledge and a second ledge. Cutouts are formed in the ledges. The rear face includes a panel receiving channel that receives an edge of a panel. A linking element is configured to be secured in the linking opening. The head of the linking element is sized to fit within the first and the second cutouts and be secured by the first and second ledges to couple the first post to the second post. The lateral faces of the coupled posts together form a first side central channel and a first side central channel cutout that is configured to receive a second linking element to couple a third post to the coupled first and second posts.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/772,015, entitled “Panel Support,” filed Feb. 20, 2013, now pending and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to a support for a panel and, in particular, to a support that is configured to interlock with one or more adjacent supports. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    Panel supports are often used in large areas, such as conference centers and office buildings, to segregate large areas into smaller, separate areas. The panel supports may be linked together to create segregated areas and may hold panels that act as walls between the segregated areas. A large area may then be used as if it were segregated by permanent walls that are part of the permanent structure of a building enclosing the large area. A grouping of linked panel supports may be temporarily installed in the large area or may remain in place permanently in the large area. 
         [0004]    Constructing panel supports, placing panels within the panel supports and attaching adjacent panel supports together to create the layout desired for a particular event, in addition to disengaging adjacent panel supports, removing the panels and disassembling the panel supports after the event, can be very time consuming and labor intensive. Panel supports may include additional features besides those necessary to hold the panel, such as, for example, extrusions with slots to hold accessories, that must be separately secured to the panel support. The assembly of panel supports and additional features often requires the use of tools and a skilled labor force that has been trained to perform such tasks. Thus, costs associated with the skilled labor required to assembly and disassemble panel supports for an event can be very high. 
         [0005]    In addition, in some instances, such as conferences, temporary exhibits, temporary shows and other temporary events, multiple events are scheduled back-to-back in a single venue. In such cases, the panel supports used for a particular event must be assembled and/or disassembled quickly, which may further increase the labor costs associated with preparing for the event. 
         [0006]    In view of the foregoing, minimizing the skill, training and time required to assemble and disassemble the panel support is important in reducing costs associated with an event. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A structure, system and method are described that reduce the skill, training and time required to assemble and disassemble a panel support. In a first aspect, a structure includes a central channel that includes a first ledge extending from a first side of the central channel and a second ledge extending from a second side of the central channel; a first cutout in the first ledge; a second cutout in the second ledge that is aligned with the first cutout; a first side channel that includes an outer wall with a first outer wall cutout aligned with the first cutout; and a second side channel that includes an outer wall with a second outer wall cutout aligned with the second cutout. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, a system for holding a panel includes a first post structure with a front side and a back side, wherein the front side includes a central channel with a pair of cutouts and the backside includes a back side channel and an accessory opening; a second post structure that also includes a front side and a back side, wherein the front side includes a central channel with a pair of cutouts and the backside includes a back side channel and an accessory opening; a base with a first lateral end of the base that is connected to the back side of the first post structure and a second lateral end that is connected to the back side of the second post structure; and a connector with a first lateral end of the connector that is connected to the back side of the first post structure and a second lateral end of the connector that is connected to the back side of the second post structure. 
         [0009]    In another aspect, a method of assembling a display unit includes providing a first post structure and a second post structure, wherein the first post structure and the second post structure include a front side and a back side and wherein the front side includes a central channel with a first cutout in a first side of the central channel and a second cutout in a second side of the central channel, and wherein the first cutout is aligned with the second cutout. The front side of the first post structure includes a linking opening in the central channel and a linking element connected to the linking opening; locating a head of the linking element of the first post structure between the first cutout and the second cutout of the second post structure and within the central channel of the second post structure; and misaligning the head of the linking element of the first post structure with the first and second cutouts of the second post structure. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, a system includes a base that has a base channel, a slide bolt and a post structure connected to a lateral end of the base. The slide bolt includes a first body member with a first portion having a first cross-sectional shape and a second portion having a second cross-sectional shape, wherein an area of the first cross-sectional shape is larger than an area of the second cross-sectional shape and wherein the first portion is shaped to fit within the base channel of the base. The slide bolt also includes a second body member connected to the first portion of the first body member, wherein the second body member is configured to be positioned generally perpendicularly to the base channel when the first body member is located in the base channel. The post structure also includes an opening shaped to receive the second portion of the slide bolt. 
