Improvements in or relating to connectors

Abstract

A gripping arrangement has a gripping member 30 having a formation (42, fig 3) configured to cooperate with the corresponding formation (46, fig 3) on a selected one of a plurality of elongate members

Description

This invention relates to connectors. This invention relates to suspension assemblies. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to connectors for use in suspension assemblies. Embodiments of the invention relate to connectors and suspension assemblies for suspending supports from ceilings, the supports being suitable for use, for example, in supporting cabling or pipework. This invention also relates to gripping members, for example gripping members for use in the aforesaid connectors and suspension assemblies. This invention also relates to gripping arrangements comprising gripping members. During the installation of utilities, it is often necessary to mount them on supports suspended on threaded rods. The threaded rods are usually attached to an upper member in the roof or ceiling of a building. The attachment of the threaded rods to the supports can involve the use of fasteners screwed onto the rods to hold the supports. As a result, the installation of the utilities can be a prolonged and expensive procedure. According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a gripping arrangement comprising a gripping member having a formation configured to cooperate with the corresponding formation on a selected one of a plurality of elongate members, and an elongate member selected from said plurality of elongate members, each elongate member having a corresponding formation that differ from the corresponding formation on the, or each, other elongate member; wherein the formation on the gripping member is cooperable with the corresponding formation on each of said elongate members, thereby allowing the gripping member to grip the selected elongate member. According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a connector comprising: first and second gripping members; the first gripping member being movable relative to the second gripping member between a gripping condition and a release condition; wherein when the first gripping member is in the gripping condition, an elongate member received between the first and second gripping members is gripped by the first and second gripping members, thereby securing the elongate member to the connector; and the connector further including a carrier operable to move the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member to the release condition. The connector may be for connecting the elongate member to a support. According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a suspension assembly comprising a support, and a connector as described above to connect the support to an elongate member, wherein when the first gripping member is in the gripping condition, and the elongate member is received between the first and second gripping members, the elongate member is gripped by the first and second gripping members, thereby connecting the elongate member to the support. The suspension assembly may include the elongate member. According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a gripping arangement comprising a gripping member movable between a gripping condition and a release condition; wherein when the gripping member is in the gripping condition, an elongate article received between the gripping member and a further part of the connector is gripped by the gripping member, thereby securing the elongate member to the connector; wherein the gripping member comprises gripping formations configured to grip elongate articles of different diameters. According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a gripping arrangement comprising first and second gripping members; the first gripping member being movable relative to the second gripping member between a gripping condition and a release condition; wherein when the first and second gripping members are in the gripping condition, an elongate article received between the first and second gripping members is gripped by the first and second gripping members thereby securing the elongate article to the connector; wherein each gripping member comprises gripping formations configured to grip elongate articles of different diameters. According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided an connector arrangement comprising a gripping arrangement as described above, and first and second elongate articles, a selected one of which is secured to the anchor, wherein each gripping member has a contact surface to contact the elongate article, and each gripping member comprises a plurality of securing formations on the contact surface to secure the elongate article to the anchor, the securing formations being spaced from each other by a distance that allows the securing formations to be received between corresponding formations having a first pitch on the first elongate article, and between corresponding formations having a second pitch on the second elongate article, wherein the first pitch differs from the second pitch, and wherein when the first elongate article is selected, the securing formations are received between the corresponding formations of the first article and, when the second elongate article is selected, the securing formations are received between the corresponding formations of the second article. The securing formations comprise a plurality of spaced elongate projections extending across the contact surface. The connector may be mounted on the support. Desirably, the connector is so mounted at one end of the support. The end of the support may be an open end. The connector may be received in the end of the support to mount the connector on the support. The connector may be insertable into the support to mount the connector on the support. The support may define an internal region in which the connector may be received. The open end may provide communication with the internal region to allow the connector to be received in the internal region. The first gripping member may be a first gripper. The second gripping member may be a second gripper. The elongate member may be a rod. Desirably, the rod is a threaded rod. Alternatively, the elongate member may be a wire, wire rope, strand, rope, cable or the like. The connector may comprise a body. The first and second gripping members may define a passage therebetween. The passage may be defined through the body. The body may define substantially opposite openings through which the elongate member can extend. The first and second gripping members may be arranged in the body. The body may comprise a main housing. The main housing may house the first and second gripping members. The main housing may house the carrier. The connector may comprise a cartridge. The cartridge may be mounted on the support. The cartridge may be insertable into the support to mount the cartridge on the support. The carrier may be movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the carrier may dispose the first gripping member in the gripping condition. In the second position, the carrier may dispose the first gripping member in the release condition. In the gripping condition of the first gripping member, the first gripping member may be spaced from the second gripping member by a distance that will allow the elongate member to be gripped between the first and second gripping members. In the release condition of the first gripping member, the first gripping member may be spaced from the second gripping member by a distance that will allow the elongate member to move between the first and second gripping members. The first gripping member may be attached to the carrier. The second gripping member may be attached to the body. The carrier may be movably mounted on the body. The carrier may be slidably mounted on the body. The carrier may be linearly slidable between the first and second positions. The carrier may be received by the body. The first gripping member may be movable relative to the body. The carrier may be operable to move the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member from the release condition to the gripping condition. The carrier may be operable by being pressable. The carrier may be provided for releasing the first gripping member from the gripping condition. The carrier may include a holder. The holder may hold the first gripping member. The first gripping member may be separate from the holder and may be mountable on the holder. The holder may define a first recess to receive the first gripping member. Alternatively, the first gripping member may be integrally attached to the holder. The integral attachment of the holder with the first gripping member may be by integrally forming the first gripping member with the holder. Said integral forming of the first gripping member with the holder may be by, for example, moulding, casting or sintering. The carrier may comprise a drive portion. The drive portion may comprise a driver for moving the first gripping member. The driver may be a driving wall. The driver may comprise a movement portion. The drive portion may be connected to the first gripping member. The carrier may comprise limbs extending from the first gripping member to the drive portion. The limbs may connect the first gripping member to the drive portion. The limbs may connect the holder to the drive portion. The limbs may be elongate. The drive portion may be pressable to move the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member to the release condition. The body may define an opening in which the drive portion is disposed when the carrier is in the first position. The body may define an internal space. The carrier may be received in the internal space. The gripping member may extend into the internal space. The holder may extend into the internal space. Pressing the drive portion may move the carrier into the internal space. The second gripping member may be attached to the body in the internal space. The second gripping member may be fixed