Patent Publication Number: US-2010116953-A1

Title: Quick disconnect bracket assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/059,980, filed on Jun. 9, 2008, entitled “Quick Disconnect Bracket Assembly,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of modular storage assemblies. In particular, the present invention relates to a cantilever bracket assembly that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A clean and well-organized workspace can facilitate a productive work environment and lead to increased efficiency. Storage units that can be adapted to accommodate various types of work allow versatility to a single workspace by maximizing the workspace and creating flexible work environments. Modular storage units are often used in cubicle settings to provide a team environment in which numerous people can be generally located in one area while also providing individual workspaces for each person. By using modular storage units, each workspace can also be adapted to meet the individual needs of each person. For example, various different desks, shelving units, and towers can be connected to the frame of the cubicle to create a personalized workspace. 
     Because the business world is dynamic, workspaces are constantly changing. Assembling and disassembling the workspaces can be time-consuming and reduce productivity as the work environment is built or modified, resulting in wasted time and money. In addition, some frameworks and storage units may require special tools or expertise to assemble or disassemble. There is therefore a need in the art for an assembly which allows quick installation or modification of existing structures. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is a bracket assembly. The cantilever bracket assembly includes a case bracket having an elongated channel, a generally L-shaped mounting bracket and means for locking the case bracket to the mounting bracket. The L-shaped mounting bracket includes a first portion having a protrusion for attaching the mounting bracket to a vertical standard and a second portion slidable within the elongated channel of the case bracket. The case bracket is slidable between an unlocked position and a locked position relative to the mounting bracket. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention is a locking bracket assembly. The locking bracket assembly includes a case bracket, a cantilever bracket and a locking mechanism. The case bracket includes an elongated panel having a top extension extending substantially perpendicular to the elongated panel, a bottom extension extending substantially perpendicular to the elongated panel and a cut-out. The cantilever bracket is slidable within the case bracket and includes a mount flange having a protrusion for engaging an aperture of a vertical support and an elongated channel having a cut-out. The locking mechanism is positionable in a first position and a second position and locks the case bracket to the cantilever bracket. 
     In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a method of locking a storage unit onto a vertical support. The method includes attaching a mounting bracket to the vertical support and attaching a case bracket onto the storage unit. Each of the mounting bracket and the case bracket includes a channel having a cut-out. The method further includes sliding the channel of the case bracket over the channel of the mounting bracket, aligning the cut-out in the channel of the case bracket with the cut-out in the channel of the mounting bracket, and engaging a locking mechanism through the cut-outs of the case bracket and the mounting bracket. 
     Various other aspects are contemplated and should be understood with reference to the text and drawings that follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a modular storage unit using a bracket assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a front schematic view of a mounting bracket of the bracket assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a bottom schematic view of the mounting bracket, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a case bracket of the bracket assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic view of a ball latch of the bracket assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a schematic view of the ball latch positioned within the mounting bracket, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a front perspective view of the mounting bracket positioned within the case bracket, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a rear perspective view of the mounting bracket positioned within the case bracket, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the mounting bracket of the bracket assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the case bracket of the bracket assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A  is a schematic view of a spring clip of the bracket assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8B  is a rear perspective view of the spring clip positioned within the mounting bracket, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the mounting bracket of the bracket assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the case bracket of the bracket assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of a spring clip of the bracket assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of the spring clip positioned within the mounting bracket in a relaxed state, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of the spring clip positioned within the mounting bracket in a compressed state, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, some embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. As alluded to above, the intention, however, is not to limit the invention by those examples. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic view of a bracket assembly  10  for mounting a modular storage unit  12  onto a vertical support assembly  14  having a first vertical standard  14   a  and a second vertical standard  14   b . The bracket assembly  10  maintains the storage unit  12  to the vertical support assembly  14  in a cantilevered manner and includes first and second mounting brackets  16   a  and  16   b  (collectively referred to as “mounting brackets  16 ”), first and second case brackets  18   a  and  18   b  (collectively referred to as “case brackets  18 ”) and first and second locking mechanisms  20   a  and  20   b  ( FIG. 4A ) (collectively referred to as “locking mechanisms  20 ”). The first and second mounting brackets  16   a  and  16   b , second case bracket  18   b  and first and second locking mechanisms  20   a  and  20   b  are shown in phantom in  FIG. 1 . The bracket assembly  10  allows the storage unit  12  to be quickly assembled and disassembled onto the vertical support assembly  14  and can be used in any situation where it is desired to have an easily modifiable system. For example, the bracket assembly  10  may be used in an office environment where individual workspaces are created using a framework structure, such as cubicles. By using the bracket assembly  10  to mount the storage unit  12  onto the vertical support assembly  14 , the amount of time and energy expended on creating the work space is reduced. Although  FIG. 1  depicts the storage unit  12  as an enclosed shelving unit, any modular unit may be used, such as an open shelving unit, a cabinet or a tray. 
