CONNECTING DEVICE PARTICULARLY FOR DISPLAY STRUCTURES

DESCRIPTION

Technical field

The present invention relates to a connecting device, particularly for display structures, including the characteristics mentioned in the preamble of the main claim.

Technological background

The device according to the invention finds a particular, although not exclusive, application in the technical field of production and assembly of temporary mountings, for example display structures for shops or exhibition stands, or for producing ready-equipped walls for fitting out premises for commercial or private use.

The ready-equipped walls, provided with suitable display elements such as, for example, shelves, containers or others, may be set against the existing walls of the premises in order to allow effective exploitation thereof, or may be used as partition walls for the premises.

Typically, such display elements are removably coupled onto a panel so as to produce a desired display structure which fulfils the desired design and function requirements. In one version, shown in Figure 13, the known connecting means comprises a seat 100 having a quadrangular cross-section, produced in a panel 110 of the display structure.

The seat 100 is provided with locking elements 101 protruding from opposed walls 102 of the seat 100 so as to define an inlet aperture 103 of the seat 100 having a reduced width with respect to the seat 100 itself.

The locking elements 101 comprise a first locking element 101a which protrudes from an upper wall 102a of the seat 100, and which defines a first cavity portion 108a, and a second locking element 101b which protrudes from a lower wall 102b of the seat 100, having a length shorter than the first locking element 101a, and defining a second cavity portion 108b having a shorter length than the first cavity portion 108a.

The known connecting means further comprises a connecting member 104 provided with a stem 105 connected to a further component of the display structure, not shown in Figure 13, for example a shelf, to be fixed to the panel on which the seat 100 is provided, and with a head 106 of quadrangular section suitable for being inserted into the seat 100, in the manner described hereinafter.

The head 106 is configured in such a way as to be locked by the locking elements 101 inside the seat 100 in order to fix the shelf to the panel. To fix the shelf to the panel, according to the prior art, the shelf is inclined with respect to the panel so as to insert a first end 107 of the head 106 into the first cavity portion 108a, bringing it into abutment against the upper wall 102a of the cavity 100, and then the shelf is rotated with respect to the panel so as to insert a second end 109 of the head 106 into the second cavity portion 108b. Then, due to the effect of the weight of the shelf, the head 106 drops inside the seat 100 until the second end 109 of the head 106 abuts against the lower wall 102b of the seat 100.

In this configuration the head 106 is locked by the locking elements 101 inside the seat 100 and the shelf is therefore fixed to the panel. A drawback of such connecting means for known display structures is that they

have a limited versatility.

In fact it is necessary to position the connecting element 104 in a well defined and unique angular position with respect to the seat 100 in order to be able to insert the connecting element 104 into the seat 100. Moreover, only in that position the connecting element 104 is locked in a stable manner inside the seat 100.

This severely limits the spatial configurations of the display structures that can be obtained.

In particular, it is not possible to fix the connecting element in an angular position different from the predetermined one.

Connecting means are also known which allow the adjustment of the reciprocal angular position between shelf and panel, but which however provide for recourse to external means, such as screws, nuts, etc. which often are complicated in use and require a long time for fixing or adjustment. Furthermore, the mounting/dismounting of a display structure provided with the above-mentioned connecting means may prove particularly laborious, requiring a significant expenditure of time and the collaboration of several skilled persons.

Because, owing to image requirements in commercial enterprises, it is necessary from time to time to modify the configuration of the display structures, for example at each change of season, with the known display devices the shop-owner is periodically obliged to bear not inconsiderable costs for the modification of the display structures.

Description of the invention It is an aim of the invention to provide connecting devices for components of

display structures which make it possible to remedy the limitations of the known connecting devices.

