Modular unit coupling system and method

A bracket system securable to modular units for releasably coupling the modular units together, the bracket system comprising:

• a first set of main brackets comprising:
• a front frame extension bracket securable to base structural members along a front of a first main unit, and
• a rear frame extension bracket securable to the base structural members along a rear of the first main unit, each of the front frame extension bracket and the rear frame extension bracket comprising:
• a beam comprising a post end and an opposed hook end;
• a rigid post secured proximate to the post end of the beam, the rigid post extending away from the beam;
• a hook secured to the hook end of the beam, the hook dimensioned to receive the rigid post therein;
• and
• a main bracket aperture positioned at each of the post end and the hook end of the beam, each main bracket aperture dimensioned to receive a fastener therethrough;
• wherein the hooks and the rigid posts of each of the front frame extension bracket and the rear frame extension bracket are configured to releasably engage, respectively, with corresponding rigid posts and corresponding hooks secured to adjacent modular units,
• wherein the beam of each of the front frame extension bracket and the rear frame extension bracket is an L-shaped beam comprising a vertical leg and a horizontal leg extending between the post end and the hook end of each of frame extension bracket and the rear frame extension bracket,
• wherein the bracket system is securable only to the base structural members and is configured to releasably couple the modular units together bare handed,
• wherein the L-shaped beam of each of the front frame extension bracket and the rear frame extension bracket is dimensioned to extend from one side of the first main unit to an opposed side of the first main unit,
• wherein the rigid post of each of the front frame extension bracket and the rear frame extension bracket are positioned at the one side of the first main unit,
• wherein the hook of each of the front frame extension bracket and the rear frame extension bracket are positioned to extend past the opposed side of the first main unit,
• wherein the rigid post of each of the front frame extension bracket and the rear frame extension bracket is secured to one of the vertical and horizontal legs proximate the post end of the L-shaped beam,
• wherein the hook of each of the front frame extension bracket and the rear frame extension bracket extends from the one of the vertical and horizontal legs,
• wherein the main bracket apertures of each of the front frame extension bracket and the rear frame extension bracket are positioned on the other one of the vertical and horizontal legs;
• a second set of main brackets securable to base structural members of a second main unit, wherein the hooks of the first set of main brackets releasably engage with the corresponding rigid posts of the second set of main brackets;
• a brace piece with a brace aperture, the brace piece dimensioned to extend over a portion of both of the vertical legs of the front frame extension brackets or the rear frame extension brackets when the first and second sets of main brackets are coupled together;
• and
• a brace fastener configured to extend through the brace aperture and one of the main bracket apertures positioned on the vertical legs of each of the L-shaped beams,
• wherein:
• (i) the brace piece holds the rear frame extension brackets together when the brace piece is positioned over an outer surface of the vertical legs of the rear frame extension brackets and the brace fastener extends through the brace aperture and the main bracket aperture at the hook end of the rear frame extension bracket of the first set of main brackets;
• or
• (ii) the brace piece holds the front frame extension brackets together when the brace piece is positioned over an outer surface of the vertical legs of the front frame extension brackets and the brace fastener extends through the brace aperture and the main bracket aperture at the post end of the front frame extension bracket of the second set of main brackets.