Connecting device

Abstract

Disclosed is a connecting device (10) for connecting an article (12) to a support (14). The connecting device (10) includes a flexible elongate member (20) and clamping means (18) for clamping the flexible elongate member (20) around the article (12). The clamping means (18) includes a body (22) and a clamping element (34). The clamping element (34) is movable between a clamping position and a non-clamping position. In the clamping position, the clamping element (34) clamps the flexible elongate member (20) to the body (22), thereby attaching the article (12) to the clamping means (18). In the non-clamping position, the flexible elongate member (20) is capable of moving through the body (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device. More specifically but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting an elongate article to an elongate support. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connecting device for connecting a pipe to a strut. Background Art

[0002] Pipes and other elongate articles are typically installed in a building near a roof or ceiling. The pipes or other articles are typically fixed to a load-bearing strut by a connecting device. There may be a large number of such struts, which may result in very time-consuming installation. Additionally, specific clamps may be required to install the outer diameter of a pipe with or without insulation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connecting device for connecting an article to a support, the connecting device comprising: a flexible elongate member; and a clamping device for clamping the flexible elongate member around the article; the clamping device comprising a body and a clamping element, the clamping element being movable between a clamping position and a non-clamping position; wherein, in the clamping position, the clamping element clamps the flexible elongate member to the body, thereby attaching the article to the clamping device, and in the non-clamping position, the flexible elongate member is capable of moving through the body.

[0004] The article may be a cylindrical article. The article may be a pipe. The support may be an elongate support, such as a strut. The connecting device may be a connecting assembly.

[0005] The flexible elongate member may be a generally flat flexible elongate member. The flexible elongate member may be a strip. The flexible elongate member may be formed of a ductile material, such as a suitable metallic material. The flexible elongate member may be coated with, for example, a plastic material to prevent metal-to-metal contact.

[0006] In a first embodiment, the body may be an integral part. In a second embodiment, the body may comprise an inner main part and an outer covering part. The inner main part may be formed of metal, such as zinc. The outer covering part may be formed of a plastic material.

[0007] The clamping element may comprise a wedge. It should be understood that other suitable types of clamping elements may be used, such as rollers.

[0008] The body may have a clamping surface against which the flexible elongate member is clamped. The clamping surface may be provided in the inner main part of the body. The clamping element may comprise a clamping surface for clamping the flexible elongate member against the clamping surface.

[0009] The body may have a holding portion for holding the article. The holding portion may be a substantially V-shaped surface. In a second embodiment, the outer covering portion may have the holding portion. An upper elastic member may be disposed on the holding portion. The upper elastic member may be deformable to adopt the shape of the holding portion.

[0010] When the flexible elongate member is tightened around the article, the upper elastic member may be capable of elastically compressing to prevent the flexible elongate member from being over-tightened.

[0011] The upper elastic member may provide greater friction than the holding portion, thereby reducing the longitudinal movement of the article.

[0012] The body may define a passage structure to permit entry of the flexible elongate member into an interior region of the body. In a second embodiment, the interior main portion may define the passage structure.

[0013] The passage structure may be a hole defined by the body. In a second embodiment, the passage structure may be defined by the interior main portion. The passage structure may communicate with a first passage region to permit the flexible elongate member to extend from the first passage region.

[0014] The body and the flexible elongate member may include corresponding attachment structures to attach an end region of the flexible elongate member to the body. One of the corresponding attachment structures may include a hole defined by one of the flexible elongate member and the body.

[0015] The other of the attachment structures may include a protrusion on the other of the flexible elongate member and the body. The attachment structure on the body may be disposed within the interior region of the body. In the second embodiment, the interior main portion of the body may define the hole or may include the protrusion.

[0016] The hole may be defined by the flexible elongate member. The protrusion may be disposed on the body. The protrusion may be a pin.

[0017] In an alternative form of the attachment structure, the protrusion may be disposed on the interior main portion of the body. The protrusion may be received in a hole in an end of the flexible elongate member to attach the flexible elongate member to the body.

[0018] The attachment structure may include a deflection structure on the body. In a second embodiment, the deflection structure may be provided on the outer covering portion. The deflection member may be provided on the holding portion and may extend from the holding portion. Each deflection structure may be elongate. Each deflection structure may include a deflection rib. The deflection structure may extend through a passage structure in the inner main portion.

[0019] The protrusion may include an inclined surface to guide an end region of the flexible elongate member onto the protrusion when the flexible elongate member is inserted into the body. The deflection structures may be arranged opposite each other across the protrusion. The deflection structures may be arranged on opposite sides of the protrusion.

[0020] When the flexible elongate member is inserted into the body, the deflection structure may engage the end region of the flexible elongate member. Each deflection structure may engage a respective opposite edge region of the flexible elongate member to deflect the edge region around the protrusion. The protrusion may have a vertex. Each deflection structure may engage opposite edge regions of the flexible elongate member to deform the end region around the vertex.

[0021] The edge region of the flexible elongate member is deflected by the deflection structure until the protrusion is received in a hole in the end region of the flexible elongate member.

[0022] The deflection structure may constitute a holding structure to hold the flexible elongate member on the protrusion. When the protrusion is received in a hole in the end region of the flexible elongate member, the deflection structure may hold the flexible elongate member on the protrusion.

[0023] The connecting device may include fastening means for fastening the clamping device to the support. The fastening means may include a hole defined through the body. In a second embodiment, the hole may be defined through the inner main portion of the body.

[0024] The fastening means may include a fastener which may be inserted through the hole in the body or the hole in the inner main portion to fasten the clamping device to the support. The fastener may be a screw or a bolt. The fastening means may further include a nut to which the fastener is attached. The nut may be configured to engage the support to fasten the clamping device to the support.

[0025] The connecting device may include pushing means for pushing the clamping element to the clamping position.

[0026] The connecting device may include a bracket for carrying the clamping element. The bracket may include a holding member for holding the clamping element. The holding member may be a frame. The clamping element may be restricted within the holding member.

[0027] The bracket may contain the pushing device. The bracket may contain a reaction member for applying a reaction force on the pushing device so that the pushing device can push the clamping element to the clamping position.

[0028] The pushing device may include a spring member. The pushing device may include one or more spring members. The spring member or each spring member may be a zigzag spring.

