Connector Assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly for receiving and removably securing a post, comprising a base defining a first socket member, a second socket member configured to be in abutting relation with the first socket member of the base and rotatable relative to the first socket member of the base, the second socket member including a recess for receiving at least a portion of the post in use, and a locking member configured to be removably coupled to the base, the locking member being movable between a first position in which the second socket member is rotatable relative to the first socket member and a second position in which the locking member applies a locking force to the second socket member to prevent rotation of the second socket member relative to the first socket member. A connector assembly is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly to a connector assembly for receiving and removably securing a post. The present disclosure further relates to a system including the connector assembly and the post, and a method of securing the post in a predetermined position using the connector assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Connecting structural members and / or structural components together to form a robust and / or sturdy structure is a common requirement.

[0003] Conventional methods of connecting a post to a base or substrate are by welding, which provides a strong and robust connection. However, the assembly or disassembly of welded structures is time-consuming and requires skilled labor and specialized equipment. After disassembly, the individual parts of the structure need to be pre-treated (e.g., machined), so they are not easily reusable, resulting in material loss and requiring significant time.

[0004] It is known to use fixtures or couplings for connecting structural members together so that the structure can be disassembled and reused. A person assembling and disassembling the structure has to handle the coupling parts, its fixing members (e.g., screws or bolts), and the structural members, and at the same time operate with tools for actuating the fixing members. This is cumbersome, time-consuming, and can be stressful, and can also cause unstable connections of the structural members if they are not properly aligned during assembly. To reduce errors and improve user safety, it is common to work in pairs. Also, the fixing members are prone to being lost and / or tend to be damaged over time, making the reuse of the connectors cumbersome.

[0005] In addition, when the ground is not flat, additional parts and operations are required to ensure that the connected posts and rails are aligned and properly positioned.

[0006] Therefore, there is a strong desire for a connector assembly that enables easy and adjustable post alignment, is reusable, securely connects structural members, and allows a single user to quickly connect and disconnect structural members.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other drawbacks.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a connector assembly as described in the claims is provided. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] According to one example, a connector assembly for receiving and removably fixing a post, a base defining a first socket member, a second socket member configured to be in contact with the first socket member of the base and rotatable with respect to the first socket member of the base, the second socket member including a recess for receiving at least a portion of the post in use, a locking member configured to be removably coupled to the base, a first position in which the second socket member is rotatable with respect to the first socket member, a second position in which the locking member applies a locking force to the second socket member to prevent rotation of the second socket member with respect to the first socket member, and a locking member movable between the two, is provided.

[0010] By providing the connector assembly, it becomes possible to fix the post at a specific position or orientation with respect to the base. This is particularly advantageous when installing the post on uneven ground. This is because the connector assembly can fill in the uneven ground and install the post so as to extend substantially in the vertical direction. The post can be removably fixed so as to extend in a desired direction from the connector assembly. Furthermore, the connector assembly provides a simple and quick mechanism for fixing the post so as to extend in a desired orientation from the base. The user only needs to push the post into the recess of the second socket member, adjust the second socket member to a desired position, and then couple the locking member to the base. The post and the connector assembly can be easily disassembled as desired.

[0011] The connector assembly has few parts and can be constructed in sequence (i.e., one by one). That is, a single user can easily connect to the post. Therefore, the construction of a structure using the connector assembly of the present disclosure can be carried out with fewer people.

[0012] In addition, since the connector assembly has relatively few parts, the complexity during manufacturing is significantly reduced, and less material is required to produce a stable connector assembly for the post.

[0013] The first socket member may include a pedestal, and the second socket member may include a rotating member configured to be located on the pedestal. The configuration of the rotating member and the pedestal makes it easier for the post to rotate when moving with respect to the base during use. The configuration of the rotating member and the pedestal can also be regarded as a ball joint (or a partial ball joint) in which the rotating member is at least partially received by the pedestal. The pedestal may be for a substantially spherical cavity that houses the rotating member during use, together with the recess of the locking member.

[0014] The second socket member may have a substantially spherical region configured to be in contact with the first socket member. The substantially spherical region of the second socket member makes rotation with respect to the first socket member easier.

[0015] In one example, the second socket member is mechanically coupled to the base (i.e., the first socket member) and is configured to rotate about a single axis.

