Patent Abstract:
The invention relates to a reusable fastener designed to secure material such as promotional posters, displays, and brackets to slatwall or peg board or other backing in a retail environment. The fastener has a head designed to receive display material without removal, and includes brackets and other items as part thereof.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/067,333 filed Oct. 30, 2013, and incorporates the foregoing by reference hereto. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to a connector or fastener, and a system therefore, for use with a display material. In particular, the invention relates to a reusable fastener designed to secure material such as promotional posters, displays, and brackets to a peg board or slatwall display or other backing in a retail or similar environment. Of course, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the invention is not necessarily so limited. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0005]    In retail environments promotional and marketing display material are commonly affixed to open wall space near, or in anticipation of the arrival of, goods or services for sale. Conventionally, these materials, which can include posters, displays, product samples, or other materials, are affixed to a backing adapted for repeated display and removal of the items. A common type of backing is referred to as peg board, which consists of a durable material with a pattern of perforations located in a predetermined pattern. Connectors, fasteners, or brackets are designed to secure materials to the peg board in a secure or releasably secure manner. Also, due to the fact that these displays are frequently changed the connectors and fasteners must be reasonably capable of removal to allow for such updates. The prior art, however, fails to adequately accomplish these goals. 
         [0006]    Prior art connectors, as shown in  FIG. 1 , include devices that comprise a generally flat head connected to an extended body that is sized to be captured in the spaced apart holes of the peg board. The connectors pass through holes in the material to be displayed and then into the peg board and thereby provide a reasonably stable mounting mechanism. 
         [0007]    Such connectors include so called “canoe clips.” These clips have a body that includes an elongated center gap and are sized slightly wider than the peg board holes, such that upon insertion the body is compressed about the gap to form sufficient tension to retain the clip. The head of the clip is flat without any indentations or grooves for removal or insertion. In fact, the clips do not include any particular structural elements to allow for removal. When the display is replaced the clips are pulled or pried out of place, normally in a destructive manner, thrown away and new clips are used for the next display. In this manner the clips are disposable and not suitable for reuse, and removal frequently results in damage to the underlying peg board which may also need replacement. 
         [0008]    Another such device is the “Christmas tree” clip. These clips also contain a head and body, however, in this case the body includes a plurality of teeth disposed along the axis of the body, and each tooth is comprised of a circumferential flange angled to resist removal after insertion. Again, the clips do not include any convenient means of removal and are therefore designed for one-time disposable use, and when they are removed they also damage the peg board. 
         [0009]    While these prior art clips are generally inexpensive plastic articles, ultimately the cost of continued replacement of used clips becomes very significant. The difficulty of inserting and removing the clips consumes a great deal of unnecessary labor, as well as frustration. Furthermore, the environmental impact of disposable clips is detrimental. Additionally, as noted, because these clips are not designed to be removed easily, over time they damage the peg board requiring further costs and expense. The combined cost of these inefficiencies is substantial, and can be in the millions of dollars or more every year for retailers and others that use peg board displays and the like. 
         [0010]    Another use of such clips is to assemble displays, and in particular assembly of cardboard or corrugated display material. One such prior art device is known as the Viking clip, which is comprised of plastic and consists of a flathead screw with a nut or wing nut that affixes to the screw. The Viking clip, however, requires manipulation from both sides of the assembly since the nut must be placed on the screw after the screw is placed through the assembly. Frequently, given the size of the assemblies, this requires two people to perform the assembly. Viking clips are also sometimes used with peg board displays, but suffer from the drawbacks described herein. 
         [0011]    The prior art clips suffer from another material drawback, they do not meet the full range of needs required for displays and in particular peg board displays. Displays frequently require more than just pinning a poster, backer, or header to the peg board. There is a need to affix brackets, dimensional signage, product samples, powered items, and the like. The prior art clips cannot meet these needs. 
         [0012]    Another type of backing used in displays, and other applications, is slatwall (also known as slotwall) is a building material used in shopfitting for wall coverings or display fixtures. It consists of panels made with horizontal grooves that are configured to accept a variety of merchandising accessories. The panels are typically made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), with a finish such as melamine paper pressed or laminated onto one or both sides. Grooves are then machined into the board and painted or fitted with plastic or aluminum inserts, which can then be used to attach or hang various items therefrom. Slatwall is used in retail environments, to machine shops, garages, basements, and the like. 
         [0013]    Heretofore, it has not been possible to use any of the clip based systems with slatwall because clips do not have the ability to fit in the elongated horizontal groove of the slatwall. 
