U.S. patent number 3,851,601 [Application Number 05/331,321] was granted by the patent office on 1974-12-03 for display case stand.
Invention is credited to Jack E. Davis.
United States Patent |
3,851,601 |
Davis |
December 3, 1974 |
DISPLAY CASE STAND
Abstract
A stand is disclosed herein for supporting a shelf holding a
variety of articles intended to be displayed for public viewing.
The display stand includes a modular framework having upright
corner posts supporting releasable side rails that detachably
retain a shelf panel. Each framework corner post consists of a
plurality of extensions coupled at their opposing ends by a corner
joint having a cylindrical body carrying laterally directed
projections insertably receivable into openings provided in the
terminating ends of the shelf panel supporting rails. The opposing
ends of the framework post extensions carry interlocking couplings
for snap locking the extensions together so as to capture and hold
the corner joint in position whereby a unitary framework is
produced.
Inventors: |
Davis; Jack E. (Sun Valley,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
23293466 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/331,321 |
Filed: |
February 9, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/158.11;
403/171; 211/182; 403/349; 108/192 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B
12/02 (20130101); A47B 87/0215 (20130101); Y10T
403/7007 (20150115); Y10T 403/342 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
87/02 (20060101); A47B 87/00 (20060101); F16B
12/00 (20060101); F16B 12/02 (20060101); A47b
003/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;108/153,154,111,91
;211/182,148 ;403/171,172,349,315 ;312/257SK ;24/221R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gilliam; Paul R.
Assistant Examiner: Marquette; Darrell
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Marrs; Roger A.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a modular display stand having a plurality of individual,
readily assembled components, the combination comprising:
a shelf panel for supporting a variety of items intended to be
displayed;
a plurality of posts disposed along the perimeter of said panel in
fixed spaced apart relationship;
each of said posts having at least two extensions arranged in
end-to-end relationship;
snap-lock fastening means releasably joining the opposing ends of
said extensions so as to rigidize and stabilize said post;
said snap-lock fastening means including a corner joint captured
between said extensions and having a pair of laterally outward
projecting members disposed at a 90.degree. angle to each
other;
side rails detachably connected at their opposite ends to
respective ones of said laterally projecting members and extending
between said posts; and
means carried on each of said side rails for supporting an adjacent
edge marginal region of said panel.
2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein:
said snap-lock fastening means further includes resilient means
forcibly urging said corner joint against a selected one of said
post extensions.
3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein:
said resilient means comprises an annular washer carried on the
other of said post extensions in a state of compression in
conjunction with said corner joint.
4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein:
said corner joint further includes a cylindrical body carrying said
laterally projection members and having a central bore extending
therethrough for accommodating a reduced diameter portion of one of
said post extensions.
5. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein:
said post extension having said reduced portion further includes a
second reduced diameter portion projecting beyond said corner joint
body and said second reduced portion being formed with a cam slot
for insertably receiving a pin carried on the other post
extension.
6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein:
said side rails include an aperture for insertably receiving one of
said projecting members of said corner joint and releasable locking
means for holding said side rail to said projecting member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to display stands and more particularly to a
novel corner joint for use in assemblying a modular framework.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the past, it has been the conventional practice to employ
display stands for supporting a variety of articles intended to be
viewed by potential customers and the general public. These stands
generally include a framework which support at least one shelf on
which the variety of items or articles are supported. At the
present time, it is the customary practice to use frameworks and
shelves which may be readily assembled and disassembled so that the
stand can be erected at a display site and supported in its erected
condition until the close of a show at which time the framework is
disassembled and shipped to another location.
Difficulties and problems have been encountered when employing
conventional portable display stands that stem largely from the
fact that the hardware employed requires close tolerances in its
manufacture so that the plurality of parts necessary to form the
complete assembled framework will fit and join properly. Since
these individual parts and pieces are handled by workmen during the
assemblying and disassemblying of the framework, the parts are
often-times dropped and damaged so that they cannot be fitted or
joined. Also, conventional portable display framework generally
require hand tools for assembly and disassembly such as wrenches,
screw drivers, hammers and the like. Obviously, the necessity for
such hand tools greatly increases the time required for assembly
and disassembly of the framework and also increases the potential
for damaging the mating parts. In some instances, skilled personal
is required which not only increases the cost of erection, but
requires scheduling of time.