[0016] The recess of the second socket member may include a tapered portion that is substantially tapered, and the post may be received in the recess by press fitting. By press fitting (i.e., push fitting), it becomes possible for a user to easily connect the post to the second socket member during use. That is, by the user pushing the post into the recess, a frictional force is applied between the post and the recess, and the post can be held in a predetermined position.

[0017] The recess includes a groove extending toward the distal end of the tapered portion, and the groove has a larger cross-sectional width compared to the tapered portion. The groove increases the elasticity (i.e., deformability) of the tapered portion, and the tapered portion can move as the post is inserted into the recess. However, the taper is still sufficient to provide a restraining force to the received post and hold the post within the taper. The groove may be known as a slot.

[0018] The base a flange, and a protrusion having a proximal end and a distal end, may be included, The protrusion extends from the flange at the distal end, and the proximal end of the protrusion is shaped to form the first socket member. The flange provides an area for fixing the base to the ground or a structural element such as a substrate or a base plate.

[0019] The protruding portion of the base has an outer surface including an attachment portion for coupling with the locking member. Depending on the attachment position of the outer surface of the protruding portion, an easily accessible coupling point for coupling the locking member to the base can be obtained.

[0020] The first socket member may be substantially arcuate. That is, the first socket member may be shaped such that the second socket member is rotatable relative to the first socket member with ease.

[0021] The first socket member may include one or more inner ridges (teeth, protrusions, rings) configured to increase the gripping force of the first socket member during use. That is, when a locking force is applied by the locking member, the one or more inner ridges increase the frictional force against the socket member to prevent further rotation of the second socket member.

[0022] The locking member has an outer surface, an inner surface, and may include a through-hole forming the same, and during use, the post is configured to extend through the through-hole, and the inner surface includes a complimentary attachment portion configured to removably connect to the attachment portion of the base.

[0023] By forming a complimentary attachment portion on the inner surface of the locking member, it can be easily coupled to the corresponding attachment position of the base.

[0024] The amount of locking force applied by the locking member can be adjusted by the user. That is, during use, the locking member can be brought closer to the base to adjust the amount of locking force applied to fix the second socket member in a desired position. In some examples, the locking member and the base have complimentary threads for coupling the two to each other, and the user can control the amount of torque / rotation applied to couple the locking member to the base to control the amount of locking force applied.

[0025] The mounting portion of the protrusion of the base and the mounting portion of the locking member may include complimentary threads.

[0026] The inner surface of the locking member may have a first region and a second region. The first region includes the mounting portion, and the second region is shaped to correspond to the shape of the second socket member.

[0027] The second region may include one or more ridges (teeth, protrusions, etc.) for providing additional friction to lock the second socket member in a predetermined position.

[0028] According to one example, A method of removably fixing a post to a connector assembly according to any of the preceding claims, Inserting a part of the post into the recess of the second socket member; Rotating the second socket member to a desired position; Coupling the locking member to the base to fix the second socket member and the post in the desired position; A method is provided that includes:

[0029] By the above method, the post can be easily fixed at a desired position relative to the base. The method is particularly advantageous for overcoming problems when installing the post at a desired position on uneven ground.

[0030] According to one example, a system comprising the connecting member described above, a post received in the recess of the second socket member, is provided.

[0031] According to one example, a kit of parts comprising a base defining a first socket member, a second socket member configured to be in contact with the first socket member of the base and rotatable relative to the first socket member of the base, the second socket member including a recess for receiving at least a portion of the post in use, a locking member configured to be removably coupled to the base, a first position where the second socket member is rotatable relative to the first socket member, a second position where the locking member applies a locking force to the second socket member to prevent rotation of the second socket member relative to the first socket member, and a locking member movable between is provided.

[0032] In one example, a connector assembly for receiving and removably fixing a post, a base including a pedestal, a rotating member configured to be received in contact with the pedestal of the base, the rotating member including a recess for receiving at least a portion of the post in use, a locking member configured to be removably coupled to the base, a first position in which the rotating member is rotatable within the pedestal; a second position in which the locking member applies a locking force to the rotating member to prevent rotation of the rotating member within the pedestal; and a locking member movable between the two; A connector assembly is provided that includes the above.

[0033] The connector assembly and / or kit of parts according to the present disclosure can form a base material, a foot portion, and a support structure for the following purposes. a. Enclosure assembly b. Machine protection assembly c. Handrail assembly d. Fence assembly e. Deck assembly f. Jungle gym assembly g. Sports field assembly h. Temporary support structure assembly i. Scaffold assembly j. Barrier assembly; k. Support structure for temporary cover systems such as towers, sheds, canopies, etc.

