Patent Publication Number: US-2013233819-A1

Title: Hitch pin assembly for locking system with horizontal adjustment of shelves in display stands

Description:
The present descriptive report refers to an application for Patent of Invention for a hitch assembly developed for structuring display stands, where in each end of the front edge of the shelf (hinged or not), a pin with arrow-shaped split tip is fixed. The pins, externally and horizontally facing from the ends of the shelf are arranged to line up the respective female housing fixed vertically on the inner surface of both side walls of the display stand body or in the display stand columns (in case of displays with shelves supported by columns). 
     At the time of assembling at the point of sales, with the initial closing of the side walls of the structure, at the hinge or fitting of the shelves, after simple compression imposed by the user from one of the side walls of the structure (pushed horizontally inside), the quick hitch between the pin and housing is made, initially locking the shelf on that side of the display. Then the user performs the same procedure on the opposite side of the display, completing the locking of the shelf. 
     In the case of shelves attachable to display stands of structure composed only by support columns, the same coupling procedure is done horizontally, with the pins and female housings brought against it after slight pressure imposed from the columns by the user. 
     Optionally the shelf may receive, during manufacture of the display, an extension rule also fixed along its front edge (used in cases where the display has to withstand heavier products). Such rule gets, in an attachable and sliding way, at its ends the respective pin with arrow-shaped split tip both externally and horizontally directed from one end of the shelf. Through the aforesaid rule, prefabricated preferably in plastic material, besides the structure, it is possible to adjust and lock the pins on the shelf according to the display width, also maintaining the same coupling system horizontally upon the assembling at the point of sales. 
     Therefore, the horizontal hitch is obtained by the proposed system between the pin and the housing (brought against them from the pressure on the side walls of the cardboard structure or from the support columns), made greatly easier to structure the shelves in all sections of the display without any adjustments (such as lifting the shelf on one side or another, which usually causes undesirable unlocking between the pin and female housing coupled initially) to this important assembling task. 
     STATE OF THE ART 
     As professionals of the area know, the manufacturing segment of display stands, used to receive and allow visualization of the various goods produced by the industry to be sold in supermarkets, pharmacies, department stores and others, is growing and is increasingly requested. 
     Some display stands are assembled with the opening of its side walls and articulation of the shelves, which are locked along the sections on the side walls of their structure, whereas other display stands have only support columns to which the shelves are drawn in. 
     In any way, they receive at the side edges of the shelves, external pins vertically arranged aligned with housings in the form of a hollow body that is fold frontally in a rail shape with perfectly perpendicular edges, also arranged vertically on the inner surface of the side walls of the structure or fixed on support columns Upon the display stand assembling at the point of sales, after the side walls are opened and the shelves are hinged, the pins must have the profile perfectly aligned to the interspaces of the housing rails so that, after vertically axial introduction by the user, coupling is performed. If there are columns, the same procedure is performed; the shelf pins should be fitted in the housings installed in the display stand support columns. 
     In any way, the pins should be coupled vertically in the axial direction according to the descent against the housings so that the assembling of shelves and the display stand is completed. 
     It happens that exactly in this final step of structuring, one trouble was detected, as when the shelf was vertically down after initial fitting of the pins in one of its sides (for instance, the left side); the opposite pin is not usually perfectly aligned with the corresponding housing rail. This is because it is rather difficult for the user to align the fully rectilinear profiles of the rail and pin from the housing, to the vertical descent of the first element. Therefore, it is necessary to slightly raise the shelf as a whole in the attempt to complete alignment and coupling of the pin to the housing on the opposite side (right side). Such movement (shelf lifting) may result, however, in the uncoupling of the pin (left side) that was initially locked, requiring new procedure and thus bringing slowness in the assembling process, especially when dealing with several shelves subjected to the same type of alignment “adjustment” along the section of the display stand. 
     Thus, for structuring the display stand at point of sales there may be issues regarding the final locking of all shelves, requiring a few valuable minutes for that kind of adjustment between the coupling in the vertical direction of the pin and housing, which, though it do not prevent the use, it is not an ideal situation, especially upon the assembling at the point of sales. 
     Another issue concerns the shelf structure and the adjustment of conventional pins (vertically coupled) of the shelf. In this sense, the same author of the project in question pleaded through PI 0802314-0 in 2008 filed in Brazil, an extension rule composed of two sliding and lockable laminar bodies, both provided with pins for vertical coupling to the female housings at their free ends. During manufacture of the display stand, the rule is adjusted in length by sliding between their bodies and it is secured by coupling in the vertical direction of its pins to the female housing secured in the display stand structure to support the shelves. The ruler brought great improvements in relation to structuring and adjustment as it can be extended or retracted to adjust the width of the shelf in relation to the width of the display stand, so as to properly support it in the structure. 