       FIG. 2A  shows a front schematic view of the first mounting bracket  16   a  and  FIG. 2B  shows a bottom schematic view of the first mounting bracket  16   a . The mounting brackets  16  allow quick assembly and disassembly of the case brackets  18  ( FIG. 1 ) to and from the vertical support assembly  14  ( FIG. 1 ). The second mounting bracket  16   b  is a mirror-image of the first mounting bracket  16   a  and can thus be described cumulatively with reference to the first mounting bracket  16   a . The first mounting bracket  16   a  includes a mount flange  22  and a casing  24 . The mount flange  22  is substantially L-shaped and includes a first edge  26  and a second edge  28 . The first edge  26  includes a first L-shaped protrusion  30   a , a second L-shaped protrusion  30   b , a third L-shaped protrusion  30   c  and a fourth L-shaped protrusion  30   d  (collectively referred to as “L-shaped protrusions  30 ”) for engaging the vertical support assembly  14 . The first L-shaped protrusion  30   a  extends upward to form a hook portion  32   a . Each of the second, third and fourth L-shaped protrusions  30   b ,  30   c  and  30   d  extends downward to form a hook portion  32   b ,  32   c  and  32   d  with a mouth  34   b ,  34   c  and  34   d , respectively, formed between the hook portion  32   b ,  32   c  and  32   d  and the first edge  26  of the mount flange  22 . The second edge  28  of the mount flange  22  connects the mount flange  22  to the casing  24 . 
     The casing  24  has a trailing end  36  and a leading end  38  and is formed as a channel  40  including a guide flange  42 , a top flange  44  and a bottom flange  46 . The trailing end  36  of the casing  24  is connected to the second edge  28  of the mount flange  22 . The top flange  44  extends substantially perpendicularly from a top edge  48  of the guide flange  42 . The bottom flange  46  extends substantially perpendicularly from a bottom edge  50  of the guide flange  42  and includes a lip  52 . The lip  52  extends substantially perpendicularly from the bottom flange  46  towards the top flange  44  such that the lip  52  is substantially parallel to the guide flange  42 . The space formed between the guide flange  42 , the top flange  44  and the bottom flange  46  defines the channel  40 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2B , the bottom flange  46  also includes a cut-out  54  between the trailing and leading ends  36  and  38  of the casing  24 . The cut-out  54  is sized to partially accept the locking mechanism  20  ( FIG. 4A ). In one embodiment, the cut-out  54  is substantially circular in shape. 
       FIG. 3  shows a schematic view of the first case bracket  18   a  of the bracket assembly  10  ( FIG. 1 ). The case brackets  18  allow the storage unit  12  ( FIG. 1 ) to be easily mounted to the mounting brackets  16  for attachment to the vertical support assembly  14  ( FIG. 1 ). The second case bracket  18   b  is a mirror-image of the first case bracket  18   a  and can thus be described cumulatively with reference to the first case bracket  18   a . The first case bracket  18   a  is formed as a channel  56  having a guide flange  58 , a top flange  60  and a bottom flange  62 . The top flange  60  is generally L-shaped and extends substantially perpendicularly from a top edge  64  of the guide flange  58 . The top flange  60  includes a lip  66  extending substantially perpendicularly from the top flange  60  and away from the bottom flange  62 . 
