The present invention relates to apparatus for connecting a first component to a second component and in particular, but not exclusively, for securely connecting a plurality of tubular members together, such as used in furniture, shelving, racking, framed panels, partitions, screens, or the like.

Conventional shelving or racking typically includes a number of upright elongate members connected to horizontal elongate members by nuts and bolts. The elongate members are typically hollow box section. Shelving board or a preformed shelf member is then located on and secured to the horizontal members for supporting items on the shelf. However, the use of nuts and bolts along with conventional tools, like spanners and screwdrivers, is both time consuming and fiddly to assemble and disassemble the shelving or racking, and also requires more than one person to do so safely. Furthermore, the joint between each upright member and horizontal member is relatively weak, particularly if the shelving or racking is knocked in use, which can result in damage to the elongate members and/or fastenings, or even cause the shelving or racking to fall forward or collapse which could result in injury or even be fatal. Freestanding partitions and wall mounted panels also typically include a frame of elongate and hollow members secured together to form a square, rectangular or ladder frame for supporting a panel board and/or for mounting the panel to the wall. Likewise, the elongate frame members are typically secured together by nuts and bolts and require tools and more than one person to assemble and disassemble.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus for connecting a first component to a second component in a quick and non-complex manner.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus for efficiently connecting or disconnecting a pair of elongate members together which are oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to each other. It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus for efficiently and safely assembling a framework of elongate members to create shelving, racking, a panel, a partition, or the like by a single person.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for connecting a first tube member substantially perpendicularly to a second tube member, comprising: an elongate insert member for axially inserting into an open end region of a first tube member and comprising a bore extending longitudinally from a bore opening in a first end region of the insert member and into a cavity of the insert member, wherein the bore is configured to slidably receive a second end region of an elongate pin member coupled at a first end region to a second tube member oriented substantially perpendicularly to the first tube member; and a securing member for at least partially locating in the cavity via a cavity opening provided in a side region of the insert member and for engaging with the second end region of the pin member located in the cavity to axially constrain the pin member with respect to the insert member and connect the first tube member to the second tube member.

Optionally, the securing member comprising an upper portion and a pin engagement portion extending therefrom for engagement with the pin member.

Optionally, the pin engagement portion comprises a pair of opposed resilient arms for engagement with respective sides of the pin member when the securing member is inserted into the cavity and urged on to the pin member.

Optionally, each resilient arm comprises a recess in an inner surface thereof such that the inner recesses are opposed and face each other for engagement with respective curved sides of the pin member when the securing member is located thereon.

Optionally, the inner surface at a free end of each resilient arm tapers inwardly to help guide the arms on to the pin member and help urge the arms apart as the securing member is pushed on to the pin member. Optionally, the upper portion of the securing member comprises a substantially flat outer surface for planar alignment with an outer surface of the first tube member when the securing member is located on the pin member.

Optionally, the insert member comprises an angled engagement surface tapering inwardly into the cavity for slidably engaging an angled bearing surface of the securing member to axially urge the second end region of the pin member further into the cavity.

Optionally, the insert member comprises a coupling region disposed in the cavity for engagement with the second end region of the pin member.

Optionally, the coupling region comprises a female coupling region having a resilient wall for engagement with an outer surface of the pin member and to resist axial movement of the pin member with respect to the insert member.

Optionally, the resilient wall comprises a projection for engagement in a corresponding recess in the second end region of the pin member.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises an elongate pin member having a first end region for engagement with an outer surface of the second tube member, and a second end region for engagement with the securing member when located in the cavity.

Optionally, the second end region of the pin member comprises a first circumferential recess for the securing member to engage in and axially constrain the pin member with respect to the insert member.

Optionally, the second end region of the pin member comprises a second circumferential recess axially spaced apart from the first circumferential recess and located proximal to a second end of the pin member, and wherein the second circumferential recess is configured to engage with a coupling region disposed in the cavity of the insert member to at least loosely couple the pin member to the insert member before the securing member is located in the cavity and on the pin member.