[0034] Note that the use of the term "post" is assumed to encompass all of the examples specified above. That is, all of these examples have (hollow or solid) posts that can be attached to the connector assembly of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly for holding and aligning a post in a desired position. FIG. 1 shows an example of a connector assembly 100. The connector assembly 100 is configured to receive a post in a desired position and removably fix it.

[0038] The connector assembly 100 includes a base 102 and a locking member 104. As described in more detail below, the base 102 and the locking member 104 are removably attachable to each other and can be securely coupled to each other. For example, the base 102 and the locking member 104 have corresponding threads that can be connected to each other, and the base 102 and the locking member 104 can be attached to each other.

[0039] The base 102 includes a first socket member (not shown in FIG. 1) such as a pedestal or the like. The connector assembly 100 also includes a second socket member 106 configured to abut against the first socket member. The second socket member 106 includes a recess 108 for receiving and holding a post during use. As described in more detail below, the second socket member 106 is rotatable relative to the first socket member. That is, the second socket member 106 can be rotated relative to the first socket member to align the post in a desired position / orientation relative to the base 102.

[0040] The locking member 104 is movable between a first position in which the second socket member 106 is rotatable relative to the first socket member and a second position in which the locking member applies a locking force (compressive force) to the second socket member 106 to prevent rotation of the second socket member 106 relative to the first socket member.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a system 200 including the connector assembly 100 and a post 202. The post 202 is received in the recess 108 of the second socket member 106, and the locking member 104 is in the second position, locking the second socket member 106 (and the post) in a predetermined position. If the user desires to adjust the orientation of the post 202 relative to the connector assembly 100, the locking member 104 can be moved to the first position, the position of the post 202 adjusted, and then the locking member 104 returned to the second position to fix the post 202 in a desired position / orientation.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows an example of the base 102. The base 102 includes a first socket member 110. The first socket member 110 may be a pedestal or a formed recess for receiving the second socket member 106. The first socket member 110 and the second socket member 106 do not require a mechanical connection, and the first socket member 110 and the second socket member 106 may simply be in an abutting relationship in which the second socket member 106 can rotate relative to the first socket member 110.

[0043] In one example, the first socket member 110 is shaped such that the second socket member 106 is at least partially received therein. The first socket member 110 may have an arcuate shape and may allow the spherical socket member 106 to rotate freely therein. In some examples, the curvature of the first socket member 110 substantially reflects the curvature of the second socket member 106. The first socket member 110 may have a substantially bowl-shaped or frustum-shaped opening.

[0044] In some other examples, the first socket member 110 may have a series of connected planar wall portions. In some examples, the first socket member 110 does not apply any restraining force to the received second socket member 106, but in some other examples, the first socket member 110 is shaped to apply a restraining force to the second socket member 106 when receiving the second socket member 106. For example, the first socket member 110 may include a circular wall portion forming a lip, and the inner diameter of the lip may be less than the diameter of the second socket member 106. In this case, the circular wall portion may be elastically deformable, and the second socket member 106 may be retained within the opening defined by the circular wall portion, and the lip may be configured to apply a restraining force.

[0045] The base 102 may be supported on the ground or floor and may be configured to function as a base for a structure. In some other examples, the base 102 may be placed on other structural elements (e.g., a base material and / or a base plate) during use.

[0046] The base 102 may include a flange 112 and a protrusion 114 extending from the flange 112. The flange 112 may include a plurality of openings (not shown) for receiving one or more fixtures for fixing the base 102 to the ground or other structural elements such as a base plate. The flange 112 is substantially circularly shaped in plan view, and the base 102 may have rotational symmetry. That is, the appearance of the base 102 does not change even when it is rotated around the central axis (longitudinal axis) (however, excluding the position in the case where there are openings for receiving one or more fixtures).

[0047] In one example, the first socket member 110 includes one or more inner ridges (protrusions, rings) configured to increase the resistance to movement of the second socket member 106 relative to the first socket member 110. That is, the inner ridges increase the friction between the first socket member 110 and the second socket member 106.

[0048] The protrusion 114 may be located at the center of the flange 112 (i.e., on the central axis of the base 102) or may be offset from the center of the flange 112. In one example, the protrusion 114 includes a proximal end 116 and a distal end 118. The protrusion 114 is configured to extend from the flange 112 at the distal end. The proximal end 118 of the protrusion 114 may be shaped to form the first socket member 110. The outer diameter of the protrusion 114 is less than the outer diameter of the flange 112.