         [0011]    In yet another aspect, a linking structure includes a central channel, wherein the central channel includes a first cutout in a first side of the central channel and a second cutout in a second side of the central channel. The first cutout is aligned with the second cutout. The linking structure also includes a removable linking element disposed in the central channel, wherein the removable linking element is attached to the linking structure to form a male attachment structure and is removed from the linking structure to form a female attachment structure. 
         [0012]    Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of the inventions disclosed. 
         [0013]    Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of the inventions disclosed. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0014]    The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a panel support system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the panel support system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a post structure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a magnified view of the post structure of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is another magnified view of the post structure of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a magnified perspective view of the post structure of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the post structure of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a magnified view of the post structure of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is another magnified view of the post structure of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a magnified side view of a post structure including a linking element and a foot. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a magnified top view of the panel support of  FIG. 1  including a linking element. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a back view of a back side of the post structure of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a magnified view of the post structure of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a magnified top view of the post structure of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is an exploded view of a base, a post structure, a foot and a slide bolt. 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a magnified perspective view of a base, a post structure and a slide bolt in the extended position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a slide bolt. 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a top view of the slide bolt of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the slide bolt of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  is a top view of a panel support assembly including a linking element and a slide bolt. 
           [0035]      FIG. 21  is a magnified perspective view of a post structure and two connectors. 
           [0036]      FIG. 22  is a magnified front view of a panel support assembly connected to another panel support assembly. 
           [0037]      FIG. 23A  is a top view of four interconnected panel support assemblies. 
           [0038]      FIG. 23B  is an exploded, perspective view of the four panel support assemblies of  FIG. 23A . 
           [0039]      FIG. 24A  is an exploded view of a post structure, two connectors and an end cap. 
           [0040]      FIG. 24B  is a perspective view of the post structure, two connectors and end cap of  FIG. 24A , with the end cap attached to the post structure. 
           [0041]      FIG. 25  is a schematic diagram showing a method of assembling a display unit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , a system  100  is illustrated that includes a first post structure  102 , a second post structure  104 , a base  106  connected to the first and second post structures  102 ,  104 , and first and second connectors  108  connected to the first and second post structures  102 ,  104 , wherein one connector  108  is spaced from the other connector  108 . A panel  110  is held in the system  100  between the first and second post structures  102 ,  104 , the base  106 , and the first and second connectors  108 . As discussed in more detail below, the system  100  is configured to hold the panel  110  and to act as a portable wall. The system  100  is connectable to other systems  100  to create, for example, a booth in which the panels  110  act as walls surrounding and segregating an area of a venue, for example, a trade show floor, from other areas of the venue. The system allows  100  for easy installation of the panel  110  and quick connection of the system  100  to other systems  100 . As will be explained in further detail below, the system  100  allows for reduced assembly time, lower manufacturing costs, the use of lower skilled, less expensive labor, and the use of lower cost, interchangeable parts, in addition to creating an aesthetically pleasing portable wall. 
         [0043]    The post structure  102  of the system  100  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 3-14 . The post structure  102  includes a front side  112  shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , two lateral sides  116  shown in  FIGS. 7-10 , and a back side  114  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . Referring to the embodiments of  FIG. 4 , the front side  112  of the post structure  102  includes a central channel  118  that includes a first ledge  124  that extends from a first side  120  of the central channel  118  and a second ledge  126  that extends from a second side  122  of the central channel  118 .  FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of the post structure  102  showing an embodiment of the central channel  118 , first ledge  124  and second ledge  126 . 