Optionally, each of the first and second circumferential recesses taper inwardly towards a substantially flat base surface.

Optionally, the second end of the pin member is substantially tapered.

Optionally, the insert member comprises at least one resilient arm having a barbed free end for engagement in an aperture of the first tube member to axially secure the insert member in the first tube member.

Optionally, the insert member comprises at least one recess to support a nut engageable with a corresponding bolt via a hole in the first tube member.

Optionally, the first end region of the insert member comprises at least one projection or recess for corresponding engagement in at least one recess or projection of the second tube member to prevent rotation of the second tube member with respect to the first tube member when the insert member is located therein.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a frame assembly comprising apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention and a plurality of first and second tube members.

Optionally, the frame assembly is for constructing shelving or racking.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of connecting a first tube member substantially perpendicularly to a second tube member, comprising: axially inserting an elongate insert member into an open end region of a first tube member, wherein the insert member comprises a bore extending longitudinally from a bore opening in a first end region of the insert member and into a cavity of the insert member; slidably inserting a second end region of an elongate pin member along the bore and into the cavity, wherein the pin member is coupled at a first end region to a second tube member oriented substantially perpendicularly to the first tube member; at least partially locating a securing member in the cavity via a cavity opening provided in a side region of the insert member; and engaging the securing member on the second end region of the pin member to axially constrain the pin member with respect to the insert member and connect the first tube member to the second tube member.

Optionally, the method comprises engaging a pair of opposed resilient arms of the securing member on each side of the second end region of the pin member to axially constrain the pin member with respect to the insert member.

Optionally, the method comprises locating the resilient arms in a first circumferential recess of the pin member.

Optionally, the method comprises engaging the second end region in a coupling region disposed in the cavity of the insert member to at least loosely couple the pin member with the insert member when inserted therein.

Optionally, the method comprises engaging an at least partially annular projection of the coupling region in a circumferential recess of the pin member located proximal to a second end of the pin member.

Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of an apparatus according to certain embodiments of the present invention for connecting first and second tube members together;

Figure 2 illustrates the insert member and pin member of the apparatus of Figure 1 ; Figure 3a illustrates a cross sectional plan view of the insert member located in the first tube member and the pin member engaged with the insert member to at least loosely couple the tube members together in a perpendicular orientation;

Figure 3b illustrates a magnified view of the pin member engaged in the female coupling region of the insert member;

Figures 4a and 4b illustrates a cross sectional side view of the pin member engaged in the female coupling region of the insert member and a securing member located in the cavity of the insert member and engaged with the pin member to secure the same in the insert member and clamp the tube members together;

Figure 4c illustrates the securing member of Figures 4a and 4b; and

Figures 5a to 5d illustrate a method of connecting two tube members together in a perpendicular orientation using the apparatus shown in the preceding figures.

Detailed Description

As illustrated in Figure 1 , apparatus 100 according to certain embodiments of the present invention includes an elongate insert member 102 for inserting into an open end of a first hollow and elongate tube member 104, and an elongate pin member 106 for locating substantially perpendicularly through opposed walls of a second hollow and elongate tube member 108 and into the insert member 104. The insert member 102 and the pin member 106 are configured to couple together, as described further below, to at least loosely connect the first and second tube members together in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to each other.

The pin member 106 is circular in cross section and has an enlarged head portion 110 at a first end region and an opposed second end region including a pair of axially spaced apart circumferential recesses 112,114. The under surface of the head portion is substantially flat for engagement with the flat outer surface of the second tube member 108 and the head portion is relatively short in height so as not to extend far from the second tube member and to allow adjacent shelving/racking assemblies to be located relatively close together. The second end of the pin member distal to the head portion is tapered to help guide the pin member into the insert member during assembly. An axial length of the first recess 112 of the pin member is aptly greater than an axial length of the second recess 114. Both recesses 112,114 taper inwardly from the outer surface of the pin member towards a longitudinal axis of the pin member to thereby each define tapered recess side surfaces terminating at a substantially flat recess base surface. The pin member 106 is aptly around 65-70 mm long and has an outer diameter of around 7 mm.