relative to the body. The body may include a lug in the internal space. The lug may be an upstanding lug on the main housing. The second gripping member may be attached to the lug. The lug may comprise a second holder for holding the second gripping member. The lug may define a second recess to receive the second gripping member and attach the second gripping member to the lug. The second gripping member may be integrally attached to the lug. The integral attachment of the lug with the second gripping member may be by integrally forming the second gripping member with the lug. Said integral forming of the second gripping member with the lug may be by, for example, moulding, casting or sintering. The carrier and the body may comprise a projection on one of the carrier and the body and an elongate slot or recess defined by the other of the carrier and the body. The elongate slot or recess may receive the projection. The projection may be movable along the elongate slot or recess. The projection may be provided on the carrier and the elongate slot or recess may be defined by the body. The projection may slide along the slot or recess as the first gripping member is moved between the gripping condition and the release condition. The carrier and the body may comprise a pair of opposite projections and a pair of elongate slots or elongate recesses to receive the projections. In one embodiment, both projections may be provided on the carrier and both of the elongate slots or the elongate recesses may be defined by the body. Each projection may slide along the respective slot or recess as the first gripping member is moved between the gripping condition and the release condition. The first gripping member may comprise a formation to allow the first gripping member to engage the elongate member. The formation on the first gripping member may cooperate with a corresponding formation on the elongate member, thereby allowing the first gripping member to grip the elongate member. The formation on the first gripping member may comprise a thread. The second gripping member may comprise a formation to allow the second gripping member to engage the elongate member. The formation on the second gripping member may cooperate with a corresponding formation on the elongate member, thereby allowing the second gripping member to grip the elongate member. The formation on the second gripping member may comprise a thread, which may be the same as the thread on the first gripping member. The first gripping member may be a part of a nut. The second gripping member may be part of a nut. Each of the first and second gripping members may be part of a split nut. The first gripping member may be a half of a nut. The second gripping member may be a half of a nut. The elongate member may comprise an elongate main part. The aforementioned corresponding formation may be provided on the main part to facilitate the first and second gripping members gripping the elongate member. The corresponding formation on the elongate member may be a corresponding thread. The first gripping member may be movable relative to the body. The second gripping member may be fixed relative to the body, thereby being unmovable relative to the body. The first and second gripping members may be arranged opposite each other across the passage. In a first embodiment, the first and second gripping members may be offset from each other. In a second embodiment, the first and second gripping members may be aligned with each other. The carrier may be movable to move the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member to the gripping condition. The carrier may be movable to move the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member from the release condition to the gripping condition. The connector may comprise an urging member. The urging member may urge the first gripping member to the gripping condition. The urging member may extend between the body and the carrier. The urging member may extend between the body and the drive portion. The urging member may comprise a spring. The spring may be a coil spring, such as a compression spring. The urging member may urge the carrier in a direction to move the first gripping member to the gripping condition. The urging member may urge the carrier to the first position, thereby moving the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member to the gripping condition. The urging member may urge the carrier to the first position from the second position, thereby moving the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member from the release condition to the gripping condition. The suspension assembly may comprise two of the connectors and two of the elongate members, wherein each elongate member is received by a respective connector. The carrier may define a gap in which the second gripping member is received. The gap may be defined between the first gripping member and the drive portion. The gap may be defined between the limbs. In the second embodiment, the connector may comprise a second carrier for carrying the second gripping member. The second carrier may be operable to move the second gripping member relative to the body. The second carrier may comprise a reaction portion. The reaction portion may comprise a reaction wall. The second carrier may include a second holder holding the second gripping member. The reaction portion may be connected to the second gripping member. The second carrier may comprise second limbs extending from the second gripping member to the reaction portion. The second limbs may connect the second gripping member to the reaction portion. The limbs may connect the second holder to the reaction portion. The second carrier may define a second gap in which the first gripping member is received. The second gap may be defined between the second gripping member and the reaction portion. The second gap may be defined between the second limbs. The first mentioned carrier and the second carrier may be disposed on one another, and the first gripping member may be arranged adjacent the second gripping member. When so disposed, the first and second gripping members may be arranged substantially directly opposite each other. The first gripping member may be received in the second gap, and the second gripping member may be received in the first mentioned gap. The elongate member may be received through the first mentioned gap and the second gap and gripped between the first and second gripping members. When so disposed, the first mentioned limbs and the second limbs may engage each other. The first mentioned limbs and the second limbs may be arranged to slide along each other. The first gripping member may project transverse to the first mentioned limbs. The drive portion may project transverse to the first mentioned limbs. The second gripping member may project transverse to the second limbs. The reaction portion may project transverse to the second limbs. The drive portion and the reaction portion may extend from the respective limbs in the same direction. The body may further include a movement arrangement for moving the first and / or the second carriers. The movement arrangement may comprise a main mover. The movement arrangement may comprise a button, which may be in the form of a substantially flat member. The movement arrangement may further include a finger extending between the button and the drive portion. A user may move the first and second carriers by pressing the button. The finger may transmit the force applied by the user to the first mentioned carrier. The body may include a guide link, which may extend from the movement arrangement. The main housing may define a slot in which the guide link is received. The guide link may comprise longitudinally extending portion and a projection. The projection may extend laterally from the longitudinally extending portion. The longitudinally extending portion may be elongate. The projection may be received in the slot. The slot may have opposite ends. The projection may be engageable with the ends of the slot to define the range of movement of the first and second carriers. The body may include a pair of the guide links, which may be arranged opposite each other. The guide links may be arranged on opposite sides of the carrier and the second carrier. The main housing may define opposite slots to receive the guide links. The body may include a subsidiary housing arranged within the main housing. The subsidiary housing may house the first mentioned carrier and the second carrier. The subsidiary housing may be arranged within the main housing. The urging member may extend between the first mentioned carrier and the second carrier. The urging member may extend between the drive portion and the second gripping member. The urging member may urge the first mentioned carrier in a direction to move the first gripping member to the gripping condition. The urging member may urge the first mentioned carrier to the first position. The urging member may urge the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member to the gripping condition. The urging member may urge the first mentioned carrier to the first position from the second position, thereby moving the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member from the release condition to the gripping condition. The urging member may urge the second carrier in a direction to move the second gripping member to the gripping condition. The urging member may urge the second carrier to the first position. The urging member may urge the second gripping member relative to the first gripping member to the gripping condition. The urging member may urge the second carrier to the first position from the second position, thereby moving the second gripping member relative to the first gripping member from the release condition to the gripping condition. The connector may comprise a second urging member. The second urging member may urge the first mentioned carrier to the first position. The second urging member may urge the first gripping member to the gripping condition. Thus, with this use of the invention, the