FASTENERS FOR USE IN DISPLAY STRUCTURES
A fastener is disclosed for use in a display structure that includes a bracket defining a detent, a pin that is rotatably received by the bracket, and a latch, e.g., a helical spring, that is in engagement with the pin such that rotation of the pin causes corresponding rotation of the latch. The latch is configured, dimensioned, and positioned for engagement with the detent during movement of the fastener between first (unlocked) and second (locked) positions. During movement of the fastener between the first and second positions, the latch traverses the detent to provide a perceptible indication, e.g., an audible and/or tactile indication, that the fastener has been moved between the first and second positions.
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/731,682, filed on Jun. 5, 2015, which claims a benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/116,974, filed on Feb. 17, 2015, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally to display technologies and structures, and more particularly, to a fastener for use in securing modules, e.g., LED modules, to a module cabinet.
BACKGROUNDDuring its lifespan, a display structure, such as a billboard, may require maintenance and/or modification. For example, it may be necessary, or desirable, to replace LEDs and circuitry, or to clean or otherwise maintain the internal components of the display structure. In such instances, access to the various internal components of the display structure typically requires the disengagement and re-engagement of a series of fasteners. Known fasteners, however, do not provide the technician with any indication that they have been properly engaged or disengaged, which can be problematic since the fasteners typically used in display structures are often only accessible from the front.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a fastener, and supporting structures, that provide the advantages of known fasteners, but overcome the limitations of the current technology.
SUMMARYIn one aspect of the present disclosure, a fastener is disclosed for use in a display structure. The fastener includes a bracket defining a detent, a pin that is rotatably received by the bracket, and a latch that is in engagement with the pin such that rotation of the pin causes corresponding rotation of the latch.
The latch is configured, dimensioned, and positioned for engagement with the detent during movement of the fastener between first and second positions, e.g., locked and unlocked positions. During movement between the first and second positions, the latch traverses the detent to provide a perceptible indication that the fastener has been moved between the first and second positions.
In certain embodiments, the latch and the detent may be configured and dimensioned to provide audible and/or tactile indications of movement between the first and second positions.
In certain embodiments, the pin may be rotatable within the bracket about an axis of rotation.
In certain embodiments, the pin may include a hole extending transversely in relation to the axis of rotation configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of the latch.
The latch includes a first end portion, an opposite second end portion, and an intermediate portion connecting the first and second end portions.
In certain embodiments, intermediate portion may be helical in configuration.
In certain embodiments, the hole in the pin may be configured and dimensioned to receive the first end portion of the latch.
In certain embodiments, the first end portion of the latch may be linear in configuration.
In certain embodiments, the pin may include rotation means that are configured and dimensioned to facilitate rotation of the pin in relation to the bracket. For example, the rotation means may include a head that is configured and dimensioned for engagement with a rotation tool.
In certain embodiments, the head may define a shoulder that is configured and dimensioned for engagement with the bracket.
In certain embodiments, the head may include structure facilitating engagement with the rotation tool selected from the group consisting of a slot, either linear or non-linear in configuration, a pair of intersecting slots, either linear or non-linear in configuration, and a polygonal recess, e.g., a hexagonal recess, a square-shaped recess, etc.
In certain embodiments, the pin may further include a shaft extending from the head and defining a transverse cross-sectional dimension less than that defined by the head. In such embodiments, the rotation means may further include structure formed in the shaft selected from the group consisting of: a slot, a pair of intersecting slots, and a polygonal recess.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a display structure is disclosed that includes a cabinet having a module panel, and a plurality of modules that are releasably connectable to the module panel, each of which includes at least one fastener to releasably connect the module to the module panel.
Each of the fasteners includes a bracket defining a detent, a pin that is rotatably received by the bracket, and a latch that is in engagement with the pin such that rotation of the pin causes corresponding rotation of the latch.
The latch is configured, dimensioned, and positioned for engagement with the detent during movement of the fastener between an unlocked position, wherein the module is separable from the module panel, and a locked position, wherein the module is secured to the module panel.
During movement of the fastener between the locked and unlocked positions, the latch traverses the detent to provide a perceptible indication that the fastener has been moved between the locked and unlocked positions.
In certain embodiments, the latch may be helical in configuration such that during rotation of the latch, the latch captures and draws the module panel towards the module with which the fastener is associated.
In certain embodiments, each module may include an alignment pin, and the module panel may include a corresponding opening that is configured and dimensioned to receive the alignment pin.