     OBJECTIVE OF THE PATENT 
     The relevant latch assembly, the reason for this patent application, transfers the conventional coupling in vertical axial direction between the pin and female housing for locking shelf and side wall or shelf and column of display stands in general, to a coupling system in the horizontal axial direction. According to the proposed system, after shelf articulation, upon the display assembling it is easily locked with light pressure imposed from the side walls of the structure, drawn inward against itself, being given in case of display stands with only support columns for shelves. 
     For the proposed system, “lifting” is avoided of the aforesaid shelf from one side (after initial coupling of the opposite side—which conventionally causes disengagement), i.e. lateral adjustments to the shelf final locking are now avoided upon display stand assembling at the point of sales, making it easier to final assembly to receive and expose consumer goods to be sold. 
     For this purpose, the shelf receives, upon the display stand manufacture, along its front edge, end pins with split arrow horizontally and externally extended for fitting in female housings fixed on the inner surface of the side walls of the display stand structure. The female housings, in turn, have bevels inward along the edge of its rail, forming ramps specially designed to allow slippage of peripheral angular stoppers of arrow-shaped split tip pins, horizontally disposed, externally extended from one end of the shelf. With such arrangement a new technical effect is obtained, facilitating the final locking moment of the shelf. 
     Upon the display stand assembling for use, after the shelves being hinged, the user just need to press one of the side walls inward, horizontally, so that the female housing reaches and exceeds the arrow-shaped split pin end using the ramp, causing the initial coupling on one side of the cardboard structure. Then, by performing the movement in the opposite side wall of the cardboard structure, also pressing it inwardly in the horizontal direction, the coupling is caused in this other side without interference that may undo the initial locking of the opposite side. 
     With such procedures, arrow-shaped split tips when forced are deformed to overcome the beveled edges of the respective female housings using the ramp system, being opened and then locked by quick hitch, so the final assembling of the display stand shelves is obtained in actions that absolutely do not interfere with the coupling both on one side and the other side of the cardboard structure, without any lateral adjustments. 
     In the case of display stands with shelves supported solely by columns, the same coupling system remains in the horizontal direction between pins and female housings. 
     Optionally, along the front edge of display stand shelf (during manufacture) an extension rule prefabricated with plastic material may be fixed with unprecedented constructiveness to receive, from both sides, the arrow-shaped split tip pins that can be extended or collapsed, so as to adjust to the width of the display stand structure, positioning them aligned with their respective female housings. Once adjusted, the pins receive screws and locknuts, being positioned for the same system in question, the reason for this patent application, coupling horizontally to female housings, for locking the shelves upon the subsequent display stand assembling at the point of sales. 
    
    
     
       Superficially explained, the invention is further detailed by the attached drawings. The following figures refer to the state of the art: 
       FIG.  1 —a perspective view of a familiar display stand, in which the shelf side edges are provided with conventional vertical pin for locking to the vertical housings installed on the inner surface of the side walls of the cardboard structure. As noted, the shelves are being hinged and their pins will be coupled after vertical movement downwards, to the housings of the inner surface of the side walls. The vertical direction normally for the coupling between pin and housing is shown by dashed arrow in some types of systems, at the details A and B. 
       FIG.  2 —a perspective view of a display stand without back and side walls, made, therefore, with only shelves supported by columns. The vertical direction of the coupling between the pin and the housing installed in the column is shown in detail C; 
       FIG.  3 —a perspective view, showing the current issue for fitting the pins vertically into the housings. As seen in the example shown in this figure by the dashed arrows in an attempt to fit the left side (arrows downward) of the display stand structure, the shelf must generally be slightly raised (arrows upward). In this condition, with this vertical movement required for adjusting the shelf, the pins from the opposite side or right side, already initially coupled are eventually released of the housings (arrows upward and to the sides). In the case of shelves with lower sections, the field of vision is restricted, which further complicates the operation. The same issue is seen in the display stand manufactured with shelves supported by columns. 
