Wall System Having Furniture Modules and Accessories for Attaching and Finishing the Modules

Abstract

A furniture system has multiple modules in which two or more modules may be arranged together in a variety of combinations. Adjacent modules may be attached using turnbuckles which evenly space the modules and provide a gap between modules. The gap may be masked with removable pilasters that match the finish of the furniture modules. The outer walls of each module are unfinished and therefore end caps may be secured to the outer walls of an assembled system. The end caps match the finish of the modules. Each module has associated with it height adjustable rollers and at least one of those rollers may be locked to prevent rotation.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/961,237 filed Jul. 19, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) furniture and more particularly, to furniture modules that are provided with hardware permitting easy assembly and disassembly while, at the same time, retaining continuity between modules to provide the appearance of a continuous furniture system.

2. Description of Related Art

The assembly and disassembly of RTA furniture modules to provide a furniture system often times becomes difficult because, in order for the modules to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, adjacent modules must be uniformly spaced apart, while at the same time, uniformly level so that they appear to be one continuous unit. Because of the weight of individual furniture modules, manipulating and securing adjacent modules together is difficult and without proper initial alignment of the modules, fasteners that may be used to attach modules in the end may produce an undesirable result of misaligned furniture modules.

A system is required for aligning and securing together furniture modules to produce a furniture system having modules that are properly leveled, properly aligned, and bridged with connection pieces, thereby producing an aesthetically pleasing and securely mounted furniture system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a furniture system having a plurality of separate and distinct modules adjacent to one another defining interior modules and two end modules, wherein each module has two opposing outer walls, one embodiment of the invention is directed toward an apparatus for aligning and securing together adjacent modules. The apparatus has a first mounting bracket secured to the outer wall of one of the modules, a second mounting bracket secured to the outer wall of an adjacent module, and a mechanism for moving the module outer walls toward one another. The mechanism pulls the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket together, thereby moving the module outer walls toward one another and establishing a desired gap therebetween.

In a furniture system having a plurality of separate and distinct generally rectangular modules, wherein each module has two opposing outer walls and, wherein when modules are adjacent to one another, there is a gap therebetween defined by the distance between the outer walls. Another embodiment of the subject invention is directed to an apparatus for masking the gap. The apparatus has a pad connected to an outer wall of the first module. The pad is connected to an outer wall of the second module. A pilaster is secured to each pad over the gap, wherein the pilaster has a similar color and texture to that of the adjacent modules.

Another embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a furniture module having opposing walls and rollers secured thereto for moving the module back and forth. The module has at least three roller brackets secured to the module and an adjustable roller frame secured to the each roller bracket. The adjustable roller frame is movable up and down relative to the roller bracket to adjust the height for leveling the module. A roller wheel is secured within the roller frame and a locking member is movable relative to the wheel of the roller frame to lock and unlock the wheel from rotation.

For a furniture system having at least two modules adapted to be positioned adjacent to one another, wherein the outer walls of each module have exposed undecorated ends, yet another embodiment of the subject invention is directed to an assembly for providing decorative ends. The assembly has a decorative end cap, a first connector attached to the end cap, and a second connector mounted to the outermost face of a module adapted to be secured to the first connector to secure the end cap to the module. With the end caps in place, there is an appearance of continuity between the end caps and the modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a furniture system comprised of eight separate modules;

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a front view of two modules attached with a pair of turnbuckles;

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating additional details of a turnbuckle connecting two modules;

FIG. 4 is a view showing connecting pads with a fully assembled turnbuckle;

FIG. 4A is a view showing magnetic material connecting pads;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective of a turnbuckle and the brackets associated with each module for securing the turnbuckle;

FIG. 5A is an assembled top view of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a drawing of the connecting pads located between furniture modules for receiving a pilaster;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a module illustrating passageways located in the rear of the outer wall of the module;

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing two modules secured using a connecting bracket securing the passageways between adjacent modules;

FIG. 9 is a drawing of a roller system attached to the bottom of a module for rolling the module into position;