In certain embodiments, the latch and the detent may be configured and dimensioned to provide audible and/or tactile indications of movement between the locked and unlocked positions.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent with reference to the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments that follows.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which depict non-limiting, illustrative examples of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments may be derived, and logical structural and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. To avoid unnecessary detail, the following description may omit certain information, items, or details known to those skilled in the art.
Throughout the present disclosure, the terms “front,” “rear,” “clockwise,” and “counterclockwise” are used herein in a relative capacity, and are intended to be interpreted in accordance with the perspective shown in the corresponding figure(s).
The present disclosure relates to fasteners, supporting structures, and methodologies for connecting together the components of a display structure, and provides a number of benefits over those which are known in the art. For example, the fasteners, supporting structures, and methodologies described herein are not only inexpensive to manufacture, but simple to use, and provide feedback to the technician, e.g., tactile and/or audible feedback, indicating the position of the fasteners.
With reference to
The cabinet 100 is braced by one or more vertical supports V (
In the embodiment of the disclosure illustrated in
The module panel 104 includes a plurality of receptacles 106 that are defined by a series of horizontal and vertical struts 108, each of which is configured and dimensioned to accommodate a module 200. For example, the number of modules 200 supported by the cabinet 100 may be upwards of one thousand, or more.
In one embodiment of the disclosure, each module 200 includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of LEDs, arranged in a particular configuration, that are physically and electrically secured thereto such that the LEDs extend outwardly from a front surface F of the module 200 to create a display, e.g., an alphanumeric display or other graphic image. Although described in connection with LEDs through the present disclosure, the modules 200 may be utilized in connection with various technologies, e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCD), incandescent displays, etc.
With reference now to
The fasteners 300 are secured to rear surfaces R (
The fasteners 300 releasably connect the modules 200 to the cabinet 100 via the module panel 104, and each include a bracket 302, a pin 304 that is received by the bracket 302, and a latch 306.
Each bracket 302 includes a first (front) mounting surface 310, a second (rear) mounting surface 312, and a bridge 314 that connects the mounting surfaces 310, 312. The first mounting surface 310 includes one or more through holes 316 that are configured and dimensioned to receive the attachment member(s) 308 (
The second mounting surface 312 includes a bore 320 in axial alignment with the bore 318 formed in the first mounting surface 310 that is also configured and dimensioned to receive the pin 304 such that, upon assembly of the fasteners 300, the pin 304 is received by each of the bores 318, 320. The bores 318, 320 are machined so as to permit rotation of the pin 304 within the bores 318, 320 about an axis of rotation X (
The pin 304 connects the bracket 302 and the latch 306, and includes a base 324, and a shaft 326 that extends from the base 324.
The base 324 defines an outer transverse cross-sectional dimension, e.g., a diameter, D1 (
The shaft 326 of the pin 304 defines a through bore 334 (
The shaft 326 further includes structure 336 (
With continued reference to
The second end portion 348 of the latch 306 is also configured and dimensioned for engagement with the shaft 326 of the pin 304. For example, as illustrated in
The intermediate portion of the latch 306 extends between the end portions 346, 348 of the latch 306, and is generally arcuate. For example, as seen in
The latch 306 may define a transverse cross-sectional dimension, e.g., a diameter, that is either constant along the length of the latch 306, as seen in
With reference now to
After positioning of the module 200 in relation to the module panel 104, the tool T (
During movement from the initial (unlocked) position to the subsequent (locked) position, the latch 306 rotates concomitantly with the pin 304, whereby the latch 306 is caused to pass behind the module panel 104. As rotation of the latch 306 continues, due to the helical configuration of the latch 306, the distance between the latch 306 and the module panel 104 is decreased until the latch 306 ultimately engages the module panel 104. Thereafter, continued rotation of the latch 306 urges the module panel 104 inwardly, i.e., towards the module 200, and causes the latch 306 to engage the detent 322 (
As the latch 306 passes the detent 322, the biasing forces created in the latch 306 and the second (rear) mounting surface 312 return the latch 306 and the second (rear) mounting surface 312 to their normal, undeflected positions, and the force required to continue rotation of the latch 306 is reduced, providing the technician with not only a perceptible, tactile indication that the latch 306 has traversed the detent 322, but an audible indication as well in the form of a “click.”
