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 durable 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 takes time 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 a significant amount of 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 a tool for actuating the fixing members. This is cumbersome, time-consuming, and stressful, and can also cause an unstable connection 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 connector reuse cumbersome. 【0005】 In addition, if the ground is not level, additional parts and work may be required to ensure that the connected posts and rails are aligned and positioned correctly. 【0006】 Therefore, there is a strong need for a reusable connector assembly that allows for easy and adjustable post alignment, securely connects structural members, and enables 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 aforementioned or other drawbacks. [Overview of the Initiative] 【0008】 This disclosure provides a connector assembly as described in the claims. 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 securing a post, A base defining the first socket member, A second socket member is configured to be in contact with the first socket member of the base and is rotatable with respect to the first socket member of the base, and the second socket member includes a recess for receiving at least a portion of the post when in use, A locking member configured to be detachably coupled to the base, The second socket member is rotatable to the first socket member in a first position, The locking member applies a locking force to the second socket member, preventing the second socket member from rotating relative to the first socket member, A locking member that can move between and A connector assembly is provided, including the following: 【0010】 The connector assembly provides a way to fix the post to the base in a specific position or orientation. This is particularly advantageous when installing the post on uneven ground, as the connector assembly can fill in the uneven ground and position the post so that it extends substantially vertically. The post can be removably fixed to the connector assembly so that it extends in a desired direction. Furthermore, the connector assembly provides a simple and quick mechanism for fixing the post so that it extends from the base in a desired direction. The user only needs to push the post into the recess of the second socket member, adjust the second socket member to the desired position, and then connect the locking member to the base. The post and connector assembly can be easily disassembled as desired. 【0011】 The connector assembly has few parts and can be assembled sequentially (i.e., one by one). That is, one user can easily connect it to the post, and thus the construction of a structure using the connector assembly of this disclosure can be carried out by fewer people. 【0012】 In addition, because the connector assembly has relatively few parts, the complexity of 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 base, and the second socket member may include a rotating member configured to be positioned on the base. The configuration of the rotating member and base facilitates the rotation of the post relative to the base during use. The configuration of the rotating member and base can also be considered as a ball joint (or partial ball joint) in which the rotating member is at least partially received by the base. The base may be for a substantially spherical gap that accommodates the rotating member during use, together with a recess in 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 facilitates rotation relative to the first socket member. 【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 substantially tapered portion, and the post may be received in the recess by press fitting. Press fitting (i.e., push-fit) allows the user to easily connect the post to the second socket member during use. That is, by pushing the post into the recess, the user can apply frictional force between the post and the recess to hold the post in place. 【0017】 The recess includes a groove extending toward the distal end of the tapered portion, the groove having a larger cross-sectional width compared to the tapered portion. The groove increases the elasticity (i.e., deformability) of the tapered portion, allowing it to move as the post is inserted into the recess. However, the taper is still sufficient to provide a restraining force on the received post, holding it within the taper. The groove may be known as a slot. 【0018】 The aforementioned base is, Flange and, It may also include a projection having a proximal end and a distal end, The projection extends from the flange at its distal end, and the proximal end of the projection is shaped to form the first socket member. The flange provides a region that allows the base to be fixed to the ground or to structural elements such as a substrate or 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 on 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 can rotate easily relative to the first socket member. 【0021】 The first socket member may include one or more inner ridges (tooth portions, 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 with 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 with 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 (tooth portions, 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 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 fix the second socket member and the post in the desired position; A method is provided that includes. 【0029】 The method described above allows the post to be easily fixed to the base at a desired position. The method is particularly advantageous in overcoming the problems of installing the post at a desired position on uneven ground. 