FIG. 9A is a bottom view of a typical module showing the location of one set of rollers;

FIG. 10 is a drawing of a view inside in a module illustrating the access holes for the rollers in the rear of the module;

FIG. 11 is a drawing of a left end cap used as a finishing piece on the left side of the end module;

FIG. 12 is a view of the end cap illustrated in FIG. 11 showing additional details;

FIG. 13 is a perspective end view of the end cap illustrating the manner by which the end cap is secured to a module;

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate different types of modules;

FIG. 19 illustrates a furniture system with a different configuration from that illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 illustrates a single module with end caps attached thereto which may be used as a single furniture piece;

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of an additional style of module;

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of a corner module;

FIG. 23 shows an exploded perspective view of a pilaster; and

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a left end cap and a right end cap 87.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1 illustrates a furniture system 10 comprised of a plurality of interconnected furniture modules. In particular, from left to right in the sequence of their attachment are a standard module 15, an office module 20, a library module 25, a corner module 30, a standard module 35, another standard module 40, an entertainment module 45 and finally, a standard module 50. As will be seen, each of these modules is separate and distinct from one another and is connected together using fasteners, pilasters and end caps that will be hereinafter described in detail. Standard module 15 and standard module 50, since they are at the ends of the system 10, are end modules while the remaining modules in the system 10 are interior modules.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a pair of modules which, for purposes of this specification, will be referred to as a first module 60 and a second module 65. The purpose of such a generic label is to make clear that the first module 60 and second module 65 are representative of any of the previously described or other modules and any one module may be connected to any other module to provide an expandable independent and portable furniture system comprised of one or more of a variety of modules. Directing attention to FIG. 2, first module 60 has a first opposing outer wall 70 and a second opposing outer wall 75. Additionally, each module may have a bottom strip of decorative molding 80 and a top strip of decorative molding 82. The first module 60 is connected to the second module 65 utilizing a mechanism for moving the module outer walls 70,75 and therefore the entire modules 60,65 toward one another. This mechanism may be at least one turnbuckle 100, although as illustrated in FIG. 2, there are three turnbuckles 100. The purpose of the turnbuckles 100 are two-fold. First of all, the turnbuckle 100 is designed to urge the first module 60 toward the second module 65 and, second of all, the turnbuckle 100 bottoms out, such that, in the closed position, the distance between the first opposing outer wall 70 of the second module 65 and the second opposing outer wall 75 of the first module 60 is uniform for each turnbuckle 100. It should be noted with the turnbuckle 100 in place, there is a gap 102 between the first module and the second module 65. Briefly returning to FIG. 1, a pilaster 105 is used to cover the gap 102 between adjacent modules such as the standard module 15 and the office module 20. The pilaster 105 has the same finish and same color and texture (decorative pattern) as the adjacent modules 15, 20 and, when properly placed and secured, provides a continuous appearance between adjacent modules.

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of a turnbuckle 100 connecting a first opposing outer wall 70 to a second opposing outer wall 75. The connecting pads 110 are used to connect pilasters and are not directly associated with the turnbuckle 100. Therefore, the connecting pads will not be discussed at this point.

An exploded view of the turnbuckle 100 and the hardware used to connect the turnbuckle 100 to the first opposing outer wall 70 and the second opposing outer wall 75 is illustrated in FIG. 5.