This aim is achieved by means of a connecting device produced according to the following claims. Brief description of the drawings

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of a preferred exemplary embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which : - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connecting device according to the present invention, in a rest position Y;

Figure 2 is a view in longitudinal section of the device of Figure 1 housed in a seat of a first component of a display structure; Figure 3 is a view like that of Figure 2 which shows the connecting device in a working position Z;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a coupling device of the connecting device of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a top view of the coupling device of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a sectional view along the plane VI-VI of the coupling device of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of an expansion member of the connecting device of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a tie-rod member of the connecting device of Figure 1; - Figure 9 is a section along the plane IX-IX of the tie-rod member of

Figure 8,

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a connecting member of the connecting device of Figure 1;

Figure 11 is a side view of the connecting member of Figure 10; - Figure 12 is a sectional view along the plane XII-XII of the connecting member of Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a schematic view of an example of connecting means between components of display structures according to the prior art. Preferred embodiment of the invention With reference to Figures 1-3, a connecting device 1 according to the invention is shown which is suitable for mutually connecting components of a display structure in order to produce a display mounting having a desired spatial configuration.

The connecting device 1 comprises a coupling device 2 suitable for being at least partially inserted into a seat 200 provided in a first component 201 of the display structure to be produced, shown only in part in Figures 2 and 3, for example a panel of a ready-equipped wall, and a connecting member 4, articulated on the coupling device 2 so that it can be rotated with respect to the coupling device 2 in the direction of the rotation arrow F2. The connecting member 4 may be fixed to a second component of the display structure, not shown in the drawings, to be connected to the first component 201, for example a shelf, or another display element.

In Figures 1 and 2 the connecting device 1 is shown in a rest position Y, in which the coupling device 2 may easily be introduced into, and/or withdrawn from, the seat 200, and also moved and rotated within the seat 200.

Furthermore, in the rest position the connecting member 4 is preferably inclined at a rest angle α with respect to an axial direction Xl of the coupling device 2. Preferably in the rest position Y, between the axial direction Xl and the axis X2 of the connecting member 4 a rest angle α of about 50° is defined. In Figure 3, the connecting device 1 is shown in a working position Z, in which the coupling device 2 is locked inside the seat 200. In this position, the axes Xl and X2, respectively of the connecting member 4 and of the coupling device 2, are substantially aligned with each other, except for an angle αl having a limited width, preferably of about 3°. In versions not shown in the appended drawings, the connecting device 1 may be configured in such a way that in the working position Z and/or in the rest position Y the connecting member 4 and the coupling device 2 assume reciprocal spatial positions different from those shown in the drawings; in particular the connecting member 4 and the coupling device 2 may be almost aligned in the rest position Y and inclined in the working position Z.

The connecting device 1 comprises actuating means 3 for deforming the coupling means 2 between the rest position Y and the working position Z, as described in greater detail hereinafter. The actuating means 3 comprises the connecting member 4 which is fixed, in use, to the second component of the display structure; an expansion member 5, suitable for being inserted so as to slide inside a sliding cavity 8 defined inside the coupling device 2; and a tie-rod member 6, interposed between the connecting member 4 and the expansion member 5. The coupling device 2, shown in greater detail in Figures 4-6, is configured so as to define a sliding cavity 8 inside which the expansion member 5 and, at

least partially, the tie-rod member 6, are slidable in the axial direction indicated by the arrow Fl.

The coupling device 2 is of circular cross-section and comprises a connecting portion 9 defined between a first, concave, abutting surface Sl suitable for interacting with a corresponding abutting surface of the connecting member 4 for locking/unlocking the connecting device 1, as explained in more detail hereinafter, and a second abutting surface S3 having a notched profile and suitable for bearing, in use, against a surface S4 of the first component 201 of the display structure. The presence of the notching on the second abutting surface S3 makes it possible to improve the grip of the connecting device 1 on the first component 201 of the display structure and, therefore, to make the connection between the first component 201 and the second component of the display structure more stable. In a version not shown, the surface S4 of the first component 201 of the display structure may be provided with further notching suitable for coupling in a positive connection with the notching of the second abutting surface S3. This makes it possible to further improve the connection between the first component 201 and the second component of the display structure. This further makes it possible to connect the first component 201 and the second component of the display structure to each other in a very large number of reciprocal angular positions in which the connection is particularly stable. Moreover, the presence of the notching and of the further notching makes it possible to avoid mutual rotation between the first component 201 and the

second after fixing.