[0049] The protrusion 114 has an outer surface. The outer surface may be the outer radial surface of the protrusion 114. The outer surface may include a mounting portion 120 configured to engage with the locking member 104 during use to fix the locking member 104 to the base 102.

[0050] In one example, the attachment portion 120 is a thread configured to engage with a corresponding female thread of the locking member 104 so that the locking member 104 and the base 102 can be screwed together. In some other examples, the attachment portion 120 includes a ratchet and pawl configuration.

[0051] The base 102 may include one or more reinforcing ribs (not shown) for increasing the strength of the base 102.

[0052] FIG. 4A shows an example of the second socket member 106. In some examples, the second socket member 106 is substantially spherical. In some other examples (such as shown in FIG. 4A), the second socket member 106 is frusto-spherical. That is, the second socket member 106 may have a substantially spherical region.

[0053] The second socket member 106 includes a recess 108 for receiving the post 202. The recess 108 is tapered and may be configured to hold the post 202 in a predetermined position by press fitting (i.e., pushing fit). That is, as the second socket member 106 is pushed into the recess 108, the holding force exerted by the second socket member 106 on the post 202 increases. In other words, the gap formed by the recess 108 decreases in distance from the entrance towards the recess 108.

[0054] In some examples, the post 202 is substantially hollow and the second socket member 106 has a solid region in the center, further defining the recess 108. In some other examples, the post 202 may be substantially solid (i.e., not hollow) and the second socket member 106 does not have a solid region in the center.

[0055] In some examples, the recess 108 includes a groove (not shown) that extends toward the distal end of the tapered portion. The groove has a larger cross-sectional width compared to the tapered portion. The purpose of the groove is to reduce the amount of insertion force required to insert the post 202 into the retention position within the recess 108. That is, the groove increases the amount of deformation possible in the tapered portion as the post 202 is pushed into the recess 108. However, the groove and the tapered portion are elastically deformable such that the post 202 is retained within the second socket member 106 by press fitting with the recess 108.

[0056] In addition, the groove allows debris to be collected in the space without affecting the function of the taper (i.e., the debris can be collected so as not to interfere with the press fitting of the post into the recess 108).

[0057] In one example, the surface 122 of the second socket member 106 is substantially smooth. When the surface 122 is smooth, rotation of the second socket member 106 within the first socket member 110 is relatively easy. In some other examples, the surface 122 of the second socket member 106 includes one or more ridges, rings, or protrusions for increasing the friction between the second socket member 106 and the first socket member 110.

[0058] The second socket member 106 is configured to abut against the first socket member 110 and rotate relative to the first socket member 110.

[0059] FIG. 4B is a plan view of the second socket member 106. As shown in FIG. 4B, the recess 108 may include one or more tooth portions (ridges) 124 configured to increase the gripping force against the received post 202. The one or more tooth portions 124 may be configured to extend substantially longitudinally along the length direction of the recess 108.

[0060] In one example, the recess 108 is substantially circular in plan view. However, the recess 108 may actually have other shapes and may be adapted to function with posts having specific shapes. The second socket member 106 can also be regarded as a rotating member 106.

[0061] In one example, the second socket member 106 includes a plurality of hollow portions for reducing the weight of the second socket member 106.

[0062] FIG. 5A shows an example of a locking member 104 according to one example. The locking member 104 may have a through hole 124. The through hole 124 may extend from the proximal end to the distal end of the locking member 104 through the locking member 104. In fact, the post 202 is configured to extend through the through hole 124 and be received in the recess 108 of the second socket member 106.

[0063] Due to the through hole 124, the locking member 104 has an outer surface 126 and an inner surface 128. The outer surface 126 is shaped to have a gradient, and the proximal end of the locking member 104 may be configured to have a larger dimension (e.g., diameter) compared to the distal end.

[0064] FIG. 5B is another view of the locking member 104 and shows the proximal end. FIG. 5B shows a locking member attachment portion 130 configured to couple to the attachment portion 120 of the base 102. In one example, the locking member attachment portion 130 is configured to be formed free of charge with respect to the attachment portion 120 of the base 102. For example, the locking member attachment portion 130 has a complimentary thread with respect to the thread of the base 102, and the two can be screwed together.

