Patent Publication Number: US-10760299-B2

Title: Frameless modular wall panel systems, structures and related methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application perfects and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/418,583, filed on Nov. 7, 2016, and entitled frameless Modular Wall Panel System, which is hereby expressively incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of modular wall panel systems, and, in particular, to frameless, pre-finished modular wall panel systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The prior art is replete with modular building systems and associated construction methods. However, current modular building systems and methods suffer from a variety of problems. For example, typical modular building systems and methods are highly complex and labor intensive, thereby requiring skill and/or knowledge in construction that increases the costs and assembly time of the systems. Such systems are consequently incompatible or unsuited for many users. Many typical modular building structures also require numerous individual fasteners to secure components of the structures together which add manufacturing and assembly costs, prevent the structures from being reconfigurable, and/or represent weak points of the structure. 
     Still further, many current modular building structures and methods include, or are configured to couple to, a foundation that provides structural support to the modular components of the system. For example, some modular building systems and methods make use of a foundation or footing as the element that connects the system to the ground, and thereby transfers loads from the structure to the ground. Foundations may be formed over a ground surface, or may be shallow or deep foundations that are embedded within the ground. Foundations are typically permanent or at least difficult to relocate or reconfigure, and thereby prevent the structures from being reconfigurable. Further, foundations are relatively costly and time consuming to install. 
     Modular building structures and methods also typically utilize a frame or framing to provide structural support and a shape to the modular components of the system. For example, typical modular building systems and methods make use of an internal frame coupled to a foundation or to the ground to provide an internal structural framework to which the modular components of the system are attached. The frame thereby dictates the shape, size and orientation of the resulting structure. Frames are typically permanent constructs, or are at least difficult to reconfigure, and thereby prevent the structures from being reconfigurable. 
     Accordingly, frameless modular wall systems that are reconfigurable are desirable. Further, modular wall systems that do not require a foundation and/or numerous fasteners are desirable. Still further, modular wall systems that are relatively simple and require minimal labor to install are also desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a modular system for building or creating a walled structure, such as an outdoor wall structure. The modular wall system is a relatively low cost building solution that installs with relative ease. The modular system is primarily formed of connecting members or posts and panels that are interchangeable and couple together in a sliding manner without the need of fasteners or tools. The connecting posts and panels may be pre-finished such that the resulting structure is complete and decorative immediately upon installation. 
     In some embodiments, the system may include a plurality of differing connecting posts that are configured to couple adjacent panels in differing relative orientations (e.g., angular orientations) with respect to each other. For example, the connecting posts may couple adjacent panels in a parallel arrangement (e.g., a straight wall), at 45°, at 90°, at 135°, etc. The front outer surface of the connecting posts may be planar or include planar portions, or may be arcuate or curvilinear. The connecting posts may thereby be utilized (with or without at least one wall panel) to form fences, decorative walls, pillars, decorative mailboxes, or any other walled structure. 
     Similarly, the system may include a plurality of panels of differing lengths and/or heights and, potentially, planar and/or non-planar panels. Similarly, the outer front surface of the panels may include any decoration or finish. In some embodiments, some panels may be configured to accept items therein or therethrough, such as grills, cabinets, refrigerators, etc. In this way, such specialized panels may at least abut and/or partially surround (and may support) an appliance or other item that is utilized with the walled structure. By utilizing differing combinations of such connecting posts and panels, any configuration or arrangement of a modular wall structure can be formed. For example, the system may allow a user to create their own walled structure design, with the potential to build-out (or take away from) and/or rearrange with the wall structure over time. 
     In some embodiments, the posts and/or the panels may be pre-formed and complete such that they each are a single piece or component. In some such embodiments, the posts and/or the panels may be of one-piece construction (e.g., integral or monolithic). The posts and/or the panels may be formed out of an artificial material (e.g., cementitious), and a decorative motif may or may not applied thereto (e.g., using a mold and pattern transfer technique or other appropriate process). The material forming the posts and/or the panels may be colored or weatherproofed. The posts and/or the panels may be sufficiently heavy to form a stable free-standing structure, but be light enough to enable hand assembly (and disassembly) by one or more user. 
     The posts and panels of the modular system may be configured to form an independent free-standing structure. In this way, the modular system may be a frameless systems. In some embodiments, the one-piece posts may be configured to couple and support adjacent panels in such a manner that produces a seamless appearance. The posts and panels may removably couple tougher via a tongue and groove configuration that prevents the components from disengaging during use but allows for selective disassembly and reuse (potentially in a differing configuration), if desired. 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a frameless modular wall system. The system includes a plurality of panels including a wall portion and connector portions extending from opposing lateral sides of the wall portion, the connector portions each including a wide portion and a narrow portion extending between the wide portions and the panel portion. The system also includes a plurality of connecting posts including connector slots configured to removably accept a connector portion of a panel therein, the connector slots each including a wide portion and a narrow portion corresponding to the wide portion and a narrow portion of the connector portions of the panes. When the plurality of panels and the plurality of connecting posts are removably coupled via the connector portions and the connector slots, the panels and connecting posts form a free-standing wall structure. 