[0029] One form of the bracket may include a pushing device that includes two of the spring members. It should be understood that the pushing device may include any suitable number of spring members.

[0030] The spring members may be arranged relative to each other, and the clamping element is disposed between the spring members.

[0031] Another form of the bracket may include a pushing device that includes a single spring member, and the single spring member may be disposed substantially centrally on the reaction member.

[0032] The pushing device may extend from the reaction member to the clamping element. The pushing device may extend from the reaction member to the holding member. The spring member may extend from the reaction member to the clamping element. The spring member may extend from the reaction member to the holding member.

[0033] The body may define an internal space for receiving the bracket. In the second embodiment, the internal space may be defined by the inner main part of the body. The clamping surface may be the surface that defines the internal space.

[0034] The bracket may be substantially flat. The bracket can be inserted into the body or the inner main part.

[0035] The bracket can slide into the internal space in the body or slide into the inner main part. The connecting device may include a fixing device for fixing the bracket to the body or the inner main part.

[0036] The fixing device may include a ratchet structure. The ratchet structure may include a hook structure. The ratchet structure may be provided on one of the bracket and the body.

[0037] The fixing device may include a mating structure that can cooperate with the pawl structure. The mating structure may be a recess for receiving the pawl structure. The mating structure may be provided on the other of the bracket and the body.

[0038] In one form of the fixing device, the fixing device may include a first fixing structure on the bracket. The fixing device may include a second fixing structure on the body.

[0039] The first fixing structure may include the pawl structure. The second fixing structure may include a mating structure for cooperating with the pawl structure. The second fixing structure may be a recess defined by the body.

[0040] One of the bracket and the body may include two pawl structures of the pawl structure on opposite sides of the bracket or the body. The other of the bracket and the body may include two mating structures of the mating structure on opposite sides of the body or the bracket. The bracket may include the two pawl structures on opposite sides of the bracket. The body may include the two mating structures on opposite sides of the body. Each mating structure may include one of the recesses.

[0041] The body may define a first opening arrangement through which the bracket may be inserted into the body. The body may define a second opening arrangement through which the bracket extends when the bracket is received in the body.

[0042] The bracket may be inserted into the internal space through the first opening arrangement. In a second embodiment, the internal main portion may define the first opening arrangement. The first opening arrangement may have a first bracket receiving area for receiving a portion of the bracket through the first bracket receiving area. The second fixing structure may be provided adjacent to the bracket receiving area.

[0043] When the bracket is received in the internal space, the bracket may extend through the second opening arrangement. In a second embodiment, the internal main portion may define the second opening arrangement. The second opening arrangement may have a second bracket receiving area for receiving a portion of the bracket through the second bracket receiving area.

[0044] The first and second opening arrangements may provide communication between an area outside the body and the internal space. The first opening arrangement may be defined at one end of the body. The second opening arrangement may be defined at an opposite end of the body.

[0045] The internal main part may have opposite first and second sides and a front and a rear. The internal main part may define the internal space. The internal main part may define opposite first and second opening arrangements. The internal main part may define the first and second bracket receiving areas and the first and second passage areas.

[0046] The external covering part may further include downwardly extending side wall portions and front and rear wall portions. The side wall portions may extend on the first and second sides of the internal main part. The front wall portion and the rear wall portion may extend on the front and the rear.

[0047] In another form of the fixing device, the front wall portion may constitute the second fixing structure. The front wall portion may extend across the first bracket receiving area. The front wall portion may extend across the reaction member so as to fix the bracket in the main body. Accordingly, the front wall portion may provide an abutment portion to allow the reaction member to exert a reaction force on the pushing device.

[0048] The bracket may include a release portion for moving the clamping element from the clamping position to the non-clamping position. When the bracket is received in the internal space, the release portion may extend through the second opening arrangement. The second opening arrangement may be opposite to the first opening arrangement.

[0049] The clamping element may be provided on the release portion. The release portion is capable of moving relative to the first fixing structure.

[0050] The first opening arrangement may have a first passage area to provide passage of the flexible elongate member to the internal space. The first opening arrangement may be defined at a first end of the main body.

[0051] In the second embodiment, the internal main part may define the first passage area. The first passage area may be open to communicate with the first bracket receiving area. Alternatively, the first passage area and the first bracket receiving area may be separate from each other.

[0052] The second opening arrangement may have a second passage area to provide passage of the flexible elongate member to the internal space. The second opening arrangement may be defined at a second opposite end of the main body.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the internal main part may define the second passage area. The second passage area may be open to communicate with the second bracket receiving area. Alternatively, the second passage area and the second bracket receiving area may be separate from each other.

[0054] The front wall portion may define a front opening, and the front opening may be aligned with a first passage region in which the first opening is disposed.

[0055] The rear wall portion may define a rear recess, and the rear recess may be aligned with the second bracket receiving region. The rear wall portion may define a rear opening, and the rear opening may be aligned with a second passage region in which the second opening is disposed.

[0056] The bracket may have opposite first and second ends. The first fixing structure may be provided at the first end of the bracket. The release portion may extend to the opposite second end of the bracket.

[0057] The second end of the bracket may protrude from the second opening arrangement. The second end of the bracket may protrude from the second bracket receiving region of the second opening arrangement. Thus, a user may press the second end of the bracket into the body or the inner main portion to move the clamping element to the unclamped position. The user may press the second end of the bracket to move the release portion inwardly into the body or the inner main portion to release the clamping element.

[0058] The bracket may include a ramp structure to guide the flexible elongate member through the body. The ramp structure may guide the flexible elongate member through the first passage region. The ramp structure may extend between the clamping element and the first end of the bracket. The ramp structure may extend between the clamping element and the reaction member.

[0059] The ramp structure may include two adjacent ramps. The ramps may be disposed on opposite sides of the clamping element.

[0060] In the embodiments described herein, an advantage provided by the ramps is that they help to dispose the elongate member as flat as possible. The elongate member may naturally bend / coil. As a result, this may cause problems for the clamping element when gripping the strip. Flattening the elongate member by the ramps helps the clamping element to grip the elongate member.

[0061] The ramp structure may include inclined surfaces. Each ramp may include a respective inclined surface. When the clamping element is in the clamped position, the inclined surface or each inclined surface of the ramp structure may be disposed further away from the clamping surface of the body or the inner main portion than the clamping surface of the clamping element.

