Joints and connections – Member deformed in situ – Deformation occurs simultaneously with assembly
Patent
1995-02-13
1996-11-12
Kim, Harry C.
Joints and connections
Member deformed in situ
Deformation occurs simultaneously with assembly
403283, 403296, 256 65, F16B 718
Patent
active
055733468
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a tube and connector combination for use in structurally interconnecting a tube with another member, an assembly of a tube and member interconnected by said tube and connector combination and a method of interconnecting a tube with another member. It relates in particular, though not exclusively, to a structural interconnection incorporating a curved tube, such as may be utilised in a handrail or balustrade assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Tube connectors for forming a structural interconnection with tubes are well-known and connectors of a type which provide a continuous flush surface for example between two tubes are used commonly in the construction of handrails and balustrades. An example of a connector of this type is described in GB-A-2070722. Another type of connector for joining tubes is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,560. Whilst known connector devices can provide a satisfactory interconnection they often place a limitation on the maximum allowable curvature of the end region of a tube to which a connection is being made, or the minimum axial length of tube or member to which a connection can be made.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide a tube and connector combination, an assembly incorporating said tube and connector combination and method of forming a structural interconnection with a tube suitable for tubes having a tight radius of curvature, for example a tube in which the major axis has a radius of curvature equal to the outer diameter of the tube.
In accordance with one of its aspects the present invention provides a tube and connector combination comprising a tube and a connector for insertion in an end of the tube, wherein the tube is internally splined and the connector comprises: internally splined tube, torque to the abutment means may cause the cutter to rotate about a major axis passing through the center of the cutter, and the cutter, each formation having a cutting edge which faces radially outwards and extends substantially in a circumferential direction relative to the major axis of the cutter whereby rotation of the cutter about said major axis causes the teeth to cut into the internal splines of the tube.
Preferably an insert is positioned centrally relative to the cutter about said major axis, the insert being captively located axially relative to the cutter and possessing a limited range of free movement relative to the cutter. It is envisaged that usually the insert shall be capable of a limited range of free relative movement in a radial direction but alternatively or additionally it may have the capability for limited relative movement in an axial direction, i.e. parallel with said major axis. It is envisaged that usually the insert will be restrained against free rotation relative to the cutter.
The cutter may comprise a blade part having the tooth formations and a support part arranged to co-operate with the blade part to assist in resisting distortion of the blade part.
Each tooth formation may have a cutting edge which is of part spiral form, that is a shape in which the distance of a cutting edge from the major axis of the cutter increases progressively from one end of the cutting edge to another. Alternative or additional to said spiral form the cutting edges may be serrated. The invention envisages that where the cutting edges are of a spiral form, they shall each be of the same orientation.
The spiral form of a cutting edge may lie in a plane perpendicular to the major axis of the cutter or it may be inclined, e.g. in a manner similar to part of the edge of a tapered screw thread. In the case of cutting edges which are inclined relative to the plane of the cutter, it is preferred that an even number of teeth are provided and that the cutting edges are arranged in a balanced configuration in which one half are inclined in one direction and the other half in the opposite direction, teeth of the two inclinations being alternated with one another in the circumferential direction.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2279954 (1942-04-01), Sipe
patent: 3281171 (1966-10-01), Hughes
patent: 3312139 (1967-04-01), Di Cristina
patent: 3666298 (1972-05-01), Reilly
patent: 3731958 (1973-05-01), Offenbroich
patent: 4770560 (1988-09-01), Ott
patent: 5108215 (1992-04-01), Hassid et al.
Kee Klamps Limited
Kim Harry C.
LandOfFree
Tube and connector combination does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Tube and connector combination, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tube and connector combination will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-558053