     In some embodiments, the connector portions define lateral free ends of the panels. In some embodiments, the plurality of connecting posts include at least one connecting post that forms an outside corner between adjacent panels removably couple thereto. In some embodiments, the plurality of connecting posts include at least one connecting post that form an inside corner between adjacent panels removably couple thereto. In some embodiments, the wall portion of the plurality of panels include a pre-finished front face. In some embodiments, the connecting posts include a pre-finished front face extending between a pair of connector slots. 
     In some embodiments, the wall portion of the plurality of panels includes a front face extending between a pair of connector slots. In some such embodiments, the plurality of panels include at least one panel that includes a planar front face. In some other such embodiments, the plurality of panels include at least one panel that includes an arcuate front face. 
     In some embodiments, the connecting posts include a front face extending between a pair of connector slots. In some such embodiments, the plurality of connecting posts include at least one connecting post that includes a planar front face. In some other such embodiments, the plurality of connecting posts include at least one connecting post that includes an arcuate front face. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of connecting posts are each of one-piece construction. In some embodiments, the plurality of connecting posts and/or the plurality of panels are molded from a cementitious material. In some embodiments, the plurality of connecting posts include connecting posts that form differing relative orientations of a pair of adjacent panels removably couple thereto. In some embodiments, the plurality of panels comprise panels of differing lateral lengths and/or heights. 
     In some embodiments, the free-standing wall structure forms an inner void extending between inner surfaces of the plurality of panels and plurality of connecting posts that is void of a support frame. In some such embodiments, the free-standing wall structure overlies a ground surface and is not affixed thereto. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a frameless, modular, free-standing wall structure. The structure includes a plurality of one-piece panels including a wall portion and connector portions extending from opposing lateral sides of the wall portion, the connector portions each including a wide portion and a narrow portion extending between the wide portions and the panel portion. The structure also includes a plurality of one-piece connecting posts including connector slots configured to removably accept a connector portion of a panel therein, the connector slots each including a wide portion and a narrow portion corresponding to the wide portion and a narrow portion of the connector portions of the panels. The plurality of panels and the plurality of connecting posts are removably coupled via the connector portions and the connector slots. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of forming a free-standing wall structure. The method includes assembling a frameless modular wall system. The assembling includes obtaining a plurality of panels that each include a wall portion and connector portions extending from opposing lateral sides of the wall portion, the connector portions each including a wide portion and a narrow portion extending between the wide portions and the panel portion. The assembling also includes obtaining a plurality of connecting posts including connector slots configured to removably accept a connector portion of a panel therein, the connector slots each including a wide portion and a narrow portion corresponding to the wide portion and a narrow portion of the connector portions of the panels. The assembling further includes removably coupling the panels and the connecting posts via the connector portions and the connector slots thereof into a desired free-standing wall structure configuration. 
     Other objects, aspects and advantages of the modular wall systems of the present disclosure, and/or of the currently preferred embodiments thereof, will become more readily apparent in view of the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembled modular wall system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the assembled modular wall system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the assembled modular wall system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top/bottom view of an exemplary wall panel of the modular wall system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the wall panel of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a back view of the wall panel of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top/bottom view of another an exemplary wall panel of the modular wall system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a top/bottom view of an exemplary connecting post of the modular wall system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the connecting post of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a back view of the connecting post of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the connecting post of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top/bottom view of the connecting post of  FIG. 8  coupling a pair of wall panels; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating the coupling process of the connecting post and pair of wall panels of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a elevational perspective view of another exemplary connecting post of the modular wall system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a top/bottom view of the connecting post of  FIG. 14  coupling a pair of wall panels; 
         FIG. 16  is a top/bottom view of another exemplary connecting post of the modular wall system coupling a pair of wall panels according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a top/bottom view of another exemplary connecting post of the modular wall system coupling a pair of wall panels according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is a top/bottom view of another exemplary connecting post of the modular wall system coupling a pair of wall panels according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 19  is a top/bottom view of another exemplary connecting post of the modular wall system coupling a pair of wall panels according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Each embodiment presented below facilitates the explanation of certain aspects of the disclosure, and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” is not limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. When introducing elements of various embodiments, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances, the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. The term “coupled” and like terms are used herein to refer to both direct and indirect connections. Any examples of operating parameters are not exclusive of other parameters of the disclosed embodiments. Components, aspects, features, configurations, arrangements, uses and the like described, illustrated or otherwise disclosed herein with respect to any particular embodiment may similarly be applied to any other embodiment disclosed herein. 
