Connector assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector assembly for receiving and removably securing a post, the connector assembly comprising: a base defining a first socket member; a second socket member configured to be in abutting relationship with and rotatable relative to the first socket member of the base, the second socket member including a recess that can receive at least a portion of the post in use; and a locking member configured to be removably connected to the base, where the locking member is movable between: a first position where the second socket member can be rotated relative to the first socket member, and a second position where the second socket member can be rotated relative to the second socket member; and a second position allowing the locking member to apply a locking force to the second receptacle member to prevent rotation of the second receptacle member relative to the first receptacle member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly to a connector assembly for receiving and detachably fixing a column. The present disclosure also relates to a system including the connector assembly and the column, and a method for fixing the column in place using the connector assembly. Background Art

[0002] Oftentimes, it is necessary to connect structural members and / or components together to form a rigid and / or strong structure.

[0003] As a traditional method of connecting columns to bases or foundations, welding provides a safe and rigid connection. However, the assembly or disassembly of welded structures is time-consuming and requires skilled labor and specialized equipment. The individual components obtained after the structure is disassembled are difficult to reuse because they need to be processed (e.g., machined), resulting in material loss and taking up a lot of time and resources.

[0004] It is known that structural members can be connected together through the use of fittings or connectors that allow the structure to be disassembled and reused. However, the operator must handle components in the connector, fixing members (such as screws or bolts) and the structural members when assembling or disassembling the structure, while also holding and manipulating tools to operate the fixing members. This can be a cumbersome, time-consuming and frustrating process, and if the structural members are not properly aligned during assembly, it may result in an unsafe connection of the structural members. Therefore, in order to reduce errors and improve user safety, a team of two is often required to work together. In addition, fixing members tend to be lost and / or damaged over time, making reuse of connectors frustrating.

[0005] Additionally, where the ground is uneven, additional parts and work are required to ensure that the connecting posts and tracks are level and set into the correct position.

[0006] In summary, there is a great need for a connector assembly that can easily adjust the position of a column, is reusable, can securely connect structural members, and allows a single person to quickly connect and disconnect structural members.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages.

[0008] Public Content

[0009] According to the present disclosure there is provided a connector assembly as described in the accompanying claims. Further features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] According to one example, a connector assembly for receiving and detachably fixing a column is provided, the connector assembly comprising: a base defining a first socket member; a second socket member configured to be in an abutting relationship with the first socket member of the base and rotatable relative to the first socket member of the base, the second socket member comprising a recess for receiving at least a portion of the column during use; and a locking member configured to be detachably connected to the base, wherein the locking member is movable between a first position and a second position, and when in the first position, the second socket member is rotatable relative to the first socket member; when in the second position, the locking member applies a locking force to the second socket member to prevent the second socket member from rotating relative to the first socket member.

[0011] The connector assembly provided enables the post to be fixed in a specified position or orientation relative to the base. This is particularly advantageous when the post is to be installed on uneven ground, because the connector assembly can compensate for the uneven ground so that the post can be set to extend in a substantially vertical direction. The post can be removably fixed to the connector assembly and extend in a desired direction. The connector assembly also realizes a simple and quick mechanism for fixing the post to the base and extending in a desired direction. The user can simply push the post into the recess of the second socket member, adjust the second socket member to the desired position, and then connect the locking member to the base. The post and the connector assembly can be easily disassembled as needed.

[0012] The connector assembly includes several components that can be connected in series (ie, one at a time). This means that a single person can easily operate the connection to the column, whereby fewer people can be used to complete the construction of the structure using the connector assembly of the present disclosure.

[0013] Furthermore, because the connector assembly includes relatively few parts, the complexity of manufacturing is significantly reduced and less material is required to produce the connector assembly for stabilizing the column.