first mentioned urging member and the second urging member may act together to urge the first gripping member to the gripping condition. Alternatively, or in addition, the second urging member may urge the second gripping member to the gripping condition. Thus, with this use of the invention, the first mentioned urging member and the second urging member may act together to urge the second gripping member or both of the first and second gripping members to the gripping condition. The second urging member may urge the second carrier in a direction to move the second gripping member to the gripping condition. The second urging member may urge the second carrier to the first position. The second urging member may urge the second gripping member relative to the first gripping member to the gripping condition. The second urging member may urge the second carrier to the first position from the second position, thereby moving the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member from the release condition to the gripping condition. The second urging member may extend between the first mentioned carrier and the second carrier. The second urging member may extend between the first gripping member and the reaction portion. The second urging member may comprise a second spring. The second spring may be a coil spring, such as a compression spring. The second urging member may urge the first mentioned carrier in a direction to move the first gripping member to the gripping condition. The second urging member may urge the first mentioned carrier to the first position. The second urging member may urge the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member to the gripping condition. The second urging member may urge the first mentioned carrier to the first position from the second position, thereby moving the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member from the release condition to the gripping condition. Alternatively or in addition, the second urging member may urge the second carrier in a direction to move the second gripping member to the gripping condition. The second urging member may urge the second carrier to the first position. The second urging member may urge the second gripping member relative to the first gripping member to the gripping condition. The second urging member may urge the second carrier to the first position from the second position, thereby moving the second gripping member relative to the first gripping member from the release condition to the gripping condition. The first mentioned carrier and the second carrier may be movable together relative to the body between first and second receiving positions. The elongate member may be gripped by the first and second gripping members in each of the receiving positions. Both of the first mentioned carrier and the second carrier may be movable from the first receiving positions to the second receiving position by the user pressing the drive portion. The connector may comprise a third urging member to urge the first and second carriers relative to the body. The third urging member may extend between the body and either the first mentioned carrier or the second carrier. The third urging member may extend from the reaction portion to the body. The third urging member may comprise a third spring. The third spring may be a coil spring, such as a compression spring. The third urging member may urge the first mentioned carrier and the second carrier from the second receiving position to the first receiving position. The support may have opposite ends. A respective one of the connectors may be mounted on the support at each end. The connector may be mounted on the support. Each end of the support may be an open end of the support. Each connector may be received in a respective one of the ends of the support. The support may have an upper member. The upper member may define a hole through which the elongate member can extend. The hole may be defined adjacent the end of the upper member. The upper member may be substantially flat and elongate. The support may have a pair of opposed side members. The side members may extend downwardly from opposite side edges of the upper member. Each side member may have a lower edge portion in the form of a return portion. Each return portion may extend into the internal region of the support. The support may be a channel member. The connector may be supported on the return portion. The upper opening defined by the connector may be aligned with the hole in the upper member. The body may define a main aperture through which the carrier can be received. The body may further include an outwardly extending portion which may extend outwardly from the main housing. The outwardly extending portion may extend around the main housing. The outwardly extending portion may be provided on the main housing at the aperture. The outwardly extending portion may engage the end of the support when the connector is received in the internal region. Thus, the outwardly extending portion may act as a stop to prevent further insertion of the connector. The outwardly extending portion may be a flange portion. The formation on the first gripping member may be configured to cooperate with the corresponding formation on a selected one of a plurality of elongate members, wherein the corresponding formation on each of said elongate members differ from one another. The formation on the second gripping member may be configured to cooperate with the corresponding formation on the selected elongate member whereby the selected elongate member can be gripped between the first and second gripping members. According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a gripping member having a formation configured to cooperate with the corresponding formation on a selected one of a plurality of elongate members, thereby allowing the gripping member to grip the selected elongate member; wherein the corresponding formation on each elongate member differs from the corresponding formation on the, or each, other elongate member. According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a gripping arrangement comprising a gripping member having a formation, and an elongate member selected from a plurality of elongate members, each elongate member having a corresponding formation that differ from the corresponding formation on the, or each, other elongate member; wherein the formation on the gripping member is cooperable with the corresponding formation on each of said elongate members, thereby allowing the gripping member to grip the selected elongate member. The phrase “the gripping member” as used hereinafter is intended to refer not only to the gripping member mentioned in the two immediately preceding paragraphs, but also to the first gripping member and / or the second gripping member. The formation on the gripping member may be configured to engage the corresponding formation on two of the elongate members. A first of the elongate members may have a first nominal diameter. The first elongate member may have a thread appropriate for the first nominal diameter. A second of the elongate members may have a second nominal diameter. The second elongate member may have a thread appropriate for the second nominal diameter. The formation on the gripping member may comprise a thread appropriate for the diameter of the first elongate member. The formation on the gripping member may further include a thread appropriate for the diameter of the second elongate member. The diameters of the first and second elongate members may be different from one another. The first of the elongate members may have a nominal diameter of 3 / 8 inch. The second of the elongate members may have a nominal diameter of 1 / 2 inch. It will be appreciated that the diameters of the first and second elongate members may be any other suitable differing diameters, such as M10 and M12. The formation on the gripping member may comprise a first formation in a first region of the gripping member and a second formation in a second region of the gripping member. The first formation may comprise a first thread. The second formation may comprise a second thread. The first region of the gripping member may be an inner region of the gripping member. The second region of the gripping member may be an outer region the gripping member. The gripping member may comprise two of the second regions. The first region may be arranged between the second regions. The first thread may be configured to engage the thread of the first elongate member. The second thread may be configured to engage the thread of the second elongate member. The gripping member may define a concavity in which the first or second elongate member is received. The first region may be a first region of the concavity. The, or each, second region may be a second region, or a respective second region, of the concavity. The concavity may have a curved interior surface. The concavity may have a longitudinal main axis extending parallel to the curved interior surface. The concavity may have an end profile that is in the shape of an arc of a circle, desirably a minor arc of a circle. The first and second gripping members may have two gripping conditions: a first gripping condition in which the first and second gripping members are positioned to grip the first elongate member; and a second gripping condition in which the first and second gripping members are positioned to grip the second elongate member. In a first version of the gripping member, the first region may have an end profile that is in the shape of an arc of a first circle, said first circle having a first diameter. The arc of the first circle may be a minor arc of the first circle. The, or each, second region may have an end profile that is in the shape of an arc of a second circle, said second circle having a second diameter. The arc of the second circle may be a minor arc of the second circle. The first formation may extend around the arc of the first circle. The first formation may be a first thread. The second formation may extend around the arc of the second circle. The second