WO2006005114A1

WO2006005114A1 - Joining apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2006005114A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/001004
Authority: WO
Inventors: Radoslaw Lasota
Original assignee: Radoslaw Lasota
Priority date: 2004-07-12
Filing date: 2005-07-08
Publication date: 2006-01-19

Abstract

Apparatus for joining two members (24, 38) together, the apparatus comprising an at least partly spherical element adapted for mounting to one of the members (38), and socket mechanism (44) adapted for mounting to the other member (24). Socket mechanism (44) comprises a plurality of components which, when mounted to member (24), are combined to define a socket for receiving and supporting the spherical element for movement therein.

Description

JOINING APPARATUS

Technical Field

Apparatus for joining two members together is disclosed. The apparatus finds application with furniture such as modular furniture, but is^' not limited to this application.

Background Art

Some furniture, especially modular furniture, is supplied unassembled for assembly on site.. In addition, some members must be sized and modified on site to suit the location in which the furniture is employed. This can especially be the case in office fitouts, where the specifications may change when furniture assembly commences.

Summary

There is provided an apparatus for joining two members together, the apparatus comprising:

- an at least partly spherical element adapted for mounting to one of the members; and a socket mechanism adapted for mounting to the other member and comprising a plurality of components which, when the socket mechanism is mounted to the other member, are combined to define a socket for receiving and supporting the element for movement therein.

Such a joining apparatus allows for joining to take place despite some movement between members and can find application, for example, where dimensions of the member(s) and/or alignment between the members need to change. This could occur on site where, for example, the members define components in modular furniture and angles or dimensions need to be changed.

In one embodiment, the other member can be a tube, and a portion of the socket mechanism can be mounted to an open end of the tube. The portion of the socket mechanism may be located within and/or surround the tube. For example, the portion may comprise an extension from each component of the socket mechanism, which extensions are received inside the tube open end in a manner such that, when received, the tube holds the plurality of components together to define the socket.

The apparatus may further comprise fixing means for securing the tube to the socket mechanism. For example, an interior surface of the tube end and an exterior surface of the portion may be respectively threaded for screw mating.

In an embodiment, the socket mechanism comprises two components, which may be mirror halves. The tube may also have a substantially circular cross section.

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a clamping mechanism adapted to be received at the socket mechanism for clamping the plurality of components together.

The at least partly spherical element may be adapted for being screw mounted to said one of the members. That member may also be a tube.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Joining apparatus embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of apart spherical element which forms part of a joining apparatus embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the part spherical element of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an alternate perspective view of the part spherical element of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a component of a socket formation embodiment for use with the part spherical element of Figure 1.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the socket formation component of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a plain view of the socket formation component of Figure 4; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of assembled joining apparatus joining two tubular members together; and

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of an end of an alternative tubular member to which a socket formation may be mounted.

Detailed Description of a Specific Embodiment

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, an at least partly spherical element in the form of spherical element 10 is shown. Spherical element 10 comprises a ball portion 12 that is substantially spherically shaped, and a mounting extension 14 by which the spherical element 10 may be mounted to a member, as discussed below.

As can be see from Figures 1 and 3, the spherical element 10 has a hollow interior 16 which, as is best seen in Figure 3, extends from one side of the spherical element 10 to the other.

The hollow interior 16 has a first opening 18 in the ball portion 12, and a second opening 20 in the mounting extension 14. Both first opening 18 and second opening 20 are substantially circular in shape so that the hollow interior 16 is defined by two cylindrical bores extending through the spherical element 10. As can be seen from Figure 3, a step 22 is defined in the hollow interior 16 at the intersection of the first bore defined by first opening 18, and the second bore defined by the second opening 20. The step provides a mounting surface for a screw or bolt head as described hereafter.

In use, the spherical element 10 may be mounted to a first member in the form of first tube 24, as shown in Figure 7, by an attachment device such as a screw or bolt, which is anchored between the inside of the wall of the first tube 24 and the step 22. For example, the attachment device may comprise a nut and bolt assembly, where a hole has been pre-drilled into the wall of the first tube 24. The stem of the bolt (not shown) passes through the hole whilst the head of the bolt, with a washer if necessary, remains inside the first tube 24 and abuts the inside wall of the first tube 24. The spherical element 10 may be mounted onto the first tube 24 bypassing the stem of the bolt through the second opening 20 so that it enters the hollow interior 16. A nut (and a washer if necessary) may then be screwed onto the threaded stem of the bolt via the first opening 18, until the washer or nut abuts the step 22, thereby securely affixing the spherical element 10 to the first tube 24.

The end of the mounting extension 14 which abuts the first tube 24 may, as desired, be shaped to facilitate a flush contact with the outer wall of the first tube 24, which is typically circularly shaped.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 6, a component of a socket mechanism is shown in the form of socket half element 26. Socket half element 26 has a socket portion 28 and a socket mounting extension 30. The socket portion 28 has a wall 32 which is substantially hemi-spherically shaped and which defines a chamber 34 which is shaped such that half of the ball portion 12 may be matingly received therein.

The socket mounting extension 30 has a mounting wall 36 which is semi- circularly shaped in cross-section and has an outer radius approximately the same as the inner radius (i.e. of the bore) of second tube 38, shown in Figure 7. The socket mounting extension 30 also has an inner recess 40 to reduce its weight. Recess 40 can be semi-circularly shaped in cross-section to be adapted to receive a projection therein if so desired (see, for example, the description of Figure 8 below).