[0014] The first socket member includes a seat, and the second socket member includes a rotating member, which is configured to be located in the seat. The configuration of the rotating member and the seat facilitates easy rotational movement of the column relative to the base during use. The configuration of the rotating member and the seat can adopt a ball joint (or a partial ball joint), wherein the rotating member is at least partially received in the seat. The seat, in combination with the recess on the locking member, can form a generally spherical cavity to receive the rotating member during use.

[0015] The second socket member has a generally spherical region configured to be in abutting relationship with the first socket member. The generally spherical region on the second socket member improves ease of rotation relative to the first socket member.

[0016] In one example, the second socket member is mechanically coupled to the base (or first socket member) and is configured to rotate about a single axis.

[0017] The recess in the second socket member includes a generally conical portion so that the post can be received in the recess in a press-fit manner. The press-fit (or push-fit) enables a user to simply connect the post to the second socket member in use. In other words, the user can push the post into the recess and the post is held in place by friction between the post and the recess.

[0018] The recess includes a groove toward the distal end of the tapered portion, the groove having an increased cross-sectional width compared to the tapered portion. The groove increases the elasticity (or deformability) of the tapered portion so that the tapered portion can move more when a post is inserted into the recess. However, the cone still provides sufficient restraint to the received post to keep it within the cone. The groove can be referred to as a slot.

[0019] The base includes a flange; and a protrusion having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the protrusion extending from the flange, and the proximal end of the protrusion is shaped to form a first socket member. The flange provides an area that enables the base to be fixed to the ground or a structural element (such as a foundation or substrate).

[0020] The protrusion of the base has an outer surface with an additional portion for connecting with the locking member. The attachment location on the outer surface of the protrusion provides an easily accessible connection point for connecting the locking member to the base.

[0021] The first socket member is generally arcuate. That is, the first socket member can be shaped to allow the second socket member to easily rotate relative to the first socket member.

[0022] The first socket member may include one or more internal ridges (or teeth / protrusions / rings) configured to increase the grip of the first socket member during use. In other words, once the locking member applies the locking force, the one or more internal ridges increase the friction between the socket members to prevent further rotation of the second socket member.

[0023] The locking member comprises a through hole having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein, in use, the post is configured to extend through the through hole, wherein the inner surface comprises a complementary attachment portion configured to be removably connected to the attachment portion of the base.

[0024] The locking member has a complementary attachment portion formed on its inner surface, meaning that it can be easily connected to a corresponding attachment location on the base.

[0025] The user can adjust the amount of locking force applied by the locking member. That is, the locking member can be moved during use and can be brought closer to the base to adjust the amount of locking force applied to secure the second socket member in a desired position. In some examples, the locking member and the base have complementary threads to connect them together, and the user can control the amount of locking force provided by controlling the amount of torque / rotation applied to connect the locking member relative to the base.

[0026] The additional portion on the projection of the base and the additional portion of the locking member may have complementary threads.

[0027] The inner surface of the locking member has a first area and a second area, wherein the first area includes the additional portion; and the second area is molded into a shape corresponding to the shape of the second socket member.

[0028] The second region includes one or more ridges (or teeth / protrusions etc.) to provide more friction to lock the second socket member in place.

[0029] According to one example, a method for removably securing a post to the aforementioned connector assembly is provided, the method comprising: inserting a portion of the post into a recess of the second socket member; rotating the second socket member to a desired position; and connecting the locking member to a base to secure the second socket member and the post in the desired position.

[0030] The method provides a simple way to secure the post to a desired position relative to the base. The method is very useful in overcoming the challenges of installing the post to a desired position on uneven ground.

[0031] According to one example, a system is provided, comprising: a connecting member as described above; and a post received in a recess of a second socket member.

[0032] According to one example, a kit of parts is provided, including: a base defining a first socket member; a second socket member configured to be in abutting relationship with the first socket member of the base and rotatable relative to the first socket member of the base, the second socket member including a recess for receiving at least a portion of a post in use; and a locking member configured to be removably connected to the base, wherein the locking member is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the second socket member is rotatable relative to the first socket member; and, in the second position, the locking member applies a locking force to the second socket member to prevent the second socket member from rotating relative to the first socket member.

