CA1183810A

CA1183810A - Collapsible display stand

Info

Publication number: CA1183810A
Application number: CA000395061A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Frederick W. Reilly
Original assignee: Miranda Investments Ltd
Current assignee: Miranda Investments Ltd
Priority date: 1982-01-27
Filing date: 1982-01-27
Publication date: 1985-03-12
Also published as: GB2113537A

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

This invention relates to a novel collapsible display stand which is a lightweight, portable and compact display stand which can easily be collapsed and moved to different locations as the need arises, without dissassembling it. The stand comprises a plurality of horizontal elements, a plurality of vertical elements and a plurality of connectors. Each connector connects at least one horizontal element to at least one vertical element and the horizontal elements are adapted to pivot thereby allowing the stand to be collapsed to a substantial-ly flat position. The stand may be collapsed or erected without the use of any tools and can be completely dissassembled using a single tool. None of the prior art devices provide such features.

Description

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BAC~KGROUND OF TH~ INVE:NTION
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1. Field of the Inven-tion This inven-tion relates generally to display stands, and more particularly to a novel collapsible display stand.

2. Description of the Prior Art Disp~ay stands are widely us-d in the merchandising field and they have wide applica-tion for displaying and s-toring merchandise of all types. The display stands of the prior art are found in all sizes and constxuc-tions, depending upon their specific uses. They are found, for example, in warehouses for storing merchandise, retail outlets for displaying merchandise for sale and in trade shows or fairs for displaying new goods and exhibits.
More recently, there has arisen a need for a lightweight, portable and compact display stand which can easily be collapsed and moved to diEferent locations as the need arises, without dissassembling it.
2~ This need is particularly pressing for companies which dis~lay their merchandise, literature or other wares at trade shows ana fairs which generally last for a few days only. In these cases, a company usually spends at least one day before the opening of the show or fair assèmbling its display stands, and at least one day following the termination of the show or fair dissassembling its display stands and transporting them either to another show or to the company's showrooms.
A further problem arises in that the pxior art devices requixe considerable skill and a variety of tools to assemble correctly. Thus, considerable man hours are spent assembling and dissasseTnbling these devices.

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1 If the user of these stands does no-t wish to assemble and dissassemble same ~or every show, they may be transported to andfrom the site in the assembled position-However, this requires a large transportation vehicle such as a truck or the like and problems can be encountered loading and unloading the stand onto the truc]c.
~ further application is for in-store display of merchandise, particularly for time-dated sales, specialdisplays and the like. For these display stands, considerable time is spent assembling and dissassembling these displays or moving them from one location to another, to and from storage, and a vàriety of tools are required.
The a-ttention of the prior art has mainly been directed to joints or connecting means to connect elements together.
These may be used in scaffolding as shown in U.S. patent 2,583,368 granted to French on January 22, 1952, or to other knock-down structures such as shown in U.S. patent 2,868,568 granted to Frye on January 13, 1959.
Various other forms of connectors are shown in U.S. patents 3,563,580 (~lack) , 3,711,133 ~Werner), 3,743,332 (Sonolet), 3,958,889 (Berkowitz), 4,027,982 (Berkowitz~, 4,128,353 (Lauterbach~, 3,990,195 (Gunther), 3,980,408 (~achmann),

3,901,613 (Anderson) and 3,858,989 (Field).
However, none of these patents relate to a collapsible display stand which can ea'sily be constructed or collapsed using no tools and which can be stored or transported in a flat and collapsed posi-tion. Further, none of the patents relate to a collapsible di5play stand which may be completely dissassembled usin~ a single 1:ool.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVF.NTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcom2 these disadvantages by providing a novel collapsible display stand which may be assembled and dissassembled quickly and easily.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel collapsible display stand which can be converted from the display position to the collapsed position and vice versa without the aid of any tools.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a novel collapsible display stand which can be dissassembled or assembled completely with a single tool.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel collapsible display s-tand which lies flat or substantially flat in the collapsed position.
A fùrther object of the invention is to provide a collapsible display stand which is simple to manufacture and which uses a relatively few number of different pieces.