Aptly, the pin member 106 is machined from a metal material such as steel but may be formed from a plastics material for relatively lightweight applications.

The insert member 102 is formed from a plastics material by injection moulding or the like and includes a first end portion 116, a second end portion 118, and an intermediate portion 120 therebetween. The outer cross-sectional profile of the insert member is substantially square and corresponds in shape and size to an inner profile of the hollow first tube member 104 to thereby be securely retained when inserted therein. A projection 122 in the form of a lug is provided at the end of the first end portion to engage in a correspondingly shaped notch 124 provided in the open end of the first tube member 104 to thereby prevent the insert member being over-inserted into the first tube member and also to ensure the insert member is inserted in the correct orientation. The insert member 102 also includes a pair of opposed elongate and resilient arms 126 extending substantially longitudinally from the intermediate portion 120 towards the second end portion 118. Each resilient arm 126 has an outwardly extending and tapered projection 128 for receipt in respective openings 130 in opposed side walls of the first tube member 104. The resilience of the arms 126 allows them to flex inwardly when the insert member 102 is being inserted into and urged along the first tube member 104 until it is in the desired position at which point the end of each arm 126 springs outwardly and into the respective opening 130. The tapered barb-like projections 128 prevent the insert member 102 moving axially out of the opening in which it was inserted, and the lug and notch arrangement 122,124 also axially retains the insert member 102 in the opposite axial direction. The insert member 102 is thereby axially and laterally retained in a predetermined and desired position and orientation with respect to the first tube member 104 when inserted therein. The resilience of the arms 126 snapping into the respective openings 130 provides an audible and/or tactile indication to a person when the insert member 102 is in the predetermined and desired position and orientation with respect to the first tube member 104 when inserted therein. Alternatively, opposed walls of the first tube member 104 may each include an inwardly extending projection which engages in a corresponding recess of the insert member 102 when the same is in a desired axial position in the first tube member 104.

As best illustrated in Figure 2, the intermediate portion 120 further includes a hexagon-shaped recess 131 disposed in an upper surface thereof and proximal to the second end portion 118. The recess is sized and shaped to receive a nut 141 (as shown in Figure 1) in which a corresponding bolt engages via a hole 143 in the upper wall of the first tube member 104. A further recess may also be provided in the under surface of the intermediate portion 120 to receive a further nut aligned with a further hole in the wall of the first tube member. The second end portion 118 of the insert member 102 also includes a hexagon-shaped recess 133 in each side surface thereof for receiving a respective nut 145 (as shown in Figure 1) in which corresponding bolts engage via a respective hole 147 in the corresponding side wall of the first tube member 104 which is aligned with the respective nut when the insert member is located in the first tube member. These nuts provide fixing points for attaching accessories, such as shelves or vertical dividers, to the first tube member 104 which in turn eliminates the need for additional inserts or weld nuts to be used for this purpose. These nuts and bolts also provide further security and strength to the insert member when located in the first tube member. As shown in Figure 1 , each side nut 145 is located in a channel defined in the respective side of the second end portion 118 of the insert member 102 such that each nut can be slid downwardly into its respective channel into position and can be moved vertically in the channel to provide a degree of tolerance when aligning each nut with its respective hole 147 and locating the corresponding bolt therein.

A bore 132 axially extends through the first end portion 116 from an opening 134 in the end surface thereof (see Figure 1) and communicates with an open cavity 136 formed in the intermediate portion 120. The bore 132 has an inner diameter which substantially corresponds with the outer diameter of the pin member 106 to thereby axially guide and laterally support the pin member when inserted into the insert member 102.