[0062] When the clamping element is in the non-clamping position, the clamping surface of the clamping element can be disposed further away from the clamping surface of the body or the internal main part than the inclined surface or each inclined surface of the ramp structure. This allows the clamping surface to be completely separated from the flexible elongate member when the clamping element is in the non-clamping position.

[0063] The bracket may define a hole that is arranged to be aligned with a hole in the body or with a hole in the internal main part, whereby the fastener can be inserted through the hole in the bracket. The hole in the bracket may be defined through the release portion.

[0064] The connecting device may further comprise a tightening element for tightening the flexible elongate member on the article. The tightening element may be movable to engage the flexible elongate member and urge the flexible elongate member into tight engagement with the article.

[0065] The tightening element may be held by the body or the internal main part. The tightening element is rotatable to a tightening position in which the tightening element is tightened on the flexible elongate member. In the tightening position, the flexible elongate member is tightly pulled by the tightening element against the article. The tightening element is rotatable to a non-tightening position in which the tightening element is not tightened on the flexible elongate member. In the non-tightening position, the flexible elongate member is not tightened by the tightening element on the article.

[0066] The tightening element may have a main axis about which the tightening element rotates. The tightening element may include a shaft that is aligned with the main axis.

[0067] The shaft may include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The tightening element may further comprise a cam member for engaging the flexible elongate member. The cam member may be offset from the main axis. The cam member may be a central portion. The cam member may be disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion.

[0068] The body or the internal main part may include an engagement portion for engaging the cam member.

[0069] The engagement portion may have a cam engagement surface for engaging the cam member. The engagement portion may include a stop member that may extend from the cam engagement surface. When the cam member is in the non-tightening position, the stop member may engage the cam member.

[0070] The cam member may include a nose portion. The cam engagement surface and the stop member may define therebetween a cam receiving recess for receiving the nose portion. When the tightening element is in the non-tightening position, the cam receiving recess may receive the nose portion.

[0071] The cam member may define a stop recess. The stop recess may be opposite the nose portion. When the tightening element is in the tightening position, the stop recess may receive the stop member, thereby preventing the tightening element from rotating beyond the tightening position.

[0072] The cam member and the body may include a locking structure for locking the tightening element in the non-tightening position. The locking structure may include a recess on one of the tightening element and the body, and a protrusion on the other of the tightening element and the body. In the second embodiment, the locking structure on the body may be on the internal main portion.

[0073] The recess may be on the tightening element. The recess may be defined by the cam member. The recess may be defined at an end of the stop recess defined by the cam member.

[0074] The locking structure may include two recesses. The recesses may be on opposite sides of the tightening element. The recesses may be defined opposite each other across the stop recess. The recesses may be defined at opposite ends of the stop recess.

[0075] The protrusions may be on the body. The locking structure may include two of the protrusions. The protrusions may be arranged on opposite sides of the body. In the second embodiment, the protrusion or each protrusion may be on the internal main portion. Each protrusion may be arranged on a respective one of the first side and the second side of the internal main portion.

[0076] The connecting device may include mating fixing structures for fixing the outer covering portion to the internal main portion. The mating fixing structures may include a plurality of fins on one of the outer covering portion and the internal main portion.

[0077] The mating fixing members may further include a plurality of concave surfaces defined by the other of the outer covering portion and the internal main portion. The plurality of fins may be provided on the internal main portion. The plurality of concave surfaces may be defined by the outer covering portion.

[0078] The plurality of concave surfaces may be defined by first and second side wall portions of the outer covering portion. The plurality of concave surfaces may be defined at lower edges of the foregoing first and second side wall portions.

[0079] The plurality of concave surfaces may receive the plurality of fins to fix the outer covering portion to the inner main portion. The mating fixing structures may be frictionally engaged with each other to fix the outer covering portion to the inner main portion. In use, the weight of the article and / or the force applied to the article by the flexible elongate member may ensure that the outer covering portion and the inner main portion are firmly fixed to each other.

[0080] The plurality of fins may be provided on first and second sides of the inner main portion. The plurality of fins may be provided on lower regions of the first and second sides of the inner main portion. Description of the Drawings

[0081] At least one embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0082] Figure 1 Perspective view of a connecting device for mounting on a support;

[0083] Figure 2 Showing the Figure 1 with the article thereon

[0084] Figure 3 Showing Figure 1 and Figure 2 of the connecting device, wherein the connecting device is attached to the article;

[0085] Figure 4 Perspective view of a clamping device, seen from one side, the clamping device being part of the connecting device;

[0086] Figure 5 For the clamping device, seen from the same side as shown in Figure 4 Another perspective view;

[0087] Figure 6 For the clamping device, seen from the same side as shown in Figure 4 A sectional view;

[0088] Figure 7 For the clamping device, seen from the same side as shown in Figure 4 Another sectional view;

[0089] Figure 8 Sectional view of the clamping device, showing the clamping element in the clamping position and the tightening element in the non-tightening position;

[0090] Figure 9 A view of the clamping device as seen from the side opposite to the side shown in Figure 8 which shows the tightening element in the non-tightened position;

[0091] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the clamping device which shows the clamping element in the clamping position and the tightening element in the tightened position;

[0092] Figure 11 A view of the clamping device as seen from the side opposite to the side shown in Figure 10 which shows the tightening element in the tightened position;

[0093] Figure 12 A perspective view of the tightening element;

[0094] Figure 13 A cross-sectional side view showing the clamping element in the non-clamping position;

[0095] Figure 14 A perspective view of the bracket containing the clamping element;

[0096] Figure 15 A side perspective view of another clamping device as seen from one direction;

[0097] Figure 16 A side perspective view of the said another clamping device as seen from another direction;

[0098] Figure 17 An exploded view of the said another clamping device;

[0099] Figure 18 A cross-sectional side perspective view of the said another clamping device as seen from the first direction;

[0100] Figure 19 A cross-sectional side perspective view of the said another clamping device as seen from the second direction;

[0101] Figure 20 A cross-sectional side perspective view of the internal main part as seen from the first direction, the internal main part being a component of the said another clamping device;

[0102] Figure 21 For Figure 20 the top plan view of the internal main part shown in