[0065] In one example, the inner surface 128 of the locking member 104 has a first region 132 and a second region 134. The first region 132 includes the attachment portion 130, and the second region 134 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the second socket member 106. That is, the second region 134 may have a substantially spherical void that can receive the substantially spherical second socket member 106. The inner diameter defined by the first region 132 is substantially uniform and is similar to the outer diameter of the protrusion 114 of the base 102, and they may be able to be coupled to each other.

[0066] In one example, the second region 134 includes one or more ridges (tooth portions) for providing an increased frictional force for locking the second socket member 106 in a predetermined position.

[0067] The locking member 104 may have a size that substantially covers the base 102 in a plan view. That is, the openings (fasteners) in the flange of the base member can all be hidden by the presence of the locking member 104. Thereby, the safety of the connector assembly is increased, and the possibility of the fasteners being tampered with or damaged is reduced.

[0068] FIG. 6A shows an example of the first socket member 110 coupled to the second socket member 106 in a first orientation. That is, the second socket member 106 is in contact with the void surface of the first socket member 110. The first socket member 110 is rotatable with respect to the second socket member 106. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the second socket member 106 has a substantially spherical region, and the first socket member 110 has an arcuate pedestal. In this case, the second socket member 106 is rotatable around the first socket member 110 in all directions around the central axis of the base 102. That is, the second socket member 106 is rotatable and pivotable around the first socket member 110.

[0069] In FIG. 6B, the second socket member 106 is rotated relative to the first socket member 110 and is in the second position. In this example, the second socket member 106 is rotatable freely around the first socket member 110.

[0070] In some examples, the amount of the locking force (compressive force) can be adjusted by the user. That is, the user can control the amount of the locking force applied by the locking member 104 by adjusting the relative position of the locking member 104 with respect to the base 102. For example, the user can increase the locking force by screwing the locking member 104 into the base 102.

[0071] FIG. 7A is an exploded view of a system 200 including the connector assembly 100 and the post 202. In this example, the post 202 is received in the recess 108 of the second socket member 106. As shown in FIG. 7A, the post may include one or more friction elements 204. The friction elements 204 are configured to interact with the locking member 104 and help lock the post 202 in a predetermined position. In some examples, the post does not include the friction elements 204.

[0072] FIG. 7B is the same as FIG. 7A except that the post 202 is separated from the second locking member 106.

[0073] FIG. 8A shows the assembled connector assembly 100 and the post 202. In both FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the locking member 104 is in the first position, and the second socket member 106 (and thus the post 202) is rotatable freely relative to the first socket member 110.

[0074] In both FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the ground on which the base 102 is installed is not horizontal (i.e., not flat). Thus, the angle perpendicular to the ground is not vertical, and the post extends at an angle substantially deviated from the vertical direction.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, when the locking member 104 is in the first position, the user can adjust the orientation of the post 202 (and the second socket member 106) by rotating the second socket member 106 relative to the first socket member 110. Thus, the post 202 can be moved to a desired position of the user. In this case, the post 202 can be used to extend substantially vertically. By adjusting the angle of the second socket member 106 (and thus the post 202) relative to the first socket member 110, the angle of the ground can be compensated so that the post 202 extends substantially vertically from the ground. In some examples, for example, when using the post 202 as a strut and / or as a horizontal support, the user may need to extend the post 202 at a non-vertical angle from the ground. The connector assembly 100 can be installed so that the post 202 extends at a desired angle from the ground and used for such applications.

[0076] After positioning the second socket member 106 in a desired orientation relative to the first socket member 110, the first locking member 104 can be moved from the first position to the second position to fix the second socket member 106 in a desired position relative to the first socket member 110. For example, the user can push the locking member 104 towards the base 102 to engage the corresponding mounting portions of the locking member 104 and the base 102 with each other. That is, the mounting portion may include a ratchet - pawl mechanism, and by the user pushing the locking member 104 and the base 102 towards each other, the ratchet and the pawl are engaged with each other to hold the locking member 104 in the second position.

[0077] In some other examples, the mounting portion of the locking member 104 and the base 102 may include complimentary threads, and the locking member 104 can be screwed onto the base 102 and moved to the second position.

[0078] In one example, the base 102, the locking member 104, and the second socket member 106 are formed from polypropylene or macroblend-PC / PBT.

[0079] The second socket member 106 may include a twin-shot material such as rubber provided on a plastic material.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the second socket member 106 may be configured to rotate about a single axis around the first socket member 110. For example, the shape of the first socket member 110 may be limited such that the second socket member 106 moves only around a single axis. In some other examples, the second socket member 106 may be mechanically coupled to the first socket member 110 around a pivot axis or hinge, for example, such that the second socket member 106 is limited to rotate around the pivot axis or hinge, or within a single plane (or around a single axis).