     In  FIGS. 1-3 , a modular wall system and structure embodying a first embodiment of the present disclosure is indicated generally by the reference numeral  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the modular wall system  10 , when assembled, may form a walled structure or a series of walls. The wall system  10  may be a relatively low-cost building solution that installs with relative ease. The wall system  10  may be at least primarily formed of connecting members or posts  12  and panels  14  that are interchangeable and couple together in a sliding manner without the need of fasteners or tools, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . In some embodiments, connecting posts  12  and/or panels  14  may be pre-finished such that the resulting structure is complete and decorative immediately upon assembly, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . In some other embodiments, the connecting posts  12  and/or panels  14  may include an un-finished surface that can be decorated or otherwise altered by the user pre- and/or post-assembly, as also shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     In some embodiments, the system  10  may include a plurality of differing connecting posts  12  that are configured to couple panels  14  in differing relative orientations (e.g., angular orientations) with respect to each other, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . For example, the connecting posts  12  may couple at least a pair of adjacent panels  14  in a parallel arrangement (e.g., a straight wall), at 45°, at 90°, at 135°, etc. The front outer surface of the connecting posts  16  may be planar or include planar portions as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , or may be arcuate or curvilinear. The connecting posts  12  may thereby be utilized (with or without at least one wall panel) to form fences, decorative walls, pillars, bars, decorative mailboxes, outdoor kitchens, or any other walled structure. 
     The system and structures  10  of the present disclosure may include a plurality of panels  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The panels  14  may be of the same length and/or height as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , or may differ in lengths and/or heights. Similarly, the panels  14  may be planar as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , and/or the panels  14  may be non-planar. The outer front surface  18  of the panels  14  may include any decoration or finish. In some embodiments, one or more of the panels  14  of the system  10  may be configured to accept items therein or therethrough, such as grills, cabinets, refrigerators, etc. In this way, such specialized panels  14  may at least abut and/or partially surround (and may support) an appliance or other item that is utilized with the walled structure  10 . By utilizing differing combinations of connecting posts  12  and panels  14 , any configuration or arrangement of a frameless modular wall structure  10  can be formed. For example, the system  10  may allow a user to create their own free-standing, frameless modular walled structure design on any ground surface, with the potential to build-out (or take away from) and/or rearrange with the wall structure over time. 
     In some embodiments, the posts  12  and/or the panels  14  may be pre-formed and complete such that they each are a single piece or component (i.e., one piece parts or of one-piece construction). In some such embodiments, the posts  12  and/or the panels  14  may be of one-piece construction (e.g., they may be monolithic). The posts  12  and/or the panels  14  may be formed (e.g., molded) out of an artificial material (e.g., a cementitious material), with a decorative motif applied thereto using a mold and pattern transfer technique. The material forming the posts  12  and/or the panels  14  may be colored or weatherproofed. The posts  12  and/or the panels  14  may be sufficiently heavy and rigidity coupled to form a stable free-standing frameless (i.e., free on an internal and/or external frame supporting the panels  14  and/or posts  12 ) structure when assembled as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , but may be light enough to facilitate hand assembly (and disassembly) by one or more user, as discussed further below. 
     The posts  12  and panels  14  of the modular system  10  may be configured to form an independent free-standing structure, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the modular system  10  may be a frameless system such that there is no internal frame or other support structure providing structural support to the assembled wall structure. In some embodiments, the posts  12  may be configured to couple and support adjacent panels  14  in such a manner that produces a seamless appearance, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The posts  12  and panels  14  may removably couple tougher via a tongue and slot or groove configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , that is configured to prevent the components from disengaging during normal use but allows for selective disassembly and reuse (potentially in a differing configuration), if desired. 
     In some embodiments, the posts  12  and/or the panels  14  may be pre-formed and complete such that they each are a single piece or unitary component. In some such embodiments, the posts  12  and/or the panels  14  may be of one-piece construction. The posts  12  and/or the panels  14  may be formed out any material. In some embodiments, the posts  12  and/or the panels may be molded cementitious components (i.e., molded from cement or similar material, such as concrete). The posts  12  and/or the panels  14  may be sufficiently heavy and sufficiently securely coupled to form a stable, free-standing (i.e., frameless) wall structure when assembled, but be light enough to be assembled (and disassembled) by hand by one or more user. 