[0103] Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of the clamping device which shows the clamping element in the clamping position and the tightening element in the non-tightened position;

[0104] Figure 23 A cross-sectional side view of the clamping device, showing the clamping element in the clamping position and the tightening element in the tightened position;

[0105] Figure 24(i) is a perspective view of another tightening element as viewed from one direction;

[0106] Figure 24(ii) is a perspective view of the said another tightening element as viewed from the opposite direction;

[0107] Figure 24(iii) is a plan view of the said another tightening element as viewed from one side;

[0108] Figure 25 A cross-sectional side view of the said another clamping device, showing the clamping element in the unclamped position;

[0109] Figure 26 A perspective view of another bracket containing the clamping element;

[0110] Figure 27(i) to Figure 27(vi) Showing the sequence for installing a flexible elongate member in the clamping device;

[0111] Figure 28 A cross-sectional side perspective view of the said another clamping device as viewed from one direction, showing the flexible elongate member in the same position as in Figure 27(v);

[0112] Figure 29 A side perspective view of the elongate member in the state shown in Figure 27(v);

[0113] Figure 30 An end view of the elongate member in the state shown in Figure 27(v);

[0114] Figure 31 A side view of the end region of the flexible elongate member in the state shown in Figure 27(v); and

[0115] Figure 32 is a view taken along Figure 22 the line XXX-XXX in Detailed Description

[0116] of the Figure 1 to Figure 14 drawings shows a connecting device 10 for connecting an article 12 in the form of a tube to a support 14 in the form of a strut. The support 14 has a return structure 16 extending into its interior.

[0117] The connecting device 10 includes a clamping device 18 and a flexible elongate member 20. In the drawings, the flexible elongate member 20 is in the form of a strip formed of a metallic material.

[0118] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 3 , the clamping device 18 is disposed on the support member 14 and fastened to the support member 14 in the manner described below.

[0119] Additionally, as described in more detail below, the article 12 is then disposed on the clamping device 18 and attached to the clamping device by a flexible elongate member 20. The flexible elongate member 20 extends from one end of the clamping device 18 and wraps around the article 12. The flexible elongate member 20 is inserted back into the opposite end of the clamping device 18 to be clamped therein. Then, a tightening element 24 (see Figure 3 ) can be moved to a tightened position to tighten the flexible elongate member 20 against the article 12.

[0120] Reference Figure 4 to Figure 7 , the clamping device 18 includes a body 22 having opposite first and second sides 22A and 22B. The body 22 defines an internal space 26 extending therethrough. The body 22 defines opposite first and second opening arrangements 28 and 30 to provide communication between an external region of the body 22 and the internal space 26. The first opening arrangement 28 is defined at a first end of the body 22. The second opening arrangement 30 is defined at an opposite second end of the body 22.

[0121] The connecting device 10 further includes a carriage 32 (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) that can be received in the internal space 26. The first and second opening arrangements 28, 30 have corresponding first and second carriage receiving regions 29, 31.

[0122] In Figure 14 the carriage 32 is specifically shown, and the carriage 32 carries a clamping element 34 in the form of a wedge member confined within a frame 35. The clamping element 34 is capable of moving between a clamping position (shown in Figure 8 and Figure 10 ) and a non-clamping position (shown in Figure 13 ). The clamping position and non-clamping position of the clamping element 34 will be described in more detail below.

[0123] The connecting device 10 includes a fixing device for fixing the carriage 32 to the body 22. The fixing device includes two pawl structures 36 on the carriage 32 and two mating structures 38 on the body 22 (see Figure 4 ), and the mating structures 38 are configured to cooperate with the pawl structures 36 to fix the carriage 32 to the body 22.

[0124] The carriage 32 further includes a reaction member 40 extending between the pawl structures 36 at a first end 37 of the carriage 32.

[0125] The pawl structure 36 is in the form of outwardly extending hook structures disposed on opposite sides of the bracket 32. The mating structure 38 is in the form of recesses defined on the exterior of the body 22. The recesses are defined on opposite sides of the body 22 adjacent to the first bracket receiving region 29.

[0126] The bracket 32 further includes a generally planar release portion 42 that is attached to the reaction member 40 by a biasing device in the form of two zigzag springs 44.

[0127] When the bracket 32 is fixed to the body 22 by the pawl structure 36, the reaction member 40 can exert a reaction force on the springs 44 such that the springs 44 push the release portion 42 away from the reaction member 40. As explained below, this movement of the release portion away from the reaction member 40 will push the clamping element 34 to its clamping position.

[0128] The clamping element 34 is disposed on the release portion 42. The clamping element 34 has a clamping surface 46 that is inclined with respect to the release portion 42. The clamping surface 46 is provided with teeth to enhance the grip of the clamping element 34 on the flexible elongate member 20. The springs 44 are disposed on opposite sides of the clamping element 34 and extend between the release portion 42 and the reaction member 40. The zigzag of the springs 44 is oriented in the plane of the release portion 42.

[0129] The release portion 42 extends to the second end 48 of the bracket 32 and includes an edge region 49 at the second end 48. The edge region 49 projects from the body 22 through the second bracket receiving region 31 of the second opening arrangement 30.

[0130] As Figure 8 、 Figure 10 and Figure 14 shown by the arrow A in Figure 13 , the user can press the edge region 49 to move the release portion 42 towards the reaction member 40. As explained below, this has the effect of moving the clamping element to its unclamped position (shown in

[0131] The release portion 42 defines a through hole 50, the purpose of which will be described below.

[0132] The body 22 also defines a first passage region 78 of the first opening arrangement 28 (see Figure 4 ) and a second passage region 80 of the second opening arrangement 30 (see Figure 5)。The first and second passage regions 78, 80 are arranged to allow the flexible elongate member 20 to enter the internal space 26. The first passage region 78 communicates with the first bracket receiving region 29. The second passage region 80 communicates with the second bracket receiving region 31.

[0133] The bracket 32 further includes a ramp structure 52 disposed between the clamping element 34 and the reaction member 40. The ramp structure 52 includes two ramps 54 that extend adjacent to the clamping element 34 on opposite sides of the clamping element 34.

[0134] The body 22 has a V-shaped upper holding portion 56 for holding the article 12 (see Figure 8 to Figure 11 ). The upper elastic member 58 is attached to the holding portion 56. The upper elastic member 58 is deformable to adopt the shape of the holding portion 56.