         [0044]    Referring again to  FIG. 4 , the first ledge  124  and the second ledge  126  include cutouts  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  spaced along the length of the central channel  118  and oriented to allow for the removable attachment of the post structure  102  to an adjacent post structure  104 , as shown in  FIG. 22 . The first ledge  124  includes a first cutout  128  and the second ledge  126  includes a second cutout  130  that is aligned with the first cutout  128 . As will be described in more detail below, the first and second cutouts  128 ,  130  allow for the attachment of the post structure  102  to an adjacent post structure  104  by receiving a head  142  of a linking element  140  between the first and second cutouts  128 ,  130 . Thus, the size and shape of the first and second cutouts  128 ,  130  corresponds to the size and shape of the head  142  of the linking element  140 . 
         [0045]    As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the first ledge  124  also includes a third cutout  132  and the second ledge  126  includes a fourth cutout  134  that is aligned with the third cutout  132 . The third and fourth cutouts  132 ,  134  are also aligned to allow a head  142  of a linking element  140  to pass between the third and fourth cutouts  132 ,  134 , similar to the first and second cutouts  128 ,  130 , thus allowing the attachment of the post structure  102  to an adjacent post structure  104 . 
         [0046]    The embodiment of  FIG. 4  also includes a linking opening  136  that is located in the central channel  118  between the first and second cutouts  128 ,  130  and the third and fourth cutouts  132 ,  134 . The linking opening  136  is configured to removably and adjustably receive the linking element  140  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ). As shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , the linking element  140  protrudes from a surface of the front side  112  of the post structure  102  so that the head  142  of the linking element  140  is exposed. The linking element  140  is adjustable in the linking opening  136  and is removably attached to the linking opening  136 . The linking opening  136  may extend partially through the thickness of the material of the central channel  118  or may extend completely through the thickness of the material of the central channel  118 . 
         [0047]    As discussed above, the head  142  of the linking element  140  is sized to fit between a first cutout  128  and a second cutout  130  of a post structure  104  of an adjacent system  202  and to lock within a central channel  118  of the adjacent system  202 , as shown in  FIG. 22 . Because the linking element  140  is removable from the linking opening  136 , the front side  112  may function as a male attachment, in which the linking element  140  protrudes from the front side  112 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , or a female attachment, in which a linking element  140  is not attached to the linking opening  136  and the cutouts  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  may receive the linking element  140  of an adjacent system  202 , as shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 3-9 . 
         [0048]    Referring again to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , in some embodiments the linking element  140  is easily removable from the linking opening  136 , such as, for example, by a threaded connection between the linking element  140  and the linking opening  136 , so that the front side  112  of the post structure  102  can be changed from a male connection to a female connection, or vice versa, by a user without the need to search for designated male or female post structure  102 . In addition, in some embodiments, the linking element  140  is insertable in and/or removable from the linking opening  136  by hand without the need for additional tools. For example, a perimeter of the head  142  may have a knurled surface for gripping by the user. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the first, second, third and fourth cutouts  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  and the linking opening  136  together constitute an attachment group  138 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, the post structure  102  includes five attachment groups  138  spaced along the post structure  102 . In other embodiments, the post structure  102  may include any number of attachment groups  138 . In addition, although the attachment groups  138  shown in the FIGURES include a first, second, third and fourth cutouts  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 , the attachment groups  138  may include other numbers and arrangements of cutouts. For example, in some embodiments, an attachment group  138  includes only the first and third cutouts  128 ,  132  in the first side of the central channel  118 . In some embodiments, the attachment group  138  includes only the second and fourth cutouts  130 ,  134  in the second side of the central channel  118 . In some embodiments, the attachment group  138  includes only a single cutout  128  in one side of the central channel  118 . In yet other embodiments, the attachment group  138  includes only the first and second cutouts  128 ,  130 . The attachment groups  138 , and specifically, cutouts of the attachment groups  138 , may be in any orientation that is configured to accept a head  142  of a linking element  140  of an adjacent panel system  202 , as illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 22 . 
         [0050]    In the embodiments shown in  FIG. 3 , the central channel  118  extends the entire length of the post structure  102 . In some embodiments, however, the central channel  118  is contained within an attachment group  138  and extends only from a first end of the attachment group  138  to a second, opposite attachment group  138 , or, in other words, from the first and second cutouts  128 ,  130  to the third and fourth cutouts  132 ,  134  (not shown). In some embodiments, the central channel  118  extends past one or more of the first and second ends of the attachment group  138  but does not extend the entire length of the post structure  102  (not shown). 