         [0014]    Accordingly, a need exists for a fastener or clip, and system therefore, that overcomes the difficulties of the prior art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1A  shows a side view of a prior art canoe clip. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1B  shows a side view of a prior art Christmas tree clip. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1C  shows a side view of a prior art Viking clip. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of a hex head fastener. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2B  shows a side view of the fastener of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0020]      FIG. 2C  shows a side view of the top of the fastener of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 3A  shows a perspective view of a low profile fastener. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3B  shows a side view of the fastener of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 3C  shows a sectional view taken along the line labeled  3 C of  FIG. 3B . 
           [0024]      FIG. 3D  shows a top view of the fastener of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0025]      FIG. 3E  show a partial side view of the fastener of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0026]      FIG. 4A  shows a perspective view of a thumb screw fastener. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4B  shows a side view of the fastener of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0028]      FIG. 4C  shows a side of the fastener of  FIG. 4A  rotated 90° from the position show in  FIG. 4B . 
           [0029]      FIG. 5A  shows a perspective view of a security fastener. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5B  shows a side view of the fastener of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0031]      FIG. 5C  shows a top view of the fastener of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0032]      FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of a nut. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6B  shows a top view of the nut of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  shows various views of a bracket, with a female connector. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  shows various views of a bracket, with a male connector. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  shows various views of a bracket. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  shows various views of an L-shaped bracket. 
           [0038]      FIG. 11A  shows a perspective view of a tool. 
           [0039]      FIG. 11B  shows a sectional view of the tool of  FIG. 11A  taken along the line labeled  11 B in  FIG. 11A . 
           [0040]      FIG. 12  shows various views of a tool. 
           [0041]      FIG. 13  shows various views of a handle. 
           [0042]      FIG. 14  shows a peg board display. 
           [0043]      FIG. 15  shows a peg board display, fastener, and drill with tool bit. 
           [0044]      FIGS. 16   a, b  show a peg board display with backer paper. 
           [0045]      FIG. 17  shows a peg board display and header. 
           [0046]      FIG. 18  shows a peg board display and dimensional header. 
           [0047]      FIG. 19  shows a slatwall fastener. 
           [0048]      FIG. 20A  shows a perspective view view of the slatwall fastener. 
           [0049]      FIG. 20B  shows a side view of the fastener of  FIG. 20A . 
           [0050]      FIG. 20C  shows a top view of the fastener of  FIG. 20A . 
           [0051]      FIG. 20D  shows a side view of the fastener of  FIG. 20A  rotated 90° from the position show in  FIG. 20B . 
           [0052]      FIG. 20E  is a sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 20A  taken along the line labeled  20 E in  FIG. 20D . 
           [0053]      FIG. 21  shows the slatwall fastener attached to a slatwall slat. 
           [0054]      FIG. 22A  shows perspective views of a fastener, wherein fasteners labeled I and II are have a ball head and fastener labeled III has a low profile head. 
           [0055]      FIG. 22B  shows side views of the fasteners of  FIG. 22A , wherein fasteners labeled I and II are have a ball head and fastener labeled III has a low profile head. 
           [0056]      FIG. 22C  shows top views of the fasteners of  FIG. 22A , wherein fasteners labeled I and II are have a ball head and fastener labeled III has a low profile head. 
           [0057]      FIG. 23A  shows a perspective view of an elongated fastener. 
           [0058]      FIG. 23B  shows a side view of the fastener of  FIG. 23A . 
           [0059]      FIG. 23C  shows a partial side view of the fastener of  FIG. 23A . 
           [0060]      FIG. 24  shows the elongated fastener attached to a peg board display. 
           [0061]      FIG. 25A  shows a perspective view of a fastener nut. 
           [0062]      FIG. 25B  shows a top view of the fastener nut of  FIG. 25A . 
           [0063]      FIG. 25C  shows a side view of the fastener nut of  FIG. 25A . 
           [0064]      FIG. 25D  shows a sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 25A  taken along the line labeled  25 D shown in  FIG. 25C . 
           [0065]      FIG. 26  shows a slatwall backer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0066]    In the Figures, a system for affixing display materials to a surface is shown. In particular,  FIGS. 2  show views of a fastener  10  adapted for use with a display surface, such as peg board, walls, and the like. 
