TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention generally relates to a connection assembly. In particular the invention relates to a connection assembly for connecting two elongate elements so as to be held in relative fixed relation to each other.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is not an uncommon requirement for two elongate elements to be connected together or fixed relative to each other in an end to end relationship. As a result there are many connection devices which are available to meet this requirement.

[0003] Most prior art connection devices incorporate a series of teeth which receive an end region of the elongate element before the teeth are caused to clamp down and grip the end region. The movement of the teeth is typically achieved by tightening a cap. The cap is received around the elongate element and is threadingly received on a spigot, or similar, whereupon tightening the cap on the spigot causes the teeth to move inwardly to grip the end region of the elongate element. Where an end of a second elongate element needs to be connected in an end to end relationship, a similar set of teeth may be incorporated within the connection device to receive the second elongate element. Once fixed in place the first elongate element and second elongate element form a single elongate element.

[0004] A problem with the aforementioned connection device is that the force exerted on the teeth to grip the elongate element is limited to how tight an operator is able to fasten the cap. If the teeth are not sufficiently embedded within the end region of the elongate element, then it would take minimal force for the elongate element to be freed from the connection device.

[0005] Another issue is that these type of connection devices are not suitable for resilient materials. When an axial force is applied to a resilient material the elongate element stretches resulting in a reduction of the diameter of the elongate element. With the above prior art connection device, the cap is tightened to secure an elongate element at a certain diameter. Upon application of an axial force the elongate element reduces in diameter such that the teeth are no longer able to grip, or sufficiently grip the end region, allowing the elongate element to disengage the connection device.

[0008] A further disadvantage of the aforementioned prior art connection device is that it requires disassembly before it is able to be secured to the end region of the elongate element. This can be problematic in situations which require a quick connection solution, or in those environments where components of the connection device can be easily lost if dropped.

[0007] Connection devices are often employed to reconnect an elongate element once it has snapped or otherwise caused to break in two pieces. One application in which a quick and reliable connection device is required to repair an elongate element is surfing where the leash connecting the surfboard to the surfer is prone to snapping. The leash incorporates an elongate element made from urethane and has the ability to stretch to a considerable length before returning to its original length upon removal of the force acting thereon. As a result of repetitive stretching cycles, when the force exerted thereon is excessive, or when the leash is caught on rocks, the leash can snap. As the ends of the leash cannot be tied together the only solution is to replace the leash. As it is uncommon for surfers to carry a spare leash, a snapped leash usually ends the surfing session for the surfer.

[0008] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of this invention to provide a connection assembly which ameliorates, mitigates or overcomes, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice.

[0010] Throughout the specification the term‘elongate element’ is used to describe a solid elongate element and includes a cable, hose, tubular structure, pipe, rope, or any similar object. The elongate element may be made from a flexible and/or resilient material. The elongate eiementmay be rigid. [0011 ] The present invention provides a connection assembly comprising a first connection device for grippingly engaging an end region of a first elongate element, and a second connection device for grippingly engaging an end region of a second elongate element, whereupon the first connection device and the second connection device gripping respective end regions the first elongate element and the second elongate element are retained relative to each other, each connection device comprises a cap which is received on a base and a gripping means, wherein the gripping means is caused to move along the longitudinal axis of the connection device to grippingly engage the end region of the respective elongate element.

[0012] Preferably the first elongate element and the second elongate element are held in an end to end relationship.

[0013] Each connection device may be movable from a receivable condition, wherein the end region of the elongate element is receivable therein, and a gripping condition wherein the connection device grippingly engages the end region of the elongate element.

[0014] The gripping means may comprise a plurality of teeth which are biased toward an end of the connection assembly, that end being outwardly from the base.

[0015] The teeth may be biased outwardly by a spring acting between the base and the plurality of teeth.

[0016] In one aspect of the invention the plurality of teeth are interconnected.