[0135] When the flexible elongate member 20 is tightened around the article 12 thereon, the upper elastic member 58 can be elastically compressed. This has the effect of preventing the flexible elongate member 20 from being overly tightened around the article 12. Additionally, the upper elastic member 58 provides greater friction than the holding portion 56, thereby reducing the longitudinal movement of the article 12.

[0136] The body 22 includes a clamping surface 60 against which the flexible elongate member 20 can be clamped by the clamping element 34. When clamped in this way, the flexible elongate member 20 is held between the clamping face 46 of the clamping element 34 and the clamping surface 60 of the body 22. The body 22 also includes an engaging surface 62 for engaging the clamping element 34 to provide a clamping force on the clamping element 34 when the clamping element 34 clamps the flexible elongate member 20.

[0137] Each ramp 54 has an inclined surface 55 to guide the flexible elongate member 20 from the clamping element 34 to the exit region 78. As Figure 8 and Figure 10 shown, when the clamping element 34 is in the clamping position, each inclined surface 55 of the ramp 54 is disposed further from the clamping surface 60 of the body 22 than the clamping face 46 of the clamping element 34.

[0138] Conversely, as Figure 13 shown, when the clamping element 34 moves to the unclamped position, the clamping face 46 of the clamping element 34 is disposed further from the clamping surface 60 of the body 22 than each inclined surface 55 of the ramp 54. When the clamping element 34 is in the unclamped position, this allows the clamping face 46 to be completely disengaged from the flexible elongate member 20.

[0139] The clamping surface 60 is a surface that defines a part of the internal space 26. As seen from Figure 8As can be seen, the clamping surface 60 is inclined relative to the release portion 42 of the bracket 32. The clamping surface 60 extends at substantially the same angle as the clamping surface 46 of the clamping element 34. In use, the flexible elongate member 20 is clamped by the clamping element 34 between the clamping surface 46 and the clamping surface 60.

[0140] In Figure 12 is shown in more detail the tightening element 24, and the tightening element 24 includes a bolt that can be inserted into the body 22 at a region above the release portion 42 of the bracket 32. The tightening element 24 includes a head 64 that defines a receiving structure in the form of a hexagonal recess 66 for receiving a wrench having a hexagonal end profile, such as an Allen wrench. This allows the tightening element 24 to rotate between the non-tightening position shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 and the tightening position shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 .

[0141] The head 64 of the tightening element 24 may be provided with different receiving structures, such as a slot for receiving the end of a flat-blade screwdriver, or a cross recess for receiving the end of a cross-head screwdriver (such as a Phillips screwdriver).

[0142] In Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 13 , the elongate member 20 is shown in dashed lines. For clarity, in these figures, only the regions where the elongate element 20 enters and exits the body 22 are shown.

[0143] Referring to Figure 12 , the tightening element 24 includes a shaft 68 having an aligned proximal portion 70 and a distal portion 72. The proximal portion 70 is disposed at the proximal end of the shaft 68 adjacent to the head 64. The distal portion 72 is spaced from the proximal portion 70 by a cam member 74. The cam member 74 is offset from the aligned proximal portion 70 and distal portion 72.

[0144] The distal portion 72 extends from the cam member 74 to the distal end of the shaft 68. A radially protruding lug 75 is disposed on the distal portion 72 at the distal end of the shaft 68.

[0145] Figure 9 and Figure 11 The clamping device 18 is shown from the second side 22B of the body 22. The body 22 defines a through-hole 69 for receiving the tightening element 24. A shoulder portion 77 is disposed between the through-hole 69 and the second side 22B. The shoulder portion 77 extends semicircularly around the through-hole 69.

[0146] The elongate recess 79 extends from the shoulder portion 77 to the first side 22A. At each end of the shoulder portion 77, the second side provides cutout regions 77A, 77B for retaining the lugs 75 and thereby holding the tightening element 24 in either the non-tightening position or the tightening position.

[0147] The tightening element 24 is inserted through the body 22 to a position where the head 64 is flush with the first side 22A. Upon insertion, the tightening element is oriented such that the elongate recess 79 receives the lug 75, allowing the tightening element 24 to be received in the through-hole 69. When so received, the tightening element 24 is rotated about its main axis to Figure 8 and Figure 9 the non-tightening position shown in. In the non-tightening position, the lug 75 is received in the cutout region 77A.

[0148] When it is desired to tighten the flexible elongate member 20 around the article 12, the user inserts a suitable driving tool into the hexagonal recess 66 and rotates the tightening element 24 about its main axis from the non-tightening position to Figure 10 and Figure 11 the tightening position shown in. In the tightening position, the lug 75 is received in the cutout region 77B.

[0149] When the tightening element 24 is rotated to the tightening position, the cam member 74 rotates to engage closely with the flexible elongate member 20 as the flexible elongate member 20 is wound around the article 12 and clamped by the clamping element 34. This pushes the flexible elongate member 20 towards the release portion 42 in the region of the cam member 74. The effect is to pull the flexible elongate member 20 tightly around the article 12.

[0150] When the tightening element 24 is rotated to the non-tightening position, the cam member 74 rotates out of engagement with the flexible elongate member 20, allowing the tightening element 24 to release the flexible elongate member 20 so that the flexible elongate member 20 is no longer in close engagement with the article 12.

[0151] The body 22 and the flexible elongate member 20 include corresponding attachment structures for attaching the end region 20A of the flexible elongate member 20 (see Figure 24(i) to Figure 29 ) to the body 22. The attachment structure of the flexible elongate member 20 is a hole 21 defined in its end region 20A. The attachment structure of the body 22 is a projection 81 within the body 22. The projection 81 has a vertex 81A (see Figure 6 ).

[0152] The body 22 defines an access hole 83 to allow access to the end region 20A of the flexible elongate member 20, the access hole being defined in the V-shaped retaining portion 56. A corresponding hole 83A is defined in the upper elastic member 58. The corresponding hole 83A is aligned with the hole 83.

[0153] The access hole 83 allows the user to mount the end region 20A of the flexible elongate member 20 on the projection 81. The access hole 83 is in communication with the first access region 78 to allow the flexible elongate member 20 to extend from the projection 81 through the first access region 78.