         [0051]    Referring again to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the front side  112  of the post structure  102  also includes a first side channel  144  adjacent to the first side  120  of the central channel  118  and a second side channel  146  adjacent to the second side  122  of the central channel  118 . The first side channel  144  includes an outer wall  148 . The outer wall  148  includes a first outer wall cutout  150  that is aligned with the first cutout  128  and a third outer wall cutout  154  that is aligned with the third cutout  132 . 
         [0052]    The second side channel  146  also includes an outer wall  148 . The outer wall  148  of the second side channel  146  includes a second outer wall cutout  152  that is aligned with the second cutout  130  and a fourth outer wall cutout  156  that is aligned with the fourth cutout  134 . In some embodiments, one or more of the first, second, third and fourth outer wall cutouts  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  are included in the attachment group  138 . 
         [0053]    As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 22 , when two systems  200 ,  202  are connected together, the first and second outer wall cutouts  150 ,  152  are aligned and the third and fourth outer wall cutouts  154 ,  156  are aligned. The first and third outer wall cutouts  150 ,  154  of the first post structure  102  and the second and fourth outer wall cutouts  152 ,  156  of the second post structure  104  form a first lateral attachment group  194  that is similar to the attachment group  138 . Thus, when two post structures  102 ,  104  are joined together with their front sides  112  touching, a third post structure  204  may be connected to the first lateral attachment group  194 , as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 23A and 23B . 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 22 and 23A , the second and fourth outer wall cutouts  152 ,  156  of the first post structure  102  of the first system  200  and the first and third outer wall cutouts  150 ,  154  of the second post structure  104  of the second system  202  form a second lateral attachment group  196  on an opposite side of the post structures  102 ,  104  from the first lateral attachment group  138 . Thus, when two post structures  102 ,  104  are joined together with their front sides  112  touching, a fourth post structure  206  may be connected to the second lateral attachment group  196 , opposite the first lateral attachment group  194 . 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the first and second side channels  144 ,  146  also include inner walls  192 . The inner wall  192  of the first side channel  144  includes a first inner wall cutout  158  and the inner wall  192  of the second side channel  146  includes a second inner wall cutout  160 . The first inner wall cutout  158  is aligned with the second inner wall cutout  160 . Referring now to  FIG. 22 , when two systems  200 ,  202  are joined with the front side  112  of the first system  200  contacting the front side  112  of the second system  202 , the first inner wall cutout  158  aligns with the second inner wall cutout  160  to create an opening between the first and second systems  200 ,  202  that is configured to receive a slide bolt  172  of a third and fourth adjoining systems  204 ,  206 , as will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0056]    Referring again to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the front side  112  also includes a slide bolt opening  162  adjacent to the first inner wall cutout  158  and the second inner wall cutout  160 . As discussed in further detail below, the slide bolt opening  162  is configured to receive a slide bolt  172  from an adjacent system. For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 22 , the slide bolt  172  of the first system  200  is received in the slide bolt opening  162  of the second system  202 . The slide bolt  172  acts to stabilize the connection between the adjoining systems  200 ,  202  when it is in the slide bolt opening  162  of an adjacent system. 