[0033] In one example, a connector assembly for receiving and removably securing a post is provided, the connector assembly comprising: a base comprising a seat; a rotating member configured to receive the seat of the base in an abutting relationship, the rotating member comprising a recess for receiving at least a portion of the post in use; a locking member configured to be removably connected to the base, wherein the locking member is capable of moving between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the rotating member is capable of rotating within the seat; and, in the second position, the locking member applies a locking force to the rotating member to prevent the rotating member from rotating in the seat.

[0034] The connector assembly and / or kit according to the present disclosure may form a base, a foundation, a support structure for:

[0035] a. Fence components;

[0036] b. a machine guarding assembly;

[0037] c. Handrail assembly;

[0038] d. Railing components;

[0039] e. Deck components;

[0040] f. A climbing frame assembly;

[0041] g. playground assembly;

[0042] h. Temporary support structure components;

[0043] i. Scaffolding components;

[0044] j. Barrier components;

[0045] k. Support structures for temporary covering systems, e.g. pagodas, pavilions, tents.

[0046] It should be noted that the use of the term "post" is contemplated to cover all of the examples specified above. In other words, all of these examples have a post (hollow or solid) that can be attached to the connector assembly described in the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The present disclosure is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a connector assembly in an example;

[0049] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a connector assembly system including a post in an example;

[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a base including a first socket member in an example;

[0051] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a second socket member in an example;

[0052] Figure 4B is a plan view of a second socket member in the example;

[0053] Figure 5A is a first view of the locking member;

[0054] Figure 5B is a second view of the locking member;

[0055] Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram of a second socket member in an example in a first direction relative to a first socket member;

[0056] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of a second socket member in an example in a second direction relative to the first socket member;

[0057] Fig. 7A is a first exploded view of the connector assembly and the post;

[0058] Figure 7B is a second exploded view of the connector assembly and the post;

[0059] Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram of a post in a first orientation relative to a connector assembly in an example;

[0060] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of a post in a second orientation relative to a connector assembly in an example;

[0061] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method of removably securing a post to a connector assembly in an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly for holding and positioning a post in a desired position. Figure 1 An example of a connector assembly 100 is shown. The connector assembly 100 is configured to receive a post and removably secure the post in a desired position.

[0063] The connector assembly 100 includes a base 102 and a locking member 104. As will be described in more detail below, the base 102 and the locking member 104 are detachably connected together so that they can be securely connected together. For example, the base 102 and the locking member 104 can have corresponding threads that can be engaged with each other to attach the base 102 and the locking member 104 together.

[0064] The base 102 includes a first socket member ( Figure 1 The connector assembly 100 also includes a second socket member 106, which is configured to be adjacent to the first socket member. The second socket member 106 includes a recess 108 for receiving and retaining the post during use. As will be described in more detail below, the second socket member 106 can be rotated relative to the first socket member. That is, by rotating the second socket member 106 relative to the first socket member, the post can be positioned at a desired position or orientation relative to the base 102.

[0065] The locking member 104 can move between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the second socket member 106 can rotate relative to the first socket member; when in the second position, the locking member applies a locking force (or compression force) to the second socket member 106 to prevent the second socket member 106 from rotating relative to the first socket member.

[0066] Figure 2 A system 200 is shown that includes the connector assembly 100 and the post 202. The post 202 has been received in the recess 108 of the second socket member 106, and the locking member 104 is in the second position to lock the second socket member 106 (and the post) in place. If the user wishes to adjust the orientation of the post 202 relative to the connector assembly 100, they can move the locking member 104 to the first position, adjust the position of the post 202, and then return the locking member 104 to the second position to secure the post 202 in the desired position / orientation.

[0067] Figure 3 An example of a base 102 is shown. The base 102 includes a first socket member 110. The first socket member 110 may be a seat or a shaped recess for receiving a second socket member 106. No mechanical connection is required between the first socket member 110 and the second socket member 106, instead, there may only be an abutting relationship between the first socket member 110 and the second socket member 106, wherein the second socket member 106 can rotate relative to the first socket member 110.

