Locking devices for exhibit framework systems

A locking device for assembling first and second tubular frame components of exhibit framework structures, wherein the first frame components have an interior cavity opening through an end thereof to receive the locking device nested therein and the second frame components have an undercut longitudinally elongated recess entered through an access slot communicating therewith bounded by flanking interior shoulder surfaces, the locking device comprising a substantially rectangular elongated bos-like housing sized to be received in said cavity of said first frame component and having an interior chamber bounded by opposite first and second flat vertical sidewalls paralleling a longitudinal midplane of the housing and narrow top and bottom horizontal walls in a use position thereof, said first sidewall throughout its length defining a flat planiform face spanning one side of said chamber, the housing having an open coupling end provided with protruding spaced apart coupling ear formations integral with the housing adjacent said top and bottom walls forming extrusions thereof flanking the opening of said coupling end, an elongated thin spring-metal interlocking latching member movably located in said housing having a generally panel-shaped body extending along said longitudinal midplane paralleling said sidewalls and substantially spanning the length of the housing and having a recurved hook formation on one end thereof spanning the space between and aligned with said ear formations, the latching member having an intermediate bend portion slidably bearing against the confronting flat planiform inner face defined by said first sidewall paralleling said mid-plane and an integral spring leg extending angularly therefrom in inclined relation to said midplane restrained against longitudinal movement relative to said second sidewall, said sidewalls and said spring leg and said bend portion forming coacting means for subjecting the bend portion to tensile bending moments flexibly distorting the adjacent portions of the latching member to displace said hook formation laterally from alignment with said ear formations into interlocking engagement with said shoulder surfaces responsive to longitudinal displacement of the latching member when said ear formations are inserted in said undercut recess, and a rotatable cam member journaled in said housing for moving the latching member longitudinally.