         [0057]    Referring now to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 13 , the back side  114  of the post structure  102  includes a back side channel  164  and at least one accessory opening  166 . The back side channel  164  is configured to slidably receive the panel  110  when the panel  110  is disposed between the first and second post structures  102 ,  104 , as depicted in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In conjunction with a first base channel  168 , shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the back side channels  164  of the first and second post structures  102 ,  104  hold the panel  110  within the assembly  100 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the central channel  118  and the back side channel  164  are similar in shape and depth. In some embodiments, however, the central channel  118  and the back side channel  164  are dissimilar in shape and depth. In addition, although the central channel  118  and the back side channel  164  are generally in a center of the front and back sides  112 ,  114  of the post structure  102 , the central channel  118  and the back side channel  164  may be by located off-center in some embodiments. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the accessory openings  166  are configured to hold elements, such as trays, shelving, garment racks, display bars and other custom attachments, between the accessory openings  166  of a first post structure  102  and the accessory openings  166  of a second post structure  104 . The accessory openings  166  of the first post structure  102  and the accessory openings  166  of the second post structure  104  face each other when the post structures  102 ,  104  are connected as shown in the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . The accessory openings  166  of the first post structure  102  and the accessory openings  166  of the second post structure  104  face each other on a front side of the system  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , and on a back side of the system  100  (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 12 , the accessory openings  166  are grouped into groupings of four accessory openings  166  and each grouping of four accessory openings  166  is spaced from other groupings of four accessory openings  166 . The spacing between groupings of accessory openings  166  lowers the manufacturing cost associated with the post structure  102 . In some embodiments, other numbers of accessory openings  166  may be grouped together and/or the individual accessory openings  166  may be equally spaced along the post structure  102 . The accessory openings  166  may be openings transverse the back side  114  or indentations in the back side  114 . 
         [0059]    As depicted in the embodiments of  FIGS. 3, 7 and 12 , the post structure  102  is generally symmetrical about a central lateral axis of the post structure  102 . For example, the post structure  102  includes a first side inner wall cutout  158  and a second side inner wall cutout  160  near each lateral end of the post structure  102 , as well as a symmetrical number and orientation of attachment groups  138 . In addition, the post structure  102  is generally symmetrical about a central, perpendicular axis that is perpendicular to the central lateral axis of the post structure  102 . In some embodiments, however, the post structure  102  is not symmetrical and corresponding, adjacent post structures are similarly non-symmetrical so that the post structures may be connected together. 
         [0060]    Referring again to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the base  106  is secured to the first and second post structures  102 ,  104 . Referring to  FIG. 15 , the base  106  includes a first base channel  168  and a second base channel  170  on an opposite side of the base  106  from the first base channel  168 . The base  106  may be permanently attached to the first and second post structures  102 ,  104  or removably attached to the first and second post structures  102 ,  104 . The base  106  may be any suitable structure that includes the first and second base channels  168 ,  170 . For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 15  the base  106  is a section of an extruded metal piece. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , the base  106  is secured to the back side  114  of the first and second post structures  102 ,  104  so that the first base channel  168  aligns with the back side channels  164  of the first and second post structures  102 ,  104 . The first base channel  168  is configured to receive a portion of the panel  110  to help secure the panel  110  in the system  100 . An opening of the first base channel  168  is sized to correspond to the width of the panel  110  so that a portion of the panel  110  rests within the first base channel  168  when the panel  110  is installed in the system  100 . 
         [0062]    The second base channel  170  is configured to receive a slide bolt  172 . Referring specifically to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 17-19 , the slide bolt  172  includes a first body member  174  designed to slidable engage the second base channel  170 , and a second body member  176 . The second body member  176  is attached to the first body member  174  so that the slide bolt  172  is generally formed in the shape of a lower case “t”. 
         [0063]    The first body member  174  includes a first portion  184  having a first cross-sectional shape and a second portion  186  having a second cross-sectional shape. The area of the first cross-sectional shape is larger than the area of the second cross-sectional shape such that a ledge  178  is formed at the intersection of the first portion  184  and the second portion  186 . The cross sectional shape of the first portion  184  is shaped to slide within the second base channel  170  and the cross sectional shape of the second portion  186  is shaped to slide within the slide bolt opening  162 , as shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 15, 16 and 22 . 