     The bottom flange  62  extends substantially perpendicularly from a bottom edge  68  of the guide flange  58  and has a first end  70  and a second end  72 . The bottom flange  62  includes a lip  74  extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom flange  62  and away from the top flange  60 . The first and second ends  70  and  72  of the bottom flange  62  are sloped away from the guide flange  58  to facilitate insertion of the first mounting bracket  16   a  ( FIG. 2B ) within the first case bracket  18   a . The bottom flange  62  also includes a cut-out  76  between the first and second ends  70 ,  72  of the bottom flange  62  proximate the lip  74 . The cut-out  76  is sized substantially similarly to the cut-out  54  of the first mounting bracket  16   a . In one embodiment, the cut-out  76  is substantially circular in shape. 
     The space formed between the guide flange  58 , the top flange  60  and the bottom flange  62  defines the channel  56 . The guide flange  58 , the top flange  60  and the bottom flange  62  of the first case bracket  18   a  have slightly greater heights than the guiding flange  42 , top flange  44  and bottom flange  46 , respectively, of the first mounting bracket  16   a . The channel  56  of the first case bracket  18   a  is thus slightly taller and wider than the channel  40  of the first case bracket  18   a  so that the channel  40  forming the casing  24  of the first mounting bracket  16   a  is slidable within the channel  56  of the first case bracket  18   a , as shown in  FIG. 5A . The first mounting bracket  16   a  is positionable within the first case bracket  18   a  such that the cut-out  54  of the first mounting bracket  16   a  can be aligned with the cut-out  76  of the first case bracket  18   a.    
       FIG. 4A  shows a schematic view of a ball latch  78  of the bracket assembly  10  ( FIG. 1 ), which functions as a locking mechanism  20   a ,  20   b . The ball latch  78  is movable between a relaxed state and a compressed state and includes a sleeve  80  and a ball  82  positionable within the sleeve  80 . The sleeve  80  has a first end  84  and a second end  86  with a flange  88  extending from the second end  86 . The ball  82  has a rounded end  90  and is extendable from the second end  86  of the sleeve  80  when the ball latch  78  is in the relaxed state. When the ball latch  78  is in the relaxed state, there is no external force or pressure applied to the ball  82  and a spring (not shown) positioned within the sleeve  80  is in an expanded state, maintaining the ball  82  at least partially out of the sleeve  80 . When the ball latch  78  is in the compressed state, an external force is applied at the rounded end  90  of the ball  82  such that the spring within the sleeve  80  is compressed to allow the ball  82  to be substantially fully positioned within the sleeve  80 . 
       FIG. 4B  shows a schematic view of the ball latch  78  positioned within the first mounting bracket  16   a . To act as a locking mechanism, the ball latch  78  is positioned within the channel  40  of the casing  24  such that the ball  82  of the ball latch  78  extends through the cut-out  54  ( FIG. 2B ) in the bottom flange  46  of the casing  24 . The flange  88  at the second end  86  of the sleeve  80  prevents the ball latch  78  from passing entirely through the cut-out  54  of the first mounting bracket  16   a . The ball latch  78  functions to either allow the first case bracket  18   a  ( FIG. 3 ) to be slidable over the first mounting bracket  16   a  or to be secured to the first mounting bracket  16   a.    
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a front schematic view and a rear schematic view, respectively, of the first mounting bracket  16   a  positioned within the first case bracket  18   a . Because the first and second ends  70 ,  72  of the bottom flange  62  are sloped away from the bottom edge  68  of the guide flange  58 , the ball  82  of the ball latch  78  ( FIG. 4A ) is slowly compressed as the first case bracket  18   a  slides around the first mounting bracket  16   a . With the ball  82  compressed within the sleeve  80 , the first case bracket  18   a  can slide over the first mounting bracket  16   a  without any interference from the ball latch  78 . When the cut-out  76  of the first case bracket  18   a  aligns with the cut-out  54  ( FIG. 2B ) of the first mounting bracket  16   a  and the ball latch  78 , the ball  82  is no longer compressed by the first case bracket  18   a  and deploys through the cut-out  76  of the first case bracket  18   a . In this position, the ball  82  prevents the first case bracket  18   a  from moving relative to the first mounting bracket  16   a.    