The opening of the cavity 136 is disposed in the upper surface of the insert member 102 and the cavity extends substantially perpendicularly into the intermediate portion 120 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the insert member and the bore 132. The cavity 136 is substantially rectangular and defines a proximal end surface 138 from which the bore 132 exits to communicate with the cavity 136, a distal end surface 140, and a pair of opposed side surfaces 142,144. The cavity is open at both sides (top and bottom as viewed in Figure 1) but may be closed at the bottom to define a base surface. The end and side surfaces collectively define the substantially box like open cavity 136. The proximal end surface 138 is angled to taper inwardly in a direction into the cavity. Aptly, the angle of the proximal end surface is around 10 degrees with respect to the vertical. The remaining surfaces of the cavity are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insert member.

A female coupling region 148 extends axially from the distal end surface 140 of the cavity 136 towards the bore 132 and defines a resilient walled opening for receiving the second end of the pin member 106 when the same is axially inserted through the bore 132 and into the cavity 136 of the insert member 102. As best illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, the resilient wall is at least partially annular and defines a relatively narrow and tapered opening 149 for engaging the second end of the pin member 106 and a wider interior space 151 for accommodating the second end of the pin member 106. Alternatively, the female coupling region 148 may be wholly annular to fully surround the end of the pin member 106 when inserted therein. Flowever, an open top female region 148 allow a person to view the second end of the pin member via the cavity opening of the insert member 102 (and a corresponding aperture 150 in the first tube member 104 aligned with the cavity opening, as described further below) and confirm the pin member is properly engaged in the female region 148. Further alternatively, the coupling region for engagement with the second end of the pin member may be a male coupling region. For example, the second end of the pin member may comprise an opening, such as a bore or recess or the pin member may be substantially hollow along its length, for a projecting coupling region to engage in and at least loosely couple the pin member to the insert member. Further alternatively, the at least loose coupling of the pin member with the coupling region may be provided by a material characteristic instead of a mechanical interaction by, for example, a projection and recess arrangement as described. For example, the inner engagement surface of a female coupling region or the outer engagement surface of a male coupling region may comprise a material, such as rubber or the like, having a relatively high coefficient of friction to grip the corresponding surface of the pin member.

In use, the resilient wall of the female coupling region 148 flexes outwardly when the pin member is urged therein and engages in the second circumferential recess 114 of the pin member 106 when the pin member is fully inserted in the female coupling region 148. This position corresponds to the tube members 104,108 closely engaging each other and the head portion 110 of the pin member 106 engaging the second tube member 108 to thereby at least loosely clamp/couple the tube members together during a first stage of assembly. The resilience of the female coupling region 148 when the resilient wall thereof snaps into the second circumferential recess 114 of the pin member 106 provides an audible and/or tactile indication to a person when the pin member is properly located in the insert member. A number of first and second tube members may be at least loosely coupled together in a desired arrangement by corresponding pairs of pin members 106 and insert members 102 before being secured together in a second stage of assembly, as described further below. This initial coupling of the tube members allows one person to at least loosely assemble a frame assembly, such as a shelving or racking unit or the like, according to certain embodiments of the present invention without the need for one person, for example, to hold a loosely coupled structure of tube members whilst another person locates mechanical fastenings in respective holes in the tube members and tightens the fastenings with tools to secure the assembly together.

As illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b, a securing member 160 is then inserted into the cavity 136 of the insert member 102 via the aperture 150 in the wall of the first tube member 104. The securing member 160 is aptly a moulded plastics part and includes an upper portion 162 and a pin engagement portion 164 extending therefrom. The upper portion 162 defines a substantially flat outer surface 166 which is sized and shaped to correspond with the aperture 150 in the first tube member 104 such that when the pin engagement portion 164 is located in the cavity of the insert member 102 and engaged with the pin member 106, the outer surface thereof is substantially flush with the outer surface of the first tube member 104. Aptly, as shown in Figure 1 , the outer surface 166 of the body portion 162 includes a notched recess 168 to provide a gap between the upper portion 162 of the securing member 160 and the aperture 150 of the first tube member 104 to allow a person to lever the securing member 160 upwardly and away from the pin member 106 using a screwdriver or the like and to further urge the securing member out of the cavity 136 when disconnecting the first and second tube members 104,108.