In other versions not shown, the second abutting surface S3 may be provided with a desired number of protuberances suitably positioned on the circumference of the second abutting surface S3 which are arrange to be received in corresponding seats provided on the surface S4 of the first component 201 for further improving the mutual connection between the first component 201 and the second component of the display structure. The number and/or the position of the protuberances and, respectively, of the seats, may be suitably selected and varied according to particular requirements.

The presence of the protuberances and, respectively, of the seats makes it possible to position the first component 201 and the second component of the display structure in specific reciprocal angular positions, the number of which depends on the number of protuberances and seats provided, and further makes it possible to avoid mutual rotation between the first component 201 and the second after fixing.

On the concave abutting surface Sl can be identified a thrust surface S5 suitable for interacting with a corresponding thrust zone 24 of the connecting member 4 and a supporting zone S7 suitable for supporting, in the working position Z, a corresponding supporting surface S8 of the connecting member 4. The coupling device 2 further comprises an annular portion 11 projecting from the connecting portion 9, and from which protrude a plurality of limbs 13 extending in the axial direction Xl of the coupling device 2, so as to define and delimit the sliding cavity 8. The limbs 13 are movable in a plane transverse to the axial direction Xl in

mutual movement away from/towards one another so as to vary the overall dimension in the transverse plane of the coupling device 2. In particular, in the rest position Y, the limbs 13 are in a closed position, while in the working position Z the limbs 13 are in a spaced apart position, such that the overall dimension in the transverse plane of the coupling device 2 is greater than in the rest position Y.

Each limb 13 comprises an inwardly convergent portion 13a fixed to the annular portion 11 and a divergent portion 13b fixed to the convergent portion 13a so that the latter, for each limb 13, is interposed between the annular portion 11 and the divergent portion 13b.

The divergent portion 13b is suitable for interacting with walls 202 of the seat 200 and is configured so as to improve the grip of the coupling device 2 in the seat 200. The configuration of the limbs 13 is such as to render the cross-section of the sliding cavity 8 variable in the axial direction Xl of the coupling device 2. In particular, along the coupling device 2 there may be progressively identified, approximately at the divergent portions 13b, a first sliding cavity portion 8a having an inwardly convergent cross-section; approximately at the convergent portions 13a, a second sliding cavity portion 8b having an approximately constant cross-section; and finally, approximately at the annular portion 11, a third sliding cavity portion 8c having a cross-section converging towards the outside.

In versions not shown, the limbs 13 are configured so as to define a sliding cavity having an approximately constant cross-section in the axial direction Xl. In the embodiment shown, the coupling device 2 is provided with six limbs 13

regularly arranged over the circumference of the annular portion 11 of the coupling device 2.

In other embodiments not shown, the coupling device 2 may be provided with a different number of limbs, greater or smaller than 6, for example, 4, 5 or 8 limbs may be provided.

The expansion member 5, shown in more detail in Figure 7, comprises a threaded stem 14 from which projects an outwardly divergent frustoconical portion 15 suitable for being introduced into the sliding cavity 8 of the coupling device 2. The frustoconical portion 15 and the sliding cavity 8 are configured so that the walls 16 of the frustoconical portion interact with respective walls of the sliding cavity 8.

The expansion member 5 is slidable, in the direction of the arrow Fl, inside the sliding cavity 8 between an inserted position, shown in Figure 2, in which the expansion member 5 is substantially aligned with the coupling device 2, i.e. edge portions 15a of the frustoconical portion 15 are aligned with further edge portions 13c of the divergent portion 13b of the coupling device 2, and a retracted position, shown in Figure 3, in which the expansion member 5 is drawn back with respect to the coupling device 2. When the expansion member 5 is in the inserted position, the limbs 13 of the coupling device 2 are in the closed position.

