CONNECTOR FOR USE IN DISPLAY FRAMES
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The connector is intended for use in displays of the kind which include a display frame formed of a plurality of beams (1) which are joined together by multi-way node fittings to form a three-dimensional shape, and display panels are releasably secured to the beams. The connector includes a male fitting (3) which has a stem (8) projecting from a plate (4), and a head (9) comprising four noses which project laterally from the stem. The head (9) is inserted in a correspondingly-shaped aperture of a female node fitting and rotated into positive engagement with the inner face of the node fitting. The trailing faces of the four noses have oppositely-inclined ramps which act to provide progressive tightening and alignment of the connector as the male part is rotated within the aperture. The connector provides a joint with greater stability and enables a firm connection to be obtained with a smaller angle of rotation and reduced engagement force. The strength of joint is less dependent on manufacturing tolerances and the connection is less likely to become slack due to wear or damage. Modified male fittings have threaded sockets for attaching feet and other items to the display, and caps are provided to cover any unused apertures in the node fitting.
32 Citations
20 Claims
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1-10. -10. (canceled)
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11. A connector for use in displays of the kind which include a display frame formed of a plurality of beams which are joined together by multi-Way node fittings to form a three-dimensional shape, and display panels are releasably secured to the beams, in which the said connector comprises:
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a male part having a bearing face, a stem projecting from the bearing face, and a head comprising four noses which project laterally from the stem; and a female part having a wall with an inner face and an outer bearing face, the wall containing an aperture which permits the head of the male part to pass through the aperture and rotatably receives the stem with the bearing face of the male part in contact with the outer bearing face of the wall, the inner face of the wall being profiled to engage the said noses when the male part is rotated within the aperture;
whereinthe aperture of the female part is of cruciform shape, and the opposing faces of the wall and the noses are provided with oppositely inclined ramps which act to provide progressive tightening and alignment of the connector as the male part is rotated within the aperture. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification