Coupling apparatus and method for coupling components

Abstract

In one described embodiment, a coupling device 300 is disclosed that includes a connector 100 and a key assembly 200. The connector 300 comprises a resiliently displaceable mechanism 110 arranged to be inserted into an aligned recess of the assembly 602, 604 and operable to flex outwardly in response to a force generated by the key assembly 200 and to return to its normal unflexed state in the absence of the force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a connection device and method for connecting components, specifically (but not exclusively) for connecting support device assemblies such as connecting plates, sleeve members, and reinforcements. Background Technology

[0002] Support member systems for supporting walls are known, for example, in WO03 / 102321. In such systems, vertical stiffeners can be used to support the wall, and if the wall is constructed of brick or other building or structural blocks, connecting members can be inserted into the cement acting between the bricks or structural blocks to connect the wall to the vertical stiffeners. Support member systems can be configured in other ways to support other wall configurations, and, for example, the arrangement of vertical and horizontal stiffeners can be used to support various wall sections to reinforce those sections. However, connectors used in such support member systems are not universal or adaptable to different applications.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide connection devices and connectors that address at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art and / or provide the public with useful options. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, a connector for connecting components is provided, comprising a resiliently displaceable mechanism arranged to insert into an aligned recess of the component and operable to flex outward in response to a force and return to its normal unflexed state in the absence of the force.

[0005] In this way, the key assembly can be inserted into the connector to generate the force, and when the key assembly is withdrawn, the connector can then return to its normal unflexed state, which makes it possible to remove the connector from the assembly.

[0006] The resiliently displaceable mechanism may include two side members arranged to form an opening for receiving the key assembly, and each side member has at least one resiliently displaceable leg. Preferably, the connector may include flange portions extending outward from each side member.

[0007] In one embodiment, at least one of the side members may include a raised protrusion configured to engage the key assembly. Advantageously, the at least one resiliently displaceable leg may include a raised mating member configured to engage the key assembly. Specifically, the raised mating member is positioned proximate to the end of the at least one resiliently displaceable leg.

[0008] In a second aspect, a coupling device for connecting components is provided, comprising: a connector including a resiliently displaceable mechanism arranged to insert into an aligned recess of the component and operable to flex outward in response to a force and return to its normal unflexed state in the absence of the force; and

[0009] A key component, configured to engage the connector to generate the force.

[0010] Preferably, the key assembly may include an elongated slot. In one embodiment, the resiliently displaceable mechanism may include two side members arranged to form an opening for receiving the key assembly. Preferably, at least one of the side members includes a raised protrusion for engaging the elongated slot of the key assembly.

[0011] Preferably, each side member may include at least one resiliently displaceable leg. Specifically, the at least one resiliently displaceable leg may include a raised mating member configured to engage the key assembly.

[0012] In one embodiment, the key component may include a tapered tip portion.

[0013] In a third aspect, a method for connecting components is provided, comprising: placing a connecting device in an aligned recess of the component, the connecting device including a connector and a key assembly, the connector including a resiliently displaceable mechanism operable to flex outward in response to a force and return to its normal unflexed state in the absence of the force; inserting the connector into the aligned recess of the component; and inserting the key assembly into the connector to engage the resiliently displaceable mechanism such that the resiliently displaceable mechanism flexes outward in response to a force generated by the engagement, thereby connecting the components together.

[0014] Preferably, the method may further include partially inserting the key assembly into the connector before inserting the connector into the aligned recess, but without engaging the resiliently displaceable mechanism, and further inserting the key assembly into the connector after the connector is inserted into the aligned recess so that the key assembly can engage the resiliently displaceable mechanism.

[0015] The method may further include, after the key assembly engages with the resiliently displaceable mechanism, withdrawing the key assembly to disengage from the resiliently displaceable mechanism, and withdrawing the connector from the aligned groove of the assembly to separate the assembly.

[0016] The foregoing description of the invention is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description, in addition to the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and features described above. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Embodiments of the invention will now be explained with reference to the following figures for illustrative purposes only, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 Perspective, top, side, and front views of connectors for connecting various components of a support device according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0019] Figure 2 It shows the use of with Figure 1 Perspective view, top view, side view and front view of the key assembly of the connector engagement;

[0020] Figure 3 The diagram shows a perspective view, top view, side view, and front view of a connecting device, which includes... Figure 2 The key component of the joint Figure 1 The connector and the connected device are still in the unlocked state;

[0021] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The perspective, top view, side view and front view of the connecting device, but in which the key component is fully inserted into the connector to form a locked state;

[0022] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 An enlarged view of the connecting device, showing the separation of the key assembly from the connector and the direction of insertion of the key assembly into the connector with the connecting device still in the unlocked state;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A perspective view of two unlocked connecting devices being inserted into the grooves of the support assembly to connect the support assembly together.

[0024] Figure 7 The diagram shows the connector of the connecting device fully inserted into the groove of the support assembly, but the connecting device is still in the unlocked state, and the direction of the sliding or force of the key assembly for fastening the support assembly;

[0025] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 The corresponding key components of the connecting device are fully inserted to lock the connecting device, and thus securely engage the support device components together;

[0026] Figure 9for Figure 8 A similar view, but showing the sliding or pulling direction of the key component to unlock the connected device from the previously locked support assembly;

[0027] Figure 10 This illustrates detachment from the support assembly when the connected device is in the unlocked state. Figure 9 Connection devices; and

[0028] Figure 11 It shows the relationship with Figures 6 to 8 A cross-sectional view of a similar support assembly is shown to illustrate the insertion and locking of the coupling device to connect the support assembly together. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 Perspective, top, side, and front views of a connector 100 for connecting various components of a support device according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 2 It shows the use of with Figure 1 Perspective view, top view, side view and front view of the key assembly 200 of the connector engagement, and Figure 3 Perspective view, top view, side view and front view of the connecting device 300 are shown. The connecting device includes... Figure 2 The key component 200 is engaged Figure 1 The connector 100 is in the unlocked state, and the connecting device 300 is in the unlocked state. The connector 100 includes a resiliently displaceable mechanism operable to flex outward in response to a force and return to its normal unflexed state when the force is absent. In this embodiment, the connector 100 includes a generally U-shaped member 102, which includes a bottom member 106 and two side members 104. The bottom member 106 is positioned between the side members 104 to form an opening 108 configured to receive the key assembly 200.

[0030] Generally, each of the side members 104 of the U-shaped member 102 includes a plurality of resiliently displaceable components, and in this embodiment, four resiliently displaceable components are present in the form of finger-like protrusions or legs 110, which are arranged to engage with the key assembly 200 when the key assembly 200 is inserted into the opening 108. The connector 100 also includes a longitudinally extending flange portion 112 connected to the top portion 126 of the U-shaped member 102. The flange portion 112 is spaced apart from the finger-like protrusions 110 and extends outward from each side member 104. The flange portion 112 is arranged to restrict the connector 100 (and therefore the coupling device 300) from further insertion into the aligned recesses of the support assembly. The flange portion 112 includes a flat surface and is disposed substantially perpendicular to the side members 104; and the flange portion 112 also reduces the rotation of the coupling device 300 after insertion, which is essential for the coupling device 300 to secure the support assembly together.

[0031] Finger-shaped protrusions 110 are pivotally connected at one end to side member 104. Several gaps are provided between one or more sides of each finger-shaped protrusion 110, extending primarily vertically toward the horizontally extending flange portion 112. This causes separation between one or more finger-shaped protrusions 110 and side member 104. In their normal, unbent state, finger-shaped protrusions 110 are substantially aligned and flush with side member 104. The pivotal connection of finger-shaped protrusions 110 allows them to flex outward in response to a force (such as that provided by engagement of key assembly 200), causing finger-shaped protrusions 110 to no longer align with side member 104, and when the force is removed, finger-shaped protrusions 110 bias back to their unbent state.

[0032] As shown, the opening 108 configured to house the key assembly 200 corresponds to the inner surface of the generally U-shaped member 102, including the inner surfaces of each side member 104 and the bottom member 106. Additionally, the inner surface of the top portion 126 of each side member 104 includes raised protrusions 118 specifically designed to engage with the key assembly 200.

[0033] Each finger-like protrusion 110 of each side member 104 of connector 100 includes raised protrusions 120a, 120b located on the inner surface at its end. It should be understood that the raised protrusions 120a, 120b are configured to engage with key assembly 200 when key assembly 200 is inserted into opening 108.

[0034] Each side member 104 has a generally T-shaped or I-shaped cross-section. A horizontally extending flange portion 112 extends from the top of each side member 104 in a direction substantially perpendicular to each side member 104.

[0035] refer to Figure 2The key assembly 200 includes a handle portion 202; an arm portion 204 having an elongated groove 206 arranged to receive and engage a raised protrusion 118 on the inner surface of the U-shaped member 102; and a tip portion 208 intended to be inserted into an opening 108 of the U-shaped member 102.