     An exemplary planar panel  14  of the system  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 . As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the panel  14  may include a wall portion  24  and a connector, connection or tongue portion  22  extending from at least one end of the wall portion  24  along the length L direction. In some embodiments, opposing lateral ends or sides of the wall portion  24  along the length L direction may include a connector portion  22  extending therefrom, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . In this way, the connector portions  22  may be positioned at opposing ends or sides of the wall portion  24  along the length L direction. The connector portion  22  may extend sustainably along the entirely of the height H of the panel  14  (i.e., along the entirely of the height H of the wall portion  14 ), as shown in  FIG. 5 . In some other embodiments, the connector portions  22  may extend along a portion of the height H of the panel  14  (i.e., along a portion of the height H of the wall portion  14 ). In some embodiments, at least one lateral side of the panel  14  (or wall portion) may include a plurality of connector portions (e.g., spaced along the length direction). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , each panel  14  may form a front face  18  and a back face  20 . As noted above, the front face  18  and/or the back face  20  of a panel  14  may or may not be finished or decorative (pre- and/or post-assembly). For example, the front face  18  and/or the back face  20  may include a faux stone or any other finish, which may be formed (at least partially) during the formation of the panel  14 . In some embodiments, only the front face  18  may be finished or decorative (pre- and/or post-assembly). In some other embodiments, only back face  20  may be finished or decorative (pre- and/or post-assembly). In some other embodiments, both the front face  18  and the back face  20  may be finished or decorative (pre- and/or post-assembly). 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the front face  18  and/or back face  20  of the panel  14  may be substantially planar. In some other embodiments, as described below, at least one of the front face  18  and/or back face  20  of the panel  14  may be non-planar, such as arcuate or curvilinear. In some embodiments, the front face  18  and the back face  20  of the panel  14  may be substantially parallel such that the thickness T of the wall portion  24  is substantially uniform along the height H and length L of the panel  14 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . In some other embodiments, the thickness T of the wall portion  14  of the panel  14  may vary along the height H and/or length L directions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the connector or tongue portions  22  of the panel  14  may extend from the lateral sides or ends of the wall portion  24 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the connector portions  22  may be positioned proximate to the back face  20  along the thickness T direction. As also shown in  FIG. 4 , the connector portions  22  may extend linearly and, potentially, substantially parallel to the wall portion  24 . In some other embodiments, the connector portions  22  may extend non-linearly and/or be angled/offset from the wall portion  24 . The connector portions  22  may be configured such that when the wall portion  24  is orientated substantially vertically (e.g., along the height H direction), the connector portions  22  are orientated substantially vertically. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the connector portions  22  may include a narrow portion  28  extending laterally from the wall portion along the length L direction and a wide portion  26  extending from the narrow portion  28 . The wide portion  26  may define the lateral ends of the panels  14  along the length L direction. The wide portion  26  may be wider or larger in the thickness T direction than the narrow portion  28 . The narrow portion  28  and/or the wide portion  26  may be thinner or smaller than the wall portion  24  along the thickness T direction. In some embodiments, the narrow portion  28  may include a back side and a front side spaced along the thickness T direction. The back side and a front side of the narrow portion  28  may be parallel and/or planar, or may be non-parallel and/or non-planar. In some embodiments as shown in  FIG. 4 , the back side of the narrow portion  28  may be aligned with the back face  20  of the wall portion  24  such that the back side is an extension of the back face  24  along the length L direction. In some other embodiments, the back side of the narrow portion  28  may be offset from the back face  20  of the wall portion  24  along the thickness T direction. As also shown in  FIG. 4 , the front side of the narrow portion  28  may be offset from the front face  18  of the wall portion  24  along the thickness T direction. For example, the front side of the narrow portion  28  may be offset from the front face  18  of the wall portion  24  along the thickness T direction towards the interior of the panel  14  (i.e., toward the back face thereof), as shown in  FIG. 4 . In some other embodiments (not shown), the front face of the narrow portion  28  may be offset from the front face  18  of the wall portion  24  along the thickness T direction away from the back face thereof such that the front face of the narrow portion  28  is positioned further forward than the front face  18  of the wall portion  24  (i.e., the front face  18  of the wall portion  24  is recessed toward the back side  20  of the panel  14  as compared to the front face of the narrow portion  28 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the wide portion  26  of the connector portions  22  may extend from the narrow portion  28  laterally along the length L direction and define a thickness along the thickness T direction that is wider than the thickness of the narrow portions  28 . In some embodiments, the wide portion  26  may include a back side and a front side spaced along the thickness T direction. The back side and a front side of the wide portion  26  may be parallel and/or planar, or may be non-parallel and/or non-planar. In some embodiments as shown in  FIG. 4 , the front side of the wide portion  26  may be aligned with the front face of the narrow portion  28  (and/or offset from the front face  18  of the wall portion  24  along the length L direction) such that the front side of the wide portion  26  is an extension of the front side of the narrow portion  28  along the length L direction. In some other embodiments, the front side of the wide portion  26  may be offset from the front side of the narrow portion  28  along the thickness T direction (toward, or away from, the back side thereof). 
     As also shown in  FIG. 4 , the back side of the wide portion  26  may be offset from the back side of the narrow portion  28  (and/or the front face  18  of the wall portion  24 ) along the thickness T direction. For example, the wide portion  26  may be thicker than the narrow portion  28  such that the back side of the wide portion  26  is further spaced along the thickness T direction from the front face of the wide portion  26  and/or the narrow portion  28  than the back side of the narrow portion  28  is spaced therefrom, as show in  FIG. 4 . The wide portion  26  may include a lateral side face that extends between the front side and the back side of the wide portion  26  along the thickness T direction. In some embodiments, the lateral side face of the wide portion  26  may be planar and/or extend perpendicular to the front side and/or the back side of the wide portion  26 . In some other embodiments, the lateral side face of the wide portion  26  may be non-planar and/or be angled or askew from the front side and/or the back side of the wide portion  26 . 
     In  FIG. 7  an exemplary non-planar wall panel is indicated generally by the reference numeral  114 . The exemplary wall panel  114  is substantially similar to exemplary wall panel  14  described above with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “1” are used to indicate like elements. A difference between the exemplary wall panel  114  and the exemplary wall panel  14  is the shape or orientation of the wall portion  124  of the panel. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the wall panel  114  may be non-planar such that the wall portion  112  may be non-planar. For example, the front face  118  and the back face  120  of the wall portion  124  may curved or arcuate, as shown in  FIG. 7 . In other non-planar embodiments, the wall portion  124  of the panel  114  (e.g., front face  118  and/or the back face  120 ) may be any other non-planar configuration besides curved. The wall portion  112  thereby may arcuately extend between the connector portions  122  along the length L direction. 