         [0064]    Referring to the embodiment of  FIG. 16 , the second body member  176  of the slide bolt  172  is configured to be positioned generally perpendicularly to the second base channel  170  when the first body member  174  is located in the second base channel  170 . As such, the second body member  176  protrudes from both sides of the base  106  and is accessible to a user on both sides of the base  106 . Thus, a user can move the slide bolt  172  into or out of the slide bolt opening  162  from both sides of the base  106 , for example, using the user&#39;s foot. 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 22 , the slide bolt  172  stabilizes the connection between adjacent, interconnected systems  200 ,  202 . In practice, the slide bolt  172  is in a retained position until two systems  200 ,  202  are connected. Once the systems  200 ,  202  are connected, the slide bolt  172  is moved toward the second system  202  so that the second portion  186  of the first body member  174  enters the slide bolt opening  162  of the second system  202 . The ledge  178  contacts an inner lateral surface of the second base channel  170  when the slide bolt  172  has been completely inserted into the slide bolt  172  opening  162 . As described above, the slide bolt  172  of a third system  204  may stabilize the connection of the third system  204  to the first two systems  200 ,  202  by entering the area between the first inner wall cutout  158  of the first system  200  and the second inner wall cutout  160  of the second system  202 . A fourth system  206  may be similarly secured to the first and second systems  200 ,  202 . 
         [0066]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the first and second connectors  108  are connected to the first and second post structures  102 ,  104 . Like the base  106 , the first and second connectors  108  may be permanently attached to the first and second post structures  102 ,  104  or removably attached to the first and second post structures  102 ,  104 . Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the first and second connectors  108  are spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the panel  110  so that the panel  110  can be inserted into the system  100  by placing the panel  110  between the first and second connectors  108 . 
         [0067]    The first post structure  102 , second post structure  104 , base  106  and connectors  108  may be made by extruding a material in the respective shapes of those parts. The material of the extrusion may be metal, plastic or any other suitable material. Long extrusions may be cut to the appropriate length to make the first post structure  102 , second post structure  104 , base  106  and connectors  108 . The cutouts described herein may be made by removing material from the metal extrusions once the extrusions have been formed, for example, by use of a saw. In some embodiments, however, the first post structure  102 , second post structure  104 , base  106  and connectors  108  are made by molding into a shape that already includes any cutouts. Thus, in some embodiments, no extra material needs to be removed to create the cutouts. The openings described herein may be made by drilling, punching or any other suitable method. 
         [0068]    In use, the system  100  may be supplied to a user in a completely assembled state, in which the base  106 , first and second post structures  102 ,  104 , and connectors  108  are already connected together as shown in  FIG. 1 , or the system  100  may be supplied disassembled. In some instances, the base  106 , first and second post structures  102 ,  104 , and connectors  108  are permanently connected together before being supplied to the user to prevent a user from disassembling the system  100 . If necessary, the user assembles the system  100  by connecting lateral ends of the base  106  to the back sides  114  of the first and second post structures  102 ,  104  and connecting lateral ends of the connectors  108  to the back sides  114  of the first and second post structures  102 ,  104 . 
         [0069]    Once the system  100  is assembled, the user inserts the panel  110  between the first and second connectors  108  and between the first and second post structures  102 ,  104 . The panel  110  slides within the back side channels  164  of the first and second post structures  102 ,  104  until the panel  110  contacts the first base channel  168 . The system  100  is then placed in an upright position in which the connectors  108  are placed vertically over the base  106 . The panel  110  is secured in the first base channel  168  and the back side channels  164  of the first and second post structures  102 ,  104  by the force of gravity acting on the panel  110 . In some embodiments, the panel  110  may be further secured within the system  100  by some other mechanism, for example, by placing bolts between the connectors  108 . 
         [0070]    Adjacent systems  100  are then linked to the system  100  in order to create the desired layout. As depicted in the embodiment of  FIG. 22 , a first system  200  is linked to a second, adjacent system  202  to create a larger wall by locating the head  142  of the linking element  140  of the second system  202  between either the first and second cutouts  128 ,  130  of the first system  200  or the third and fourth cutouts  132 ,  134  of the first system  200 . The head  142  of the linking element  140  of the second system  200  is then placed within the central channel  118  of the first system  200 . The head  142  is then misaligned with the cutouts  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  of the first system  200  and removably locked within the central channel  118  of the first system  200 , as shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         [0071]    A similar process is followed to lock a third and a fourth system  204 ,  206  to the first and second systems  200 ,  202 , as shown in  FIGS. 23A and 23B . Referring to  FIG. 22 , a lateral channel is formed by the first side channel  144  of the first system  200  and the second side channel  146  of the second system  202  when the front sides  112  of the first and second post structures  102 ,  104  contact each other. A lateral channel is also formed on the opposite side of the lateral channel described above by the first side channel  144  of the second system  202  and the second side channel  146  of the first system  200 . 