       The figures listed from  4  to  10  below refer to coupling in a horizontal direction, the reason for this patent application: 
       FIG.  4 —a perspective view showing a display stand with open walls and shelves not hinged yet. The shelves are provided with arrow-shaped split tip pins at the ends of their front edge, positioned horizontally to the coupling system in the horizontal direction with the female housings, in turn, fixed vertically on the surface of the side walls of the structure; 
       FIG.  5 —enlarged perspective view of a display stand structure section, showing the closing of the side walls with their female housings, which will align with the arrow-shaped split tip pins to the coupling system in the horizontal direction. In detail D the horizontal direction of the coupling between arrow-shaped split tip pin and beveled edge of the female housing is shown in enlarged perspective view. The coupling shall be performed in each of the side walls of the display stand cardboard structure without the need for adjustments that may be released, for example, one side of the shelf already locked; 
       FIG.  6 —plan view showing by dashed arrows in sequence, the side walls of the display stand being pressed inward for coupling in the horizontal direction. In this condition the pin attached to the end of the front edge of the shelf will overcome the bevels of the edges of the female housing rail through the peripheral angular stoppers of arrow-shaped split tips. In detail E one side wall of the display stand structure is shown being pressed inward in horizontal axial direction to cause the coupling between the pin and its respective female housing. In this condition, as shown in detail F, the angular peripheral stoppers of arrow-shaped split tip pins are deformed to overdrive the ramp system, touching the beveled edges of the housing rail. As shown in Detail G, the peripheral angular stoppers after returning engage the arrow-shaped split tip pin behind beveled edges of the female housing, causing the locking on one side of the display stand structure. Detail H shows the same procedure being performed independently on the opposite side of the display stand structure and the Detail I shows the final coupling on the same side, completing the final locking of the shelf. As noted in the sequence shown, the locking of the shelf is made without interference that may cause uncoupling of one side of the shelf initially locked, preventing lateral adjustment in any part of the two side walls of the display stand structure upon the assembling; 
       FIG.  7 —a perspective view of a display stand section, showing a shelf being locked to the sides of the cardboard structure. As noted by the dashed arrow, the side wall is pressed inwards, so that the peripheral angular stoppers of arrow-shaped split tip pin through the bevels of the female housing rail are overridden. The enlarged detail J shows the shelf locking with the return of the peripheral angular stoppers that are fixed within the housing rail. The enlarged detail K shows the pin coupled along the side edges of the shelf, in a constructive option, keeping, however, the same locking system in the horizontal direction; 
       FIG.  8 —a perspective view showing the extension rule constructiveness, which is fixed along the front edge of the shelf (upon the display stand manufacture). Through the rule an adjustment to increase or decrease the distance between the arrow-shaped split tip pins is made, adjusting them for the locking of the shelf in accordance with the width of the display stand structure during its manufacture. As noted, the extension rule has drilling and receives, on its both ends, the fittings for pins, both having drilling. The pins run through the extension rule and after found the position according to the extension of the shelf and having their holes aligned, locking is done with the insertion of screws and nuts; 
       FIG.  9 —view according to the previous figure, top plan cut, showing the movement of the arrow-shaped split tip pin through the extension rule. After the desired position has been found, according to the width of the display stand structure, the pin will be locked by screw and nut inserted in their holes aligned with the extension rule holes; 
       FIG.  10 —perspective view of a display with shelves equipped with extension rule along their front edges, which fix the arrow-shaped split tip pin using their ends, all already adjusted and locked (during display stand manufacturing) for coupling the female housings with bevels fixed on the surface of the side walls of the structure. Alongside the closing enlargement of the side walls with their female housings, which will fit with the arrow-shaped split tip pins previously adjusted in distance from the extension rule to the locking system in the horizontal direction. In detail L the horizontal direction of the coupling between arrow-shaped split tip pin and beveled edge of the female housing is shown in enlarged perspective view, keeping the proposed system. 
     
    
    
     In accordance with the attached drawings, the “HITCH PIN ASSEMBLY FOR LOCKING SYSTEM WITH HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT OF SHELVES IN DISPLAY STANDS”, subject of this application for patent is composed of a manual or automatic opening display stand ( 1 ), comprising a back wall ( 2 ) to which the side walls ( 3 ) of the structure are articulated. The display stand ( 1 ) may be the type without side and rear walls, i.e. with its shelves structured only by columns (C). In any event, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  of the state of the art, the display stands ( 1 ) receive shelves ( 5 ), hinged from their back walls or fixed by fitting along the support columns (C). 