formation may be a second thread. Where the gripping member comprises two of the second regions, each of said second regions may be a respective arc of the second circle. The first region may be provided between the second regions. The first and second circles may overlap each other. The first diameter may be less than the second diameter. The centre of the first circle may be spaced from the centre of the second circle. The diameter of the first circle may be less than the diameter of the second circle. In a second version of the gripping member, the first and second regions may be an arc of a single circle. The first formation may extend around a first region of the arc of said single circle. The second formation may extend around a second region of the arc of the single circle. The first formation may be a first thread. The second formation may be a second thread. The first and second threads may overlap each other. Where the gripping member comprises two of the second regions, the first region may be provided between the second regions. In a third version of the gripping member, the formation may be elongate. The formation may comprise a plurality of spaced elongate projections or grooves extending across the concavity. The elongate projections may comprise teeth. The formation may be helically oriented around the longitudinal axis of the concavity. Where the formation comprises projections, the elongate projections may be helically oriented around the longitudinal axis of the concavity. Where the formation comprises grooves, the grooves may be helically oriented around the longitudinal axis of the concavity. Where the formation comprises elongate projections, the projections may be spaced from each other by a distance to allow the elongate projections to be received in the grooves of a thread of the selected first or second elongate member. Where the formation comprises elongate grooves, the grooves may be spaced from each other by a distance to allow the elongate grooves to receive projections of a thread of the selected first or second elongate member. The first elongate member may have a thread having a first pitch. The second elongate member may have a thread having a second pitch. The pitch of a thread is considered to be the distance between adjacent ridges of the thread. The spacing between adjacent elongate projections of the third version of the gripping member may be substantially equal a first multiple of the first pitch and to a second multiple of the second pitch. Thus, the gripping member can grip either the first elongate member or the second elongate member by the elongate projections being received either in grooves of the thread of the first elongate member or in grooves of the thread of the second elongate member. The first elongate member may be a first threaded rod. The thread of the first elongate member and the thread of the second elongate member may have grooves that are spaced from each other by approximately the same separation. The spacing between the adjacent projections may be approximately equal to this separation. Where the formation comprises elongate projections, the predetermined spacing of adjacent elongate projections may allow the projections to be received either in the grooves of the thread of the first elongate member, or in the grooves of the thread of the second elongate member. Where the formation comprises elongate grooves, the predetermined spacing of adjacent elongate grooves may allow the grooves to receive either the projections of the thread of the first elongate member, or the projections of the thread of the second elongate member. Thus, the gripping member can grip either the first elongate member or the second elongate member. The gripping member may have two of the elongate projections or grooves. The elongate projections or grooves may be spaced from each other along the concavity by the aforesaid spacing. Alternatively, the gripping member may have three of the elongate projections or grooves. Each elongate projection or groove may be spaced from each adjacent elongate projection or groove by the aforesaid spacing. At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a suspension assembly incorporating a connector to connect a support to an elongate member; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the suspension assembly shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional side view of a connector for use in the suspension assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2, depicting an elongate member and first and second gripping members, in which the first gripping member is in a gripping condition; Figure 4 is a sectional side view of the connector shown in Figure 3, depicting the elongate member and the first and second gripping members, in which the first gripping member is in a release condition; Figure 5 is a sectional side view similar to the view shown in Figure 3, in which the elongate member is omitted; Figure 6 is a sectional side view similar to the view shown in Figure 4, in which the elongate member is omitted; Figure 7 is a side view of a connector; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a further suspension assembly, in which the elongate members are omitted; Figure 10 is an exploded view of the suspension assembly shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a further connector; Figure 1 is a sectional side view of the connector shown in Figure 11; Figure 13 is an exploded view of the connector shown in Figures 11 and 12s; Figure 14 is a perspective view of first and second carriers assembled on one another; the first and second carriers being part of the connector shown in Figure 11, 12 and 13; Figure 15 is a perspective view from one direction of the first carrier; Figure 16 is a perspective view from another direction of the first carrier; Figure 17 is a perspective view of the first and second carriers in a closed condition; Figure 18 is a perspective view of the first and second carriers in a release condition; Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the first and second carriers with the first and second gripping members in a first gripping condition; Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the first and second carriers with the first and second gripping members in a second gripping condition; Figure 21 shows a front view of one of the first and second gripping members showing formations for gripping either a first or a second elongate member; Figure 22 is a top view of the gripping member shown in Figure 21; Figure 23 shows a front view of one of the first and second gripping members showing different formations for gripping either a first or a second elongate member; Figure 24 is a top view of the gripping member shown in Figure 23; Figure 25 shows a front view of one of the first and second gripping members showing further formations for gripping either a first or a second elongate member; Figure 26 is a top view of the gripping member shown in Figure 25; Figure 27 is a perspective view of the gripping member shown in Figure 25; and Figure 28 is a schematic diagram comparing the threads of the first and second threaded rods. Figures 1 and 2 show a suspension assembly 10 for suspending utility apparatus, such as electrical cables or piping, from a roof or ceiling. The suspension assembly 10 comprises a support 12 on which the utility apparatus can be supported, and further includes an elongate member in the form of a threaded rod 14. The lower end region of the threaded rod 14 is connected to the support 12 by a connector 16. The upper end region of the threaded rod 14 is attached to an upper building part, such as a roof or ceiling, by any suitable means known in the art. The support 12 defines an internal region 12A and has opposite ends 12B defining openings through which the connectors 16 are received. When so received, the connectors 16 are secured in the internal region 12Aat the ends 12B. Figures 1 and 2 show a region at one end 12B of the support 12. A further connector 16 and a further threaded rod 14 are provided at the opposite end 12B of the support 12. The lower end region of each threaded rod 14 is secured to a respective one of the connectors 16 as explained below. The threaded rod 14 extends through a hole 17A defined adjacent the end of an upper member 17 of the support 12. The upper member 17 is substantially flat and elongate. The support 12 has a pair of opposed side members 19 extend downwardly from opposite side edges of the upper member 17. Each side member 19 has a lower edge portion in the form of a return portion 19A extending into the internal region 12A. The support 12 is thus suspended on the two threaded rods 14 attached to a roof or ceiling, The assembly so provided can be referred to as a suspension assembly 10. Figures 3 to 6 show the connector 16, which comprises a body 18 that comprises a main housing 20 defining an internal space 22 and opposite upper and lower openings 24A, 24B providing access to the internal space 22. The body 18 further includes an upstanding lug 26 attached to the main housing 20. The lug 26 extends from the main housing 20 into the internal space 22. The purpose of the lug 26 is described below. Figures 3 to 6 further show a carrier 28 housed by the main housing 20. The carrier 28 is slidable within the internal space 22 defined by the main housing 20. The body 18 defines a main aperture 29 through which the carrier 28 is received. The body 18 further includes a flange portion 18A extending outwardly around the main housing 20 at the aperture 29. The connector 16 further comprises a first gripping member 30 in the form of a first gripper, and a second gripping member 32 in the form of a second gripper. The first gripping member 30 is attached to the carrier 28. The carrier 28 comprises a holder 34 to which the first gripping member 30 is attached. The holder 34 defines a first recess 36 to receive the first gripping member, whereby the first gripping member is held by the holder 34. The second gripping member 32 is attached to the lug 26. The lug 26 constitutes a second holder and defines a second recess 38 