Panel display connector

This invention relates to connector systems for portable display devices. The connectors of this invention allow adjoining panels of the display device to be joined to each other and be moved in pivotal relationship with each other. The connector consists of a male member which is secured to a channel which is an integral part of the display device and a connector plate which joins two or more channels together. When the channels are joined using the connector of this invention, the channels and their associated display panels may be pivotally disposed in relationship to each other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention is concerned with display devices of the portable type which 
are used, for example, to display information at trade shows or 
conventions. Display devices as may be used at trade shows or conventions 
are of two principal types, these being the large bulky type and the 
portable type. This invention is concerned with the portable type of 
display device. The portable display devices have become very popular in 
recent years for utilization at regional trade shows and conventions. 
These portable display devices, when assembled, present a nice impression 
and have a very high display sur-face-to-weight ratio. Further, these 
portable display devices are advantageous in that they can be quickly and 
easily assembled and disassembled without tools by one person. In 
contrast, the large bulky display devices as mentioned above are very 
heavy and hence have a low display surface-to-weight ratio. Further, these 
display devices can be assembled and disassembled only with great 
difficulty by extra workman at great expense. 
The subject invention is useful in connection with portable display devices 
wherein a plurality of display panels are attached to channels which in 
turn function as supporting means. It is often desirable to connect more 
than one display device in angular relationship with each other. It is in 
this area where the subject invention is useful. 
Display devices of the type which are useful in connection with this 
invention are the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 3,662,807. 
The connector system of this invention is also useful in holding component 
parts of a display device in fixed relationship with each other. For 
example, this invention can be used to position header panels in fixed 
relationship with a display device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring to FIG. 1 it can be seen that the display device 1 which utilizes 
the connector system of this invention incorporates two distinct displays 
2 and 3. Displays 2 and 3 are free standing and hence may be used 
separately. Using the connector of this invention, it is possible to 
connect two or more displays such as displays 2 and 3 together. Once these 
displays are connected together, they may be angularly disposed in 
relationship to each other. 
It should be noted that while specific displays 2 and 3 are illustrated it 
is understood by one skilled in the art that this invention can be used 
with displays that assume any convenient shape. That is, utilization of 
the connector system of this invention is not limited to the displays as 
are illustrated in FIG. 1. 
Displays 2 and 3 incorporate respectively base sections 4 and 5, display 
areas 6 and 7, horizontal sections 10 and 11 and header sections 8 and 9. 
These various component parts are separable from each other as is 
illustrated in FIG. 2. 
Further, these components may be collapsed in such a manner that it 
occupies little room and hence the folded structure is suitable for 
shipment or storage. As can further be seen from FIG. 2, displays 2 and 3 
are connected to each other by a pair of connector plates 24 which are 
secured to the uppermost abutting edges of base sections 4 and 5 and 
display areas 6 and 7. 
Further, display sections 6 and 7 are secured to base sections 4 and 5 via 
connector plugs 12. 
FIG. 3 further illustrates the relationship of the component parts and the 
further addition of header sections 8 and 9 to display areas 6 and 7 by 
the utilization of a plurality of connector plugs 12. 
FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate in greater detail connector plugs 12 and its 
utilization with channel 20. Channel 20 is formed by three side areas 42, 
44 and 46. The fourth side of channel 20 is essentially open; however, 
this side incorporates a pair of opposing lips 38 and 40. Sides 42, 44, 46 
and lips 38 and 40 define an opening 45. Opening 45 is adapted to receive 
panel sections 16 and 18. The ends of these panel sections may be slightly 
notched so as to allow room for ends 30 and 36 of connector plug 12. 
Connector plug 12 incorporates a square end 36 and a round end 30. Square 
end 36 further incorporates a threaded aperture 34 which is adapted to 
receive set screw 32. Square end 36 of connector plug 12 is positioned in 
aperture 45 of channel 20 and is secured in place by the tightening of set 
screw 32. Square end 36 is of such a size that it just fits into opening 
45 of channel 20. 
Round end 30 is likewise of such a diameter that it just fits into opening 
45 of channel 20. Channel 20 is also used in the other component parts of 
composite display 1; for example, on header sections 8 and 9 as is 
illustrated in FIG. 3. Header sections 8 and 9 incorporates panel sections 
48 and 50 which have notched corners such as to allow round end 30 of 
connector plugs 12 room to slip into channels 52, 54, 56 and 58. 
In order to connect displays 2 and 3, connector plate 24 is further 
provided as is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Connector plate 24 
incorporates a pair of opposing apertures 26 and 28, the diameter of which 
is just slightly larger than the diameter of round end 30 of connector 
plug 12. 
As is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5, connector plate 24 is placed 
over a pair of connector plugs 12 and 14 which are in turn secured in 
channels 20 and 22. These channels may be pivoted in relationship to each 
other as a result of the pivotal relationship of connector plugs in 
apertures 26 and 28 of connector plate 24. Since channels 20 and 22 may be 
pivoted in relationship to each other, displays 2 and 3 are likewise 
pivoted in relationship to each other as channels 20 and 22 are an 
integral part of displays 2 and 3. 
As was mentioned above, square end 36 of connector plug 12 may be secured 
in channel 20 by a set screw 32. However, other means may be utilized to 
secure connector plug 12 in channel 20. For example, square end 36 may be 
glued in channel 20. Likewise, other mechanical means may be used in lieu 
of set screw 32 to bias square end 36 of connector plug 12 against lips 38 
and 40 of channel 20. 
Connector plug 12 and connector plate 24 can be manufactured from any 
suitable material such as a metal or a polymeric material. However, in 
accordance with the preferred embodiment these components parts are 
manufactured from an injection molded thermoplastic material such as a 
nylon. 
Various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments 
without departing from the intended scope of the present invention. The 
above disclosure incorporates a latitude of modification, change and 
substitution. Some features of the invention as described above can be 
used without use of other features. Therefore, it is appropriate that the 
appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the 
spirit and scope of the subject matter.