Directing attention to FIGS. 4 and 5, the turnbuckle 100 is used for aligning and securing together the first module 60 and the second module 65. A first mounting bracket 115 is secured to the second opposing outer wall 75 of the first module 60. A second mounting bracket 120 is secured to the first opposing outer wall 70 of the second module 65, which is adjacent to the first module 60. The turnbuckle 100 is secured to the first mounting bracket 115 and to the second mounting bracket 120. Directing attention to FIG. 5, the turnbuckle 100 is made up of a first part 125 and a second part 130. The first part 125 includes a protrusion 127 having a circular groove 129. The protrusion 127 fits within a recess 131 within the second part 130. A pin 132 fits within an offset passageway 133 in the second part 130 such that when the first part 125 is secured against the second part 130 the pin 132 engages the circular groove 129 and restricts translation between the first part 125 and the second part 130 but permits rotation about a central axis 135 extending therethrough. The first part 125 has a threaded bore 136 to accept the threaded shank 138 of bolt 140. Similarly, the second part 130 has a threaded bore 142 which accepts the threaded shank 144 of bolt 146. FIG. 6 illustrates the placement of the first mounting bracket 115 of the second opposing outer wall 75 of the first module 60 and the second mounting bracket 120 on the first opposing outer wall 70 of the second module 65. The first mounting bracket 115 and the second mounting bracket 120 are secured to their respective outer walls 75, 70 using fasteners, such as screws 148, passing through holes 150 extending through the brackets 115, 120.

Bracket 115 and bolt 146 (FIG. 5) will now be discussed with the understanding that these same features apply to bracket 120 and bolt 140.

Bracket 115 includes a protruding portion 152 which is spaced from the mounting plate portion 154 to define a recess 156 therein. Protruding portion 152 additionally has a slot 158 with a width greater than the diameter of the threaded shank 144. However, the bolt 146 additionally has a non-circular head 160 which, in FIG. 5, is illustrated as a square which is larger than the slot 158. The non-circular head 160 is positioned within the recess 156 and is held non-rotationally therein. When the first part 125 is engaged with the second part 130, these two parts may rotate relative to one another but are axially restrained by the pin 132 engaged within the circular groove 129. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the first part 125 and the second part 130 each have a series of flats 162, 164 about their periphery suitable for receiving a wrench. Therefore, with the bolt 140 partially engaged within the threaded bore 136 of the first part 125 and the second bolt 146 partially engaged within the threaded bore 142 of the second part 130, the first part 125 and the second part 130 may be rotated relative to one another to further engage each of the bolts 140, 146 and pull the adjacent modules together.

Directing attention to FIG. 4, when the turnbuckle 100 is engaged with the first mounting bracket 115 and the second mounting bracket 120, rotation of the flats 162, 164 and the turnbuckle 100 results in the second opposing outer wall 75 and the first opposing outer wall 70 being pulled together a predetermined distance, which occurs when the turnbuckle bottoms out. In its loosened state, the non-circular head 160 of each bolt 146, for example, may be easily placed within the recess 156 (FIG. 4) of each mounting bracket 115, 120 and the turnbuckle tightened to pull the opposing outer walls 75, 70 together.

Returning to FIG. 3, since the turnbuckle 100 must be rotated manually with a wrench, access to the turnbuckle 100 is important and, for that reason, the turnbuckle 100 is placed near the front of the furniture modules. However, it is also desirable to secure the rear portion of the modules.

FIG. 7 illustrates the typical first opposing outer wall 70. Of particular interest are two passageways 165, 166 extending through the opposing outer wall 70. Although not illustrated in this figure, the second opposing wall 75 has similar passageways. As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the first opposing outer wall 70 of a second module 65 is aligned with the second opposing wall 75 of a first module 60, the passageways 165, 166 are aligned with one another. The passageways 165, 166 are large enough to accommodate the hand of a user and, as a result, a spacer bracket 170 having a first U-shaped portion 172 fits around and straddles the thickness of the second opposing outer wall 75 while the second U-shaped portion 174 fits around the first opposing outer wall 70. The middle portion 176 of the spacer bracket 170 is sized such that the distance between the first opposing outer walls 70 and the second opposing outer wall 75 in the region of the spacer bracket 170 is identical to the distance between the first opposing outer wall 70 and the second opposing outer wall 75 adjacent to a tightened turnbuckle 100. Additionally, the passageways are positioned away from the turnbuckles 100 to maximize the effectiveness of the spacer brackets 170. In such a fashion, the first opposing outer wall and second opposing outer wall are uniformly spaced along their entire surfaces.

Directing attention to FIGS. 9 and 10, each module, for example standard module 40, has attached thereto rollers for moving the module 40 back and forth. In particular, a roller 180 is comprised of a roller bracket 182 secured to the module 40. An adjustable roller frame 184 is secured to the roller bracket 182. The adjustable roller frame 184 is moveable up and down relative to the roller bracket 182 to adjust the height of the module 40. In particular, a leveling bolt 186 is threadingly engaged within the roller bracket 182 and abuts the roller frame 184 such that rotationally advancing the leveling bolt 186 urges the roller bracket 182 away from the roller frame 184, thereby lifting the module 40. The roller 180 is further comprised of a roller wheel 190 secured within the roller frame 184 and permitted to rotate. However, a locking bolt 192 is threadingly engaged with the roller frame 184 and is moveable relative to the wheel 190 of the roller frame 184 to lock and unlock the wheel 190 from rotation by contact with the roller wheel 190. It should be noted that the roller 180 found in FIG. 9 is mounted toward the front and to the outside of the module wall. The roller 180 is located within the gap 102 (FIG. 2) created by two adjacent modules. As a result, both the leveling bolt 186 and the locking bolt 192 are easily accessible from the front of the modules. As seen in FIG. 9A, there are two front rollers 180 mounted to the outside of the module 40 outer walls 70, 75.

However, directing attention to FIGS. 9A and 10, there are also two rollers 195 mounted toward the rear and inside of the module 40. These rollers 195 are identical to rollers 180 but do not have the locking bolt 192 hardware. These rollers 195 are not as accessible and, as a result, access holes 194 are provided in the rear and through the bottom of each module. A tool may be inserted therein to engage the leveling bolt 186 of the rollers 195. Rollers 195 and rollers 180 may be adjusted to level the entire module 40. As stated, the back portion of each module has a set of rollers 195 with a leveling bolt 186 but do not include a locking bolt 192. This feature is present only in the front rollers of the module 40.

As previously mentioned, FIG. 1 illustrates a left end cap 85 and a right end cap 87 which have decorative moldings and the same color and texture as each of the modules. Regardless of the module selection for the furniture system, the left end cap 85 and the right end cap 87 will always be present. The outer walls 70,75 of each module are unfinished surfaces and therefore the end modules have outer walls that, without end caps, would be exposed. As an example and as illustrated in FIG. 7, which shows a typical first opposing outer wall 70, the wall is plain and undecorated and the second outer opposing wall 75 is the same. As a result, the end caps 85, 87 and the pilasters (to be discussed) are finishing parts that provide a continuous appearance to any furniture system that may be assembled in accordance with the subject invention.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate different views of the left end cap 85. However, it should be appreciated that the decorative features of the end cap 85 illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are slightly different from those illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the general purpose of the end cap 85 providing a continuous appearance at the end of the module string is achieved through the design associated with FIGS. 11-13 and, for that reason, while it should be noted that the decorative trim of end cap 85 is missing in FIGS. 11-13, the same principles apply and the same reference numbers will be utilized.

The left end cap 85 is comprised of a front panel 202 and a side panel 205 which are designed to blend with the design of the modules in accordance with the furniture system.

Although the left end cap 85 will be discussed, it should be appreciated that the right end cap 87 has identical features although reversed to accommodate the opposite side of the furniture system.