to receive the second gripping member 32 and attach the second gripping member 32 to the lug 26. The carrier 28 is slidably movable within the body 18 between a first position shown in Figures 3 and 5, and a second position shown in Figures 4 and 6. In the first position of the carrier 28, the carrier 28 disposes the first gripping member 30 in a gripping condition. A drive portion 48 extends across the aperture 29. The drive portion 48 may be in the form of a movement portion that can be pressed by a user. In the second position of the carrier 28, the carrier 28 disposes the first gripping member 30 in a release condition, and the drive portion 48 is positioned within the internal space 22. Movement of the carrier 28 between the first and second positions moves the first gripping member 30 relative to the second gripping member 32 between the gripping condition and the release condition. In the gripping condition of the first gripping member 30, the first gripping member 30 is spaced from the second gripping member 32 by a distance that will allow the threaded rod 14 to be gripped between the first and second gripping members 30, 32. In the release condition of the first gripping member 30, the first gripping member 30 is spaced from the second gripping member 32 by a distance that will allow the threaded rod to move between the first and second gripping members 30, 32. The main housing 20 and the first and second gripping members 30, 32 define a passage 40 through which the threaded rod 14 extends. The passage 40 is shown in broken lines in figures 5 and 6. The opposite openings 24A, 24B defined by the main housing allows the threaded rod 14 to enter and exit the passage 40. The first and second gripping members 30, 32 are arranged in the body 18 on opposite sides of the passage 40. The first and second gripping members 30, 32 are offset from each other along the passage 40. This offset causes the first and second gripping members 30, 32 to grip the threaded rod 14 along a longer region than would be the case if the first and second gripping members 30, 32 are arranged directly opposite each other. Thus, the offsetting of the first and second gripping members 30, 32 has the effect of spreading the load on the threaded rod 14. When the first gripping member 30 is in the gripping condition and the threaded rod 14 extends through the passage 40, the threaded rod 14 is gripped by the first and second gripping members 30, 32. When so gripped, the threaded rod 14 is secured to the connector 16. Each of the first and second gripping members 30, 32 comprises part of a nut. In the embodiment shown, each of the first and second gripping members 30, 32 is part of a split nut. In the embodiment shown, the part of each nut is in the form of a half nut. The first gripping member 30 has a formation in the form of a thread 42. The second gripping member has a formation in the form of a thread 44. The threads 42, 44 are provided for cooperating with a corresponding thread 46 on the threaded rod 14. The carrier 28 further includes a drive portion 48 attached to the holder 34. The holder 34 extends from the drive portion 48 into the internal space 22 across the passage 40. In use, the drive portion 48 can be pressed to move the carrier 28 from the first position to the second position, thereby moving the first gripping member 30 from its gripping condition to its release condition. When so pressed, the drive portion 48 moves the holder 34 further into the internal space 22. The carrier 28 has a pair of projections 50 on opposite sides of the carrier 28. one of the projections 50 is shown in Figures 7 and 8. The main housing 20 defines opposite slots 52 in which the projections 50 are received, thereby slidably attaching the carrier 28 to the main housing 20. When the carrier 28 moves between the first and second positions, the projections 50 slide within the slots 52. The engagement of the projections 50 with the ends of the slots 52 limits the range of movement of the drive portion 48 which, in turn limits the range of movement of the carrier 28. The connector 16 further includes an urging member in the form of a spring 54, such as a coil compression spring shown in Figures 3 and 5. The spring 54 extends between the body 18 and the carrier 28 to urge the carrier 28 to its first position, thereby moving the first gripping member 30 to the gripping condition. The spring 54 is mounted on a spring holder 56 attached to the lug 26. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the spring 54 extends between the spring holder 56 and the drive portion 48 of the carrier 28. In Figures 4 and 6, the carrier 28 is in the second position and the spring 54 is compressed into the spring holder 56 and, therefore, is not visible. In use, two connectors 16 are arranged within the internal region 12A at the opposite ends 12B of the support 12. Figures 1 and 2 show only one of the connectors 16. The other connector is omitted for clarity. The connectors 16 are supported on the return portions 19A and are, thereby, held on the support 12 by the return portions 19A. The flange portion 18A engages the end 12B of the support 12. The opposite openings 24A, 24B are aligned with the holes 17A at the opposite ends of the upper member 17 of the support 12. Threaded rods 14 are attached to an upper building part, such as a roof or ceiling, by any suitable means known in the art in appropriate positions to allow the threaded rods 14 to be received through the holes 17A defined by the upper member 17, and through the upper opening 24A, the passages 40 and the lower opening 24B defined by the connectors 16. The user then presses the drive portion 48 of each carrier 28 to move the respective carrier 28 to the second position and the first gripping member 30 to the release condition. The threaded rods 14 can then be received through the passages 40 of each connector 16. If the user keeps the drive portions 48 pressed, the support 12 can be moved along the threaded rods 14 to a desired position. When the desired position is reached, the user can let go of the drive portions 48, thereby allowing the springs 54 in each connector 16 to urge the carrier 28 to its first position, thereby moving the first gripping member 30 to the gripping condition so that the threaded rods 14 are gripped between the first and second gripping members 30, 32 in each connector 16. There is thus described a connector 16 and a suspension assembly 10 that can be set up quickly and efficiently, thereby allowing expedient installation of utilities. Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. An example of such a modification is described below. A second embodiment is shown in Figures 9 to 24. The second embodiment comprises some of the features of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8. In Figures 9 to 24, these features have been designated with the same reference numerals as the corresponding features in Figures 1 to 8. The suspension assembly 10 shown in Figures 9 to 24 comprises the support 12 and two connectors 16. Each connector 16 is provided to connect one of the threaded rods 14A (see Figures 19 and 20) to the support 12. Each connector 16 comprises a body 18, first and second carriers 60, 62 within the body 18, and the first and second gripping members 30, 32 carried respectively by the first and second carriers 60, 62. The body 18 comprises the main housing 20 in which the first and second carriers 60, 62 are held. The main housing 20 defines the upper and lower openings 24A, 24B which, in the second embodiment, are in the form of elongate openings. The first carrier 60 comprises a drive portion 64 in the form of a drive wall. The drive portion 64 is connected to the first gripping member 30 by a pair of spaced elongate first limbs 66. A first gap 68 is defined between the drive portion 64 and the first gripping member 30, and between the two first limbs 66. The second carrier 62 comprises a reaction portion 70 in the form of a reaction wall. The reaction portion 70 is connected to the second gripping member 32 by a pair of spaced elongate second limbs 72. A second gap 74 is defined between the reaction portion 70 and the second gripping member 32, and between the two second limbs 72. The first and second gripping members 30, 32 project transverse to the respective first or second limbs 66, 72. The drive portion 64 and the reaction portion 70 also project transverse to the respective first or second limbs 66, 72. The drive portion 64 and the reaction portion 70 extend from the respective limbs 66, 72 in the same direction. The body 18 further includes a movement arrangement 78 for moving the first and / or the second carriers 60, 62 as described below. The movement arrangement 78 comprises a button 80 in the form of a substantially flat member. The movement arrangement 78 further includes a finger 82 extending between the button 80 and the drive portion 64. A user may move the first and second carriers 60, 62 by pressing the button 80, the force applied by the user being transmitted by the finger 82 to the first carrier 60. The body 18 includes a pair of opposite guide links 84, each of which extends from the movement arrangement 78 on opposite sides of the first and second carrier 62. The main housing 20 defines a pair of slots 90 defined in opposite sides of the main housing 20, each slot 90 having opposite ends. Each guide link 84 is received in one of the slots 90. Each of the guide links 84 comprises an elongate portion 86 and a projection 88 extending laterally from the elongate portion 86. Each projection 88 is received in one of the slots 90. The range of movement of the button 80 is limited by the engagement of the projection 88 with the ends of the slots 90. This limitation in turn limits the range of movement of the first carrier 60. The first and second carriers 60, 62 are arranged on one another in an arrangement in which the first and second limbs 72 engage each other. The first carrier 60 can be arranged on the second carrier 62. Alternatively, the second carrier 62 can be arranged on the first carrier 60. When the first and second carriers 60, 62 