As illustrated in Figures 4b and 4c, the pin engagement portion 164 of the securing member 160 includes a pair of opposed resilient arms 170 each having a concave recess 172 in an inner surface thereof such that the inner recesses are opposed and face each other for engagement with respective curved sides of the pin member 106 when the securing member 160 is located thereon during assembly. Alternatively, each recess may be notched and more angular than a curved concave recess. The inner surface at the free end of each resilient arm 170 tapers inwardly to help guide the arms on to the pin member 106 and to help urge the arms apart when the securing member 160 is pushed on to the pin member 106. Once in the correct position with respect to the pin member, the arms 170 spring back into their original position and ‘snap’ around the pin member in the first circumferential recess 112 thereof. The position of the securing member 160 with respect to the insert member 102 is such that, when the pin member 106 is fully located in the insert member 102, the resilient arms 170 of the securing member 160 are located around the first circumferential recess 112 of the pin member 106. This engagement locks the pin member 106 in the insert member 102 and in turn secures the tube members 104,108 together.

As illustrated in Figure 4a, the securing member 160 includes an angled bearing surface 176 for engagement with the proximal end surface 138 of the cavity 136 defined in the insert member 102. The proximal end surface 138 tapers into the cavity such that the upper opening of the cavity is longer than the lower opening of the cavity. As the securing member 160 is inserted into the cavity 136 in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pin member 106 (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 4a), the angled bearing surface 176 of the securing member 160 slidably engages with the correspondingly angled proximal end surface 138 of the cavity 136 to thereby urge the securing member 160 axially towards the second end of the pin member, i.e. away from the head portion 110 of the pin member 106 or the bore 132 of the insert member 102. However, because the resilient arms 170 of the securing member 160 are axially constrained within the first circumferential recess 112 of the pin member 106, the pin member itself is urged axially further into the insert member 102 which in turn applies a tension to the pin member 106 and draws the second tube member 108 against the first tube member 104 to securely clamp and lock the two tube members together. When in the locked position, the outer surface 166 of the securing member 160 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the first tube member 104 such that the risk of the securing member 160 being unintentionally removed from the insert member 102, such as by knocks or snagging, is low/non-existent. The outer surface 166 may include a plurality of recesses or protrusions to provide grip to a user when pushing the securing member 160 into the insert member 102 and on to the pin member 106. Alternatively, or additionally, the outer surface 166 may be scalloped to provide a recess for accommodating a thumb of the user.

A method of using the apparatus 100 will now be described with reference to Figures 5a to 5d. As illustrated in Figure 5a, the insert member 102 is inserted axially into the open end of the first tube member 104 until the barbed free ends 128 of the resilient arms 126 spring outwardly into their respective openings 130 in the side wall of the first tube member 104. At that point, the lug 122 of the insert member 102 will locate in the correspondingly shaped notch 124 in the end of the first tube member 102 to further confirm the insert member 102 is correctly and securely located in the first tube member 104. Bolts (not shown) may optionally then be screwed into one or more of the corresponding nuts 141 ,145 mounted on the insert member 102 via the respective holes 143,147 in the walls of the first tube member 104 to attach one or more components, such as a shelf, to the first tube member 104. As illustrated in Figure 5b, the second tube member 108 is then offered up to the first tube member 104 such that the tube members are oriented perpendicularly to each other. The second tube member 108 includes a pair of axially aligned slotted apertures 180 in opposed walls thereof. As shown in Figures 1 and 5a, the first end portion 116 of the insert member 102 includes a pair of spaced apart and axially extending protrusions 182 for locating in one of the slotted apertures 180 in one side of the second tube member 108. This arrangement prevents the tube members 104,108 rotating with respect to each other. Flaving slotted apertures in two opposed sides of the second tube member 108 allows the same to be connected to the first tube member 104 in either orientation. Furthermore, the underside of the head portion 110 of the pin member 106 may be similarly configured, i.e. include one or more protrusions, to locate in the other slotted aperture, i.e. opposite the slotted aperture in which the protrusions 182 of the insert member are located, to prevent the pin member 106 rotating with respect to the tube members 104,108 and provide additional security to the assembly in use. Alternatively, only one anti-rotation aperture may be provided in the second tube member 108 for engagement with the protrusion/s 182 of the insert member 102. After the second tube member 108 is located on the first tube member 104 and in the correct position and orientation, the pin member 106 is then pushed through the aligned apertures in the second tube member 108 and into the bore 132 of the insert member 102 until the second end of the pin member 106 engages in the female coupling region 148 and the underside of the head portion 110 of the pin member 106 engages the second tube member 108. An audible and/or tactile indicator is aptly provided to the person to confirm the pin member 106 is properly engaged in the female coupling region 148 of the insert member 102. The user can also visually confirm this via the opening 150 in the first tube member 104. The second tube member 108 is at least loosely coupled to the first tube member 104, as illustrated in Figure 5c.