At the intersection of socket portion 28 with socket mounting extension 30 a step 42 is defined which provides an edge over which the second tube 38 cannot pass when mounted to two abutting and mirror-facing socket half elements 26, 26 when in the configuration described below.

In order to assemble the joining apparatus, the socket portions 28, 28 of two similar socket half elements 26, 26 are arranged about the ball portion 12 of the spherical element 10 so that it is received within the chambers 34, 34.

The ball portion 12 and chambers 34, 34 are shaped such that when the elements are positioned about it in this configuration, relative movement of the spherical element 10 with respect to the socket half elements 26, 26 is possible, thereby allowing relative movement of first tube 24 and second tube 38 as shown by the arrows in Figure 7.

The socket half elements 26, 26 can temporarily be held together by hand to define a socket element 44, and then the second tube 38 can be slid over the socket mounting extensions 30, 30 until the end of the second tube 38 abuts the steps 42, 42. Alternatively, the socket half element 26, 26 may first be joined permanently, for example within an adhesive, screw etc.

The mounting walls 36, 36 closely face the inner wall of the second tube 38, which holds the two socket half elements 26, 26 together such that the ball portion 12 is securely encased within the chambers 34, 34 of the socket element 44.

In some embodiments, the mounting wall 36 may have a fixing means for securing the second tube 38 to the socket element 44. For example, the interior surface of the end of the second tube 38 may be provided with a screw thread for screw mating with a screw thread provided on the mounting walls 36, 36. The fixing means may alternatively comprise grub screws extending through tube 38 and insertible into respective walls 36, 36.

It will be appreciated that it is not essential to physically fix the second tube to the socket element 44, provided that the second tube 48 holds the socket half elements 26, 26 together. For example, the second tube 38 maybe restricted from movement away from the steps 42, 42 by a restraining means at the other end of second tube 38. For example, the other end of second tube 38 may be mounted to another member by a similar joining apparatus to that described above, thereby restricting movement of the second tube 38 such that second tube 38 remains engaged with steps 42, 42, thereby holding the two socket half elements 26, 26 together.

Other means that may be used to ensure that the second tube 38 remains mounted about the socket mounting extensions 30, 30 include crimping of the second tube 38, or applying an adhesive to the mounting walls 36, 36 prior to mounting the- second pipe 38 over the socket mounting extensions 30, 30. Alternatively, a pin can extend through holes provided in the wall of the second tube 38 and each of the socket mounting extensions 30, 30.

Alternatively, a clamping mechanism in the form of a jubilee clip (not shown) may be provided about the.end of a second tube 38 that is mounted over the socket mounting extensions 30, 30. Tightening the jubilee clip cinches the second tube 38 so that it frictionally engages the socket element 44.

Alternatively, the jubilee clip may be positioned such that it bridges the end of the second tube 38 and the steps 42, 42. Upon tightening of the jubilee clip, the clip frictionally engages both the second tube 38 and the steps 42, 42, thereby holding these elements together.

Referring now to Figure 8, an alternate member for mounting to the socket element 44 is shown in the form of solid tube 46. The end portion of solid tube 46 has an outer wall 48 and a spigot 50 located centrally inside the solid tube 46. A circular shaped internal annular cavity 52 is defined between the outer wall 48 and the spigot 50. In use, the internal cavity 52 receives the mounting walls 36, 36 such that the spigot 50 extends into and engages the walls of the inside portions 40, 40, and the outer wall 48 extends around and engages the mounting walls 36, 36 as described above. Thus, as the mounting walls 36, 36 are located within the outer wall 48 and surrounding the spigot 50, the join is significantly stronger.

Spigot 50 and the walls of the inside portions 40, 40 may be provided with threading means to facilitate secure mounting of the solid tube 46 to the socket element 44, or other additional fastening mechanisms as described above may also be employed.

Although particular embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated that the joining apparatus may be embodied in many other forms.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the joining apparatus provides: • a simple apparatus for joining two members together;

• an apparatus which can be used to pivotally join an end of a first element with the middle of a second element;

• a ball joint which may easily be constructed and deconstructed about a spherical element;

• an apparatus that is adaptable for mounting to many different types of members for joining such members; and

• an apparatus that can be used in furniture such as modular furniture, but also can be used in building constructions, scaffolding, etc.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments.

Claims

1. Apparatus for joining two members together, the apparatus comprising: an at least partly spherical element adapted for mounting to one of the members; and a socket mechanism adapted for mounting to the other member and comprising a plurality of components which, when the socket mechanism is mounted to the other member, are combined to define a socket for receiving and supporting the element for movement therein.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the other member is a tube and a portion of the socket mechanism is mounted to an open end of the tube.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the portion of the socket mechanism is located within and/or surrounds the tube.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the portion comprises an extension from each component of the socket mechanism, which extensions are received inside the tube open end in a manner such that, when received, the tube holds the plurality of components together to define the socket.

5. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising fixing means for securing the tube to the socket mechanism.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein an interior surface of the tube end and an exterior surface of the portion are respectively threaded for screw mating.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the socket mechanism comprises two components.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the components are mirror halves.

9. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the tube has a substantially circular cross section.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which further comprises a clamping mechanism adapted to be received at the socket mechanism for clamping the plurality of components together.

11. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least partly spherical element is adapted for being screw mounted to said one of the members.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said one of the members is a tube.

13. An apparatus for joining two members together, substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.