     An exemplary connecting post  112  utilized in the modular wall system  10  of  FIGS. 1-3  is shown in  FIGS. 8-12 . As shown in  FIGS. 8-12 , the connecting post  112  is a zero or 180 degree, linear or straight connector as it arranges the adjacent connector portions  22  of a pair of panels  14  (and thereby the panels  14  themselves) parallel to each other, in a continuous straight line, or in a mirrored arrangement. If the connecting post  112  is thereby utilized to connect two planar panels  14 , such as two of the planar panels  14  of  FIGS. 4-6 , the front faces  18  thereof would be aligned and extend substantially parallel to each other, as shown in  FIG. 12 . However, as explained further below and shown in  FIGS. 14-19 , the connecting post  112  may be configured to couple two or more connector portions  22 , and thereby the corresponding panels  14  themselves, in any arrangement, such as any non-parallel, non-continuous, non-mirrored or angled arrangement. Also, as discussed herein, the panels  14  may be non-planar and of any non-planar configuration. For example, one or more arcuate panel  114  may be coupled with the connecting post  112 . While panel  14  may be utilized herein to describe differing connecting posts of the present disclosure, any panel configuration and/or arrangement may be utilized and panel  14  is only utilized for reference/explanatory purposes. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-12 , the connecting post  112  may include a front portion  140 , a back portion  142  and a medial portion  144  positioned between the front portion  140  and back portion  142  along the thickness T direction. In some embodiments, opposing ends or sides of the medial portion  144  of the connecting post  112  along the thickness T direction may include a front portion  140  and a back portion  142  extending therefrom, as shown in  FIGS. 8-12 . The front portion  140 , back portion  142  and medial portion  144  of the connecting post  112  may each extend substantially along the entirely of the height H of the connecting post  112  (i.e., may include the same height) as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , which may extend substantially along the entirely of the height H of the panels  14  coupled thereto (i.e., along the entirely of the height H of the panels  114 ) as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . In some other embodiments, the front portion  140 , back portion  142  and medial portion  144  may extend along only portion of the height H of the connecting post  112  (i.e., one or more portion of the connecting post  112  may be shorter than one or more other portion thereof). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-12 , the front portion  140  of the connecting post  112  may form a front face  116  and the back portion  142  of the connecting post  112  may form a back face  130 . As noted above, the front face  116  and/or the back face  130  of the connecting post  112  may or may not be finished or decorative (pre- and/or post-assembly). For example, the front face  116  and/or the back face  130  may include a faux stone or any other finish, which may be formed (at least partially) during the formation of the connecting post  112 . In some embodiments, only the front face  116  may be finished or decorative (pre- and/or post-assembly). In some other embodiments, only back face  130  may be finished or decorative (pre- and/or post-assembly). In some other embodiments, both the front face  116  and the back face  130  may be finished or decorative (pre- and/or post-assembly). If finished, the front face  116  of the connecting post  112  may be finished to match or coordinate with a finish of the front face  116  of a panel  14  being coupled with the connecting post  112 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8, 11 and 12 , the front face  116  and/or back face  130  of the connecting post  112  may be substantially planar. In some other embodiments, as described below, at least one of the front face  116  and/or back face  130  of the connecting post  112  may be non-planar, such as arcuate or curvilinear. In some embodiments, the front face  116  and the back face  130  of the connecting post  112  may be substantially parallel such that the thickness T of the connecting post  112  measured between the front face  116  and the back face  130  is substantially uniform along the height H and length L of the connecting post  112 , as shown in  FIGS. 8, 11 and 12 . In some other embodiments, the thickness T of the connecting post  112  measured between the front face  116  and back face  130  may vary along the height H and/or length L directions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-12 , the connecting post  112  may form or include at least two connector slots or grooves  132  for mating with corresponding connector portions  22  of panels  14  to removably couple the panels  14  together in a particular arrangement, orientation or configuration (and therefore removably couple the panels  14  and the connecting post  112  together). The connecting post  112  and/or the connector slots  132  may be configured to removably couple at least a pair panels  14  together via the connector portions  22  thereof in any arrangement, orientation or relative configuration. As discussed above, a variety of differing panels  14  and/or connecting posts  112  may thereby be utilized to form any shape or configuration of a frameless wall structure. 
     In some embodiments, the connector slots  132  of the connecting post  112  may be positioned at opposing lateral sides or ends of the connecting post  112 . In other embodiments, the connector slots  132  may not be positioned at opposing lateral sides of the connecting post  112 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments the connector slots  132  may be positioned in a medial portion of the thickness T direction of the connecting post  112 . As also shown in  FIGS. 8-12 , the connector slots  132  may extend linearly and, potentially, substantially parallel to each other. In some other embodiments, the connector slots  132  may extend non-linearly and/or be angled/offset with respect to each other. The connector slots  132  may be configured such that when a bottom end or surface of the connecting post  112  is positioned on level ground or the connecting post  112  is otherwise orientated substantially vertically (e.g., along the height H direction), the connector slots  132  are orientated substantially vertically. 