[0017] In another aspect of the invention each of the plurality of teeth is in the form of a wedge.

[0018] An inner wall of the cap may taper inwardly in a direction away from the base. The inner wall may provide a guide means to guide the plurality of teeth. The guide means may be in the form of at least one channel. The at least one channel may extend along at least a portion of the inner wall. Preferably there are the same number of channels as there are teeth. Each of the plurality of teeth may be received in its channel. [0019] The cap may comprise a hollow body and a sleeve which is received in the hollow body. The sleeve may provide the guide means. The sleeve may be in the form of one or more fingers wherein the fingers define a guide means, namely, a channel formed between the fingers.

[0020] In one aspect of the invention the hollow body has an inner cavity which receives the sleeve wherein the sleeve is formed to provide the tapered inner wall of the cap.

[0021 ] In another aspect of the invention the hollow body has an inner cavity which provides the tapered inner wall of the cap, wherein the shape of the sleeve is complementary to the inner cavity.

[0022] Each tooth may have one or more projections which are adapted to engage the end region of the elongate element.

[0023] Each tooth may comprise a rear surface which is complementary in shape to the inner wail of the cap, the inner wail providing the rear of the channel.

[0024] Each tooth may comprise a first side surface and a second side surface which are complementary in shape to the sides of the channel. The sides of the channel may be parallel to each other and extend inwardly towards the centre of the cap such that the opening of the channel defined by the ends of the channel sides is narrower than the distance between the ends of the channel sides at a position where the channel sides engage the inner wall. As a result of this configuration the teeth are siidingiy retained within the channel.

[0025] Each tooth may comprise a sloped surface which guides the elongate element into a central orientation as the elongate element is received within the connection device.

[0028] A bottom surface of each tooth may provide a bearing surface against which the biasing means acts.

[0027] Preferably the cap is fixed to the base.

[0028] Preferably the connection assembly comprises a housing for housing the first connection device and the second connection device. Preferably the first connection device and the second connection device are housed in a back to back arrangement such that when both connection devices grippingiy engage end regions of respective elongate elements the elongate elements co-operate to act as a single elongate element.

[0029] Preferably the base of the first connection device and the base of the second connection device are integral with each other.

[0030] Preferably the cap of the first connection device and the cap of the second connection device are provided by the housing.

[0031 ] The cap of the first connection device and the cap of the second housing device may be fixed to the base to define the housing.

[0032] The connection assembly may comprise additional connection devices for connecting additional elongate elements.

[0033] The present invention further provides a connection assembly comprising a connection device for grippingiy engaging an end region of an elongate element, the connection device comprises a cap which is received on a base and a gripping means, wherein the gripping means may be caused to move along the longitudinal axis of the connection device to grippingiy engage the end region of the elongate element when a force is applied to the elongate element.

[0034] The present Invention further provides a connection assembly for securing two elongate elements relative to each other, the connection assembly has two connection devices fixed in a back to back relationship, each connection device is movable between a receiving condition for receiving an end region of one of the elongate elements and a gripping condition wherein the end region is grippingiy engaged to secure the connection device relative to the end region, each connection device comprises one or more gripping formations which move in a longitudinal direction of the connection device, whereupon the one or more gripping formations moving to an end of the connection assembly causes the connection device to move to the gripping condition to grippingiy engage the elongate element.

[0035] The one or more gripping formations may be in the form of teeth. [0036] The present invention further provides a connection assembly comprising a housing having a first connection device for grippingiy engaging an end region of a first elongate element, and a second connection device for grippingiy engaging an end region of a second elongate element, whereupon the first connection device and the second connection device gripping respective end regions the first elongate element and the second elongate element are retained relative to each other, each connection device comprises a gripping means, wherein when the respective elongate element is received in the connections device the gripping means is caused to move along the longitudinal axis of the connection device and grippingiy engages the end region of the respective elongate element when a removal force is applied to the respective elongate element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross sectional perspective view of figure 1 when the connection assembly is in a receivable condition;