         [0067]    The fastener  10  includes a head  12 , which is hexagonal in shape. The hexagonal shape allows for the use of one or more tools (described below) to grip the head  12  and drive the fastener  10  into place and for removal of the fastener  10 . The head  12  is also threaded to allow for securement of various devices to the head  12  (detailed below). The head includes a notch  18  along the bottom of one side of the head  12 . The notch, as described below, provides a gripping mechanism to retain in place paper items such as posters, backers, headers, and the like, that are placed over the head  12  of the fastener. 
         [0068]    The fastener  10  includes a stem  14 , which is inserted in the surface, such as a hole in peg board. The stem  14  is threaded, and more particularly, includes wide spaced threads that allow for insertion of the fastener  10  with a minimal number of turns. The fastener  10  is comprised of a semi-rigid material, such as plastic, such that it easily stays in place when inserted into a surface, but does not damage the surface when inserted and removed (especially in the case or peg board). 
         [0069]    The fastener  10  includes a base  16 , which forms a circular skirt between the head  12  and the stem  14 . The base  16  has a diameter greater than that of the stem  14  and stem threads, and greater than the hole in which the fastener  10  is inserted. This provides for a snug fit substantially flush with the hole into which the fastener  10  is inserted. A tapered bevel  20  is included on the bottom of the base  14 , which is closer in diameter to the hole in which the fastener  10  will be inserted to allow for more easily centering the fastener  10  into the hole, as well as enhancing the snug fit when inserted. 
         [0070]    The threads on the stem  14  are tapered/narrowed at the point where they contact the bevel  20  to allow for a flat even fit with the fastener  10  is inserted and threaded into the hole. 
         [0071]    The fastener  10  is designed to be inserted and removed with a tool  100 , described in detail below. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 3  show various views of an alternative fastener  10 , and in particular a low profile fastener  10 . The fastener  10  includes a head  12 , which has a substantially lower profile than the fastener  10  shown in  FIG. 2 . The head  12  has a circular flange  22 , which performs the same function as the notch  18  of the fastener  10  show in  FIG. 2 , namely to releasably capture paper items such as posters, backers, headers, and the like, that are placed over the head  12  of the fastener  10  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0073]    The fastener  10  also includes a base  16  having two opposing notches  24 , which engage with the tool  100  for insertion and removal of the fastener  10  (described in detail below). 
         [0074]      FIGS. 4  show various views of an alternative fastener  10 , and in particular a thumb screw fastener  10 . The fastener  10  comprises a head  12 , which has a thumbscrew shape allowing a user to insert and remove the fastener  10  with their thumb and finger. The fastener  10  includes a threaded stem  14  and a base  16  generally consistent in function with those shown for the fasteners  10  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         [0075]    The head  12  can also be removed and inserted with the tool  100 , described in detail below. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 5  show various views of an alternative fastener  10 , and in particular a security fastener  10 . The fastener  10  has a threaded stem, but is without a defined protruding head. The fastener  10  has a base  16 , and notches  24  for engagement with the tool  14  for removal and insertion. The fastener  10  is difficult to remove by hand, or with conventional tools, allowing it to be used to hold in place items subject to theft. This feature is particularly useful for in-store displays of valuable products. The fastener  10  can be removed with the tool  100 . 
         [0077]      FIGS. 6  show various views of a nut  26  that can be used with the fasteners  10  for further securement. The nut  26  includes wings  28  for grasping to thread the nut  26  on and off. The nut  26  has internal threads  30  that match the threads on the stem  14  of the fastener  10 . The nut  26  can be used to construct dimensional objects, such as boxes, cartons, and display figures, or to secure items to brackets that may be affixed to the display surface. 
         [0078]      FIG. 7  shows a bracket  32  that can be attached to a display surface and that is compatible with the fasteners  10 . The bracket comprises a connector  34 , a female snap fit connector as shown in  FIG. 7 , and a plurality of holes  36 . Each hole  36  has a built in threads that match the threads of the fasteners  10 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 8  shows a bracket  32  with a male connector  34  designed to make an L-shaped connection with the bracket  32  shown in  FIG. 7 . The brackets  32  (joined or separate) can be connected to the display surface with one or more fasteners  10 , and then articles can be affixed to the brackets  32  with the fasteners  10  and/or nuts  26 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 9  shows a bracket  32  having a connector  34  and holes  36  (threaded) that is adapted for connection within slots  38  in a display surface. In the case of peg board displays, the bracket  32  can affix to the slots in the sides of the peg board. 
         [0081]      FIG. 10  shows a bracket  32  that is a single piece L-shape. The L-shaped bracket  32  may have threaded holes  36  or not, and can otherwise be used the same as the previously described brackets  32 . 