To this end, in one of its aspects, the inven-tion provides a collapsible display stand which comprises a plurality of horizontal elements, a plurality of vertical elements, and a plurality of connectors, each connector connecting at least one horizontal element to at least one vertical element, said horizontal elemen-ts adapted to pivot thereby allowing said stancl to be col:Lapsed to a substantially flat position.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawincJs.

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FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of a collapsible display stand of the present invention in the assembled and erected position.
FIGURE 2 is a front perspective view of the collapsible display s-~and of figure 1 in a partially collapsed position.
FIGURE 3 is an exploded perspec-tive view of one em~odi-ment of a connector of the collapsible display stand.
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the assembled connect-or of figure 3.
FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of the connector of figure 3 along line V-V of figure 4.
FIGURE 6 is a top plan (in section) view of a second embodiment of the connector of the display stand.
E'IGURE 7 is a top plan (in section) view of a third embodiment the connector of the display stand.
FIGURE 8 is a top plan (in section) view of a fourth embodiment of the connector of the display stand.

FIGURE 9 is a top plan (in section) view of a fifth embodiment of the connector of the display stand.
PIGURE 10 is a top plan (in section) view of a sixth embodiment of the connector of the display stand.
FIGURE 11 is a sectional view showing the pivotal action oE one element of the connector of a seventh embodiment of the connector of the display stand.
FIGURE 12 is a top plan view of the hub of the connector of figure 11.
FIGUP~E 13 is a side elevational view of the hub of 3~ figure 12.

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FIGuRr 14 is a side elevational view of the connector of figure 12 showing one stationary element attached thereto and a second stationary element in an exploded condition.
FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of the assembled con-nector used with an outside corner.
FIGURE 16 is an end elevational view of the collar used with the corner connector of figure 15.
FIGURE 17 is an exploded perspective view of a con-nector of an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE P~EFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring first to figure 1, there is shown a frontperspective view of a collapsible display stand of the present invention, in the fully erected position. The stand 10 shown in Eigure 1 and described hereinafter, shows two display areas.
It i5 to be understood as described in more detail hereinafter, that a plurality of stands may be joined together either vertic-ally or horizontally to provide a display stand of the desired dimensions. The invention is not to be limited to the exac-t number of stands or modules but may be varied within the spirit 2~ and scope of the present invention. As will be explained here-inafter, by using an appropriate connector, an unlimited number of the display stands may be joined together to form the desired product.
Re~erring again to figure 1, display stand 10 comprises a plurality of vertical elements 12, a plurality of horizontal elements 14, and a plurality oE connectors 16. The vertical e:Lements 12 are to-tally adjustable as will be explained herein-after and in the ~mbodiment shown in figure 1, extend marginally above the plane of the uppermost horizontal element and below the plan of the lowermost horizontal element. If desired, footings 3~

(not shown) may be placed on the lowermost ends of the vertical elemen-ts 12 to provide a more suitable structure. These foot-ings may be coasters, cups, pla-tes and the like, all of which are well known in the prior art.
Each of the connectors 16 has a flat wing portion 20 which when the display stand is ln the erected portion, extend horizontally inwardly as shown in figure 1. A piece of glass, board or other similar display means is then placed within the area defined by adjacent horizontal elements 14 and rests on these wing portions 20 and the material or merchandise to be displayed is laid upon the display means in the desired fashion.
Since the wing portions 20 are secured in the horizontal orient-ation, as will J~e explained hereinafter, no other secuxing means is required to hold the display means securely in place. When the stand is to be collapsed or dissassembled~ the display means is quickly and easily removed From the display position.
Figure 2 shows the novel display stand in a partially collapsed posi~ion. In order to collapse the display means~
the connectors 16 are loosened as will be explained hereina~Fter 2~ and part of the connector is slid inwardly along the horizontal elements 14. The entire display means is then collapsed and in the fully collapsed position, will lie substantially flat for easy storage or transportation.
The novel display stand of the present invention uses several basic designs of the connectors 16. The particular con-figurations of the connectors 16 may vary within the spirit and scope of the invention but the principal oF each is basically -the s ame .
I'he first design of the connector 16 is used for inter-ior corners and is shown in figure 3, in an exploded view.