     To disconnect the first case bracket  18   a  from the first mounting bracket  16   a , the ball  82  of the ball latch  78  is compressed into the sleeve  80  of the ball latch  78  so that the first case bracket  18   a  can move relative to the first mounting bracket  16   a . When the ball  82  of the ball latch  78  no longer extends through the cut-out  76  of the first case bracket  18   a , the first case bracket  18   a  is free to slide over the first mounting bracket  16   a  and to be removed from around the first mounting bracket  16   a . The ball latch  78  thus allows the first case bracket  18   a  to be in either a first, unlocked position or a second, locked position relative to the first mounting bracket  16   a.    
     Referring to all of the previous figures, a method of mounting the storage unit  12  onto the vertical support assembly  14  using the bracket assembly  10  is described. To mount the storage unit  12  onto the vertical support assembly  14 , the first mounting bracket  16   a  is first mounted onto the first vertical standard  14   a . The first vertical standard  14   a  includes a plurality of apertures (not shown) running the length of the vertical standard  14   a . The apertures are sized to accept the L-shaped protrusions  30  of the first mounting bracket  16   a . The hook portions  32   b ,  32   c  and  32   d  of the second, third and fourth protrusions  30   b ,  30   c  and  30   d , respectively, function to lock the first mounting bracket  16   a  to the vertical support assembly  14   a . To prevent the first mounting bracket  16   a  from being inadvertently displaced in the upward direction, the hook portion  32   a  of the first L-shaped protrusion  30   a  extends upward to provide an anti-disengagement feature. 
     Each of the apertures of the first vertical standard  14   a  is defined by a top edge of material and a bottom edge of material. The method of assembling includes inserting the hook portions  32  of the L-shaped protrusions  30  into the apertures. Following insertion of the hook portions  32  of the L-shaped protrusions  30  into the apertures, the first mounting bracket  16   a  is moved downward. As the first mounting bracket  16   a  is moved downward, the hook portions  32   b ,  32   c  and  32   d  of the second, third and fourth protrusions  30   b ,  30   c  and  30   d , respectively, rest against the bottom edges of material of the first vertical standard  14   a  such that the bottom edges of material are received in the mouths  34   b ,  34   c  and  34   d  of the hook portions  32   b ,  32   c  and  32   d , respectively. The mouths  34   b ,  34   c  and  34   d  of the hook portions  32   b ,  32   c  and  32   d , respectively, act to releasably retain the first mounting bracket  16   a  to the first vertical standard  14   a . The hook portion  32   a  of the first L-shaped protrusion  30   a  prevents the first mounting bracket  16   a  from lifting and disengaging from the aperture of the first vertical standard  14   a.    
     The second mounting bracket  16   b  ( FIG. 1 ) is similarly inserted into apertures in the second vertical standard  14   b  ( FIG. 1 ) and moved downward to releasably retain the second mounting bracket  16   b  to an attachment site defined by the second vertical standard  14   b.    
     In one embodiment, after the mounting brackets  16  are mounted onto the vertical standards  14 , the first and second vertical standards  14   a  and  14   b  are spaced apart from one another at a distance substantially equal to a width of the storage unit  12 . Before mounting the storage unit  12  onto the mounting brackets  16 , the case brackets  18  are attached to the storage unit  12 . In one embodiment, the case brackets  18  are attached to opposing interior walls of the storage unit  12  at the lips  66  of the top flanges  60  and the lips  74  of the bottom flanges  62  of the case brackets  18 . The case brackets  18  can be attached to the storage unit  12  by any suitable means known in the art. In one embodiment, the case brackets  18  are welded to the storage unit  12 . 