In the retracted position, on the other hand, the edge portions 15a of the frustoconical portion 15 are positioned inside the sliding cavity 8 and press on the limbs 13 of the coupling device 2, pushing them into their spaced apart position.

The displacement of the expansion member 5 in the axial direction from the inserted position to the retracted position brings about the progressive movement of the limbs 13 away from each other and, therefore a progressive increase in the overall dimension in a transverse direction of the coupling device 2.

In versions not shown, an expansion member may be used which has a cross- section different from the frustoconical one shown in the drawings, but configured so that the sliding thereof in an axial direction Xl inside the sliding cavity 8 causes the displacement of the limbs 13 in a plane transverse to the axial direction Xl in order to vary the overall dimension in the transverse plane of the coupling device 2.

For example, an expansion member 5 may be used which has a stepped divergent cross-section, i.e. an expansion member in which may be successively identified a plurality of portions of constant cross-section with portions of variable cross-section in between.

The tie-rod member 6, shown in more detail in Figures 8 and 9, comprises a head 18, of preferably spheroid shape, from which projects a cylindrical body 19 configured so as to define a threaded cavity 20 inside which is screwed, at least partially, the threaded stem 14 of the expansion member 5. In versions not shown, the coupling between the tie-rod member 6 and the expansion member 5 may be inverted, i.e. the expansion member may be provided with a threaded cavity suitable for receiving a threaded stem of the tie-rod member. Alternatively, moreover, other types of coupling may be provided, preferably of the male/female type, for mutually coupling the tie-rod member 6 and the

expansion member 5.

Defined on the head 18 of the tie-rod member 6 is a seat 21 of an operating key, of preferably hexagonal cross-section, into which may be inserted a fixing device, for example an alien spanner, for screwing/unscrewing the threaded stem 14 into/from the threaded cavity 20.

The connecting member 4, shown in more detail in Figures 10-12, is of approximately cylindrical shape, delimited by an outer wall 23 and hollow internally, defining a fixing seat 26 of approximately cylindrical shape suitable for receiving a fixing portion of the second component of the display structure insertable through an aperture 30 of the fixing seat 26, and also a receiving cavity 25 suitable for receiving the head 18 of the tie-rod member 6, so that the connecting member 4 can rotate with respect to the tie-rod member 6. In the version shown, the fixing seat 26 has a hexagonal cross-section. To fix the second component to the connecting member 4 it is sufficient to insert the fixing portion of the second component, at least partially, into the fixing cavity 26 via the aperture 30, and to screw in a screw 28, provided on the outer wall 23 of the connecting member 4, so as to introduce it at least partially inside the fixing cavity 26 to lock the fixing portion of the second component inside the connecting member 4. In versions not shown, different systems may be provided, selected from those known in the field, to fix the second component to the connecting member 4. The effective fixing system may be selected on the basis of the component which must be fixed to the connecting member, so as to use the fixing system best suited to the characteristics of the second component. Moreover, in further versions, the connecting member 4 may belong to, or be

fixed in a stable manner to, the second component.

Further defined on the connecting member 4 is a thrust portion 24 positioned, in use, on the same side as the coupling device 2, so as to interact with the latter, as a result of the pivoting of the connecting member 4 with respect to the coupling device 2, in order to lock/unlock the connecting device 1. In the rest position Y, the thrust portion 24 is inserted between the coupling device 2 and the cylindrical body 19 of the tie-rod member 6 so as to bear on the thrust zone S5 of the abutting surface Sl of the coupling device 2 and on an outer surface of the cylindrical body 19. Further defined on the connecting member 4 is a supporting zone 27 provided with a supporting surface S8 which, in the working position Z, bears on the supporting zone S7 of the connecting portion 9 of the coupling device 2, and which in the rest position Y is spaced from the latter. In operation, the connecting device 1 is fitted, the connecting device 1 is positioned in the rest position Y and the coupling device 2 is inserted into the seat 200.