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1 The interior connector 22 comprises a hub 24 wi-th a central opening 26 therethrough. The hub 24 has three flattened sides 28 with a pair truncated corners 30 between the adjacent flat-tened sides 28. The remaining side 32 of the hub 24 is convexly shaped.
On the two flattened sides 23 adjacent the convexly curved side 32, there are a pair of short protrusions 34 which extend outwardly therefrom and norma] to the central axis of opening 26, with a shor-ter protrusion 36 extending outwardly from 1~ the remaining flattened side 28.
Each of the protrusions 34 is designed so that a horizontal element 14 will ~it thereon and in the assembled posi-tion, the end surface 38 of the horizontal element 14 will abut the flattened side 28 of the hub 24. A securing means 40 is provided to retain the horizontal element 14 in the abutting position. A particular suitable embodiment of the securing means is a hole 42 drilled through the protrusion 34 with a screw 44 adapted to be set therein. A corresponding hole 46 is cut in the horizontal element 14 such that when the horizontal element is placed over the protrusion 34, hole 46 may be aligned with hole 42. A screw driver, allen key, or other similar means is then placed through the hole 46 to contact screw 44. When tightenedy screw 44 presses against the opposite and interior wall of horizontal element 14 thereby holding it in place by tension. When the horizontal element is to be released, screw 44 is merely backed off which allows the element 14 to be slid off the protrusion 34.
The particular shape and configuration of the protru-sion~ 34 may vary within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In f:igure 3, the shape of the protrusions has been ~-83~

shown as a cross (in section and end view~. The only basic requirement is that the elements 14 are adapted to be placed over the protrusions 34 and are secured thereto by the securing means 40. The protrusions may therefore he cylindrical in shape or square or may be configured in any desired shapeO The inventor has found that the cross~shape is a preferred embodi-ment since this reduces the amount of material necessary to produce these parts and accordingly, reduces the overall weight of the stand and the cost of its manufacture.
Also, the location o~ the securing means may also be varied. For example, hole ~2 may be cut ~orizontally throu~h the protrusion 34 rather than vertically as shown in figure 3.
The inventor has found that it is easier to machine the hole in the vertical orientation although this is not necessary for the operation o~ the device. If the orientation of the hole 42 is changed, the horizonta] element may be rotated such that the hole 46 is aligned with the hole 42 in the protrusion 34.
The hub 24 has a central opening 26 therethrough which accommodates vertical element 12. Thus, the height of the connector 16 may be easily adjusted by changing its position on vertical element 1~.
A suitable retaining means has ~een designed to retain the connector 16 on the vertical element 12 in the desired position. A hole ~8 is drilled through one of the truncated corners 30 and a screw (such as a grub screw) 50 is set therein.
When the connector 16 is in the desired position, the screw 50 is ti~htened and contacts the vertical element 12 thereby holdlng it in the desired position. To adjust the positio~ of connector 16 on the vertical element 12, the screw S0 is merely loosened and vertical element 12 is moved upwardly or downwardly. When .