[0068] In one example, the first socket member 110 is shaped so that the second socket member 106 is at least partially received therein. The first socket member 110 can have an arcuate shape so that the spherical socket member 106 can rotate freely therein. In some examples, the curvature of the first socket member 110 is substantially a mirror image of the curvature of the second socket member 106. The first socket member 110 can have a generally bowl-shaped or truncated spherical opening.

[0069] In other examples, the first socket member 110 may have a series of connected planar walls. In some examples, the first socket member 110 does not provide any restraining force to the received second socket member 106, but in other examples, the first socket member 110 is shaped so that the first socket member 110 provides a restraining force to the received second socket member 106 when the second socket member 106 is received in the first socket member 110. For example, the first socket member 110 may include a circular wall formed with a lip, so that the inner diameter at the lip is smaller than the diameter of the second socket member 106. In this case, the circular wall may be elastically deformable so that the second socket member 106 can be forced into the opening defined by the circular wall while the lip provides some restraining force.

[0070] The base 102 may be configured to be supported on the ground or floor and used as a foundation for the structure. In other examples, in use, the base 102 may be placed on another structural element (such as a foundation and / or a substrate).

[0071] The base 102 may include a flange 112 and a protrusion 114 extending from the flange 112. The flange 112 may include a plurality of openings (not shown) for receiving one or more fasteners for fastening the base 102 to the ground or another structural element (e.g., a substrate). The flange 112 may be generally circular in plan view so that the base 102 has rotational symmetry. That is, the base 102 may be rotated about a central axis (or longitudinal axis) and its appearance does not change (except for the location of any openings for receiving one or more fasteners).

[0072] In one example, the first socket member 110 includes one or more internal ridges (or protrusions or rings) configured to increase the resistance to movement of the second socket member 106 relative to the first socket member 110. That is, the internal ridges increase the friction between the first socket member 110 and the second socket member 106.

[0073] The protrusion 114 can be located at the center of the flange 112 (i.e., on the central axis of the base 102) or offset from the center of the flange 112. In one example, the protrusion 114 includes a proximal end 116 and a distal end 118. The protrusion 114 is configured to extend from the flange 112 at the distal end. The proximal end 118 of the protrusion 114 can be shaped to form the first socket member 110. The outer diameter of the protrusion 114 is smaller than the outer diameter of the flange 112.

[0074] The protrusion 114 has an outer surface. The outer surface may be an outer radial surface on the protrusion 114. The outer surface may include an additional portion 120 configured to connect with the locking member 104 to secure the locking member 104 to the base 102 in use.

[0075] In one example, the additional portion 120 is a thread that is configured to connect with a corresponding internal thread on the locking member 104 so that the locking member 104 and the base 102 can be screwed together. In other examples, the additional portion 120 includes a ratchet and pawl configuration.

[0076] The base 102 may include one or more reinforcing ribs (not shown) to increase the strength of the base 102 .

[0077] Figure 4A An example of a second socket member 106 is shown. In some examples, the second socket member 106 has a generally spherical shape. In other examples (such as Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 1 , the second socket member 106 has a truncated spherical shape. That is, the second socket member 106 may have a substantially spherical region.

[0078] The second socket member 106 includes a recess 108 for receiving the post 202. The recess 108 can be tapered so that the post 202 can be held in place by a press fit (or push fit). That is, the retention force provided to the post 202 by the second socket member 106 increases as the member is pushed further into the recess 108. In other words, the clearance provided by the recess 108 decreases in distance as it moves away from the entrance of the recess 108.

[0079] In some examples, the post 202 is substantially hollow and the second socket member 106 has a central solid region to further define the recess 108. In other examples, the post 202 may be substantially solid (ie, not hollow) and the second socket member 106 may not have a central solid region.