【0030】 According to one example, It is a system, The connecting members described above, The post received in the recess of the second socket member, A system including this is provided. 【0031】 According to one example, It is a kit of parts, A base defining the first socket member, A second socket member is configured to be in contact with the first socket member of the base and is rotatable with respect to the first socket member of the base, and the second socket member includes a recess for receiving at least a portion of the post when in use, A locking member configured to be detachably coupled to the base, The second socket member is rotatable to the first socket member in a first position, The locking member applies a locking force to the second socket member, preventing the second socket member from rotating relative to the first socket member, A locking member that can move between and A kit of parts including these will be provided. 【0032】 In one example, A connector assembly for receiving and removably securing a post, The base including the pedestal, A rotating member configured to be received in contact with the base of the aforementioned base, the rotating member includes a recess for receiving at least a portion of the post when in use, A locking member configured to be detachably coupled to the base, The rotating member has a first position in which it can rotate within the base, The locking member applies a locking force to the rotating member, preventing the rotating member from rotating within the base, and A locking member that can move between and A connector assembly is provided, including the following: 【0033】 The connector assemblies and / or kits of components relating to this disclosure can form base materials, feet, and support structures for the following: a. Enclosure assembly b. Mechanical protective assembly c. Handrail assembly d. Railing assembly e. Deck Assembly f. Jungle Gym Assembly g. Sports field assembly h. Temporary support structure assembly i. Scaffolding assembly j. Barrier assemblies; k. Support structure for temporary cover systems such as towers, gazebos, and tents. 【0034】 The use of the term "post" is intended to encompass all the examples specified above; that is, all of these examples have a (hollow or solid) post that can be attached to the connector assembly of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0035】 Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 【0036】 [Figure 1] An example of a connector assembly is shown. [Figure 2] This is an example of a connector assembly system including posts. [Figure 3] This is an example of a base including a first socket member. [Figure 4A] This is an example of a second socket member. [Figure 4B]This is an example of a plan view of the second socket member. [Figure 5A] This is the first diagram of the locking member. [Figure 5B] This is a second diagram of the locking member. [Figure 6A] This is an example of a second socket member oriented in a first orientation relative to the first socket member. [Figure 6B] This is an example of a second socket member oriented in a second direction relative to the first socket member. [Figure 7A] This is the first exploded view of the connector assembly and post. [Figure 7B] This is a second exploded view of the connector assembly and post. [Figure 8A] This is an example of a post in the first orientation relative to the connector assembly. [Figure 8B] This is an example of a post in a second orientation relative to the connector assembly. [Figure 9] This is an example flowchart of a method for removably securing a post to a connector assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0037】 This disclosure relates to a connector assembly for holding and aligning a post in a desired position. Figure 1 shows an example of a connector assembly 100. The connector assembly 100 is configured to receive a post in a desired position and secure it in a removable manner. 【0038】 The connector assembly 100 includes a base 102 and a locking member 104. As will be described in more detail below, the base 102 and the locking member 104 are removablely 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 Figure 1), such as a pedestal. 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 will be 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 to 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, preventing the second socket member 106 from rotating relative to the first socket member. 【0041】 Figure 2 shows a system 200 including a connector assembly 100 and a post 202. The post 202 is received in a recess 108 of a second socket member 106, and a locking member 104 is in a second position, locking the second socket member 106 (and the post) in place. If the user wishes to adjust the orientation of the post 202 relative to the connector assembly 100, the post 202 can be fixed in the desired position / orientation by moving the locking member 104 to a first position, adjusting the position of the post 202, and then returning the locking member 104 to the second position. 【0042】 Figure 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 base or a molded 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 may simply be in a contact 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 molded to accommodate at least partially the second socket member 106. The first socket member 110 may have an arched shape, allowing the spherical socket member 106 to rotate freely within it. 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 truncated spherical opening. 