     Once the case brackets  18  are attached to the storage unit  12 , the storage unit  12  with the case brackets  18  is moved towards the mounting brackets  16  such that the channels  56  of the case brackets  18  are aligned with the channels  40  of the mounting brackets  16 . The case brackets  18  are then slid over the casings  24  of the mounting brackets  16 . Because the first and second ends  70 ,  72  of the bottom flanges  62  of the case brackets  18  are sloped, the ball latches  78  are compressed with the balls  82  positioned within the sleeves  80  as the case brackets  18  are pushed over the mounting brackets  16 , allowing the case brackets  18  to slide over the mounting brackets  16 . 
     As mentioned above, when the cut-outs  76  of the case brackets  18  reach the ball latches  78 , the balls  82  deploy from the sleeves  80  and extend through the cut-outs  76  of the case brackets  18 . When the balls  82  extend through the cut-outs  76  of the case brackets  18 , the case brackets  18 , and thus the storage unit  12 , are locked to the mounting brackets  16 . 
     By assembling the bracket assembly  10  as described above, the mounting brackets  16  provide a means for releasably securing the storage unit  12  to the vertical support assembly  14 . From the preceding description, it should be understood that the weight of the storage unit  12  optionally assists with retaining the mounting brackets  16  in the downward, secure position. 
     When it is desired to remove the storage unit  12  from the vertical support assembly  14  and the mounting brackets  16 , the balls  82  of the ball latches  78  are compressed back into the sleeves  80  until they no longer engage the cut-outs  76  of the case brackets  18 . Because the ball latches  78  no longer engage the cut-outs  76 , the case brackets  18  are free to slide relative to the mounting brackets  16  as described above. The case brackets  18  and the storage unit  12  can then be removed from the mounting brackets  16 . 
     To remove the mounting brackets  16  from the vertical support assembly  14 , the mounting brackets  16  are slid upward and moved outward and away from the vertical support assembly  14 . The hook portions  32  of the L-shaped protrusions  30  are then removed from the apertures, removing the mounting brackets  16  from the vertical support assembly  14 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a schematic view of a first mounting bracket  102   a , which is a second embodiment of the first mounting bracket  16   a . Similar to the first embodiment of the first mounting bracket  16   a  shown in  FIG. 2A , the second embodiment of the first mounting bracket  102   a  includes a mount flange  108  connected substantially perpendicularly to a casing  110 . The second embodiment of the mount flange  108  has substantially similar features and functions substantially similarly to the first embodiment of the mount flange  22 . 
     The second embodiment of the casing  110  of the first mounting bracket  102   a  is also substantially similar to the first embodiment of the casing  24  of the first mounting bracket  16   a  except that the casing  110  includes a top cut-out  112  at a top flange  114  of the casing  110  and a bottom cut-out  116  at a bottom flange  118  of the casing  110 , and the bottom flange  118  of the casing  110  does not include a lip. The cut-outs  112  and  116  at the top and bottom flanges  114  and  118 , respectively, are aligned with one another. In one embodiment, the cut-outs  112  and  116  are substantially rectangular with the top cut-out  112  being slightly larger than the bottom cut-out  116 . Other than the top and bottom cut-outs  112  and  116  of the casing  110 , the second embodiment of the casing  110  includes the same features and functions substantially similarly to the first embodiment of the casing  24 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a schematic view of a first case bracket  104   a , which is a second embodiment of the first case bracket  18   a . The second embodiment of the first case bracket  104   a  is substantially similar to the first embodiment of the first case bracket  18   a  except that the first case bracket  104   a  includes a top cut-out  120  (shown in phantom) at a top flange  122  of the first case bracket  104   a  and a bottom cut-out  124  at a bottom flange  126  of the first case bracket  104   a . Similar to the cut-outs  112  and  116  of the first mounting bracket  16   a , the cut-outs  120  and  124  are aligned with one another. In addition, the bottom flange  126  of the first case bracket  104   a  is substantially linear and is not sloped at its ends. In one embodiment, the cut-outs  120  and  124  are substantially rectangular and are sized substantially similarly to the cut-outs  112  and  116  of the first mounting bracket  102   a , respectively. Otherwise, the second embodiment of the first case bracket  104   a  includes the same features and functions substantially similarly to the first embodiment of the first case bracket  18   a.    