As illustrated in Figure 5c, the securing member 160 is then inserted into the cavity 136 and the resilient arms 170 of the securing member 160 are flexed outwardly as they are urged over the pin member 106 to be located on each side of the first circumferential recess 112 thereof. The securing member 160 is pushed into the insert member 102 and on to the pin member 106 until the resilient arms 170 thereof snap over the pin member and aptly provide an audible and/or tactile indication to the user when properly located. As the securing member is being pushed on to the pin member, the angled bearing surface 176 of the securing member slidably engages with the angled surface 138 of the cavity 136 in the insert member 102 such that the pin member 106 is axially urged further into the insert member 102 to clamp the second tube member 108 against the first tube member 104.

As illustrated in Figure 5d, the upper surface 166 of the securing member 160 is flush with the outer surface of the first tube member 104 when the securing member is properly located in the insert member 102 and on the pin member 106 which thereby also provides a visual indication to the user that the tube members 104,108 are securely clamped and locked together. The securing member 160 desirably cannot be unintentionally removed from the insert member 102 and a tool, such as a screwdriver, is required to prise the same off the pin member 106 via the notched recess 168 if the tube members are to be separated.

Certain embodiments of the present invention therefore provide apparatus for efficiently connecting a first tube member to a second tube member. Whilst the tube members in the illustrated example herein are substantially square in cross section, the apparatus according to certain embodiments of the present invention may be configured for use with hollow tube members having a different cross section, such as substantially circular, oval, rectangular, or the like. Furthermore, the pin member may have a cross section other than circular and the insert member may be configured to receive and engage with such a pin member without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention. The pin member may be sized according to its intended application and, instead of including a head portion, may include the first and second circumferential recesses at both end regions thereof to allow the pin member to connect two or more tube members together, such as to connect two inline tube members together end-to-end or to connect first and second tube members to a third tube member located therebetween and oriented substantially perpendicularly to the first and second tube members. Further alternatively, the pin member may be fixed to, e.g. by welding or a mechanical fastening, and extend perpendicularly from the second tube member such that the second tube member and pin member are offered up to the insert member together. Further alternatively, the pin member may be part of a clamp bracket which mounts to or around the second tube member. For example, the clamp bracket may be substantially U- shaped and comprise a pair of spaced apart and parallel pin members for receiving the second tube member therebetween and engaging in a respective one of two insert members each located in a respective one of two first tube members.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus which allows a single person to build a frame assembly from tube members, such as racking or shelving, without the need for tools to secure the tube members together and/or the need for another person to hold the tube members whilst they are secured together. The apparatus allows the structure of tube members to be at least loosely coupled together in a desired form before the tube members are secured together. The use of nuts and bolts to connect the tube members together which are notoriously fiddly and time consuming, particularly in cold or wet conditions where the person must wear gloves, is eliminated and in turn the risk of losing such fasteners is avoided. The apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention increases the assembly time and allows a person to build a frame assembly in a secure, safe and consistent manner without the need for specific skills or training.