1 it reaches the desired position, screw 50 is then tightened. The exact position and location oE hole 48 may also be varied.
All that is required is that screw 50 contact the vertical element 12 to retain it in the desired position.
A smaller protrusion 36 extends outwardly from the flattened surface 28 betw~en the two truncated corners 30. A
small teat 52 extends upwardly from the top surEace 54 of the protrusion 36 and also a small teat 53 extends downwardly from the opposite and bottom surfaces 55 of the protrusion 36. Its ~ specific use to be explained hereinafter. A smaller block 56 extends horizontally outwardly from the protrusion 36 and an intermediate mernber 58 is clamped over the block 56 by a pair of jaw-like ends 60. A hole 62 is cut through each o~ the jaws and the block 56 and a pivot pin 64 is pressed therein. A
space 66 between the jaw-like ends 60 is machined such that it allows the intermediate member 58 to pivot horizontally from side to side to allow the intermediate member 58 to be moved to a position adjacent and parallel to either horizontal element 14.
A further protrusion 68 is provided on the end of the intermedlate member 58 and this protrusion 68 corresponds in function to the protxusion 34. The protrusion 68 is of such a size and dimension to allow the horizontal element 70 to fit thereover. In the assembled position, the inner end surface of the horizontal element 70 will abut the flattened end 72 of the intermediate member 58. A securing means is also provided to retain the horizontal element 70 in the abutting position. This securing means may be identical to the securing means 40 and may comprise a hole 42 drilled through the protrusion 68 with a screw 44 adapted to be set therein. A corresponding hole 46 is cut in the horizontal element 70 such that when the horizontal element .

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1 70 is placed over the protru~ion 68, hole 46 maybe aligned with hole 42. A scxew driver, allen key or other similar means is then placed through the hole 46 -to contact the screw 44. When tightened, screw 44 presses ayainst the opposite and interior wall of horizontal element 70 thereby holding .it in place by tension. When the horizontal element 70 is to be released, screw 44 is merely backed off which allows the element 70 to be slid off the protrusion 68.
A collar 74 is then slid over the horizontal element 70. The collar 74 comprises a tubular portion 76 and a wing portion 20. The diameter of the tubular part 76 is such that i.t may be slid over the element 70, over the intermediate member 58 and over the protrusion 36. A slot 78 is cut into the top and bottom surfaces of the tubular portion 76 which will accom-modate the teats 52 and 53 and a similar slot 78 is cut into the opposite end of the tubular portion 76.
The inventor has found that providing the teat 52 on the upper sur~ace 54 of the protrusion 36 and the teat 53 on the lower surface 55 of the protrusion 3~ (no~ shown) adds rigidity to the system and helps to prevent any rotation of the collar 74. Since the teat 52 fits into the upper slot 78.
of the collar 74 and since teat 53 (not shown) fits into the lower slot 78 (not shown) of the collar S4, the collar 54 will be prevented from rotating and accordingly, a more secure device will be procluced. However,lif desired, the lower teat 53 maybe omitted within the scope of this invention.
As shown in figure 3, collar 74 includes slots 78 at the front and the rear thereof. While in the assembled posi-tion, the rear slots 78 do not fulfill any function, their inclusion is done to allow for a collar 74 to be manufactured 1 1~3B~CD

1 and which can be used in ei-ther o.rientation, tha-t is, completely reversible. This feature, while not essential to the present invention, enables the stand -to be more easily assembled and prevents any problem from arising due to incorrect orientation of the collar during assembly.
Referring now to figure 4, there is shown a perspective view of the assembled interior corner of figure 3. As shown in figure 3, the inner end surfaces 38 (not shown) of the horizontal elements 14 abut the flattened sides 28 of the hub 1~ 24 and are held in place hy securing means 40. Vertical element 12 is secured to the connector 16 by screw 50.
The horizontal element 70 fits over protrusion 68 (not shown) and the collar 74 is slid thereover such that it abuts surface 28. The slot 78 accommodates teat 52 thus ensuring that the collar 74 is orientated correctly so that the wing portions 20 will lie horizontal. Similarly, while not shown in the draw-ing, the teat 53 on the undersurface o~ the protrusion 36 will fit into a corresponding slot 78 on the undersurface of the tubular poxtion 76 of the collar 74. The action of the teats ~ 52, 53 will e~fectively prevent any rotation of collar 74. Once assembled, the shelf 80 is then placed in the stand and is supported by the wing portions 20.
Once assembled, the display stand is held rigidly in place. Vertical element 12 cannot move since screw 50 holds it tightly in place. Similarly, horizontal elements 14, 14 and 70 are held securely in place by securing means 40. Collar 74 cannot rotate since teats 52, 53 are held within the confines of slots 78 and the intermediate member 58 cannot pivot about pivot pin 6~ since the collar prevents this motion. The weight of the shelf 80 prevents any movement oE the collar 74 forwardly or rear-wardly.