Figure 3 is a side view of figure 2;

Figure 4 is side cross sectional view of the connection assembly of figure 1 when the connection assembly is in the receivable condition, albeit it being in a different arrangement to that shown in figure 2;

Figure 5 is an end perspective view of a cap of the connection assembly shown in figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is an end view of figure 5; Figure 7 is a side perspective view of a wedge which provides a tooth;

Figure 8 is a side perspective view of a base;

Figure 9 is a side cross sectional view of the connection assembly of figure 1 when in the receivable condition and having an end region of a first elongate element and an end region of a second elongate element received therein;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of figure 9;

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of the cap and gripping means when in the receivable condition;

Figure 12 is an end view from a position within the cap when connection assembly of figure 1 is in the receivable condition;

Figure 13 is an end view of the connection assembly of figure 1 when in the receivable condition;

Figure 14 is a side cross sectional view of the connection assembly of figure 1 when in the gripping condition and having an end region of a first elongate element and an end region of a second elongate element gripping!y retained therein;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of figure 14;

Figure 16 is a schematic representation of the cap and gripping means when in the gripping condition;

Figure 17 is an end view from a position within the cap when connection assembly of figure 1 is in the gripping condition;

Figure 18 is an end view of the connection assembly of figure 1 when in the gripping condition;

Figure 19 is a plan view of an alternative arrangement of the cap shown in figures 5 and 6;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a sleeve of the cap shown in figure 19; and Figure 21 is a plan view of figure 20

[0038] In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Referring to the figures, the invention according to an embodiment is in the form of a connection assembly 11 for connecting a first elongate element 13 and a second elongate element 15.

[0040] The connection assembly 11 comprises a first connection device 17 and a second connection device 19 in a back to back arrangement.

[0041 ] Each connection device 17, 19 comprises a cap 21 which is threadingly received on a base 23. In an alternative arrangement the cap 21 may be fixed to the base 23 by other known means such as adhesives, heat welding or by an interference fit arrangement.

[0042] The cap 21 provides an inner wall 25 which tapers inwardly as the cap 21 extends away from the base 23. The cap 21 also has an opening 26 for receiving the elongate element 13, 15 therein.

[0043] As best shown in figures 5 and 6, the inner wall 25 provides three channels 27 which extend along a substantial portion of the inner wail 25. In other arrangements there may be more or less channels.

[0044] Each channel 27 is defined by two side wails 29 which extend from the inner wall 25 towards the central axis of the connection assembly 11. The side walls 29 are parallel to each other. Considering a cross section of each channel 27, the distance between the free ends of the side wall 29 is smaller than the distance between the points at which the side walls 29 engage the inner wall 25. A rear surface 31 of the channel 27 is provided by the inner wall 25 of the cap 21.

[0045] Each connection device 17, 19 also comprises a gripping means in the form of one or more gripping formations, in this case being a plurality of teeth 33, and a spring 35, which bias the teeth 33 towards a respective end 37 of the connection assembly 11. [0046] Each one of the plurality of teeth 33 is in the form of a wedge 39, as shown in figure 7. Each wedge 39 comprises a body 41 which is shaped so as to be slidingiy retained within its respective channel 27 The body 41 has two projections 43 which extend away from the inner wall 25 of the cap when the wedges 39 are received in the channels 27, for reasons which will be described below. Each projection provides a sharp edge 45 to assist in gripping the elongate element when inserted therein.

[0047] The side and rear wails of the body 41 are shaped to be complementary to that of the channel 27. This permits each wedge 39 to slide along the channel 27, but to also be retained therein such that the wedge 39 is restricted to sliding movement along the channel 27 only.

[0048] A bottom surface 47 of the wedge 39 provides a bearing surface upon which a first end 49 of the spring 35 engages. The wedge 39 also provides a sloped surface 51 at the other end of the bottom surface 47 which is adapted to guide the elongate element as it is inserted into the connection assembly 11 , as will be described below.