[0154] Alternatively, the end region 20A of the flexible elongate member 20 may be mounted on the projection 81 by the manufacturer. It should be understood that other forms of attachment structures may be used.

[0155] In use, the aforementioned end region 20A of the flexible elongate member 20 is fed through the first access region 78 above the projection 81. The projection 81 has an inclined surface 85 to engage the end region 20A of the flexible elongate member 20 and allow the end region 20A to slide across the projection 81. Then, the user can manipulate the end region 20A of the flexible elongate member 20 via the access hole 83 to dispose the end region 20A over the projection 81 such that the projection 81 is received through the hole 21 in the end region 20A. Thus, the flexible elongate member 20 extends from the body 22 and exits the body via the first access region 78.

[0156] Then, the article 12 is disposed on the upper elastic member 58 attached to the V-shaped holding portion 56. Then, the flexible elongate member 20 is wound around the article 12 and fed back into the body 22 via the second access region 80. Then, the flexible elongate member 20 is fed between the clamping element 34 and the clamping surface 60 of the body 22. The spring 44 pulls the clamping element 34 in the direction shown by the arrow A, thereby clamping the flexible elongate member 20 between the clamping element 34 and the clamping surface 60.

[0157] Then, the tightening element 24 is rotated from Figure 8 the non-tightening position shown therein to Figure 9 the tightening position shown therein. This rotation causes the cam member to engage the flexible elongate member 20 and tighten the flexible elongate member 20 on the article 12.

[0158] The connecting device 10 further includes a fastener which includes a countersunk bolt 82 to fasten the connecting device 10 to the support 14. The bolt 82 extends through the body 22 via a hole 84 through the body 22. A nut 86 is provided on the bolt 82 such that when the bolt 82 is tightened into the nut 86, the nut 86 is driven into engagement with the return structure 16 of the support 14, thereby fastening the clamping device 18 to the support 14.

[0159] The head of the bolt 82 has a receiving structure in the form of a hexagonal recess for receiving a suitable driving tool in the form of a wrench having a hexagonal end profile, such as an Allen key. The hole 50 through the release portion 42 of the bracket 32 provides access for the driving tool to the head of the bolt 82 to allow the bolt 82 to be screwed into the nut 86. The bolt 82 is provided with a compression spring 88 extending between the nut 86 and the body 22 to prevent the bolt 82 from loosening on its own.

[0160] The head of the bolt 82 may be provided with a different receiving structure, such as a slot for receiving the end of a flat-blade screwdriver, or a cross recess for receiving the end of a cross-head screwdriver (such as a Phillips screwdriver).

[0161] Thus, a connecting device 10 is described which can attach an article 12 in the form of a tube to a support 14 in the form of a strut. The connecting device 10 can accommodate various different sizes of tubes in one product, so that the user does not need to stock multiple different sized devices. The connecting device 10 minimizes the number of nuts and bolts used for clamping the article. Only two screws / bolts are used in the connecting device 10, namely the bolt 82 for fastening the clamping device 10 to the support 14, and the tightening element 24 for tightening the elongate member 20 around the article 12. Additionally, the protruding edge region of the release portion 42 can be pressed to move the clamping element 34 out of engagement with the elongate member 20, thereby releasing the elongate member 20.

[0162] Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0163] In Figure 15 to Figure 29 a second embodiment of the connecting device 10 is shown, which second embodiment includes a clamping device 118. Figure 15 to Figure 17 The clamping device 118 is shown. Figure 17 is an exploded view of the clamping device 118, which clamping device 118 includes a body 122 formed by an internal main portion 124 received by an external covering portion 126. When the external covering portion 126 receives the internal main portion 124, the external covering portion 126 extends around the internal main portion 124.

[0164] The clamping device 118 includes the features of the clamping device 18. These features are denoted by the same reference numerals as the corresponding features shown in Figure 1 to Figure 14 the same reference numerals as the corresponding features shown in

[0165] The inner main portion 124 has opposite first and second sides 124A and 124B, as well as a front 124C and a rear 124D. The inner main portion 124 defines an inner space 26 and opposite first and second opening arrangements 28, 30. The inner main portion 124 also defines first and second bracket receiving areas 29, 31 and first and second passage areas 78, 80.

[0166] The outer covering portion 126 includes an upper elastic member 158 on an upper V-shaped holding portion 156. The outer covering portion 126 further includes downwardly extending side wall portions 126A, 126B and a front wall portion 126C and a rear wall portion 126D.

[0167] When the inner main portion 124 is received within the outer covering portion 126, the side wall portions 126A, 126B extend over the first and second sides 124A, 124B of the inner main portion 124. The front wall portion 126C and the rear wall portion 126D extend over the front 124C and the rear 124D.

[0168] The front wall portion 126C defines a front opening 178 which, when the inner main portion 124 is received within the outer covering portion 126, is aligned with the first passage area 78 of the first opening arrangement 28.

[0169] The rear wall portion 126D defines a rear recess 131 and a rear opening 180. When the inner main portion 124 is received within the outer covering portion 126, the rear recess 131 is aligned with the second bracket receiving area 31 and the rear opening 180 is aligned with the second passage area 80 of the second opening arrangement 30.

[0170] There is no opening or recess in the front wall portion 126C to align with the first bracket receiving area 29 of the first opening arrangement 28. The purpose of not having such an opening or recess is discussed below.

[0171] In a second embodiment, a bolt 82 extends through the inner main portion 124 to secure the clamping device 118 to the support 14. The inner main portion 124 defines a hole 84 to allow a user to access the bolt 82 using a suitable tool (such as a wrench having a hexagonal end profile). The outer covering portion 126 includes a central hole portion 184 defining a through hole 184A. As Figure 18 to Figure 23 and Figure 25 shown, the central hole portion 184 extends through the hole 84. Thus, the user can access the bolt 82 via the through hole 184A using a tool.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 24(i) and 24(ii), another form of a tightening element generally designated 160 is shown. The tightening element 160 is generally similar to Figure 12is the same as the tightening element 24 shown in

[0173] The tightening element 160 has features that are the same as those of the Figure 12 tightening element 24 in Figure 12 and are indicated in Figs. 24(i) and 24(ii) by the same reference numerals as in

[0174] The tightening element 160 differs from the tightening element 24 in that the radially projecting lug 75 is omitted. The tightening element 160 includes a cam member 162 having a nose portion 164. The tightening element 160 further includes a positioning member 172 at the distal portion 72. The positioning member 172 constitutes a journal supported in a hole in the side wall 124B.