Therefore, a long standing need has been in existence for providing
a modular framework with a means for readily attaching and
detaching respective components of the framework without the
necessity of tools, skilled personal or elaborate preparations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the difficulties and problems encountered with
conventional portable display stands are obviated by the present
invention which provides a modular framework having a plurality of
posts for supporting at least one shelf at the respective corners
thereof. Each of the posts comprises a plurality of extensions
which are joined at their opposite ends by a novel corner joint
comprising a cylindrical body having laterally projecting support
members. The opposing ends of respective post extensions are formed
with a snap lock fastening means adapted to couple with the
cylindrical body of the corner joint in releasable engagement. This
latter means further includes a resilient means for forcibly urging
the fastener means into the snap lock engagement. The corner joint
supports horizontally disposed rails by insertably positioning the
laterally projected members into openings at the end of each of the
rails whereby the rails are supported at their opposite ends by the
respective corner joints of the assembly. Resilient snap lock means
may be provided for cooperatively retaining the rails on the corner
joints so that a rigid and stablized display stand is produced.
Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present invention
to provide a novel modular framework for a display stand wherein
the components of the framework may be readily snap locked into
joining relationship to produce a stable and rigid display
stand.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel
display stand having a modular framework including snap lock joints
for supporting at least one shelf whereby a modular framework may
be readily assembled and disassembled by unskilled personal.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel
corner joint for a display stand framework whereby the opposing
ends of extensions forming each posts of the framework may be
readily attached and detached by means of snap lock fasteners to
support shelves for displaying a variety of items or articles.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel
modular framework for a display stand that may be rapidly assembled
and disassembled by unskilled personal and wherein the individual
parts of the assembly are not readily damaged or deformed by
inadvertent dropping or impacting against hard surfaces or damaged
by improper assembly.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a novel
display stand for a variety of articles or items that provides a
pleasant appearance and which may be readily assembled and
disassembled by unskilled personal.
The features of the present invention which are believed to be
novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The
present invention, both as to its organization and manner of
operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof,
may best be understood by reference to the following description,
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular framework for supporting
a panel shelf employing the novel corner joint of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the novel corner joint of
the present invention for releasably securing opposing ends of
framework post extensions as employed in the framework shown in
FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the corner joint showing assembly
thereof to opposing extension ends of the framework posts;
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, partly in sections, showing a
completed joint and illustrating attachment of a side rail
thereto;
FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken in the direction
of arrows 5--5 of FIG. 4 showing the snap lock attachment of the
corner joint to the side rail.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, a display stand is illustrated in the general
direction of arrow 10 which includes a modular framework comprising
an upright vertical post 11 arranged at each corner of a panel
shelf 12 having its marginal regions by a pluality of side rails
identified by numerals 13, 14 and 15 respectively. Each of the side
rails include means for supporting a trim edging as indicated by
numerals 16 and 17. Post trim caps 18 and 19 are provided for
finishing or terminating the end of an upright post 11. These
latter caps are snapped into the hollow of each post for
securement. Therefore, it can be seen that the display stand 10
includes corner posts which support side rails 13-15 inclusive that
in turn support panel shelf 12. The side rails further support
finishing edge trimming as indicated by numerals 16 and 17. The
entire framework for supporting the shelves is modular in concept
and construction so that the unit may be readily assembled and
disassembled by unskilled personal. The most important or critical
portion of the modular framework resides in a corner joint 20 that
detachably joins or connects the opposing ends of extensions 21 and
22 comprising a length of post 11. By this means, post 11 comprises
joint 20 as well as a plurality of extension which may be of
suitable length for placing the panel 12 at a desired distance
above the floor.
Referring now in detail to FIG. 2, corner joint 20 may be said to
comprise a cylindrical body 23 having a central bore 24 extending
therethrough in a vertical plane. Body 23 further includes a pair
of laterally projecting members 25 and 26 that are disposed at
right angles to one another from their fixed connection with the
cylindrical body 23. Each of the laterally projection members 25
and 26 includes an open ended slot 27 and 28 respectively serving
as receivers for snap lock engagement with side rails to be
described later.