     The second embodiments of the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a  interact with each other in a substantially similar manner as the first embodiments of the first mounting bracket  16   a  and the first mounting bracket  18   a . To mount the storage unit  12  onto the vertical support assembly  14  ( FIG. 1 ) using the second embodiments of the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a , the first case bracket  104   a  is first slipped over the first mounting bracket  102   a  until the top cut-outs  112  and  120  of the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a , respectively, are aligned and the bottom cut-outs  116  and  124  of the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a , respectively, are aligned. The first case bracket  104   a  can then be locked in position relative to the first mounting bracket  102   a  using a spring clip  126  ( FIG. 8A ). 
       FIG. 8A  shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the locking mechanism  20   a  ( FIG. 4A ), including the spring clip  126 .  FIG. 8B  shows a perspective view of the spring clip  126  positioned within the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a . The spring clip  126  maintains the first case bracket  104   a  to the first mounting bracket  102   a  and functions similarly to the ball latch  78  of the bracket assembly  10  ( FIG. 1 ). The spring clip  126  includes a substantially V-shaped body portion  128  having a first end  130  and a second end  132 . The first end  130  includes a first protrusion  134  sized to engage the top cut-outs  112  and  120  of the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a , respectively. Similarly, the second end  134  includes a second protrusion  136  sized to engage the bottom cut-outs  116  and  124  of the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a , respectively. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the spring clip  126  is movable between a relaxed state and a compressed state. When the spring clip  126  is in the relaxed state ( FIG. 8A ), the first and second ends  130 ,  132  are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other at a distance substantially equal to a distance between the top flange  114  and the bottom flange  118  of the first mounting bracket  102   a . When the spring clip  126  is in the compressed state, the first and second ends  130  and  132  are pushed towards each other such that the spring clip  126  can be positioned between the top flange  114  and the bottom flange  118  of the first mounting bracket  102   a.    
     To position the spring clip  126  within the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104 , the spring clip  126  is compressed and positioned between the top flange  114  and the bottom flange  118  of the first mounting bracket  102   a . The first protrusion  134  is aligned with the top cut-outs  112  and  120  of the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a , respectively, and the second protrusion  136  is aligned with the bottom cut-outs  116  and  124  of the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a , respectively. 
     The spring clip  126  is then released to its relaxed state such that the first and second protrusions  134  and  136  of the spring clip  126  engage the top cut-outs  112  and  120  and bottom cut-outs  116 ,  124  of the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a , respectively. In this position, the first protrusion  134  the spring clip  126  extends through the top cut-outs  112  and  120  of the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a , respectively, and the second protrusion  136  extends through the bottom cut-outs  116  and  124  of the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a , respectively, to lock the first case bracket  104   a  in position relative to the first mounting bracket  102   a.    
     To remove the first case bracket  104   a  from the first mounting bracket  102   a , the first and second ends  130 ,  132  of the spring clips  126  are compressed towards each other to disengage the first protrusion  134  of the spring clip  126  from the top cut-outs  112  and  120  and to disengage the second protrusion  136  of the spring clip  126  from the bottom cut-outs  116  and  124 . Once the spring clip  126  is disengaged from the first mounting bracket  102   a  and the first case bracket  104   a , the spring clip  126  can be removed from within the first mounting bracket  102   a . The first case bracket  104   a  is then free to slide off of the first mounting bracket  102   a.    
