Latch System for Modular Display Panel

Abstract

A display panel includes a frame and a plurality of panels. Each of the panels is attached to the frame by a first spring-latch. The first spring latch is configured to switch between a fastened position and an unfastened position by pressing the panel towards the frame and releasing the panel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A display panel comprising:
 a housing;   a display surface on a first side of the housing; and   a latch connected to the housing, the latch comprising:
 a post; 
 a pawl attached to the post by a pivot, the pawl being rotatable around the pivot between a fastened position and an unfastened position; and 
 a first spring disposed within a channel in the post, wherein the first spring rotates the pawl between the fastened position and the unfastened position. 
   
     
     
         2 . The display panel of  claim 1 , wherein the latch is disposed on the first side of the housing. 
     
     
         3 . The display panel of  claim 1 , wherein the latch is disposed on a second side of the housing opposite the first side of the housing. 
     
     
         4 . The display panel of  claim 1 , further comprising a second spring, the second spring surrounding the post, wherein the second spring retains the pawl in the fastened position or the unfastened position. 
     
     
         5 . The display panel of  claim 4 , further comprising a collar encircling the post and contacting the second spring, wherein the first spring is configured to rotate the pawl between the fastened position and the unfastened in response to the collar being moved with respect to the post. 
     
     
         6 . The display panel of  claim 5 , wherein the pawl contacts an inner surface of the collar when the pawl is in the fastened position 
     
     
         7 . The display panel of  claim 1 , further comprising a ball disposed between the pawl and the first spring. 
     
     
         8 . A multi-panel display comprising:
 a frame;   a plurality of display panels; and   a plurality of latches configured to attach the display panels to the frame, each of the latches comprising:
 a post; 
 a fastener attached to the post rotatable between a fastened position and an unfastened position; and 
 a first spring disposed within the post and configured to rotate the fastener between the fastened position and the unfastened position. 
   
     
     
         9 . The multi-panel display of  claim 8 , wherein the latches are attached to the frame, wherein the display panels each comprise a plurality of openings, and wherein the latches extend through the openings to attach the display panels to the frame. 
     
     
         10 . The multi-panel display of  claim 8 , wherein the frame comprises a front-side with a display surface and a back-side opposite the front-side, wherein the latches are attached to the front-side. 
     
     
         11 . The multi-panel display of  claim 8 , wherein the frame comprises a front-side with a display surface and a back-side opposite the front-side, wherein the latches are attached to the rear-side. 
     
     
         12 . The multi-panel display of  claim 8 , wherein the latches are attached to the display panels, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of openings, and wherein the latches extend through the openings to attach the display panels to the frame. 
     
     
         13 . The multi-panel display of  claim 8 , wherein the latches further comprise a locking mechanism which locks the fastener in the fastened position. 
     
     
         14 . The multi-panel display of  claim 8 , further comprising support posts configured to align the display panels with the frame, wherein two latches and two support posts are provided for each of the display panels. 
     
     
         15 . A method for mounting a display panel comprising:
 providing a frame;   providing a display panel;   inserting a post of a latch into an opening, the latch comprising a collar encircling the post and disposed between the frame and the display panel, the latch being disposed on one of the frame or the display panel, the opening being disposed in the other of the frame or the display panel;   pressing the display panel towards the frame such a pawl in the latch rotates from an unfastened position to a fastened position, the pawl contacting an inner surface of the collar and a surface of the other of the frame or the display panel in the fastened position to secure the post in the opening.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising pressing the display panel towards the frame after the pawl is in the fastened position such that the spring moves the pawl from the fastened position to the unfastened position, the post being removable from the opening while the pawl is in the unfastened position. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein pressing the display panel towards the frame causes a spring in the latch to rotate the pawl from the unfastened position to the fastened position. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the latch comprises a spring disposed within the post, wherein pressing the display panel towards the frame causes the collar to rotate the pawl in a first direction, then causes the spring to rotate the pawl in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein a lever is used to press the display panel towards the frame. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the inner surface of the collar is perpendicular to the surface of the other of the frame or the display panel.