[0175] The inner main portion 124 includes an engaging portion 166 having a cam engaging surface 168 and a stop member 170. The stop member 170 extends from the lower edge of the cam engaging surface 168.

[0176] As Figure 22 and Figure 25 shown in

[0177] when the tightening element 160 is in the non-tightening position, the cam engaging surface 168 and the stop member 170 define therebetween a cam receiving recess 173 for receiving the nose portion 164. Figure 21 the tightening position shown in

[0178] The cam member 162 and the inner main portion 124 include a locking structure for locking the tightening element 160 in the non-tightening position. The locking structure includes two recesses 175 defined by the cam member 162. The recesses 175 are defined at opposite ends of the elongated stop recess 174 defined by the cam member 162.

[0179] The locking structure may further include two protrusions 176 on the inner main portion 124 (see Figure 20 and Figure 21 ). The protrusions 176 are arranged on opposite sides 124A, 124B of the inner main portion 124.

[0180] When the tightening element 160 is in its non-tightening position, the protrusions 176 are received in the recesses 175, thereby locking the tightening element 160 in the non-tightening position.

[0181] Further modifications include the bracket 132 (see FIG. 24). The bracket 132 can be used with either of the clamping devices 18 or 118, but the bracket is shown being used with the clamping device 118. The bracket 132 is similar to the bracket 32 and carries the clamping element 34.

[0182] The bracket 132 is fixed to the inner main part 124 of the body 122 by the outer covering part 126, as will be explained below.

[0183] A pushing device in the form of a zigzag spring 144 is provided. The bracket 132 includes a reaction member 140 that extends across the ramp 54.

[0184] The bracket 132 is held in the inner main part 124 by the front wall part 126C of the outer covering part 126. The front wall part 126C extends over the reaction member 140 in the first bracket receiving area 29 of the first opening arrangement 28. The absence of a hole or recess in the front wall part 126C that aligns with the first bracket receiving recess 29 prevents the bracket 132 from being removed from the inner main part 124.

[0185] The front wall part 126C also provides an abutment for the reaction member 140, thereby allowing the reaction member 140 to exert a reaction force on the spring 144.

[0186] The bracket 132 further includes a release part 142 to which the clamping element 34 is attached. The clamping element 34 is restricted within the frame 135.

[0187] The release part 142 is connected to the reaction member 140 by the spring 144. The spring 144 is aligned with the clamping element 34 and is oriented out of the plane of the release part 142. The release part 42 defines a through hole 50.

[0188] The inner main part 124 includes a clamping surface 60 and a mating surface 62 for clamping the flexible elongate member 20. A projection 81 is provided within the inner main part 124. The projection has an inclined surface 85 along which the end region 20A of the flexible elongate member 20 can slide.

[0189] Reference Figure 17 , the inner main part 124 defines a passage hole 83 to allow access to the end region 20A of the flexible elongate member 20 when the flexible elongate member 20 is mounted on the projection 81. A corresponding inner hole 83B is defined in the outer covering part 126 and passes through the upper elastic member 158. The inner hole 83B is aligned with the hole 83.

[0190] The outer cover portion 126 also defines two outer holes 83C that are aligned with the holes 83. The outer cover portion 126 also has two elongated deflection structures, each in the form of a deflection rib 190 that is located between the inner hole 83B and the outer hole 83C.

[0191] Each rib 190 has a lower edge 190A (see Figure 30 ). The ribs 190 extend downwardly from the retaining portion 156 through the holes 83 on opposite sides of the projection 81. The ribs 190 are arranged such that the lower edge 190A of each rib 190 is generally flush with the apex of the projection 81.

[0192] Figure 27(i) to Figure 27(vi) Illustrated is the sequence of feeding the end region 20A of the flexible elongated member 20 into the internal main portion 124 to receive the projection 81 in the hole 21 of the end region 20A of the flexible elongated member 20.

[0193] In FIG. 27(i), the flexible elongated member 20 is aligned with the first passage region 78 of the first opening arrangement 28. In FIG. 27(ii), the flexible elongated member 20 is fed through the first passage region 78 into the internal main portion 124. The end edge of the flexible elongated member 20 at the end region 20A engages the inclined surface 85 of the projection 81.

[0194] FIG. 27(iii) shows the flexible elongated member 20 being further fed into the internal main portion 124. This causes the end region 20A to deform upwardly along the inclined surface 85. Further movement of the flexible elongated member 20 into the internal main portion 124 causes the end edge 20B of the flexible elongated member 20 to move into engagement with the lower edge 190A of each rib 190 (FIG. 27(iv)).

[0195] As the flexible elongated member 20 is further pushed along the inclined surface 85, the edge region 20C at the end region 20A deforms downwardly around the projection 81 through the ribs 190. This is shown in FIG. 27(v). Figure 26 Is a cross-sectional perspective view of the view shown in FIG. 27(v).

[0196] FIGS. 27 to Figure 29 Show the deformation of the end region 20A of the flexible elongated member 20. Figure 28 The projection 81 and the ribs 190 are schematically shown in dashed lines.

[0197] FIGS. 27 to Figure 29 Show the upward deformation of the end region 20A due to its movement along the inclined surface 85. The drawings also show the downward deformation of the edge region 20C around the projection 81 caused by the ribs 190.

[0198] Further feeding of the elongate member 20 into the inner main portion 124 pushes the hole 21 over the apex 81A of the projection 81. When the projection 81 is received in the hole 21, the end region 20A moves downwardly over the projection 81. Thus, the elongate member 20 is attached to the inner main portion 124.

[0199] As described above, the lower edge 190A of the rib 190 is substantially flush with the apex of the projection 81. Thus, when the end region 20A is mounted on the projection 81 (where the projection 81 is received in the hole 21), the rib 190 prevents the end region 20A from separating from the projection 81.