[0036] As shown, the elongated slot 206 of the key assembly 200 includes a kink 210. The cooperation between the elongated slot 206 and the raised protrusion 118 facilitates the sliding movement of the key assembly 200 or its insertion and withdrawal from the connector 100. As will be explained further later, when the coupling device 300 is in the locked state, the presence of the kink 210, due to its slightly narrower dimensions, is arranged to engage the raised protrusion 118 in a more secure state. The tip portion 208 of the key assembly 200 is located at the bottom of the key assembly 200 and is tapered.

[0037] In implementation, the handle portion 202 of the key assembly 200 has a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm portion 204. When the key assembly 200 is inserted into the generally U-shaped member 102, the handle portion 202 is oriented substantially parallel to the respective horizontally extending flange portions 112 connected to each of the side members 104.

[0038] Generally, the U-shaped member 102 is configured to be in a normal, unbent or unstressed state when the key assembly 200 is not engaged with the raised protrusions 120a, 120b located on the finger-like protrusions 110. Generally, the two side members 104 of the U-shaped member 102 are substantially parallel to each other, and the two side members 102 are separated from each other by a distance sufficient to accommodate and receive the key assembly 200 and to allow the raised protrusions 120a, 120b to engage the key assembly.

[0039] When the key assembly 200 is inserted into the U-shaped member 102, the elongated slot 206 of the key assembly 200 is arranged to engage with the raised protrusion 118, and under minor force, the key assembly 200 is arranged to slide relative to the U-shaped member 102 as guided by the elongated slot 206 and the raised protrusion 118 until the kink 210. At this stage, the coupling device 300 is still considered to be in the unlocked state. Under greater force, the raised protrusion 118 moves through the kink 210 to frictionally lock the key assembly 200 to the U-shaped member 102.

[0040] Figure 4 Perspective, top, side, and front views of the coupling device 300 in a locked state with the key assembly 200 fully inserted into the connector 100 are shown. To achieve the locked state, [the following is a description of a specific configuration / function]... Figure 3The arrangement begins by pushing the handle 202 of the key assembly 200 further inward into the opening 108 of the connector 100, and this action causes the substantially flat arm portion 204 of the key assembly 200 to engage with the raised mating members 120a, 120b present on the inner surface of the finger protrusions 110. The engagement of the key assembly 200 with the raised mating members 120a and 120b causes the free ends of the finger protrusions 110 to flex or expand outward on the side members 104 and deformation of the connector 100 in a stressed or flexural state that can be used to connect the components together.

[0041] In the locked state, the tip portion 208 and the bottom member 106 form a hull 400 within the inner surface of the generally U-shaped member 102. The hull 400 can be configured with different widths to provide varying inner lengths to accommodate the varying thickness of the key assembly 200.

[0042] Figure 5 for Figure 2 The key component 200 is inserted into Figure 1 The image shows an enlarged view of the connector 100, but in which the connecting device 300 is still in the unlocked state. It should be understood that in this embodiment, the distances between the four raised protrusions 120a, 120b and the raised protrusion 118 are equidistant. The raised mating members 120a, 120b and the raised protrusion 118 are configured to engage with the key assembly 200 when the key assembly 200 is inserted into the opening 108 of the connector 100.

[0043] Figures 6 to 8 This is a view of two connecting devices 300 used to connect support device assemblies 602 and 604 together, and in this embodiment, support device assemblies 602 and 604 include a connecting plate 602 and a reinforcing member 604.

[0044] As shown, the connecting plate 602 includes a connecting plate groove 606, and the reinforcing member 604 includes a reinforcing member groove 608, and the grooves 606 and 608 are configured to be aligned or aligned with each other. With the grooves 606 and 608 aligned, two connecting devices 300 are then inserted into the corresponding alignment pairs of the aligned grooves 606 and 608.

[0045] by Figure 6 The arrangement begins with the key assembly 200 being partially inserted into the corresponding connector 100 (while the coupling device 300 remains unlocked), and the coupling device 300 being inserted into the corresponding aligned pairs of grooves 606, 608, as shown. Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the flange portion 112 of the connector 100 rests on the connecting plate 602.

[0046] As previously explained, the bottom member 106 of the connecting device 300 is generally U-shaped and its dimensions are configured to match the combined thickness of the connecting plate 602 and the reinforcing member 604.