As stated previously, in the rest position Y the connecting member 4 is inclined with respect to the coupling device 2, and the expansion member 5 is in its inserted position inside the coupling device 2, and the limbs 13 of the coupling device 2 are in the closed position. Then, in order to lock the coupling device 2 in the seat 200, the connecting member 4 is rotated in the direction of the arrow F2 in order to substantially align it with the coupling device 2, bringing it progressively into the working position Z. This rotation causes the thrust portion 24 to slide along the thrust zone S5 of the abutting surface Sl of the coupling device 2. The thrust portion 24 and the

thrust zone S5 are configured such that the aforesaid sliding generates a thrust force which tends to bring about the progressive axial movement of the connecting member 4 away from the coupling device 2. The thrust force is transmitted to the head 18 of the tie-rod member 6, so that the latter and the expansion member 5 are correspondingly axially displaced with respect to the coupling device 2 in the direction of the arrow Fl.

In particular, the expansion member 5 is partially retracted inside the coupling device 2, the edge portions 15a of the frustoconical portion 15 slide in the sliding cavity 8, progressively pushing on the limbs 13 of the coupling device 2, causing the limbs 13 to be moved apart from each other. The configuration of the sliding cavity 8, and in particular of the first sliding cavity portion 8a, and the frustoconical configuration of the frustoconical portion 15 of the expansion member 5 make it possible to heighten the opening effect of the limbs 13 of the coupling device 2. As a result of the aforesaid sliding, the overall dimension in cross-section of the coupling device 2 is increased, and the limbs 13 interact with the walls of the seat 200 to lock the coupling device 2 inside the seat 200. The connecting device 1 is therefore fixed in a stable manner to the first component of the display structure. At this point the second component of the display structure may be fixed to the connecting member 4 by means of the screw 28, in the manner described previously. In this way, the first component and the second component of the display structure become fixed to each other in a stable manner. To separate the connecting device 1 from the first component 201, it will be necessary to bring the actuating means 3 back into the rest position Y, i.e. to pivot the connecting member 4 into an inclined position with respect to the

coupling device 2, thus bringing the expansion member 5 again into the inserted position, and the limbs 13 into the closed position, and to withdraw the coupling device 2 from the seat 200.

The configuration of the connecting device 1 according to the invention, and in particular the configuration of the coupling device 2, make it possible to connect the first component and the second component of the display structure in any desired angular position about the axis Xl.

It will be seen that the device according to the invention remedies the defects of the prior art which have been mentioned. In one embodiment, not shown, the locking/unlocking of the connecting device may be effected by acting on the setscrew key to vary the screwing of the expansion member 5 to the tie-rod member 6.

By varying the mutual screw connection between the expansion member 5 and the tie-rod member 6 it is possible to axially move the expansion member 5 by introducing it into/withdrawing it from the coupling device 2 thus respectively closing/opening the limbs 13 of the coupling device 2.

In particular, in order to lock the coupling device 2 in the seat 200, and, therefore, fix the first component and the second component to each other, provision is made, after having inserted the coupling device 2 into the seat 200, for screwing the expansion member 5 to the tie-rod member 6 in order to withdraw it inside the sliding cavity 8.

In this case also, as a result of the displacement of the expansion member 5 in an axial direction, the edge portions 15a of the frustoconical portion slide in the sliding cavity 8 and press on the limbs 13, causing them to move away from one other.

Conversely, in order to separate the component and the further component, it will be necessary to unscrew the expansion member 5 partially from the tie-rod member 6 in order to bring the expansion member 5 back into its inserted position inside the coupling device 2. This version of the connecting device according to the invention also remedies the defects of the prior art which have been mentioned.