are arranged on one another, the first gripping member 30 is disposed adjacent the second gripping member 32 and the first and second gripping members 30, 32 are arranged substantially directly opposite each other. When so disposed, the first gripping member 30 is received in the second gap 74, and the second gripping member 32 is received in the first gap 68. This means that the first and second gripping members 30, 32 are aligned with each other so that the threaded rod 14A can be received through the first and second gaps 68, 74 and gripped by first and second gripping members 30, 32 on directly opposite regions of the threaded rod 14A. The body 18 includes a subsidiary housing 92 arranged within the main housing 20. The subsidiary housing 92 is arranged within the main housing 20. The subsidiary housing 92 defines upper and lower elongate openings 96A, 96B through which the threaded rod 14Acan extend. The subsidiary housing 92 houses the first and second carriers 60, 62. The movement arrangement 78 is disposed outside the subsidiary housing 92. First and second urging members are provided. The first urging member is in the form of a first compression spring 98A that extends between the first and second carriers 60, 62. In particular, the first compression spring 98A is arranged between the drive portion 64 and the second gripping member 32. The second urging member is in the form of a second compression spring 98B, and also extends between the first and second carriers 60, 62. Specifically, the second compression spring 98B extends between the reaction portion 70 and the first gripping member 30. Where the second carrier 62 is fixed relative to the main housing 20, as described in more detail below, the first and second compression springs 98A, 98B have the effect of urging the first carrier 60 from a second position, shown in Figure 18, to a first position, shown in Figure 19. In the first position of the first carrier 60, the first and second gripping members 30, 32 are in a gripping condition. In the second position of the first carrier 60, the first and second gripping members 30, 32 are in a release condition. Thus, the first and second compression springs 98A, 98B have the effect of urging the first gripping member 30 to a gripping condition in which the first and second gripping members 30, 32 are positioned to grip the threaded rod 14A therebetween. The compression springs 98A, 98B also have the effect of urging the first and second gripping members 30, 32 to a fully closed condition in the absence of a threaded rod 14A, as shown in Figure 17. As can be seen from Figures 15 and 17, the first and second carriers 60, 62 define internal recesses 98C and external recesses 98D into which the ends of the first and second compression springs 98A, 98B are received. In applications where both of the first and second carriers 60, 62 are movable, as also described in more detail below, the second compression spring 98B is provided to urge both of the first and second carriers 60, 62 from a second position, shown in Figure 18, to a first position, shown in Figure 19. This has the effect of moving both of the first and the second gripping members 30, 32 to the gripping condition. Thus, with this use of the invention, the first compression spring 98A and the second compression spring 98B act together to urge the second gripping member 32 or both of the first and second gripping members 30, 32 to the gripping condition. In a first version of the second embodiment, the second carrier 62 is fixed to the body 18, so that only the first carrier 60 is movable relative to the body 18 between first and second positions. In this version, when the drive portion 64 is pushed by the movement arrangement 78, the first carrier 60 moves inwardly of the body 18 to its second position, thereby moving the first gripping member 30 to a release condition. In the release condition, the first and second gripping members 30, 32 are spaced sufficiently to allow the threaded rod 14Ato be received in the region between the first and second gripping members 30, 32. When the first and second carriers 60, 62 are moved to or from the release condition, the first and second limbs 72 slide over each other. When the user lets go of the button 80, the first and second compression springs 98A, 98B urge the first carrier 60 to its first position, thereby moving the first gripping member 30 to the gripping condition. During the movement of the first carrier 60, the second carrier 62 remains in a fixed position relative to the body 18. In a second version of the second embodiment, both of the first carrier 60 and the second carrier 62 are movable together relative to the body 18 between first and second receiving positions. In the first receiving position, the gripping condition of the first and second gripping members 30, 32 is aligned with one end of the hole 17A in the support 12. In the second receiving position, the gripping condition of the first and second gripping members 30, 32 is aligned with the other end of the hole 17A. In the second version, the connector comprises a third urging member, in the form of a third compression spring 99, to urge the first and second carriers 60, 62 relative to the body 18. The third compression spring 99 extends from the reaction portion 70 to the body 18. The second carrier 62 has a lug 99A on the reaction portion 70 that holds one end of the third compression spring 99. The other end of the third compression spring 99 is held by a lug 99B on the body (see Figure 12). The threaded rod 14A may be received through the openings 24A, 24B in the body 18 anywhere along the length of the openings 24A, 24B, depending on, for example the position at which both threaded rods 14A have been attached to the upper building part in the roof or ceiling of the building. Both of the first and second carriers 60, 62 are movable together along the length of the openings 24A, 24B between the first and second receiving positions. The ability to move the first and second gripping members 30, 32 in this way means that the first and second gripping conditions can be aligned with the threaded rod 14A, thereby reducing stress on the threaded rod 14A and on the connectors 16. When the movement arrangement 78 is pressed by the user, the first carrier 60 is moved inwardly of the body 18 relative to the second carrier 62 to the release condition of the first and second gripping members 30, 32. When the first and second compression springs 98A, 98B have been fully compressed, further pressing of the drive portion 64 moves both of the first and second carriers 60, 62 together inwardly of the body 18 along a distance equal to the length of the slot 90. When the first and second carriers 60, 62 are moved together, the first and second gripping members 30, 32 will be in their release condition. This allows the threaded rod 14A to be received between the first and second gripping members 30, 32 at any position of the first and second carriers 60, 62 along the length of the slot 90. When the user lets go of the movement arrangement 78, the third compression spring 99 urges the second gripping member 32 into engagement with the threaded rod 14A, and both of the first and second compression springs 98A, 98B urge the first and second gripping members 30, 32 into their gripping condition in gripping engagement with the threaded rod 14A. Each of the first and second gripping members 30, 32 defines a concavity 100 in which the threaded rod 14A is received. The concavity 100 has a curved interior surface. The first and second gripping members 30, 32 engage the threaded rod 14A in the concavity 100, with the first and second gripping members 30, 32 opposite each other, thereby gripping the threaded rod 14A therebetween. The first and second gripping members 30, 32 are provided with formations in the form of threads 102 in the concavity 100. The thread 102 on each gripping member 30, 32 is configured to cooperate with the corresponding thread 46A on the threaded rod 14Ato secure the threaded rod 14Ato the first and second gripping members 30, 32 when the threaded rod 14A is gripped thereby. The above description of the invention relates to the gripping of a threaded rod 14A of a single size such as either 3 / 8-inch threaded rod or a 1 / 2-inch threaded rod. However, the present invention also relates to the gripping of a selected one of a plurality of threaded rods. The following description describes the gripping of a selected one of two threaded rods of different diameters and different threads. The threads 102 on the first and second gripping members 30, 32 are configured to cooperate with the threads 46A, 46B on either of the two threaded rods 14A or 14B, whereby whichever of the threaded rods 14A or 14B is selected, the selected threaded rod 14A or 14B can be gripped between the first and second gripping members 30, 32. The first threaded rod 14A has a first nominal diameter, for example a nominal diameter of 3 / 8 inch. The first threaded rod 14A has a thread 46A appropriate for the first nominal diameter. The first threaded rod 14A is shown in Figure 19 gripped by the first and second gripping members 30, 32. The second threaded rod 14B has a second nominal diameter, for example a nominal diameter of 1 / 2 inch. The second threaded rod 14B has a thread 46B appropriate for the second nominal diameter. The second threaded rod 14B is shown in Figure 20 gripped by the first and second gripping members 30, 32. In the embodiment shown in Figures 21 to 24, the first and second gripping members 30, 32 have two gripping conditions. In a first gripping condition, shown in Figure 19, the gripping members 30, 32 grip the first threaded rod 14A. In the second gripping condition, shown in Figure 20, the gripping members 30, 32 grip the second threaded rod 14B (see Figure 20). The first threaded rod 14A has a smaller diameter than the second threaded rod 14B. Therefore, the first and second gripping members 30, 32 are closer to each other in the first gripping condition than in the second gripping condition. Referring to Figures 21 and 22, a first version of one of the first