       FIG. 9  shows a schematic view of a first mounting bracket  202   a , which is a third embodiment of the first mounting bracket  16   a , connected to the first vertical standard  14   a . Similar to the first embodiment of the first mounting bracket  16   a  ( FIG. 2A ), the third embodiment of the mounting bracket  202   a  includes a mount flange  208  and a casing  210 . The mount flange  208  includes a first edge  212  (shown in phantom) and a second edge  214  spaced from the first edge  212  such that the mount flange  208  is substantially C-shaped. The first and second edges  212  and  214  of the mount flange  208  are spaced a distance from each other to allow the mount flange  208  to wrap around part of the first vertical standard  14   a . The mount flange  208  is connected to the casing  210  at the second edge  214  of the mount flange  208  at a substantially 90 degree angle. 
     The casing  210  includes a guide flange  216  having a trailing end  218 , a leading end  220 , a top flange  222  and a bottom flange  224 . The casing  210  is connected to the second edge  214  of the mount flange  208  at the trailing end  218  of the guide flange  216 . The top flange  222  extends along a top edge  226  of the guide flange  216  from the trailing end  218  past the leading end  220  of the guide flange  216  and ends in a tip portion  228 . The tip portion  228  of the top flange  222  is rounded and slightly bent downward to provide a lead-in into the casing  210 . The top flange  222  includes a top cut-out  230  that extends from the tip portion  228  of the top flange  222  towards the trailing end  218  of the guide flange  216 . The top cut-out  230  allows a spring clip  232  ( FIG. 11 ) to act unimpeded by the thickness of the top material of the casing  210 . 
     The bottom flange  224  begins between the trailing end  218  and the leading end  220  of the guide flange  216  and extends past the leading end  220  of the guide flange  216  and ends in a rounded tip portion  234 . The bottom flange  224  is slightly wider than the top flange  222  and the tip portion  234  of the bottom flange  224  extends slightly farther past the leading end  220  of the guide flange  216  than the tip portion  228  of the top flange  222 . The bottom flange  224  includes a bottom cut-out  236  located proximate the leading end  220  of the guide flange  216  and provides connection with the spring clip  232 . At least a portion of the bottom cut-out  236  is aligned with the top cut-out  230 . In one embodiment, the cut-outs  230  and  236  are substantially rectangular with the top cut-out  230  being longer than the bottom cut-out  236 . 
     The guide flange  216  includes an engagement feature  238  proximate the trailing end  218  that extends from the guide flange  216  between the top and bottom flanges  222  and  224 . The engagement feature  238  provides strength and resistance to the bracket assembly  100  to prevent the case bracket  204  ( FIG. 10 ) from rotating forward. In one embodiment, the engagement feature  238  is stamped from the guide flange  216 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a schematic view of a first case bracket  204   a , which is a third embodiment of the first case bracket  18   a . The third embodiment of the first case bracket  204   a  is substantially similar to the second embodiment of the first case bracket  104   a  ( FIG. 7 ) and has a leading end  240 , a trailing end  242 , a guide flange  244 , a top flange  246  and a bottom flange  248 . The primary difference between the second embodiment of the first case bracket  104   a  and the third embodiment of the first case bracket  204   a  is that the first case bracket  204   a  only has one cut-out  250  (shown in phantom) through the top flange  246  of the first case bracket  204   a . The cut-out  250  is located proximate the leading end  240  of the first case bracket  204   a  and is alignable with the top cut-out  230  of the casing  210  ( FIG. 9 ). In one embodiment, the cut-out  250  is substantially rectangular. 
     The third embodiments of the first mounting bracket  202   a  and the first case bracket  204   a  interact with each other in a substantially similar manner as the first embodiments of the first mounting bracket  16   a  and the first mounting bracket  18   a . To mount the storage unit  12  ( FIG. 1 ) using the third embodiments of the first mounting bracket  202   a  and the first case bracket  204   a , the first case bracket  204   a  is first slipped over the first mounting bracket  202   a  until the top cut-outs  230  and  250  of the first mounting bracket  202   a  and the first case bracket  204   a  are aligned. The first case bracket  204   a  can then be locked in position relative to the first mounting bracket  202   a  using a spring clip  232  ( FIG. 11 ). 