1 Figure 5 is a sectional view along lines V-V of figure

4 with collar 74 and shelf 80 removed. The description of figure 4 applies as well to the sectional view of figure 5, same refer-ence numerals being used throughout.
As stated hereinbefore, modifications and variations of the present invention may be made within the spirit and scope hereof. For different applications, a connector will be required which can be connected to a varying number of pivotable elements and stationary elements. For exarnple, as shown in figure 1, the connectors 16 used for the outside corners can be connected to one statîonary element and one pivotable element (as shown in figure 11). The interior corners will require a connector 16 which can be connected to two stationary elements and one pivotable element (as described hereinbefore). If a plurality of modules are placed side-by-side or on top of each other, other different designs of the connectors must be used to achieve the desired flexibility. With each of these embodiments, the principals of construction are the same as all the number of elements and whether or not the elements are stationary or pivotable is varied.
Other examples of these connectors are shown in -the figures. Figure 6 shows a connector which can be connected to two pivo-table elements and one stationary element. Figure 7 shows a connector which can be connected to one pivotable element.
Fîgure 8 shows a connectorlwhich can be connected to two station-ary elements and one pivotable element. Figure 9 shows a connector which can be connected to one stationary element.
Figure 10 shows a connector which can be connected to one station-ary element and one pivotable element.
Figure 11 shows a top plan view (în section) of a .. . .. .. . . . . . . . . .. . .... .. .. . . . . ....

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1 connector which can be connected to two pivotable elements and one stationary element, illustrating the pivotal action of one element. ~s explained hereinbefore, when the pivotable element is to be pivotted, collar 7~ is slid away from the hub 2~ and over the horizontal element 70. ~his thus allows the horizontal element 70 to be pivotted about pivot pin 64 in the direction of the arrow as shown in figure 11 or in the opposite direction, if desired.
Fi~ure 12 is a top plan view of the hub of the connector ~ of figure 11. In this embodiment, the hub 24 has four flattened sides 28 with four truncated corners 30. Two protrusions 34 extend outwardly from opposite sides 28 of the hub 24 and two protrusions 36 extend from the other two opposite sides 28 of the hub 24. Figure 13 is a side elevational view of the hub of figure 12, with the same reference numerals being used to identify the i~entical parts.
Figure 1~ shows the connector of figure 1~ with one stationary element 70 affixed to the hub 24 and a second stationary element 71 in an exploc~ed position With respect to the element 70, screw 44 is tightened in hole 40 and secures the horizontal element 70 to the protrusions 34. On the opposite side of the hub 24, the element 71 is moved in the clirection of the arrow and then screw 45 is inserted through hole 47, through hole 41 to reach the position shown on the left side of the drawing.
Figure 15 shows a'perspec-tive view of a connector for an outside corner. In this embodiment, one stationary horizontal element 1~ ;s secured to the hub 24 and one pivotable horizontal element 70 is also secured thereto. Vertical element 12 is securecd to connector 16 AS explained hereinbefore. With this embodiment, the collar 74 has a single flat wing portion 20 as shown in Eigure 16 to provide support for the shelf 800 3~