         [0072]    When the first and second systems  200 ,  202  are in the position shown in  FIG. 22 , the first and third outer wall cutouts  150 ,  154  of the first system  200  align with the second and fourth outer wall cutouts  152 ,  156  of the second system  202 , respectively. As explained above, a space between the cutouts  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  allows for passage of a head  142  of the linking element  140  of a third system  204 . Once the head  142  of the linking element  140  of the third system  204  passes between the cutouts  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 , the head  142  is misaligned with the cutouts  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  and locked within the lateral channel  198 . The lateral channel formed by the first and second side channels  144 ,  146  is sized to retain a head  142  of a linking element  140 . 
         [0073]    As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 24A , in some embodiments an end cap  188  may be connected to a post structure  102 , for example, on an end of a row of systems  100  to create an aesthetically pleasing wall end. The end cap  188  is secured to the post structure  102  using attachment groups  138  and linking elements  136  in the manner described above. The end cap  188 , however, does not include accessory openings  166  and need not include the back side channel  164  because the end cap  190  is configured to create an aesthetically pleasing end arrangement for the system  100 . As shown in  FIG. 24B , the end cap  188  may include a hook  180  on a lateral end of the end cap  188  to further secure the end cap  188  to the post structure  102 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 25  illustrates a method  300  for securing a first post structure  102  to a second post structure  104 . The method begins at element  302  and a first post structure  102  and a second post structure  104  are provided at element  304 . The first and second post structures  102 ,  104  include a front side  112  with a central channel  118  that includes a first cutout  128  in a first side of the channel  120  that is aligned with a second cutout  130  in a second side of the channel  122 . The front side  112  of the first post structure  102  also includes a linking opening  136  in the central channel  118  and a linking element  140  connected to the linking opening  136 . 
         [0075]    At element  306  a head  142  of the linking element  140  of the first post structure  102  is located between the first cutout  128  and the second cutout  130  of the second post structure  104  and within the channel of the second post structure  104  at element  306 . Then, the head  142  of the linking element  140  of the first post structure  102  is misaligned with the first and second cutouts  128 ,  130  of the second post structure  104  to lock the linking element  140  within the central channel  118  of the second post structure  104  and to lock the first post structure  102  to the second post structure  104  at element  308 . 
         [0076]    The method  300  may also include providing a first side channel  144  and a second side channel  146  in the first post structure  102  and the second post structure  104 . The first side channel  144  includes a first outer wall  148  that includes a first outer wall cutout  150  aligned with the first cutout  128 . The second side channel  146  includes a second outer wall  148  that includes a second outer wall cutout  152  aligned with the second cutout  130 . A third post structure may be provided that includes a linking opening  136  and a linking element  140  connected to the linking opening  136 . A head  142  of the linking element  140  of the third post structure may be located between the first outer wall cutout  150  of the first post structure  102  and the second outer wall cutout  152  of the second post structure  104 . The head  142  of the linking element  140  of the third post structure may be misaligned with the first outer wall  148  cutout of the first post structure  102  and the second outer wall  148  cutout of the second post structure  104 . 
         [0077]    In some embodiments, the method  300  may also include securing a hook  180  to a lateral end of the third post structure and securing a foot  182  to a lateral end of at least one of the first post structure  102  and the second post structure  104 . 
         [0078]    In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes other technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “left” and right”, “front” and “rear”, “above” and “below”, “first” and “second”, and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. 
         [0079]    In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear. 
         [0080]    In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive. 
         [0081]    Furthermore, invention(s) have described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.