On the inner surface of the side panel 205 are mounted a plurality of identical brackets 207 having a mounting plate portion 209 secured to the inner surface 211 of the side panel 205 by fasteners 213. Extending from the mounting plate portion 209 is a cantilevered portion 215 which extends into a locking tab 217 oriented approximately perpendicular to the cantilevered portion 215. FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom view of the left end cap 85 secured to an adjacent module such as the standard module 15. Mounted upon the first opposing outer wall 70 of the standard module 15 are mounting brackets 220 with fasteners 222. The mounting brackets 220 have a mid-portion 225 spaced from the first opposing outer wall 70 to define a receiving opening 227. The locking tabs 217 of the brackets 207 fit from above within the receiving opening 227 to support and properly locate the left end cap 85 upon the adjacent standard module 15. It should be noted that the length of the cantilevered portion 215 should be sized such that the front panel 202 abuts with the first opposing outer wall 70 of the standard module 15. As a result, the undecorated ends of any particular module may be provided with a left end cap 85 or a right end cap 87, each of which is decorated to match the decor or the adjacent module. The bracket 207 attached to the left end cap 85 and the mounting bracket 220 attached to the first opposing outer wall 70 of the module, act to secure the end cap 85 to the module 15.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, between each of the modules is a pilaster 105 which covers the gap 102 (FIG. 3) between each module with a panel that blends in appearance and provides a continuum between the modules. Directing attention to FIG. 4, pads 110 are connected to the first opposing outer wall 70 and the second opposing outer wall 75 of modules that are adjacent to one another. As a general guideline, a pair of connecting pads 110 may be located adjacent each of the turnbuckles 100. As illustrated in FIG. 4, each connecting pad 110 is comprised of a layer of plastic Velcro which mates with opposing plastic Velcro (not shown) mounted upon the inside surface of the pilaster 105. In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, magnetic material connecting pads 110 may be used in place of the plastic Velcro connecting pads 110 to mate with opposing steel plates (not shown) on the inner surface of the pilaster 105. As a result, when two modules are adjacent to one another, with a gap 102 therebetween, defined by the distance between the first opposing outer wall 70 of one module and the second opposing outer wall 75 of another module, a pilaster 105 is secured by connecting pads 110 to cover the gap 102, wherein the pilaster 105 has a decorative pattern and profile similar to that of the modules. It should be noted that in FIG. 1, the top and bottom of each module has decorative trim and the pilaster will have matching identical decorative trim as well.

While FIG. 1 illustrated a plurality of different types of modules, all that is required for any customized module to be compatible with the furniture system described herein is that the module have a first opposing outer wall 70 and a second opposing outer wall 75 similar to that described herein. As a result, a module can have any number of designs or features. FIGS. 14-18 illustrate different types of modules that are compatible with the subject furniture system.

Again referring to FIG. 1, eight separate modules are illustrated to form a relatively large furniture system 10. However, FIG. 19 illustrates an arrangement where only the office module 20, the standard module 15 and a second standard module 35 are assembled. Left end cap 85 is secured to standard module 15 and right end cap 87 is secured to standard module 35, wherein each module is also secured to the office module 20. Pilasters 105 are secured between the standard module 15 and the office module 20 and between the office module 20 and the standard module 35.

Although the furniture system so far described has addressed multiple modules, directing attention to FIG. 20, it is entirely possible for a consumer to purchase a single module such as the entertainment module 230 and attach thereto the left end cap 85 and the right end cap 87 to provide a stand-alone furniture system with only a single module.

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of an additional style of module.

FIG. 22 illustrates the corner module 30 showing the first opposing outer wall 70 oriented perpendicular to the second opposing outer wall 75.

FIG. 23 shows the front portion 107 and the top portion 109 of a typical pilaster 105, including the top decorative molding 80 and the bottom decorative molding 82.

FIG. 24 shows additional details of a left end cap 85 and a right end cap 87, including the top decorative molding 80 and the bottom decorative molding 82.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. The presently preferred embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A furniture system comprised of:

a) a plurality of separate and distinct modules adjacent to one another defining interior modules and two end modules, wherein each module has two opposing outer walls;