and second gripping members 30, 32 is depicted. In the version shown in Figures 21 and 22, both of the first and second gripping members 30, 32 are identical, or nearly identical, to each other. In view of the identicality, or near identicality, of the gripping members 30, 32 shown in Figures 21 and 22, and for the sake of clarity, the gripping member shown in Figures 21 and 22 is designated by the numeral 30, and is referred to in the following paragraphs as “gripping member 30”. However, it will be understood that the following description applies equally to both of the first and second gripping members 30, 32. In the gripping member 30, shown in Figures 21 and 22, the formations are in the form of threads 102 on the gripping member 30. The threads 102 include inner threads 102A in an inner region 106 of each gripping member and outer threads 102B in two outer regions 108. The inner thread 102A extends around the inner region 106 of the concavity 100. The outer threads 102 extend around the outer regions of the concavity 100. As can be seen from Figure 21, there is some overlap between the inner and outer threads 102A, 102B. The inner region 106 of the gripping member 30 is arranged between the outer regions 108 of the gripping member 30. The inner region 106 is an inner region of the concavity 100. Each outer region 108 is an outer region of the concavity 100. The inner and outer regions 106, 108 have end profiles that are both arcs of a single circle 109. Therefore, the end profile of the concavity 100 is in the shape of a minor arc of the single circle. The aforementioned single circle corresponds in size to the end profile of the second threaded rod 14B, i.e. the larger of the two threaded rods 14A, 14B. The inner thread 102A extends around the inner region 106 of the arc of said single circle 109, and the outer threads 102 extend around the outer regions of the arc of said single circle 109. The effect of both of the inner and outer regions 106, 108 being arcs of the circle 109 (i.e. a circle that corresponds to the end profile of the second threaded rod 14B) is that the inner region 106 does not correspond exactly with the size of the first threaded rod 14A. However, the threads 102A in the inner regions 106 are of a sufficient size and shape to ensure that the first threaded rod 14A is gripped sufficiently by the first and second gripping members 30, 32 to make certain the selected threaded rod 14 is held securely. An indication of the boundaries between the inner region 106 and the outer regions 108 is made in Figure 21 by broken lines designated L. The inner thread 102A cooperates with the thread 46A on the first threaded rod 14A, and the outer threads 102B cooperate with the thread 46B on the second threaded rod 14B. The first or second threaded rod 14A, 14B can be received in the concavity 100 of gripping member 30. The inner threads 102A in the inner region 106 are configured to cooperate with the thread 46A on the first threaded rod 14A. Thus, when the first threaded rod 14A is received in the cavity 100, the thread 46A thereof cooperatively engages the inner threads 102A. The outer threads 102B in each of two outer regions 108 of the gripping member 30 are configured to cooperate with the thread 46B on the second threaded rod 14B. Thus, when the second threaded rod 14B is received in the cavity 100, the thread 46B of the second threaded rod 14B cooperatively engages the outer threads 102B. Referring to Figures 23 and 24, a second version of one of the first and second gripping members 30, 32 is depicted. In the version shown in Figures 23 and 24, the first and second gripping members 30, 32 are again identical, or nearly identical, to each other, but differ from the gripping member 30 shown in Figures 21 and 22. In view of the identicality, or near identicality, of the gripping members 30, 32 shown in Figures 23 and 24, and for the sake of clarity, the gripping member shown in Figures 23 and 24 is designated by the numeral 30, and is referred to in the following paragraphs as “gripping member 30”. However, it will again be understood that the following description applies equally to both of the first and second gripping members 30, 32. In the gripping member 30 shown in Figures 23 and 24, the inner region 106 has an end profile that is in the shape of a minor arc of a first circle 110 having a first diameter (see Figure 24). The first threaded rod 14A has an end profile corresponding to the first circle 110. Each outer region 108 has an end profile that is in the shape of a minor arc of a second circle 112 having a second diameter. The first diameter is less than the second diameter, so that the centre of the first circle 110 is defined further inwardly of the concavity 100 than the centre of the second circle 112. The second threaded rod 14B has an end profile corresponding to the second circle 110. An indication of the boundaries between the inner region 106 and the outer regions 108 is made in Figure 23 by broken lines designated L. As with the gripping member 30 shown in Figures 21 and 22, the threads 102 on the gripping member 30 include inner threads 102A in an inner region 106 of each gripping member and outer threads 102B in two outer regions 108. The inner threads 102A extend around the curved interior of the inner region 106 of the concavity 100. The outer threads 102B extend around both curved outer regions 108 of the concavity 100. The inner threads 102A in the inner region 106 shown in Figures 23 and 24 are configured to cooperate with the thread 46Aon the first threaded rod 14A. Thus, when the first threaded rod 14A is received in the cavity 100, the thread 46Aof the threaded rod 14A cooperatively engages the inner threads 102A. Similarly, the outer threads 102B in each of two outer regions 108 of the gripping member 30 shown in Figures 23 and 24 are configured to cooperate with the thread 46B on the second threaded rod 14B. Thus, when the second threaded rod 14B is received in the cavity 100, the thread 46B thereof cooperatively engages the outer threads 102B. While the above description mentions the use of a 3 / 8-inch threaded rod and a 1 / 2-inch threaded rod, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the use of such threaded rods; other suitable sizes of threaded rods can be used with the present invention. Referring to Figures 25 to 28, a third version of one of the first and second gripping members 30, 32 is depicted. Figures 25 to 27 show the third version of the gripping member, in which the first and second gripping members 30, 32 are again identical, or nearly identical, to each other, but differ from the gripping member 30 shown in Figures 21 and 22 and in Figures 23 and 24. In view of the identicality, or near identicality, of the two gripping members 30, 32 of the third version, and for the sake of clarity, the gripping member shown in Figures 25 and 26 is designated by the numeral 30, and is referred to in the following paragraphs as “gripping member 30”. However, it will again be understood that the following description applies equally to both of the first and second gripping members 30, 32. In the gripping member 30 shown in Figures 25 and 26, the concavity 100 has an end profile in the form of an arc of a circle 114 shown in broken lines in Figure 26. The formations comprise a plurality of spaced elongate projections 116 extending across the concavity 100. The projections 116 are in the form of teeth. The elongate projections 116 are helically oriented around the longitudinal main axis A of the concavity 100. The projections 116 are spaced from each other by a predetermined spacing to allow the elongate projections 116 to be received in the grooves of a thread 46A or 46B of the selected first or second threaded rod 14A or 14B. Referring to Figure 28, The first threaded rod 14A has a thread 46A having a first pitch. The second threaded rod 14B has a thread 46B having a second pitch. The pitch of a thread is considered to be the distance between adjacent ridges or adjacent grooves of the thread. In order for the projections 116 to be received in the groove of the thread 46A, 46B of either the first threaded rod 14Aor the second threaded rod 14B, there have to be grooves of the thread 46A of the first threaded rod 14A that are spaced from each other by approximately the same separation as grooves of the thread 46B of the second threaded rod 14B. The predetermined spacing of the adjacent projections 116 is approximately equal to this separation. The predetermined spacing of adjacent elongate projections 116 allows the projections 116 to be received either in the groove of the thread 46A of the first threaded rod 14A, or in the groove of the thread 46B of the second threaded rod 14B. Thus, the gripping member can grip either the first threaded rod 14A or the second threaded rod 14B. As an example, Figure 28 is a schematic diagram showing the threads of the first and second threaded rods 14A, 14B in which the thread 46A of the first threaded rod 14A (having a diameter of 3 / 8 inch) are shown adjacent the thread 46B of the second threaded rod 14B (having a diameter of 1 / 2 inch) to allow the threads 46A, 46B to be compared. Figure 28 shows that the separation between every sixth groove of the thread 46A of the first threaded rod 14A is approximately equal to the separation between every fifth groove of the thread 46B of the second threaded rod 14B, as indicated by the double headed arrow S. The adjacent projections 116 in the concavity 100 of the gripping member are spaced from each other by approximately this separation, thereby allowing the projections 116 to be received in the groove of either the thread 46A of the first threaded rod 14A or the thread 46B of the second threaded rod 14B. The gripping member shown in Figures 25 to 27 has three projections 116. It will be appreciated that the gripping member could have any other suitable number of projections 116, such as two or four. Various other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the formations in the third version of the gripping member may be in the form of grooves instead of the projections 116.