[0200] The inner main portion 124 and the outer covering portion 126 include mating fixing structures, the mating fixing structures including a plurality of fins 192 at the lower edges of the first and second sides 124A, 124B, and a plurality of corresponding concave surfaces 194 defined in the lower edges of the side wall portions 126A, 126B. The fixing structure further includes a snap-fit member 194 on the lower edge of the side wall portion 126A. The snap-fit member 194 is arranged to engage the lower edges of the first and second sides 124A, 124B between the fins 192. When the inner main portion 124 is received in the outer covering portion 126, the fins 192 are received in the concave surfaces 194, and the snap-fit member engages the lower edges of the first and second sides 124A, 124B, thereby fixing the outer covering portion 126 to the inner main portion 124.

[0201] In use, the weight of the article 12 clamped thereto, and / or the clamping force applied by the flexible elongate member 20 thereto, ensures that the outer covering portion and the inner main portion 124 are firmly fixed to each other.

[0202] Figure 15 to Figure 29 Many of the features of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 to Figure 14 the embodiment shown in can be used in, and vice versa. For example, the bracket 32 can be used in the clamping device 118 with appropriate modifications to the inner main portion 124, or the bracket 132 can be used with the clamping device 18 with appropriate modifications to the body 22. As another example, the tightening element 24 can be used with the clamping device 118 with appropriate modifications to the inner main portion 124, or the tightening element 160 can be used with the clamping device 18 with appropriate modifications to the body 22.

Claims

1. A connecting device for connecting an article to a support, the connecting device comprising: A flexible elongate member; And Clamping means for clamping the flexible elongate member around the article; The clamping means includes a body and a clamping element, the clamping element being movable between a clamping position and a non-clamping position; Wherein, in the clamping position, the clamping element clamps the flexible elongate member to the body in a first region of the flexible elongate member, thereby attaching the article to the clamping means, and in the non-clamping position, the flexible elongate member is capable of moving through the body; Wherein the connecting device further includes a tightening element for tightening the flexible elongate member against the article, the tightening element being movable to engage the flexible elongate member in a second region of the flexible elongate member and push the flexible elongate member into close engagement with the article; Wherein the body and the flexible elongate member include corresponding attachment structures for attaching an end region of the flexible elongate member to the body; and Wherein the first region, the second region and the end region are spaced apart from each other along the flexible elongate member; and Wherein the tightening element has a main axis, the tightening element is capable of rotating about the main axis, and the tightening element includes a cam member for engaging the flexible elongate member, wherein the cam member is offset from the main axis and the cam member extends radially outwardly relative to the main axis to push the flexible elongate member in a radially outward direction relative to the main axis during rotation of the tightening element.

2. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible elongate member is a flat flexible elongate member formed of a ductile material.

3. The connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The body includes an inner main portion and an outer covering portion, the inner main portion having opposite first and second sides, and a front and a rear, and the outer covering portion further includes downwardly extending side wall portions, a front wall portion and a rear wall portion, the side wall portions extending on the first and second sides of the inner main portion, and the front wall portion and the rear wall portion extending on the front and the rear.

4. The connecting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The body has a clamping surface against which the flexible elongate member can be clamped, and the clamping element includes a clamping surface for clamping the flexible elongate member against the clamping surface.

5. The connecting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The clamping surface is provided in the inner main portion of the body.

6. The connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, One of the corresponding attachment structures includes a hole defined by one of the flexible elongate member and the body, and the other of the attachment structures includes a projection on the other of the flexible elongate member and the body.

7. The connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, including fastening means for fastening the clamping means to the support, the fastening means including a hole defined through the body and a fastener capable of being inserted through the hole in the body.

8. The connecting device according to claim 4, comprising a bracket for carrying the clamping element, the bracket including a pushing device, and the bracket further including a reaction member for applying a reaction force on the pushing device and enabling the pushing device to push the clamping element to the clamping position.

9. The connecting device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The front wall portion extends across the reaction member, thereby fixing the bracket in the body.

10. The connecting device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The bracket includes a holding member for holding the clamping element, and the pushing device extends from the reaction member to the holding member.

11. The connecting device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The bracket is flat.

12. The connecting device according to any one of claims 8, 9 and 11, characterized in that, The body defines a first opening arrangement through which the bracket can be inserted into the body, and the body defines a second opening arrangement through which the bracket extends when the bracket is received in the body.

13. The connecting device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second opening arrangement is opposite to the first opening arrangement, and the bracket includes a release portion for moving the clamping element from the clamping position to the non-clamping position, and when the bracket is received in the internal space, the release portion extends through the second opening arrangement.

14. The connecting device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The release portion extends to a second end of the bracket, and the second end of the bracket protrudes from the second opening arrangement.

15. The connecting device according to any one of claims 8, 9, 11, 13, and 14, characterized in that The bracket includes a ramp structure for guiding the flexible elongate member through the body, and the ramp structure extends between the clamping element and the reaction member.

16. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that The tightening element is held by the body, and the tightening element is rotatable between a tightened position and a non-tightened position, in the tightened position, the tightening element is tightened against the flexible elongate member, and in the non-tightened position, the tightening element is not tightened against the flexible elongate member.

17. The connecting device according to claim 16, wherein, The tightening element includes a shaft aligned with the main axis.

18. The connecting device according to claim 17, wherein, The shaft includes a proximal portion and a distal portion.

19. The connecting device according to claim 18, wherein, The cam member is disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion.

20. The connecting device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The body includes an engaging portion having a cam engaging surface for engaging the cam member, and wherein the engaging portion further includes a stop member extending from the cam engaging surface, and when the cam member is in the non-tightened position, the stop member engages the cam member.

21. The connecting device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The cam member includes a nose portion, and wherein the cam engaging surface and the stop member define a cam receiving recess therebetween for receiving the nose portion when the tightening element is in the non-tightened position.

22. The connecting device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The cam member defines a stop recess opposite to the nose portion, and the stop recess is arranged to receive the stop member when the tightening element is in the tightened position, thereby preventing the tightening element from rotating beyond the tightened position.

23. The connecting device according to any one of claims 18 to 19 and 21 to 22, characterized in that, The cam member and the body include a locking structure for locking the tightening element in the non-tightened position, and the locking structure includes a recess in one of the tightening element and the body and a protrusion in the other of the tightening element and the body.

24. The connecting device according to claim 23, characterized in that, The recess is defined by the cam member, and the protrusion is on the body.

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