[0081] In this configuration, when the connector assembly 100 is placed on an uneven ground and it is necessary to adjust the angle of the post 202 to a desired position, the entire connector assembly 100 can be rotated to align the surface where the post 202 needs to be rotated with the moving direction of the post 202. As in each of the above examples, the second socket member 106 can be rotated to a desired position (angle) relative to the first socket member 110, and then the locking member 104 can be moved from the first position to the second position where the second socket member 106 is locked to a predetermined position relative to the first socket member 110.

[0082] In some other examples, the first socket member 106 may have a substantially ball shape (e.g., spherical), and the second socket member 110 includes a recess for receiving at least a part of the first socket member 106. The second socket member 110 will include a recess 108 for receiving the post 202.

[0083] FIG. 9 shows an example of a flowchart of a method for removably fixing the post 202 to the connector assembly 100. As step 300, the method includes inserting a portion of the post into the recess 108 of the second socket member 106. As step 302, the method includes rotating the second socket member 106 to a desired position relative to the first socket member 110. As step 304, the method includes coupling the locking member 104 to the base 102 to fix the second socket member 106 and the post 202 in a desired position.

[0084] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims and described above.

Claims

Claim 1 A connector assembly for receiving and removably securing a post, comprising: a base defining a first socket member; a second socket member configured to be in abutting relation with the first socket member of the base and rotatable relative to the first socket member of the base, the second socket member including a recess for receiving at least a portion of the post in use; a locking member configured to be removably coupled to the base; a first position in which the second socket member is rotatable relative to the first socket member; a second position in which the locking member applies a locking force to the second socket member to prevent rotation of the second socket member relative to the first socket member; and a locking member movable between the above; A connector assembly comprising. Claim 2 The first socket member includes a pedestal; The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second socket member includes a rotating member configured to be located on the pedestal. Claim 3 The connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second socket member has a substantially spherical region configured to be in abutting relation with the first socket member. Claim 4 The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second socket member is mechanically coupled to the base and configured to rotate about a single axis. Claim 5 The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the recess of the second socket member includes a tapered portion that is substantially tapered, and the post is received in the recess by press fitting. Claim 6 The connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein the recess includes a groove extending toward the distal end of the tapered portion, and the groove has a larger cross-sectional width compared to the tapered portion. Claim 7 The base includes: a flange; a protrusion having a proximal end and a distal end; and The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protrusion extends from the flange at the distal end, and the proximal end of the protrusion is shaped to form the first socket member. Claim 8 The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion of the base has an outer surface including a mounting portion for coupling with the locking member. Claim 9 The first socket member is substantially arcuate, the connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first socket member includes one or more inner ridges, the connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The locking member has an outer surface, an inner surface, and includes a through hole formed therebetween, in use, the post is configured to extend through the through hole, the inner surface includes a complimentary attachment portion configured to removably connect to the attachment portion of the base, the connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The amount of locking force applied by the locking member is adjustable by a user, the connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The attachment portion of the protrusion of the base and the attachment portion of the locking member include complimentary threads, the connector assembly according to claim 8 or 11.

14. The inner surface of the locking member has a first region and a second region, the first region includes the attachment portion, and the second region is shaped to correspond to the shape of the second socket member, the connector assembly according to claim 13.

15. The second region includes one or more ridges for providing additional friction to lock the second socket member in a predetermined position, the connector assembly according to claim 14.

16. A method of removably securing a post to a connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising: inserting a portion of the post into the recess of the second socket member; rotating the second socket member to a desired position; coupling the locking member to the base to secure the second socket member and the post in the desired position. A method comprising the steps of:

17. A system comprising: a connection member according to any one of claims 1 to 15; a post received in the recess of the second socket member. A system comprising:

18. A kit of parts comprising: a base defining a first socket member; A second socket member configured to be in contact with the first socket member of the base and rotatable with respect to the first socket member of the base, the second socket member including a recess for receiving at least a part of the post during use, A locking member configured to be removably coupled to the base, A first position in which the second socket member is rotatable with respect to the first socket member, A second position in which the locking member applies a locking force to the second socket member to prevent rotation of the second socket member with respect to the first socket member, A locking member movable between them, A kit of parts including.

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