     The connector slots  132  (and thereby the connector portions  22  of panels  14  received therein) may be spaced from each other in the length L direction with the medial portion  144  extending therebetween, as shown in  FIG. 8 . As also shown in  FIG. 8 , the connector slots  132  (and thereby the connector portions  22  of panels  14  received therein) may be aligned along the thickness T direction. However, the connector slots  132  may be offset along the thickness T direction. The connector slots  132  may be oriented substantially the same, but from an opposing direction along the length L direction (i.e., mirrored arrangements about a midline of the length L of the connecting post  112  that extends along the thickness T direction) with respect to the front face  116 , back face  130 , back portion  142 , medial portion  144  and/or front portion  140  of the connecting post  112 . In this way, the connecting post  112  may be symmetrical or a mirror image about a midline of the length L of the connecting post  112  that extends along the thickness T direction. The connecting post  112  may also be symmetrical or a mirror image about a midline of the height H of the connecting post  112  that extends along the length L direction. 
     The connector slots  132  of the connecting posts  112  may be configured to substantially match or correspond to the connector portions  22  of the panels  14 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . The shape, size and configuration of the connector slots  132  may substantially match that of the connector portions  22  of the panels  14 . In this way, a connector portion  22  of a panel  14  may be slid into a connector slot  132  of a connecting post  112  along the height H direction as shown in  FIG. 13 , and the connector portion  22  may be tightly contained within the connector slot  132  as shown in  FIG. 12 . Once the connector portion  22  of a panel  14  is slid into a connector slot  132  of a connecting post  112 , or vice versa, the panel  14  and the connecting post  112  are locked together or fixedly coupled to each other but for the sliding direction along the connector portion  22  and the connector slot  132  (i.e., relative movement between the panel  14  and the connecting post  112  is prevent but for sliding or axial movement along the connector portion  22  and the connector slot  132 , and relative movement along all other directions is prevent). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 12 , the connector slot  132  of the connecting posts  112 , just as the connector portions  22  of the panels  14 , may include a narrow portion  136  and a wide portion  138 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the narrow portion  136  of the connecting posts  112  may extend laterally or longitudinally along the length L direction and between innermost surfaces of the front portion  140  and back portion  142  along the thickness T direction. The narrow portion  136  may extend laterally inward along the length L direction toward the interior or medial portion  144  of the connector slot  132  and to the wide portion  138 . The narrow portion  138  of each connector slot  132  may thereby open or exposed to the exterior of the exterior of the connecting post  112 . The narrow portion  136  of the connector slots  132  may be configured to correspond or substantially match the narrow portion  28  of the connectors  22  of the panels  14 . In this way, the surfaces of the front portion  140  and back portion  142  of the connecting posts  112  that form the narrow portion  136  may abut or mate and mirror the front and back surfaces, respectively, of the narrow portion  28  of the connector portions  22  of the panels  14  (when the panels  14  and connecting posts  112  are assembled), as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     The wide portion  138  of each connector slot  132  may define the lateral end of the connector slot  132  along the length L direction, and may extend laterally along the length L direction from the narrow portion  136  to the medial portion  144  of the connecting post  112 . The medial portion  144  may thereby form the interior or medial side or end of the wide portion  138 , and thereby the innermost side or end of the connector slot  132  along the length L direction. The innermost side or end of the connector slot  132  along the length L direction formed by the medial portion  144  of the connecting post  112  may be configured to abut and mirror with the outermost or lateral ends of the connector portions  22  of the panels  114  along the length L direction (when the panels  14  and connecting posts  112  are assembled), as shown in  FIG. 12 . Along the thickness T direction, inner or interior sides of the front portion  140  and back portion  142  may form the wide portion  138 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . As also shown in  FIG. 8 , the inner or interior surface of the front portion  140  forming the narrow portion  138  and the wide portion  138  of the connector slots  132  may be parallel and linear. Stated differently, the inner or interior surface of the front portion  140  may be planar and include a first portion that forms the front side of narrow portion  138  and a second portion that forms the front side of the wide portion  138  of the connector slots  132 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The inner or interior surface of the back portion  142  of the connector slots  132  that forms the back side or edge of the wide portion  138  may be further spaced along the thickness T direction from the inner or interior side or edge of the front portion  140  that forms the front side edge of the wide and narrow portions  138 ,  136  as the inner or interior surface of the back portion  142  of the connector slots  132  that forms the back side or edge of the narrow portion  136 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The wide portion  138  of the connector slots  132  may be configured to correspond or substantially match the wide portion  26  of the connectors  22  of the panels  14 . In this way, the surfaces of the front portion  140  and back portion  142  of the connecting posts  112  that form the wide portion  138  may abut and mirror the front and back surfaces, respectively, of the wide portion  26  of the connector portions  22  of the panels  14  (when the panels  14  and connecting posts  112  are assembled), as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     In some embodiments as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 12 , the interior surface of the back portion  142  of the connecting posts  112  that forms the narrow portion  136  of the connector slots  132  thereof may extend laterally outward further past the narrow portion  136  (i.e., the back portion  142  may extend laterally outward further past the narrow portion  136 ). As shown in  FIG. 12 , the interior surface of the back portion  142  of the connecting posts  112  that forms the narrow portion  136  of the connector slots  132  thereof may thereby mate and abut (or extend along) the back face  20  of the panel portion  24  of a panel  14  (when