1 Figure 17 shows a still further embodiment of the present invention. As stated hereinbefore, the particular shapes of the various components may be varied within the scope of the present invention. The connector of figure 17 shows an alternate construct;on which will now be explained.
The connector 116 comprises a hub 124 with a central opening therein for receiving and retaining a vertical element (not shown~. The hub 124 has four flattened sides 128 with truncated corners therebetween. Four identical protrusions 134 extend outwardly and normal to the central axis of the opening 126. The protrusion 134 is designed so that a horizontal element 114 will fit thereon and in the asse~hled position, the end surface 138 of the horizontal element 114 will abut the flattened side 128 of the hub 124.
On the top surface of one of the protrusions, a short, U-shaped channel 139 is cut. Also, a hole 142 is cut through the protrusion and in the case of the protrusion 134 with the channel 139, through the channel 139. On the flattened side 128 carrying the protrusion 134 with the channel 139, a horizontal hole 148 is drilled, its purpose will be explained hereinafter.
With this particular configuration, any combination of pivotable and stationary elements may be used and the identical hub may be used with àny combination.
In the embodiment as shown in figure 17, a single pivotable element is shown withthree stationary elements. With this embodiment, the stationary elements 14 have a rectangular cross section and are inserted on the protrusion 134 such tha-t the end 138 oE it abuts the flattened side 128 of the hub 124~
~ hole 146 is provided on the top surEace -thereof which is align-ed with hole 142 oE protrusion 134 in the assembled condition.

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Screw 144 is inserted through hole 146 and is tightened into hole 142 thus contacting the inside lower surface of element 114 thereby holding it in place. If de~ired, collar 174 having a flat wing portion 120 is inserted over the element 114 as shown in figure 17 and because of its rectangular section, collar 174 will not pivot or rotate.
Wi-th ~espect to the pivotable element 170, the end of the element 170 carries a pair of jaws 60 which are spaced apart by a distance equal to the height of the protrusions 134 .10 thus allowing the jaws 60 to clamp over the pxotrusion 134.
A pivot pin (not shown3 is inserted through holes 162, 142 thereby allowing the element 170 to pivot about the pin. The terminal end of the element 170 is rounded to aid in the pivotting movement. A collar 174 may be placed over the pivotting element 70 to support the shelf on the flat wing like portion 120.
It is evident that this embodiment simplifies the construction of the corner as one connector may be used for any particular combination of pivotable or stationary elements. It is also evident that any number of protrusions 134 may be included on the hub 124 thus allowing any of the embodiments shown in figures 6 to 10 to be made of this construction.
The operation of the novel display stand will now be explained, with particular reference to the embodiment shown in figure 1. The stand is :~irst assembled selecting the appropriate connector 16. The position oE -the vertical elements 12 are selected and once the connector is in place, screw 50 is tight-ened on al:L ~our co.rners. The horizontal elements are then placed over the protrusions 34, 36 and the collar 74 is placed over the lateral:ly extending horizontal elements 70. Screws 44 are ti.ghtened and the collar 74 is slid so that teat 52 is held 1 in slo-t 78" -thus ensuring the correct orientation of the wing portions 20. The glass or similar surfaces for display are then laid within the confines of the display areas.
When the display stand is to be collapsed, the glass or other similar display is irst removed and stored appropriately Next collars 74 are slid back from the corners along the horizontal elements 70 and the intermediate member 58 is pivo~ted in either direction, thus allowing the entire display stand to be collapsed to a snbs-tantially flat position.
When the display stand is fully collapsed, the wing portion 20 will lie underneath adjacent horizontal elements 14 which pre-vents the collars 74 from spinning or rotating about the hori-~ontal elements 70.
By selecting the appropriate connector 16, the entire display stand may be collapsed to a substantially flat position without the use of any tools. By merely sliding the appropriate collars rearwardly and pivotting the appropriate elements~ the display stand may be collapsed without the use of any additional tools. A further advantage of the present invention is that ~ the dissassembly of the display stand may b~ accomplished by use of a single tool. In the preferred embodiment, all of the screws 44 and 50 are operated by a single tool. For example, these screws may take a form of a slot-headed grub screw thus allowing a single screw driver to operate all the screws. They may, if desired, take any other form but preferably, all would be operable by a single tool or device therein simplying greatly the assembly and the dissassen~ly of the display stand.
Although the disclosure describes and illustrates a preEerred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood the :invention i5 not restricted to this particular embodiment.