         [0082]      FIGS. 11  show various views of a tool  100  for insertion and removal of the fasteners  10  described above. The tool  100  has a shaft  102  that terminates in a hex head  104  to which a power drill (for example) can attach. The tool  100  has a base  106  for engaging the various heads  12  of the fasteners  10 . The base  106  includes an internal cavity shaped to mate with the head  12  of the thumb screw fastener  10  of  FIGS. 4 . While the fastener  10  of  FIG. 4  is designed for manual use, the tool  100  can also be used. The internal cavity includes rib cavity members  108 , which align and mate with the outer most ribs  15  of the head  12  of the fastener  10  of  FIGS. 4 . The internal cavity includes hex shaped cavity portions  110 , on opposing sides of the internal cavity, which engage the hex head  12  of the fastener  10  shown in  FIGS. 2 . 
         [0083]    The tool  100  also includes feet  112  to engage the notches  24  in the base  16  of the fastener  10  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . In this manner, the tool  100  is compatible with all of the fasteners  10  of the present invention. The tool  100  further comprises opposing claws  116  that can grip the base  16  of the fastener  10  during insertion to make it easier to insert the fasteners  10 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 12  shows a tool  100  that is a hand operated version of the tool  100  shown in  FIG. 11 , otherwise the tool  100  is the same.  FIG. 13  show a handle  114  that includes an internal hex shaped cavity  116  that can engage the hex head  104  of the tool  100  shown in  FIG. 11 , or can directly engage the hex head  12  of the fastener  10  shown in  FIGS. 2 . 
         [0085]    In operation, the components described above can be used in combination with a display surface such as a peg board display  120  shown in  FIG. 14 , which is commonly used in retail stores and in other establishments. The fasteners  10  are designed for insertion into the holes of the display  120 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , with the tool  100  (either by hand or with a power tool as shown in  FIG. 15 ). In one aspects of the invention, the fasteners  10  would be inserted into each corner, or around the perimeter of the display  120 , and act as anchors for later attachment of display materials. 
         [0086]      FIG. 16   a  shows display material  122 , such as a backer display, attached to the display  120  by inserting holes in the material  122  over the head  12  of the fastener  10 . Commonly backers are used to cover the display  120 . Backers are frequently removed, for example, to accommodate seasonally decorated displays (or for other reasons). The present invention, firmly secures the backer to the display  120 , but the backer can be easily removed without removing the fasteners  10 . In the prior art, to remove and replace the backer required removing the fasteners, which was difficult and time consuming. Removal required prying the fasteners out of the holes of the display, often resulting in destruction of the fasteners and damage to the holes of the display; or, if the fasteners were removed without destroying them the force needed to remove them sent them flying across the room which was hardly any better than destroying them. Once the old fasteners were removed, new fasteners had to be inserted, and on and on and on—each time a backer needed replacement. The present invention eliminates these problems, as backers can be removed and replaced without any change to the underlying fasteners. 
         [0087]    Furthermore, multiple layers of display materials  122  can be applied over the heads  12  of the fasteners  10 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , a header can be applied directly over the backer by merely pressing the holes in the header over the heads  12  of the fasteners  10 . 
         [0088]    Headers are also frequently replaced, as they contain advertising and promotional material that typically used for a limited period of time. Again, in the prior art there is no way to secure or change the header, except to remove the fasteners in the exasperating fashion described above. The present invention suffers no similar limitations. 
         [0089]      FIG. 18  shows the present invention used with dimensional display material  124 , such as a shaped or dimensional header. The header is affixed to the display  120  by placing the header over the head  12  of the fastener  10  (in this case the fastener shown in  FIG. 2 ) and placing a nut  26  (threaded to match the threads of the head  12 ) over the exposed end of the fastener  10 . In a similar manner, the brackets  32  can be attached to the display  120 , and any other combination of materials. The present invention is enormously flexible in the way it can be used, without requiring removal of the fasteners; however, if removal is desirable this can be done easily and without damaging the underlying display  120 . 
         [0090]    As described above, the fasteners can be used on other surfaces besides peg board. The fasteners can be applied directly to wood, stucco, or masonry walls by drilling a hole in the wall and then inserting the fasteners as described herein. The displays can be standard peg board of the type shown in the Figures or specialty displays that are designed with a minimal number of holes in specific patterns. These types of displays are sometimes used as in-store displays. The fasteners can be used to assemble dimensional items as well. 