After traversal of the detent 322 by the latch 306, the latch 306 acts to resist unintended counterclockwise rotation (unlocking) of the latch 306 such that the module panel 104 remains locked and secured in place between the module panel 200 and the latch 306, as seen in
To disengage the fasteners 300 from the module panel 104, and thus permit removal of the module 200 from the cabinet 100, the fasteners 300 are moved from the subsequent (locked) position to the initial (unlocked) position by reversing the process. Specifically, the tool T (
In addition to being manipulable from the front surface F (
While the present disclosure has been described in connection with specific, illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that the subject matter of the present disclosure is capable of further modifications. For example, persons skilled in the art will understand that additional components and features may be added to any of the embodiments discussed herein above, and that those elements and features described in connection with any one embodiment may also be applicable to, or combined with, those of any other embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, and/or adaptations of the presently disclosed subject matter in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, including such departures that may be customary practice within the art to which the present disclosure pertains.
Claims
1. A device comprising:
- a bracket including a first plate, a second plate, and a third plate, wherein the third plate extends between the first plate and the second plate such that the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate define a U-shape, wherein the second plate hosts a projection that projects away from the first plate;
- a pin extending through the first plate and the second plate along the third plate; and
- a latch engaging the pin such that the latch is able to (1) rotate the pin with respect to the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate, and (2) traverse the projection.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the latch traverses the projection such that a sound is generated.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the latch extends into the pin.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the latch extends through the pin.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the latch includes a portion that is D-shaped when viewed above the second plate.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the latch includes a portion that is arcuate about the pin, wherein the portion is positioned between the first plate and the second plate.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the latch extends about the pin helically.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the pin includes a slot configured for engagement with a tip of a rotational tool, wherein the second plate is positioned between the slot and the first plate, wherein the latch engages the pin between the slot and the second plate.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the pin includes a shoulder, wherein the first plate is positioned between the second plate and the shoulder.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the shoulder engages the first plate.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the pin includes a recess configured for engagement with a tip of a rotational tool, wherein the recess includes an entry, wherein the first plate is positioned between the entry and the second plate.
12. A method comprising:
- positioning a unit adjacent to a module and a panel, wherein the unit includes a bracket, a pin, and a latch, wherein the bracket includes a first plate, a second plate, and a third plate, wherein the third plate spans between the first plate and the second plate such that the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate define a U-shape, wherein the second plate hosts a projection that projects away from the first plate, wherein the pin extends through the first plate and the second plate along the third plate, wherein the pin includes a recess configured for engagement with a tip of a rotational tool, wherein the recess includes an entry, wherein the first plate is positioned between the entry and the second plate, wherein the latch engages the pin such that the latch is able to (1) rotate the pin with respect to the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate, and (2) traverse the projection, wherein the panel defines an opening;
- inserting the tip through the opening such that the tip engages the recess through the entry; and
- rotating the tip of the rotational tool such that the pin rotates concomitantly and the latch thereby traverses the projection.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the latch traverses the projection such that a sound is generated.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the latch traverses the projection such that the model is secured to the panel.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the latch traverses the projection such that the model is unsecured from the panel.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the panel is spaced apart from the latch at a distance before rotating the tip, wherein the distance is decreased as the tip is rotated such that the latch is able to engage the panel.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the panel is spaced apart from the latch at a distance before rotating the tip, wherein the distance is increased as the tip is rotated such that the latch is able to disengage from the panel.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the rotational tool is T-shaped.
19. The method of claim 12, wherein the rotational tool is a first rotational tool, wherein the tip is a first tip, wherein the pin includes a slot configured for engagement with a second tip of a second rotational tool, wherein the second plate is positioned between the slot and the first plate, wherein the latch engages the pin between the slot and the second plate.
20. A display structure comprising:
- a cabinet having a module panel; and
- a plurality of modules releasably connectable to the module panel, each module including at least one fastener for use in connecting the module to the module panel, each fastener comprising: a bracket defining a detent; a pin rotatably received by the bracket; and a latch in engagement with the pin such that rotation of the pin causes corresponding rotation of the latch, the latch being configured, dimensioned, and positioned for engagement with the detent during movement of the fastener between an unlocked position, wherein the module is separable from the module panel, and a locked position, wherein the module is secured to the module panel, the latch traversing the detent during movement of the fastener between the locked and unlocked positions to provide a perceptible indication that the fastener has been moved between the locked and unlocked positions.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 23, 2018
Publication Date: Jul 26, 2018
Inventor: Michael COX (Danville, IL)
Application Number: 15/934,234