the panels  14  and connecting posts  112  are assembled). Stated differently, when a panel  14  and a connecting post  112  are assembled, the back portion  142  of the connecting post  112  may mate and abut a portion of the back side surface  20  of the panel portion  24  of the panel  14 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     In some embodiments as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 12 , the lateral side surface or end of the front portion  140  of the connecting posts  112  that extends between the interior surface that forms the narrow portion  132  of a connecting slot  132  and the front face  116  may mate and abut the lateral side surface of the panel portion  24  of the panel  14  (when the panel  14  and connecting post  112  are assembled). As noted above, at least a portion of the front face  116  of the front portion  140  of the connecting posts  112  may abut and extend parallel to the front face  18  of the panels  14  coupled thereto, as shown in  FIG. 12 . In this way, the connections between the connecting posts  112  and the panels  14  may appear smooth and tight (i.e., may form a tight seam) from the front of the assembly. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , a connector  22  of a panel  14  may be manually aligned with and slid into the connector slot  132  of one or more connecting post  112  along the height H direction with the wide portion  26  and the narrow portion  28  of the connector  22  of the panel  14  positioned within the wide portion  138  and the narrow portion  136 , respectively, of the corresponding connecting slot  132  and the one or more connecting post  112 . The narrow portion  136  of the one or more connecting post  112  will thereby prevent the connecting post  112  and the panel  14  from translating apart along the length L direction, and the connector slot  132  as a whole will prevent the connecting post  112  and the panel  14  from translating apart along the thickness T direction. 
     In  FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate another exemplary connecting post that is indicated generally by the reference numeral  212 . The exemplary connecting post  212  is substantially similar to exemplary connecting post  112  described above with reference to  FIGS. 8-12 , and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “2” are used to indicate like elements. A difference between the exemplary connecting post  212  and the exemplary connecting post  112  is the relative orientation of the connecting slots  232 . As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the connecting post  212  (and/or the connecting slots  232 ) may be configured to form a relatively sharp outside corner such that a pair of panels  14  (such as, but not limited to, planar panels) are oriented at a relatively sharp angle with respect to each other. For example, the connecting post  212  may be configured to form a 90 degree or right outside corner such that the front faces  18  of the pair of panels  14  are oriented at 270 degrees from each other. As also shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the front face  216  of the connecting post  212  may include two portions that extend from a corresponding connecting slot  232 . The portions of the front face  216  of the connecting post  212  may be planar and/or parallel to the respective front face  18  of the panels  14 . The front face  216  of the connecting post  212  may thereby form a 90 degree or right outside corner such that the portions of the front faces  216  are oriented at 270 degrees from each other. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates another exemplary connecting post that is indicated generally by the reference numeral  312 . The exemplary connecting post  312  is substantially similar to exemplary connecting post  212  described above with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15  and the exemplary connecting post  112  described above with reference to  FIGS. 8-12 , and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “3” are used to indicate like elements. A difference between the exemplary connecting post  312  and the exemplary connecting post  212  and the exemplary connecting post  312  is the relative orientation of the connecting slots  332 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the connecting post  312  (and/or the connecting slots  332 ) may be configured to form a relatively sharp inside corner such that a pair of panels  14  are oriented at a relatively sharp angle with respect to each other. For example, the connecting post  312  may be configured to form a 90 degree or right inside corner such that the front faces  18  of the pair of panels  14  are oriented at 90 degrees from each other. As also shown in  FIG. 16 , the front face  316  of the connecting post  312  may include two portions that extend from a corresponding connecting slot  332 . The portions of the front face  316  of the connecting post  312  may be planar and/or parallel to the respective front face  18  of the panels  14 . The front face  316  of the connecting post  312  may thereby form a 90 degree or right inside corner such that the portions of the front face  316  are oriented at 90 degrees from each other. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates another exemplary connecting post that is indicated generally by the reference numeral  412 . The exemplary connecting post  412  is substantially similar to the exemplary connecting post  312  described above with reference to  FIG. 16 , the exemplary connecting post  212  described above with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , and the exemplary connecting post  112  described above with reference to  FIGS. 8-12 , and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “4” are used to indicate like elements. A difference between the exemplary connecting post  412  and the exemplary connecting post  312 , the connecting post  212 , and the exemplary connecting post  112  is the relative orientation of the connecting slots  432 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , the connecting post  412  (and/or the connecting slots  432 ) may be configured to form a relatively shallow or blunt outside corner such that a pair of panels  14  are oriented at a relatively shallow outside angle with respect to each other. For example, the connecting post  412  may be configured to form a 45 degree outside corner such that the front faces  18  of the pair of panels  14  are oriented at 135 degrees from each other. As also shown in  FIG. 17 , the front face  416  of the connecting post  412  may include two portions that extend from a corresponding connecting slot  432 . The portions of the front face  416  of the connecting post  412  may be planar and/or parallel to the respective front face  18  of the panels  14 . The front face  416  of the connecting post  412  may thereby form a 45 degree outside corner such that the portions of the front face  416  are oriented at 135 degrees from each other. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates another exemplary connecting post that is indicated generally by the reference numeral  512 . The exemplary connecting post  512  is substantially similar to the exemplary connecting post  412  described above with reference to  FIG. 17 , the exemplary connecting post  312  described above with reference to  FIG. 16 , the exemplary connecting post  212  described above with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , and the exemplary connecting post  112  described above with reference to  FIGS. 8-12 , and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “5” are used to indicate like elements. A difference between the exemplary connecting post  512  and the exemplary connecting post  412 , the exemplary connecting post  312 , the connecting post  212  and the exemplary connecting post  112  is the relative orientation of the connecting slots  532 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , the connecting post  512  (and/or the connecting slots  532 ) may be configured to form a relatively shallow or blunt inside corner such that a pair of panels  14  are oriented at a relatively shallow inside angle with respect to each other. For example, the connecting post  512  may be configured to form a 45 degree inside corner such that the front faces  18  of the pair of panels  14  are oriented at 45 degrees from each other. As also shown in  FIG. 18 , the front face  516  of the connecting post  512  may include two portions that extend from a corresponding connecting slot  532 . The portions of the front face  516  of the connecting post  512  may be planar and/or parallel to the respective front face  18  of the panels  14 . The front face  516  of the connecting post  512  may thereby form a 45 degree inside corner such that the portions of the front face  516  are oriented at 45 degrees from each other. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates another exemplary connecting post that is indicated generally by the reference numeral  612 . The exemplary connecting post  612  is substantially similar to the exemplary connecting post  512  described above with reference to  FIG. 18 , the exemplary connecting post  412  described above with reference to  FIG. 17 , the exemplary connecting post  312  described above with reference to  FIG. 16 , the exemplary connecting post  212  described above with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , and the exemplary connecting post  112  described above with reference to  FIGS. 8-12 , and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “6” are used to indicate like elements. A difference between the exemplary connecting post  612  and the exemplary connecting post  512 , the connecting post  412 , the exemplary connecting post  312 , the connecting post  212  and the exemplary connecting post  112  is the relative orientation of the connecting slots  632  and the front face  61 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the connecting post  612  (and/or the connecting slots  632 ) may be configured to form a relatively shallow or blunt inside corner between adjacent panels  14 , such as but not limited to a pair of curved panels  14 . It is noted, however, that the panels  14  may not be curved panels  14  (e.g., may be planar panels  14 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the connecting post  612  may be configured to form a curved inside corner defined by a radius, which may be the same or substantially similar to the radius of front face  18  of the curved panels  14 . The connecting post  612  may thereby act as an arc extending between the pair of panels  14 . The front face  616  of the connecting post  612  may thereby be a curved surface that extends between the connecting slots  632 . The curvature of the front face  616  of the connecting post  612  may substantially match the curvature of the front faces  18  of the panels  14 . The front face  616  of the connecting post  612  may thereby form an arcuate, radiused, or curved inside corner extending between (and along) the panels  14 . In other embodiments, the front face  616  of the connecting post  612  may form an arcuate, radiused, or curved outside corner extending between the panels  14 . 
     The present disclosure thereby provides frameless modular wall systems, frameless modular free-standing wall structures, and related methods. The systems and structures may be especially advantageous as outdoor systems and structures. The systems and structures provide a relatively low-cost building solution that is relatively easy to install. The systems and structures include the use of advantageous connecting members or posts and panels that are interchangeable and couple together in a sliding manner without the need of fasteners or tools. The connecting posts and panels may be pre-finished such that the resulting structure is complete and has an aesthetically pleasing look immediately upon installation or assembly. 
     The systems and structures includes connecting members and panels that are differing of differing configurations, such as panels of lengths and/or heights and, potentially, planar and/or non-planar, and posts of differing number of panel-connections and/or relative angulation or orientation of connected panels. By utilizing differing combinations of such differing connecting posts and/or panels, any configuration or arrangement of a modular wall structure can be formed. For example, systems and structures may allow a user to create their own walled structure design, with the potential to build-out (or take away from) and/or rearrange with the wall structure over time. In some embodiments, the posts and/or the panels may be of one piece construction. 
     The systems and structures may form independent, free-standing, modular walled structures. For example, the posts and panels may be configured to form independent, free-standing, modular walled structures. In this way, the systems and structures may be frameless and void of a foundation affixed thereto. The posts and panels of the systems and structures may removably couple tougher via a tongue and groove configuration that prevents the components from disengaging during use (but allows for selective disassembly and reuse, if desired), and forms sturdy free-standing structure without an internal or external frame and/or a foundation. 
     As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described and other embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims. Accordingly, this detailed description of the illustrated and exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to a limiting sense. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments, they are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Also, the term “operably” in conjunction with terms such as coupled, connected, joined, sealed or the like is used herein to refer to both connections resulting from separate, distinct components being directly or indirectly coupled and components being integrally formed (i.e., one-piece, integral or monolithic). Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages described above may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems and techniques described herein may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
     While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.