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Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A collapsible display stand which comprises a plurality of horizontal elements, adapted to pivot thereby allowing said stand to be collapsed to a substantially flat position, a plurality of vertical elements, and a plurality of connectors, each connector connecting at least one horizontal element to at least one vertical element, wherein at least one connector comprises a hub which is adjustably secured to one vertical element, said hub having a central opening therein adapted to receive said vertical element, first securing means adapted to releasably secure said vertical element in a preselected position with respect to said hub, and at least one protrusion extending horizontally outwardly from a first side of said hub, said at least one protrusion adapted to fit within a respective horizontal element, second securing means adapted to secure a horizontal element to said at least one protrusion, a third protrusion extending outwardly from a second side of said hub, pivotting means secured to said third protrusion, a fourth protrusion extending outwardly from said pivotting means and adapted to receive and to be secured to a horizontal element.

2. A collapsible display stand which comprises a plurality of horizontal elements adapted to pivot thereby allowing said stand to be collapsed to a substantially flat position, a plurality of vertical elements and a plurality of connectors, each connector connecting at least one horizontal element to at least one vertical element wherein at least one connector comprises a hub which is adjustably secured to one vertical element, said hub having a central opening therein adapted to receive said vertical element, first securing means adapted to releasably secure said vertical element in a preselected position with respect to said hub and a pair of protrusions extending horizontally outwardly from a first side of said hub, each protrusion adapted to fit within a respective horizontal element, second securing means adapted to secure each horizontal element to one of said pair of protrusions, a third protrusion extending outwardly from the side of said hub, pivotting means secured to said third protrusion, a fourth protrusion extending outwardly from said pivotting means and adapted to receive and be secured to a horizontal element.

3. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 1 further including footings secured to the bottom of said vertical elements.

4. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 3 wherein said footings are casters, cups or plates.

5. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 1 further including display means within the areas defined by said horizontal elements.

6. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 5 wherein said display means comprises glass shelves.

7. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 5 wherein said display means comprises wire shelves.

8. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 5 wherein said display means comprises solid shelves.

9. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said horizontal elements and said vertical elements are tubular.

10. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 1 wherein said horizontal elements and said vertical elements are rectangular.

11. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hub has three flattened sides and one convexly curved side.

12. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 11 wherein said first securing means is a screw adapted to be screwed through said hub and to contact said vertical element thereby retaining said vertical element in a preselected position when said screw is tightened.

13. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 10 wherein said at least one protrusion corresponds to the shape and size of said horizontal element and is adapted to fit within said horizontal element.

14. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said second securing means is a screw within said pro-trusion and adapted to be screwed inwardly to retain said horizontal element in the desired position when tightened.

15. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 11 further including a locking means adapted to lock said pivotting means.

16. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 15 wherein said locking means comprises a teat on said third protrusion, and a collar having a slot cut therein, said collar adapted to fit over said third protrusion and said pivotting means, said teat adapted to seat in and be retained within said slot.

17. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 16 wherein said collar includes at least one wing portion extending outwardly therefrom.

18. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pivotting means comprises a block attached to said third protrusion, said block being pivottally attached to an intermediate member which is secured to said fourth protrusion.

19. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 18 wherein said intermediate member is a pair of jaws adapted to fit over and under said block, and a pivot pin extending through said jaws and said block.

20. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 15 wherein said locking means comprises a teat on the top of said third protrusion and a teat on the bottom of said third protrusion, and a collar having a slot cut in the top thereof and a slot cut in the bottom thereof, said collar adapted to fit over said third protrusion and said pivotting means, said teats adapted to seat in and be retained within said respective slots.

21. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 20 wherein said collar includes at least one wing portion extending outwardly therefrom.

22. A collapsible display stand as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said at least one protrusion comprises a protrusion extending outwardly from said hub, said protrusion having a channel cut in the upper surface thereof, and said first securing means comprises a screw adapted to be screwed through said hub and to contact said vertical element thereby retaining said vertical element in a predetermined position wherein said screw is tightened.