【0044】 In some other examples, the first socket member 110 may have a series of connected planar walls. In some examples, the first socket member 110 does not impose any restraining force on the received second socket member 106, but in some other examples, the first socket member 110 is molded to impose a restraining force on the second socket member 106 when it is received. For example, the first socket member 110 may include a circular wall that forms a lip, the inner diameter of which may be less than the diameter of the second socket member 106. In this case, the circular wall may be elastically deformable, and the second socket member 106 may be held within the opening defined by the circular wall, with the lip providing a restraining force. 【0045】 The base 102 may be supported by the ground or floor and configured to function as a base material for a structure. In some other examples, the base 102 may be placed on other structural elements (e.g., a base material and / or base plate) when in use. 【0046】 The base 102 may include a flange 112 and a projection 114 extending from the flange 112. The flange 112 may include a plurality of openings (not shown) for receiving one or more fasteners for fixing the base 102 to the ground or other structural element such as a base plate. The flange 112 may be substantially circular in plan view, and the base 102 may have rotational symmetry; that is, the appearance of the base 102 does not change when rotated around its central axis (longitudinal axis) (except for the position of the openings for receiving one or more fasteners, if any). 【0047】 In one example, the first socket member 110 includes one or more inner protrusions (projections, rings) configured to increase the resistance of the second socket member 106 to movement relative to the first socket member 110. That is, the inner protrusions increase the friction between the first socket member 110 and the second socket member 106. 【0048】 The projection 114 may be located at the center of the flange 112 (i.e., on the central axis of the base 102) or offset from the center of the flange 112. In one example, the projection 114 includes a proximal end 116 and a distal end 118. The projection 114 is configured to extend from the flange 112 at the distal end. The proximal end 118 of the projection 114 may be shaped to form a first socket member 110. The outer diameter of the projection 114 is less than the outer diameter of the flange 112. 【0049】 The projection 114 has an outer surface. The outer surface may be the outer radius surface of the projection 114. The outer surface may include a mounting portion 120 configured to connect with the locking member 104 during use to fix the locking member 104 to the base 102. 【0050】 In one example, the mounting portion 120 is a thread configured to connect with a corresponding female thread on the locking member 104, thereby screwing the locking member 104 and the base 102 together. In several other examples, the mounting portion 120 includes a ratchet and pawl configuration. 【0051】 The base 102 may include one or more reinforcing ribs (not shown) to increase the strength of the base 102. 【0052】 Figure 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 (as shown in Figure 4A), the second socket member 106 is truncated 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 may be tapered and be able to hold the post 202 in place by a press fit (i.e., a press fit). That is, as the second socket member 106 is pushed into the recess 108, the retaining force that the second socket member 106 exerts on the post 202 increases. In other words, the gap formed by the recess 108 decreases in distance as it moves away from the entrance toward 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) extending 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 retaining 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, both the groove and the tapered portion are elastically deformable so that the post 202 is held in the second socket member 106 by press fitting with the recess 108. 【0056】 In addition, the groove allows debris to be collected in space without affecting the function of the taper (i.e., debris can be collected so as not to interfere with the press fit of the post into the recess 108). 【0057】 In one example, the surface 122 of the second socket member 106 is substantially smooth. The smooth surface 122 makes it relatively easy for the second socket member 106 to rotate within the first socket member 110. In several other examples, the surface 122 of the second socket member 106 includes one or more ridges, rings, or projections to increase friction between the second socket member 106 and the first socket member 110. 【0058】 The second socket member 106 is molded to contact the first socket member 110 and to rotate relative to the first socket member 110. 【0059】 Figure 4B is a plan view of the second socket member 106. As shown in Figure 4B, the recess 108 may include one or more teeth (ridges) 124 configured to increase the gripping force on the received post 202. The one or more teeth 124 may be configured to extend substantially longitudinally along the length 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 be designed to function with a post having a specific shape. The second socket member 106 can also be considered as a rotating member 106. 【0061】 In one example, the second socket member 106 includes a plurality of hollow sections to reduce the weight of the second socket member 106. 【0062】 Figure 5A shows an example of a locking member 104. The locking member 104 may have a through hole 124. The through hole 124 may extend through the locking member 104 from its proximal end to its distal end. In practice, 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】 The locking member 104 has an outer surface 126 and an inner surface 128 through the through hole 124. The outer surface 126 may be shaped to have a gradient so that the proximal end of the locking member 104 has a larger dimension (e.g., diameter) than the distal end. 