[0080] In some examples, the recess 108 includes a groove (not shown) toward the distal end of the tapered portion. The groove has an increased cross-sectional width compared to the tapered portion. The purpose of the groove is to reduce the amount of insertion force required to insert the post 202 into a retaining position within the recess 108. In other words, when the post 202 is pressed into the recess 108, the groove increases the amount of deformation possible in the tapered portion. However, the groove and the tapered portion are elastically deformable so that the post 202 is retained within the second socket member 106 due to the press fit with the recess 108.

[0081] Furthermore, the groove allows space to collect any debris without affecting the function of the cone (ie, the debris can be collected and will not interfere with the press fit of the post in the recess 108).

[0082] In one example, the surface 122 of the second socket member 106 is substantially smooth. The smooth surface 122 enables the second socket member 106 to rotate relatively easily within the first socket member 110. In other examples, the surface 122 of the second socket member 106 includes one or more ridges, rings, protrusions to increase friction between the second socket member 106 and the first socket member 110.

[0083] The second socket member 106 is shaped to abut against and rotate relative to the first socket member 110 .

[0084] Figure 4B A plan view of the second socket member 106 is shown. Figure 4B As shown, the recess 108 can include one or more teeth (or ridges) 124 configured to increase the grip of the received post 202. The one or more teeth 124 can be configured to extend along the length of the recess 108 in a generally longitudinal direction.

[0085] In one example, the recess 108 is generally circular when viewed in plan. However, the recess 108 may take the form of other shapes in practice so that it can operate with a post of a particular shape. The second socket member 106 may be considered a rotating member 106 .

[0086] In one example, the second socket member 106 includes a plurality of hollow portions to reduce the weight of the second socket member 106 .

[0087] Figure 5A An example of a locking member 104 is shown. The locking member 104 may have a through hole 124. The through hole 124 may extend from the proximal end of the locking member 104 to the distal end of the locking member 104 and pass through the locking member 104. In practice, the post 202 is configured to extend through the through hole 124 to be received in the recess 108 on the second socket member 106.

[0088] The through hole 124 means that the locking member 104 has an outer surface 126 and an inner surface 128. The outer surface 126 can be shaped to have a gradient so that the proximal end of the locking member 104 has a larger dimension (eg, diameter).

[0089] Figure 5B An alternative view of locking member 104 is shown showing the proximal end. Figure 5BA locking member attachment portion 130 is shown that is configured to connect with the attachment portion 120 of the base 102. In one example, the locking member attachment portion 130 is configured to be complementary in shape to the attachment portion 120 of the base 102. For example, the locking member attachment portion 130 has threads that are complementary to threads on the base 102 so that they can be screwed together.

[0090] In one example, the inner surface 128 of the locking member 104 has a first region 132 and a second region 134. The first region 132 includes the additional portion 130, and the second region 134 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the second socket member 106. That is, the second region 134 can have a generally spherical cavity in which the generally spherical second socket member 106 can be received. The inner diameter defined by the first region 132 can be generally uniform and similar to the outer diameter of the protrusion 114 of the base 102 so that they can be connected together.

[0091] In one example, the second region 134 includes one or more ridges (or teeth) to increase friction to lock the second socket member 106 in place.

[0092] The locking member 104 may be sized so as to substantially cover the base 102 when viewed in plan. That is, any openings (or fixtures) in the flange of the base member may be hidden by the presence of the locking member 104. This increases the security of the connector assembly and reduces the likelihood that the fixture will be tampered with or damaged.

[0093] Fig. 6A An example is shown in which the first socket member 110 is connected to the second socket member 106 in the first direction. That is, the second socket member 106 contacts the cavity surface of the first socket member 110. The first socket member 110 can rotate relative to the second socket member 106. Fig. 6A In the example shown, where the second socket member 106 has a generally spherical area and the first socket member 110 has an arcuate seat, the second socket member 106 can rotate around the first socket member 110 in any direction about the central axis of the base 102. In other words, the second socket member 106 can rotate and pivot around the first socket member 110.

[0094] exist Figure 6B , the second socket member 106 has been rotated to the second position relative to the first socket member 110. In this example, the second socket member 106 can rotate freely around the first socket member 110.

[0095] In some examples, the user can adjust the amount of locking force (or compression force). That is, the user can control the amount of locking force provided by the locking member 104 by adjusting the relative position of the locking member 104 to the base 102. For example, the user can tighten the locking member 104 onto the base 102 to provide a greater locking force.

[0096] Fig. 7A 1 shows an exploded view of a system 200 including a connector assembly 100 and a post 202. In this example, the post 202 has been received in the recess 108 of the second socket member 106. Fig. 7A As shown, the post can include one or more friction elements 204. The friction elements 204 are configured to interact with the locking member 104 to help lock the post 202 in place. In some examples, the post does not include any friction elements 204.

[0097] Figure 7B and Fig. 7A Same, except that the post 202 has been separated from the second locking member 106 .

[0098] Fig. 8A The assembled connector assembly 100 and post 202 are shown. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , the locking member 104 is in the first position such that the second socket member 106 (and therefore, the post 202 ) is free to rotate relative to the first socket member 110 .

[0099] exist Fig. 8A and Figure 8B In the embodiment, the ground on which the base 102 is placed is not horizontal (ie, uneven). Thus, the angle perpendicular to the ground does not extend in the vertical direction, so the column extends at an angle substantially deviating from the vertical direction.

[0100] When the locking member 104 is in the first position (eg Fig. 8A and 8BIn the case of the connector 102 (in the embodiment of the present invention), the user can adjust the direction of the column 202 (and the second socket member 106) by rotating the second socket member 106 relative to the first socket member 110. Therefore, the column 202 can be moved to the position desired by the user. In this case, the column 202 can be used in a substantially vertically extended state. Adjusting the angle of the second socket member 106 (and therefore adjusting the column 202) relative to the first socket member 110 means that the angle of the ground can be compensated so that the column 202 can extend from the ground in a substantially vertical direction. In some examples, if, for example, the column 202 is used to support and / or provide some horizontal support, the user may need the column 202 to extend from the ground at a non-vertical angle. The connector assembly 100 can be used for this so that the column 202 can be set to extend from the ground at a desired angle.

[0101] Once the desired orientation of the second socket member 106 relative to the first socket member 110 has been set, the first locking member 104 can be moved from the first position to the second position to secure the second socket member 106 in the desired position relative to the first socket member 110. For example, the user can push the locking member 104 toward the base 102 so that the corresponding additional parts on the locking member 104 and on the base 102 are connected together. That is, the additional parts can include a ratchet and pawl mechanism, and the user pushes the locking member 104 and the base 102 together so that the ratchet and pawl are connected together to hold the locking member 104 in the second position.

[0102] In other examples, additional portions on the locking member 104 and on the base 102 may include complementary threads, and the locking member 104 may be screwed relative to the base 102 to move the locking member 104 to the second position.

[0103] In one example, the base 102, the locking member 104, and the second socket member 106 are made of polypropylene or polycarbonate / polybutylene terephthalate (marcroblend-PC / PBT).

[0104] The second socket member 106 may include a two-shot material, such as a plastic material with rubber on it.

[0105] In alternative embodiments, the second socket member 106 can be configured to rotate only along a single axis about the first socket member 110. For example, the shape of the first socket member 110 can cause the second socket member 106 to be constrained to travel only about a single axis. In other examples, the second socket member 106 can be mechanically connected to the first socket member 110, for example, to rotate about a pivot or hinge, so that the second socket member 106 is constrained to rotate about the pivot or hinge in a single plane (or about a single axis).