Claims

1. A gripping arrangement comprising a gripping member having a formation configured to cooperate with the corresponding formation on a selected one of a plurality of elongate members, and an elongate member selected from said plurality of elongate members, each elongate member having a corresponding formation that differ from the corresponding formation on the, or each, other elongate member; wherein the formation on the gripping member is cooperable with the corresponding formation on each of said elongate members, thereby allowing the gripping member to grip the selected elongate member.

2. A gripping arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the formation on the gripping member is configured to engage the corresponding formation on two of the elongate members; a first of the elongate members having a first nominal diameter, and the first elongate member having a thread appropriate for the first nominal diameter; a second of the elongate members having a second nominal diameter, the second elongate member having a thread appropriate for the second nominal diameter.

3. A gripping arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the formation on the gripping member is appropriate for interacting with a thread of the first elongate member, and the formation on the gripping member is appropriate for interacting a thread of the second elongate member.

4. A gripping arrangement according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the diameters of the first and second elongate members are different from one another,5. A gripping arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the formation on the gripping member comprises a first formation in a first region of the gripping member and a second formation in a second region of the gripping member.

6. A gripping arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the first formation comprises a first thread, and the second formation comprises a second thread.

7. A gripping arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the first thread is configured to engage the thread of the first elongate member, and the second thread is configured to engage the thread of the second elongate member.

8. A gripping arrangement according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the first region of the gripping member is an inner region of the gripping member, and the second region of the gripping member is an outer region the gripping member.

9. A gripping arrangement according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the gripping member comprises two of the second regions, the first region being arranged between the second regions.

10. A gripping arrangement according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the gripping member defines a concavity in which the first or second elongate member is received, the first region being a first region of the concavity, and the, or each, second region being a second region, or a respective second region, of the concavity.

11. A gripping arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the gripping member defines a concavity in which the first or second elongate member is received, the first region being a first region of the concavity, and each second region being a respective second region of the concavity.

12. A gripping arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the concavity has a curved interior surface and a longitudinal main axis extending parallel to the curved interior surface, and the concavity has an end profile that is in the shape of an arc of a circle.

13. A gripping arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the end profile is in the shape of a minor arc of a circle.

14. A gripping arrangement according to any of claims 5 to 13, wherein the first and second gripping members have two gripping conditions: a first gripping condition in which the first and second gripping members are positioned to grip the first elongate member; and a second gripping condition in which the first and second gripping members are positioned to grip the second elongate member.

15. A gripping arrangement according to any of claims 5 to 14, wherein the first region has an end profile that is in the shape of an arc of a first circle, said first circle having a first diameter, and the, or each, second region has an end profile that is in the shape of an arc of a second circle, said second circle having a second diameter.

16. A gripping arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the first formation extends around the arc of the first circle, and the second formation extends around the arc of the second circle.

17. A gripping arrangement according to claim 15 or 16, wherein where the gripping member comprises two of the second regions, each of said second regions is a respective arc of the second circle, the first region being provided between the second regions.

18. A gripping arrangement according to any of claims 15, 16 or 17, wherein the first diameter is less than the second diameter, and the centre of the first circle is spaced from the centre of the second circle, the diameter of the first circle being less than the diameter of the second circle.

19. A gripping arrangement according to any of claims 5 to 14, wherein the first and second regions are an arc of a single circle, the first formation extending around a first region of the arc of said single circle, and the second formation extending around a second region of the arc of the single circle.

20. A gripping arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the first formation is a first thread, and the second formation is a second thread.

21. A gripping arrangement according to claim 19 or 20, wherein where the gripping member comprises two of the second regions, the first region is provided between the second regions.

22. A gripping arrangement according to any of claims 5 to 14, wherein the formation comprises a plurality of spaced elongate projections or grooves extending across the concavity.

23. A gripping arrangement according to claim 22, wherein the elongate projections comprise discrete teeth.

24. A gripping arrangement according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the elongate projections or grooves are helically oriented around the longitudinal axis of the concavity.

25. A gripping arrangement according to claim 22, 23 or 24, wherein where the formation comprises elongate projections, the projections are spaced from each other by a distance to allow the elongate projections to be received in grooves of a thread of the selected first or second elongate member,26. A gripping arrangement according to claim 22, 23 or 24, wherein where the formation comprises elongate grooves, the grooves are spaced from each other by a distance to allow the elongate grooves to receive projections of a thread of the selected first or second elongate member.

27. A gripping arrangement according to any of claims 22 to 26, whereinwhere the formation comprises elongate projections, the predetermined spacing of adjacent elongate projections allows the projections to be received either in the grooves of the thread of the first elongate member, or in the grooves of the thread of the second elongate member; and28. A gripping arrangement according to any of claims 22 to 26, wherein where the formation comprises elongate grooves, the predetermined spacing of adjacent elongate grooves allows the grooves to receive either the projections of the thread of the first elongate member, or the projections of the thread of the second elongate member.

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