       FIG. 11  shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of the locking mechanism  20   a  ( FIG. 4A ), including the spring clip  232 . The spring clip  232  maintains the first case bracket  204   a  to the first mounting bracket  202   a . The spring clip  232  includes a lever arm  252  and a spring arm  254 . The lever arm  252  has a first end  256  and a hook portion  258  at a second end  260 . The lever arm  252  is connected to the spring arm  254  at the first end  256 , which includes a protrusion  262  sized to engage the bottom cut-out  236  of the first mounting bracket  202   a.    
     The spring arm  254  of the spring clip  232  includes a first end  264 , a second end  266  and a middle portion  268 . The second end  266  of the spring arm  254  is attached to the first end  256  of the lever arm  252  at an angle such that the lever arm  252  and the spring arm  254  form a shape substantially similar to a V-shape. The middle portion  268  of the spring arm  254  is curved and allows the first end  264  of the spring arm  254  to be compressed without overbending the spring clip  232 . The spring clip  232  includes a rivet hole  270  between the lever arm  252  and the spring arm  254  and allows the spring clip  232  to be rotatably attached to a rivet hole  272  in the guide flange  244  of the first case bracket  204   a  by a rivet  274  ( FIG. 12A ). 
       FIG. 12B  shows an enlarged perspective view of the spring clip  232  positioned within the first mounting bracket  204   a  in a compressed state. When the spring clip  232  is in the compressed state, the lever arm  252  and the spring arm  254  are pushed towards each other such that the spring clip  232  can be positioned between the top flange  222  and the bottom flange  224  of the casing  210 . Referring also to  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11 , the spring clip  232  is positioned within the casing  210  such that the hook portion  260  of the lever arm  252  engages the bottom flange  224  of the first mounting bracket  202   a  at the leading end  220  of the guide flange  216  and the bottom flange  248  of the first case bracket  204   a  at the leading end  240  of the guide flange  244 . In this position, the first end  264  of the spring arm  254  extends through the top cut-out  230  of the top flange  222  of the casing  210  and the cut-out  250  of the first case bracket  204   a , allowing adjustment of the first case bracket  204   a  relative to the first mounting bracket  202   a.    
       FIG. 12A  shows an enlarged perspective view of the spring clip  232  positioned within the first mounting bracket  204   a  in a relaxed state. The rivet hole  270  of the spring arm  254  allows the spring clip  232  to rotate within the first case bracket  204   a  between the compressed state and the relaxed state. In the relaxed state, the lever arm  252  and the spring arm  254  are spaced from each another at a distance substantially equal to the distance between the top flange  222  and the bottom flange  224  of the casing  210 . In the relaxed position, the protrusion  262  of the lever arm  252  is positioned to interface with the bottom cut-out  236  of the bottom flange  224  of the casing  210  to prevent movement and rotation. The first end  264  of the spring arm  254  also extends through the cut-out  230  of the top flange  222  of the casing  210  and contacts the top flange  246  of the first case bracket  204   a , locking the first case bracket  204   a  to the first mounting bracket  202   a.    
     To release the spring clip  232 , the spring clip  232  is moved to the compressed state. The spring clip  232  is disengaged by pressing up on the lever arm  252  of the spring clip  232 . The shape of the lever arm  252  and its relationship to the casing  210  and the first case bracket  204   a  prevents the spring clip  232  from overbending and breaking. As the lever arm  252  is pushed up, the first end  264  of the spring arm  254  slides along the top flange  246  of the first case bracket  204   a  until it extends through the cut-out  250  of the top flange  246  of the first case bracket  204   a . Once the spring arm  254  extends through the cut-out  250 , the hook portion  260  can be removed from the bottom flanges  224  and  248  of the first mounting bracket  202   a  and the first case bracket  204   a , respectively. After the hook portion  260  of the lever arm  252  is disengaged from bottom flanges  224  and  248 , the spring arm  254  is removed from the top cut-outs  230 ,  250  of the casing  210  and the first case bracket  204   a , respectively. The first case bracket  204   a  is then free to slide off the first mounting bracket  202   a.    
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.