     According to the proposed constructiveness and system for the assembly, subject of this application for patent, to be shown in the following figures, during manufacture of the display stand ( 1 ), the front edge ( 4 ) of the shelves ( 5 ), as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , from each end a pair of pins ( 6 ) is fixed, both positioned externally and horizontally, composed each by arrow-shaped split tip ( 7 ) with two peripheral angular stoppers ( 8 ) delimited by a central groove ( 9 ), as shown in detail D of  FIG. 5 . 
     In the above description D is also evident that the extended pins ( 6 ) of the edges of the shelves are corresponding to the coupling of the respective female housings ( 10 ) installed on the inner surface of the side walls ( 3 ) of the display stand ( 1 ) and, in turn, are provided with inwardly beveled edges ( 11 ), in shape of a ramp, along its rail ( 12 ). 
     According to the system obtained by constructiveness of the assembly, at the time of the display stand assembling ( 1 ) at the point of sales by the user, its side walls ( 3 ) are initially closed against each other simultaneously at the beginning of articulation of the shelves ( 5 ). In this condition, as illustrated in the detail D of  FIG. 5  and the sequence of  FIG. 6 , the user has to press one of the side walls ( 3 ) of the display stand ( 1 ) horizontally inwardly (detail E), so that the peripheral angular stoppers ( 8 ) touch the beveled edges ( 11 ) of the rail ( 12 ) of the female housing ( 10 ). Thus, by sliding horizontally for override, the peripheral angular stoppers ( 8 ) of the arrow-shaped split tip ( 7 ) of the pin ( 6 ) are deformed from the groove ( 9 ), approaching against each other to override (detail F) and then they are opened, returning to be fixed behind the beveled edges ( 11 ) inside the rail ( 12 ) of the female housing ( 10 ) (detail G), locking the shelf ( 5 ) in the wall ( 3 ) on one side of the structure of the display stand ( 1 ). 
     The same procedure is performed on the opposite side of the structure of the display stand ( 1 ), (detail H), with the side wall ( 3 ) being pushed inward to also couple the pin ( 6 ) and the female housing ( 10 ), (details H and I and also detail J of  FIG. 7 ), thus completing the locking of the shelf ( 5 ). The detail K of  FIG. 7  shows that the pin ( 6 ) may be installed along the side edges of the shelf ( 5 ) and its body is therefore fixed at another angle position in a constructive option. In addition to this condition, the side wall is forced inward to also cause the coupling between the pin ( 6 ) and female housing ( 10 ), thereby maintaining the same system. 
     As noted, the horizontal direction of the coupling, performed independently on both sides of the side walls ( 3 ) of the structure of the display stand ( 1 ) has as its the main objective the non-interference of either side upon the display stand assembling. With that, lateral adjustments are avoided as lifting the shelf ( 5 ) (that may cause loosening), simplifying and speeding the assembling of the display stand ( 1 ) at the point of sales. 
     In the case of display stands ( 1 ) with shelves supported by columns (C), the system is sustained, i.e. the columns (C) receive the female housings ( 10 ) and the shelves ( 5 ) receive the pins ( 6 ). In this case, columns (C) are brought against each other so that the pins ( 6 ) of the shelf ( 5 ) are also coupled in the horizontal direction in the female housings ( 10 ), maintaining the same locking system of the shelves ( 5 ) horizontally in question, the reason for this patent application. 
     Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the display stand ( 1 ) can receive an extension rule ( 13 ) prefabricated in plastic material, hollow, with holes ( 14 ) and open at its ends ( 15 ), by which receives the sliding engagement of the pins ( 6 ), in this case it is provided with bodies with holes ( 6   a ). Through their bodies, the pins ( 6 ) can be extended or collapsed so as to be adjusted to the width of the display stand as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , and after the position is found by its aligned holes ( 6   a ) and ( 14 ) they receive bolts and locknuts ( 16 ). Thus, during fabrication of the display stand ( 1 ) the pins ( 6 ) can be pre-adjusted in its position, with the arrow-shaped split tips ( 7 ) already naturally aligned with inwardly beveled edges ( 11 ) of the rails ( 12 ) of the corresponding female housings ( 10 ), along both side walls ( 3 ) of the display stand ( 1 ). 
     The extension rule ( 13 ) in addition to allowing the structure of the shelf (in case of display stand receiving heavier products to be exposed), and enabling the preset of pins ( 6 ) according to the width of the shelf ( 5 ), maintains the same coupling system horizontally to the female housings ( 10 ), the reason for the application for this patent of invention, as shown in enlarged detail L of  FIG. 10 .