[0106] In this arrangement, if the connector assembly 100 is placed on uneven ground and the angle of the post 202 needs to be adjusted to a desired position, the entire connector assembly 100 can be rotated until the plane in which the post 202 needs to be rotated is aligned with the direction of travel of the post 202. As in the above example, the second socket member 106 can be rotated to a desired position (or angle) relative to the first socket member 110, and then the locking member 104 can be moved from the first position to the second position, in which the second socket member 106 is locked in place relative to the first socket member 110.

[0107] In other examples, the first socket member 106 may be generally spherical (eg, spherical) and the second socket member 110 includes a recess for receiving at least a portion of the first socket member 106. The second socket member 110 will still include the recess 108 for receiving the post 202.

[0108] Fig. 9 An example of a flow chart for removably securing the post 202 to the connector assembly 100 is shown. In step 300, the method includes the step of inserting a portion of the post into the recess 108 of the second socket member 106. In step 302, the method includes the step of rotating the second socket member 106 to a desired position relative to the first socket member 110. In step 304, the method includes the step of connecting the locking member 104 to the base 102 to secure the second socket member 106 and the post 202 in the desired position.

[0109] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and described above.

Claims

1. A connector assembly for receiving and removably fixing a column, characterized in that: The connector assembly comprises: a base defining a first socket member; a second socket member arranged in abutting relationship with and rotatable relative to the first socket member of the base, the second socket member including a recess for receiving, in use, at least a portion of the post; and A locking member configured to be removably connected to the base, wherein the locking member is movable between the following positions: a first position that allows the second socket member to rotate relative to the first socket member; and The second position allows the locking member to apply a locking force to the second socket member to prevent the second socket member from rotating relative to the first socket member.

2. A connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first socket member includes a seat and the second socket member includes a rotating member configured to be located in the seat.

3. A connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second socket member has a generally spherical region configured to be in abutting relationship with the first socket member.

4. A connector assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that: The second socket member is mechanically coupled to the base and is configured to rotate about a single axis.

5. A connector assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The recess in the second socket member includes a generally tapered portion such that the post may be received in the recess in a press-fit manner.

6. A connector assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The recess includes a groove toward a distal end of the tapered portion, the groove having an increased cross-sectional width compared to the tapered portion.

7. A connector assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The base comprises: flange; and A projection has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the projection extending from the flange, and the proximal end of the projection is shaped to form a first socket member.

8. A connector assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The protrusion of the base has an outer surface with an additional portion for connecting with a locking member.

9. A connector assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The first socket member is generally arcuate.

10. A connector assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first socket member may include one or more internal ridges.

11. A connector assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locking member includes a through hole and is formed with: External surface; and Inner surface, Wherein, in use, the post is configured to extend through the through hole, wherein the inner surface includes a complementary additional portion configured to be removably connected to the additional portion of the base.

12. A connector assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The amount of locking force applied by the locking member may be adjusted by a user.

13. A connector assembly as claimed in claims 8 and 11, characterized in that: The additional portion on the projection of the base and the additional portion of the locking member may have complementary threads.

14. A connector assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: The inner surface of the locking member has a first region and a second region, wherein the first region includes an additional portion; and the second region is shaped relative to a shape of the second socket member.

15. A connector assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that: The second region includes one or more ridges to provide more friction to lock the second socket member in place.

16. A method of removably securing a post to a connector assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The method comprises: inserting a portion of the post into the recess of the second socket member; rotating the second socket member to a desired position; The locking member is coupled to the base to secure the second socket member and post in the desired position.

17. A system, characterized in that: The system comprises: The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15; and A post is received in the recess of the second socket member.

18. A kit of parts, characterized in that include: a base defining a first socket member; a second socket member configured to be in abutting relationship with and rotatable relative to the first socket member of the base, the second socket member including a recess for receiving, in use, at least a portion of the post; as well as A locking member configured to be removably connected to the base, wherein the locking member is movable between the following positions: a first position, which allows the second socket member to rotate relative to the first socket member; as well as The second position allows the locking member to apply a locking force to the second socket member to prevent the second socket member from rotating relative to the first socket member.

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