[0047] Subsequently, force 700 is applied to further push the key assembly 200 into the corresponding connector 200 until the coupling device 300 is in a locked state, such as Figure 8 As shown in the diagram. In the locked state, the raised protrusion 118 of the connector 100 is positioned behind the kink 210 of the elongated slot 206 of the key assembly 200, thus providing a more secure engagement to reduce accidental displacement between the connector 100 and the key assembly 200. As previously discussed, in the locked state, the key assembly 200 engages the raised mating members 120a, 120b of the corresponding connector, causing the finger protrusion 110 to flex outward, and the free end of the finger protrusion 110 subsequently engages with the inner surface of the reinforcing member 604, thereby connecting the connecting plate 602 and the reinforcing member 604 together.

[0048] When the support device is in the locked state, such as Figure 8 As shown, the horizontally extending flange portion 112 and the handle portion 202 of the key assembly 200 contact the connecting plate 602. This contact, together with the contact between the flexed finger-like protrusions 110 and the inner surface of the reinforcing member 604, creates a secure connection between the connecting plate 602 and the reinforcing member 604, thereby enhancing stability.

[0049] To disconnect the connecting device 300 from the connecting plate 602 and the reinforcing member 604, under the guidance of the elongated slot 206 and with a force sufficient to allow the protrusion 118 to pass through the kink 210 of the elongated slot, as... Figure 9 The key assembly 200 is linearly pulled out or extended in direction 900 as shown. Simultaneously, the key assembly 200 disengages from the corresponding raised mating members 120a, 120b, and the finger-like protrusions 110 are biased back to their unbent or normal state. In this state, the unlocked coupling device 300 is then pulled outwards in direction 900 to detach the coupling device 300 from the connecting plate 602 and the reinforcing member 604. This also separates the connecting plate 602 from the reinforcing member 604.

[0050] Figure 11 It shows Figures 6 to 8 A cross-sectional view to show how one of the connecting devices 300 connects the connecting plate 602 to the reinforcing member 604.

[0051] The described embodiments should not be construed as limiting. For example, although the embodiments describe four finger-like protrusions 110, other numbers of protrusions 110 and other configurations are contemplated. The generally U-shaped member 102 may also be of other shapes and sizes. It is preferable to provide only one raised protrusion 118 instead of two raised protrusions 118.

[0052] Having fully described the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope claimed.

Claims

1. A connector for connecting components, comprising: A resilient, displaceable mechanism is arranged to be inserted into an aligned recess of the component and is operable to flex outward in response to a force and return to its normal, unflexed state in the absence of the force.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein, The resiliently displaceable mechanism includes two side members arranged to form an opening for receiving the key assembly, and each side member has at least one resiliently displaceable leg.

3. The connector according to claim 2, further comprising a flange portion extending outwardly from the respective side member.

4. The connector of claim 2 or 3, wherein, At least one of the side members includes a raised protrusion configured to engage the key assembly.

5. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one resiliently displaceable leg includes a raised mating member configured to engage the key assembly.

6. The connector of claim 5, wherein, The raised mating member is positioned close to the end of the at least one elastically displaceable support leg.

7. A coupling device for coupling components, comprising: A connector including a resiliently displaceable mechanism arranged to insert into an aligned recess of the component and operable to flex outward in response to a force and return to its normal unflexed state in the absence of the force. as well as A key component configured to engage the connector to generate the force.

8. The connection device according to claim 7, wherein, The key component includes an elongated slot.

9. The connection device according to claim 8, wherein, The resiliently displaceable mechanism includes two side members arranged to form an opening for receiving the key assembly.

10. The connection device according to claim 9, wherein, At least one of the side members includes a raised protrusion for engaging the elongated groove of the key assembly.

11. The connection device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, Each side member includes at least one elastically displaceable support leg.

12. The connection device according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one resiliently displaceable leg includes a raised mating member configured to engage the key assembly.

13. The connecting device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein, The key assembly includes a tapered tip portion.

14. A method for connecting components, comprising: The coupling device is placed in the aligned groove of the component, the coupling device including a connector and a key assembly, the connector including a resiliently displaceable mechanism operable to flex outward in response to a force and return to its normal unflexed state when the force is absent. Insert the connector into the aligned groove of the component; as well as The key assembly is inserted into the connector to engage the resilient displaceable mechanism such that the resilient displaceable mechanism flexes outward in response to the force generated by the engagement, thereby connecting the components together.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: Before inserting the connector into the aligned recess, the key assembly is partially inserted into the connector, but the key assembly does not engage with the resiliently displaceable mechanism. After the connector is inserted into the aligned groove, the key assembly is further inserted into the connector so that the key assembly can engage the resiliently displaceable mechanism.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising: After the key assembly engages with the resilient displaceable mechanism, the key assembly is withdrawn to disengage from the resilient displaceable mechanism, and the connector is withdrawn from the aligned groove of the assembly to separate the assembly.

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