Fasteners for use in display structures

Abstract

A fastener is disclosed for use in a display structure that includes a bracket defining a detent, a pin that is rotatably received by the bracket, and a latch, e.g., a helical spring, that is in engagement with the pin such that rotation of the pin causes corresponding rotation of the latch. The latch is configured, dimensioned, and positioned for engagement with the detent during movement of the fastener between first (unlocked) and second (locked) positions. During movement of the fastener between the first and second positions, the latch traverses the detent to provide a perceptible indication, e.g., an audible and/or tactile indication, that the fastener has been moved between the first and second positions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device comprising:
 a bracket including a first plate, a second plate, and a third plate, wherein the third plate extends between the first plate and the second plate such that the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate define a U-shape, wherein the second plate hosts a projection that projects away from the first plate;   a pin extending through the first plate and the second plate along the third plate; and   a latch engaging the pin such that the latch is able to (1) rotate the pin with respect to the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate, and (2) traverse the projection.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the latch traverses the projection such that a sound is generated. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the latch extends into the pin. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the latch extends through the pin. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the latch includes a portion that is D-shaped when viewed above the second plate. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the latch includes a portion that is arcuate about the pin, wherein the portion is positioned between the first plate and the second plate. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the latch extends about the pin helically. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pin includes a slot configured for engagement with a tip of a rotational tool, wherein the second plate is positioned between the slot and the first plate, wherein the latch engages the pin between the slot and the second plate. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pin includes a shoulder, wherein the first plate is positioned between the second plate and the shoulder. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the shoulder engages the first plate. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pin includes a recess configured for engagement with a tip of a rotational tool, wherein the recess includes an entry, wherein the first plate is positioned between the entry and the second plate. 
     
     
         12 . A method comprising:
 positioning a unit adjacent to a module and a panel, wherein the unit includes a bracket, a pin, and a latch, wherein the bracket includes a first plate, a second plate, and a third plate, wherein the third plate spans between the first plate and the second plate such that the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate define a U-shape, wherein the second plate hosts a projection that projects away from the first plate, wherein the pin extends through the first plate and the second plate along the third plate, wherein the pin includes a recess configured for engagement with a tip of a rotational tool, wherein the recess includes an entry, wherein the first plate is positioned between the entry and the second plate, wherein the latch engages the pin such that the latch is able to (1) rotate the pin with respect to the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate, and (2) traverse the projection, wherein the panel defines an opening;   inserting the tip through the opening such that the tip engages the recess through the entry; and   rotating the tip of the rotational tool such that the pin rotates concomitantly and the latch thereby traverses the projection.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the latch traverses the projection such that a sound is generated. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the latch traverses the projection such that the model is secured to the panel. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the latch traverses the projection such that the model is unsecured from the panel. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the panel is spaced apart from the latch at a distance before rotating the tip, wherein the distance is decreased as the tip is rotated such that the latch is able to engage the panel. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the panel is spaced apart from the latch at a distance before rotating the tip, wherein the distance is increased as the tip is rotated such that the latch is able to disengage from the panel. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the rotational tool is T-shaped. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the rotational tool is a first rotational tool, wherein the tip is a first tip, wherein the pin includes a slot configured for engagement with a second tip of a second rotational tool, wherein the second plate is positioned between the slot and the first plate, wherein the latch engages the pin between the slot and the second plate. 
     
     
         20 . A display structure comprising:
 a cabinet having a module panel; and   a plurality of modules releasably connectable to the module panel, each module including at least one fastener for use in connecting the module to the module panel, each fastener comprising:
 a bracket defining a detent; 
 a pin rotatably received by the bracket; and 
 a latch in engagement with the pin such that rotation of the pin causes corresponding rotation of the latch, the latch being configured, dimensioned, and positioned for engagement with the detent during movement of the fastener between an unlocked position, wherein the module is separable from the module panel, and a locked position, wherein the module is secured to the module panel, the latch traversing the detent during movement of the fastener between the locked and unlocked positions to provide a perceptible indication that the fastener has been moved between the locked and unlocked positions.