【0064】 Figure 5B is another view of the locking member 104, showing its proximal end. Figure 5B shows a locking member mounting portion 130 configured to connect with a mounting portion 120 of the base 102. In one example, the locking member mounting portion 130 is configured to be molded free of charge to the mounting portion 120 of the base 102. For example, the locking member mounting portion 130 has a complimentary thread for the threads of the base 102, so that 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 a mounting 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 may be substantially uniform and similar to the outer diameter of the projection 114 of the base 102, so that the two can be joined together. 【0066】 In one example, the second region 134 includes one or more protrusions (teeth) for providing increased frictional force to lock the second socket member 106 in place. 【0067】 The locking member 104 may be sized to substantially cover the base 102 in a plan view. That is, any openings (fasteners) in the flange of the base member can be concealed by the presence of the locking member 104. This increases the security of the connector assembly and reduces the possibility of tampering with or damaging the fasteners. 【0068】 Figure 6A shows an example of a first socket member 110 coupled to a second socket member 106 in a first orientation. That is, the second socket member 106 is in contact with the gap surface of the first socket member 110. The first socket member 110 is rotatable relative to the second socket member 106. In the example shown in Figure 6A, the second socket member 106 has a substantially spherical region, and the first socket member 110 has an arched base. 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 Figure 6B, the second socket member 106 is rotated relative to the first socket member 110 to a second position. In this example, the second socket member 106 is freely rotatable around the first socket member 110. 【0070】 In some cases, the amount of locking force (compressive force) can be adjusted by the user. That is, the user can control the amount of locking force provided by the locking member 104 by adjusting the relative position of the locking member 104 with respect to the base 102. For example, the user can increase the locking force by screwing the locking member 104 onto the base 102. 【0071】 Figure 7A is an exploded view of the system 200, including the connector assembly 100 and the post 202. In this example, the post 202 is received in a recess 108 of the second socket member 106. As shown in Figure 7A, the post may include one or more friction elements 204. The friction elements 204 are configured to interact with the locking member 104 to help lock the post 202 in place. In some examples, the post does not include the friction elements 204. 【0072】 Figure 7B is identical to Figure 7A, except that post 202 is separated from the second locking member 106. 【0073】 Figure 8A shows the assembled connector assembly 100 and post 202. In both Figure 8A and Figure 8B, the locking member 104 is in the first position, and the second socket member 106 (and consequently the post 202) is able to rotate freely relative to the first socket member 110. 【0074】 In both Figure 8A and Figure 8B, the ground on which the base 102 is installed is not horizontal (i.e., not flat). Therefore, the angle perpendicular to the ground is not vertical, and the post extends at an angle substantially deviating from the vertical. 【0075】 As shown in Figures 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 by 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 for so that the post 202 extends substantially vertically from the ground. In some examples, for example, when the post 202 is used as a brace and / or a horizontal support, the user may need the post 202 to extend at a non-vertical angle from the ground. The connector assembly 100 can be set up 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 the 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 the desired position relative to the first socket member 110. For example, the user can push the locking member 104 toward the base 102 to connect the corresponding mounting portions of the locking member 104 and the base 102. That is, the mounting portion may include a ratchet-pole mechanism, and the user can connect the ratchet and pawl by pushing the locking member 104 and the base 102 toward each other, thereby holding the locking member 104 in the second position. 【0077】 In some other examples, the mounting portion between the locking member 104 and the base 102 may include a complimentary thread, allowing the locking member 104 to be screwed into the base 102 and moved to a second position. 【0078】 In one example, the base 102, the locking member 104, and the second socket member 106 are formed from polypropylene or marcroblend-PC / PBT. 【0079】 The second socket member 106 may include a twin-shot material, such as a plastic material with rubber attached. 【0080】 In an alternative embodiment, the second socket member 106 may be configured to rotate around the first socket member 110 on a single axis. For example, the shape of the first socket member 110 may be limited so 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, for example, around a pivot or hinge, so that the second socket member 106 rotates around the pivot or hinge, or in a single plane (or around a single axis). 