The opposing ends of members 21 and 22 are cooperatively arranged
with a snap-lock fastener for detachably connecting the post
members to each other and to the corner joint 20. In one form, the
snap-lock fastener comprises a pair of reduced diameter portions 30
and 31 coaxially formed in the terminating end of post member 22 so
that a substantial portion of each length forms a mounting surface
for cylindrical body 23 and the opposing end of member 21
respectively. In greater detail, reduced portion 31 is intended to
be received within bore 24 so that the cylindrical body 23 is
supported on reduced portion 31. When reduced portion 31 is
inserted through bore 24 so as to mount body 23 thereon, second
reduced portion 30 will project out of bore 24 from the opposite
side of body 23. Post member 21 is inserted over reduced portion 30
and includes a projection 32 carried on a spacer 33 that passes
through a slot 34 formed in the second reduced portion 30. Slot 34
terminates in a laterally disposed cam-lock aperture indicated by
numeral 35 that terminates in an enlarged opening for receiving pin
32. In essence, pin 32 and the cam-lock slot 34 and 35 constitute a
bayonet type socket snap-locking the opposing ends of members 21
and 22 together so as to capture or confine corner joint 20
therebetween.
It is of significance to note that first reduced portion 31 joins
with member 22 at a shoulder 36 against which a resilient O-ring 37
is disposed. The O-ring 37 is assembled over the first reduced
portion 31 and is slid against the annular shoulder 36. When the
cylindrical body 23 is inserted over the portion 31, the body 23 is
pressed against the seal or O-ring 37 until the snap-lock fastener
of members 21 and 22 are engaged. After engagement, the resiliency
of the O-ring 37 places an expanding force to resiliently hold the
fastener in its snap-lock condition and provides a yieldable
tension against the corner joint 20 for holding it in place.
Referring now to FIG. 3 in detail, the assembly procedure is
further illustrated in that corner joint 20 is illustrated as
having its cylindrical body 23 positioned over reduced portion 31
preparatory to receiving the end of member 21 over reduced portion
30. It is to be particularly noted that when the corner joint 20
has been slid over reduced portion 31 to the extent that body 23
rests on O-ring 37, a portion of body 23 at its opposite end
extends above or beyond first reduced portion 31. The distance of
this extension is indicated by the letter d between the arrows.
This distance is eventually taken up by compression of the ring or
washer 37 when member 21 is forced against body 23 during the
snap-lock fastening of pin 32 with the cam-slot 35. When the pin
and slot have been properly connected so that washer or ring 37 is
compressed, the corner joint is secured between the opposing ends
of members 21 and 22 as shown in FIG. 4.
In FIG. 4, a force F is imparted to the corner joint via body 23
urging the body into contact with the terminating end of member 21.
This force is generated by the resiliency or expanding tendency of
the resilient washer 37.
It is also noted in FIG. 4 that lateral projection member 25
supports the end of rail 14. Rail 14 includes a pair of
spaced-apart elements 40 and 41 which define the upper and lower
limits of an opening insertably receiving lateral projection member
25. The sides of the opening are defined by flanges 42 and 43 which
are arranged fixed spaced-apart relationship to provide an
elongated slot 44 intended to receive the edge marginal region of
panel 12 for support thereon. Upper and lower elements 40 and 41
also include a small opening 45 for receiving a stop element 46
that is carried on the end of a resilient leaf spring 47. Stop
member 46 passes through opening 45 and resides within slot 27 of
the projection member 25 so that the rail is held in position on
the member. For release, a probe may be inserted through a lower
slot 47 formed in lower element 41 and engaged with the stop 46 so
that the stop may be forced upward out of opening 45. This latter
position is shown in broken lines by the leaf spring.
With respect to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the panel 12 is
supported between the flanges 42 and 43 and that the stop 46 is
inserted into the slot 27 to retain the rail 14 on the member 25.
Furthermore, the rail includes upright members 50 and 51 in a fixed
spaced relationship so as to define a space intended to be occupied
by the lower edge of trim panel 16. By this means, the trim panel
is supported on the side rail as well as the shelf panel 12.
In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the display stand of
the present invention provides a modular framework for supporting
one or more shelf panel adapted for supporting a variety of items
or articles to be displayed. The frame including the framework is
adapted to be readily assembled at a particular display site and
readily disassembled when the display event is terminated.
The highth of the display stand may be of any suitable nature
depending upon the length of the individual post extensions used in
the assembly. Also, as many shelf panels as desired may be used and
in each instance, individual and separate corner joints 20 will be
used along with associated side rails supported therefrom by the
lateral projection members. By employing a resilient washer or ring
37, a constant force or tension is placed on the corner joint that
secures the joint in position relative to the opposing ends of the
post extensions and which places a force on the pin and cam-lock
fastener between opposing ends of the post extensions.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been
shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art
that changes and modifications may be made without departing from
this invention in its broader aspects and, therefore, the aim in
the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications
as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
* * * * *