         [0091]    In another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 19  shows a fastener  10  adapted for use with slatwall systems. Slatwall panels include elongated horizontal slots to which items can be attached. The slots are narrow at the end near the surface of the panel and wide at the bottom. A slot in a slatwall panel has a side profile that looks like an upside down letter T. 
         [0092]    The fastener  10  includes a head  12 , which in this case is hexagonal in shape as described above and includes threads. The fastener  10  includes a stem  14  which depends downward from a base  16 . The stem  14  attaches to a retainer  19 . The retainer  19  is elongated along a longitudinal axis, and has a much narrow transverse profile. This allows the retainer  19  to be placed in a slot of a slatwall, when the longitudinal axis of the retainer  19  is parallel to the axis of the horizontal aligned slatwall slot. Upon insertion of the retainer in the slot, the fastener  10  is turned 90° in either direction and the longitudinal axis of the retainer  19  is then perpendicular to the horizontal slatwall slot, and retained therein. The retainer  19  is biased as shown so that the retainer  19  is arcuate, or curved. This allows the retainer  19  to act like a spring when in place such that the terminal ends of the retainer  19  grip the slot holding the fastener  10  in place. 
         [0093]    The fastener  10  also includes a stop  17  located on the underside of the base  16 . The stop  17  if flattened on two sides, has opposing somewhat rounded edges and opposing somewhat squared off edges. The stop is shaped to allow the fastener  10  to initially easily turn from the insertion position to the retention position, but then stop turning when the fastener  10  has been rotated 90° thereby signaling that the fastener  10  is in place. The stop  17  engages with the upper narrow portion of the slot of the slatwall to accomplish this purpose. 
         [0094]    The fastener  10  includes opposing notches  24  to allow the fastener  10  to be removed and inserted with the tool described herein above. The fastener  10 , although shown with a hex shaped head in  FIG. 19 , and be configured with any of the various head described herein above or below. Thus, enabling the use of all the advantages and embodiments of the present invention described in reference to peg boards to be used with slatwall as well. 
         [0095]      FIGS. 20  show various views of the fastener  10  shown in  FIG. 19 . The head  12  of the fastener  10  is different, however, from the head  12  shown in  FIG. 19 , but as described above the head  12  of the fastener  10  with the retainer  19  is fully interchangeable with any of the fasteners shown herein. 
         [0096]      FIG. 21  shows the fastener  10  engaged in the slot of a slatwall display. The head  12  extends from the slatwall allow access and use as set forth herein. 
         [0097]      FIGS. 22  shows various views of a fastener  10  with a head  12  that comprises a ball (and one having a low profile head). The ball can be of various sizes. The ball allows for users to place items over the ball and have them retained thereon, in a manner similar to the fastener shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . This application would include, retaining backers and the like. The fastener  10  shown in  FIG. 22  can be configured for slatwall by including the stem  14  and retainer  19  as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         [0098]      FIGS. 23  shows various views of an extended fastener  10 , with a long necked head  12 . A shown in  FIG. 24 , the fastener  10  can be used (for example) to attach a sign or other item to peg board or slatwall, especially when it is desired that the sign or other item extend some distance from the display surface. The fastener  10  show in  FIGS. 23 and 24  can be configured for slatwall by including the stem  14  and retainer  19  as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         [0099]      FIGS. 25  shows various view of a threaded nut  21  that can attach to the head  12  of a fastener  10 , and in particular the fastener  10  show in  FIGS. 2 and 19 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 26  shows a backer  23  adapted for use with slatwall displays. The backer  23  can be made from paper, or other suitable material, and can be retained in place by affixing to the head  12  of the clip  10 . As described herein, in the prior art backers are commonly used with displays, and are frequently replaced based on seasonal considerations or other periodic changes to the look of the displays. In the prior art, it was very difficult to remove and replace the backer because it required removal of the prior art clips. Backers were next to impossible to use with slatwall displays due to the lack of an adequate method of attachment. The present invention eliminates this drawback by allowing the backer to be affixed to the head  12  of one or more of the fasteners  12  shown herein, and in particular to the fastener  11  adapted for use with slatwall displays. The fasteners  10  can be attached to the perimeter of the display, and the backer  23  then pressed over the head  12  of the fastener  10 . The head  12  includes one or more devices as shown herein that retain the backer  23 , but still provide an undemanding way to remove the replacing the backer  23 . The backer  23  includes predefined perforations that align with the slots in the slatwall, and/or holes that can fit over the head  12  of the fastener  10 . 
         [0101]    Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. 
         [0102]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art that have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5