【0081】 In this configuration, if the connector assembly 100 is placed on an uneven surface and the angle of the post 202 needs to be adjusted to a desired position, the entire connector assembly 100 can be rotated so that the surface on which the post 202 needs to be rotated is aligned in the direction of movement 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 a second position in which the second socket member 106 is locked in 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 portion of the first socket member 106. The second socket member 110 will include a recess 108 for receiving the post 202. 【0083】 Figure 9 shows an example flowchart of a method for removably securing the post 202 to the connector assembly 100. Step 300 includes inserting a portion of the post into the recess 108 of the second socket member 106. Step 302 includes rotating the second socket member 106 to a desired position relative to the first socket member 110. Step 304 includes connecting the locking member 104 to the base 102 to secure the second socket member 106 and the post 202 to the desired position. 【0084】 While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications are possible 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, A base portion defining the first socket member, A second socket member is configured to be in contact with the first socket member of the base and is rotatable with respect to the first socket member of the base, and the second socket member includes a recess for receiving at least a portion of the post when in use, A locking member configured to be detachably coupled to the base, Outer appearance and, Inner self, Includes through holes that form When in use, the post is configured to extend through the through hole. The inner surface includes a complementary mounting portion configured to be detachably connected to the mounting portion of the base, The second socket member is rotatable to the first socket member in a first position, The locking member applies a locking force to the second socket member, preventing the second socket member from rotating relative to the first socket member, A locking member that can move between and A connector assembly, including the connector assembly. [Claim 2] The first socket member includes a base, The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second socket member includes a rotating member configured to be positioned on the base. [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 contact with the first socket member. [Claim 4] The connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, 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 claim 1 or 2, wherein the recess of the second socket member includes a substantially tapered portion, 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 aforementioned base is, Flange and, It includes a projection having a proximal end and a distal end, The connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the projection extends from the flange at the distal end, and the proximal end of the projection is shaped to form the first socket member. [Claim 8] The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the protruding portion of the base has an outer surface including the mounting portion for coupling with the locking member. [Claim 9] The connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first socket member is substantially arch-shaped. [Claim 10] The connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first socket member includes one or more internal protrusions. [Claim 11] The connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of locking force applied by the locking member can be adjusted by the user. [Claim 12] The connector assembly according to claim 8, wherein the mounting portion of the protrusion of the base and the mounting portion of the locking member include complementary screw threads. [Claim 13] The inner surface of the locking member has a first region and a second region. The connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first region includes the mounting portion, and the second region is molded to correspond to the shape of the second socket member. [Claim 14] The connector assembly according to claim 13, wherein the second region includes one or more protrusions for providing further friction to lock the second socket member in place. [Claim 15] A method for removably securing a post to a connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, A step of inserting a portion of the post into the recess of the second socket member, The steps include rotating the second socket member to a desired position, The steps include: connecting the locking member to the base and fixing the second socket member and the post to the desired position; Methods that include... [Claim 16] It is a system, A connecting member according to claim 1 or 2, The post received in the recess of the second socket member, A system that includes this. [Claim 17] It is a kit of parts, A base portion defining the first socket member, A second socket member is configured to be in contact with the first socket member of the base and is rotatable with respect to the first socket member of the base, and the second socket member includes a recess for receiving at least a portion of the post when in use, A locking member configured to be detachably coupled to the base, Outer appearance and, Inner self, Includes through holes that form When in use, the post is configured to extend through the through hole. The inner surface includes a complementary mounting portion configured to be detachably connected to the mounting portion of the base, The second socket member is rotatable to the first socket member in a first position, The locking member applies a locking force to the second socket member, preventing the second socket member from rotating relative to the first socket member, A locking member that can move between and A kit of parts, including...

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