b) an apparatus for aligning and securing together adjacent modules, wherein the apparatus has: 1) a first mounting bracket secured to the outer wall of one of the modules; 2) a second mounting bracket secured to the adjacent outer wall of an adjacent module; and 3) a mechanism for moving the module outer walls toward one another and establishing a desired gap therebetween.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism is a turnbuckle secured to the first and second mounting brackets, wherein the turnbuckle may be rotated to pull the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket together thereby moving the module outer walls toward one another and establishing a desired gap therebetween.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the turnbuckle is comprised of a first part rotatively connected to a second part, wherein each of the parts have internal threaded bores along a common axis with bolts threadingly engaged therein, wherein mounting plates are secured to the module outer walls, wherein each mounting plate has a recess that non-rotatively captures the head of each bolt such that rotation of the turnbuckle parts results in the bolts being drawn into the threaded bores, thereby pulling the outer walls together.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism for moving the module walls is positioned near the front of the modules and at least one rigid spacer bracket is positioned away from the mechanism to maintain the gap across the entire surface of the outer walls.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein there is a least one passageway positioned away from the mechanism, the passageway extends within one module and is aligned with another passageway in an adjacent module, and wherein the spacer bracket spaces engages the passageways of the modules to space the modules at the desired gap.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the passageway exposes a portion of the wall thickness and the spacer bracket has a middle portion and two opposing U-shaped ends and wherein the U-shaped ends each straddle the thickness of a respective outer wall and maintain the gap between the opposing walls.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein each mounting bracket has a connecting pad mounted thereto facing the front of the module to accept a pilaster with a color and texture similar to the color and texture of the adjacent modules for masking the gap between the modules and providing a seamless transition therebetween.

8. The system according to claim 7, further including a pilaster secured to the connecting pad.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the connecting pad has a Velcro surface to accept a mating Velcro surface on the back of the pilaster.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein the connecting pad and the rear side of the pilaster are magnetically coupled.

11. In a furniture system having a plurality of separate and distinct modules, wherein each module has two opposing outer walls, a front surface having a color and texture and wherein when modules are adjacent to one another there is a gap therebetween defined by the distance between the outer walls, an apparatus for masking the gap comprised of:

a) a pad connected to an outer wall of the first module;

b) a pad connected to an outer wall of the second module; and

c) a pilaster secured to each pad over the gap, wherein the pilaster has a similar color and texture to that of the adjacent modules.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the pilaster is attached to the connecting pad through a Velcro connection

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the pilaster is magnetically attached to the connecting pad.

14. A furniture module having opposing walls and rollers secured thereto for moving the module back and forth, wherein the module is comprised of:

a) at least three roller brackets secured to the module;

b) an adjustable roller frame secured to each roller bracket, wherein the adjustable roller frame is movable up and down relative to the roller bracket to adjust the height for leveling the module.

15. The furniture module according to claim 12, further including;

a) a roller wheel secured within each roller frame; and

b) a locking member within at least one roller frame.

16. The furniture module according to claim 15, further including a wheel and the locking member is movable relative to the wheel of the roller frame to lock and unlock the wheel from rotation.

17. For a furniture system having at least two modules adapted to be positioned adjacent to one another wherein each module has front walls with a decorative appearance having a texture and color and outer walls, an assembly for providing matching decorative ends to cover the outer walls comprised of:

a) a decorative end cap having a texture and color similar to that of the module front face;

b) a first connector attached to the end cap; and

c) a second connector mounted to the outermost face of a module adapted to be secured to the first connector to secure the end cap to the module, such that with the end caps in place, there is a seamless transition between the decorative front surface and the decorative end caps.

18. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein each end cap has at least one module bracket that fixes to a mounting bracket secured to the outer exposed surface of a module.

19. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the end cap module bracket has a locking tab that engages a receiving opening within the mounting bracket.

20. A furniture system comprised of:

a) a plurality of modules, each module having a decorative front face and exposed outer walls, wherein the modules are positioned adjacent to one another to define within the group interior modules and two end modules;

b) a first mounting bracket secured to the outer walls of one modules;

c) a second mounting bracket secured to an adjacent outer wall of an adjacent module; and

d) a turnbuckle secured to each pair of first and second mounting brackets, wherein the turnbuckle may be rotated to pull the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket together thereby moving the module outer walls toward one another and establishing a desired gap therebetween;

e) a pilaster secured between each adjacent module to mask the gap, wherein each pilaster has the color and the texture of the adjacent modules such that the transition therebetween is seamless; and

f) a decorative end cap secured to the exposed outer walls of the end modules, wherein the end cap has a color and texture similar to that of the end modules such that the transition therebetween is seamless.