[0049] The base 23 of the first connection device 17 is integral with the base 23 of the second connection device 19, as shown in figures 2 and 3 for example.

[0050] The base 23 provides a spigot 53 upon which is received the second end 55 of the spring 35.

[0051 ] The connection assembly 11 is movable from a receiving condition wherein the connection assembly 11 is able to receive an elongate element into each connection device 17, 19 and a gripping condition wherein each connection device 17, 19 grippingly engages an end region 57 of each elongate element.

[0052] Figure 4 represents the connection assembly 11 when in the receiving condition. In the receiving condition the spring 35 is fully extended and each wedge 39 is shown at the ends 37 of the connection assembly (only one wedge on each side is depicted for simplicity). As noted in figure 4 the spring 35 does not extend the full length of the cap 21. This allows the wedges 39 to slide freely within the first section of the channel to facilitate ease of entry of the end region of the elongate element into the connection assembly 11. In other arrangements the spring 35 extends the full length of the cap 21 to hold the wedges 39 at the end of the respective channel 27 adjacent the end 57 of the connection assembly 11. [0053] Figure 3 also represents the connection assembly 11 when in the receiving condition. In figure 3 the wedges 39 have been caused to move towards the base 23 which has compressed the spring 35.

[0054] The connection assembly 11 is simple to operate and does not require disassembling. When an operator is required to join two elongate elements together, such as may be the case with a broken surf leash, the operator inserts the end region 57 of the first elongate element 13 through the opening 26 of the first connection device 17, and the end region 57 of the second elongate element 15 through the opening 26 of the second connection device 19.

[0055] As the end region 57 of the elongate element 13, 15 enters the cap 21 through the opening 26, the end region engages the sloped surface 51 of each wedge 39. As the end region 57 is inserted further the wedges 39 slide along the channel 27 and cause the spring 35 to compress. As the wedges 29 slide along the channels 27 the wedges 39 move away from each other due to the tapered nature of the inner wail 25 of the cap. The wedges 29 will continue to move away from each other until such time that the space defined between the wedges 39 allows the end region 57 to pass therethrough, as shown in figures 9 and 10 In these figures the wedges 39 are shown at their maximum distance from the opening 26 and the spring is at its maximum compression. This position presents the maximum diameter of the elongate element which will be accepted by the connection assembly 11. It is worth noting that the same connection assembly 11 can be used for elongate elements having different diameters.

[0056] Once the end region 57 is inserted into the connection assembly 11 an axial force is applied to the elongate element to move the connection assembly 11 to a gripping condition. When an axial force is applied, the end region 57 moves away from the base 23 Due to the biasing force on the wedges 39, the wedges 39 are also caused to move along their channels 27. As this occurs the projections 43 of the wedge 39 start to grip the end region 57. Further axial force will cause the wedges 39 to slide further along the channel 27. As the wedges 39 slide along the channel 27, and owing to the tapered nature of the inner wall 25 of the cap 21 , the wedges 39 move inward in a radial direction to further grip the end region 57. This action reduces the distance between the wedges 39, as depicted in figures 16 to 18, which enhances the gripping force of the connection assembly 11. [0057] Where the end region 57 is resilient, such as is the case with surf board leashes, the wedges cause the end region to deform as the projections 43 further grip the end region. As a result of this action if the elongate element experiences an excessive force which stretched the elongate element and reduce its diameter, the connection assembly 11 will still retain its grip on the end region 57.

[0058] Referring to figures 19 to 21 an alternate form of a cap is shown. In this form the cap 121 comprises a hollow body 173 and a sleeve 175. The hollow body 173 provides an inner cavity 177 which receives the sleeve 175. The inner cavity 177 provides the tapered inner wall 125 of the cap 121. The sleeve 175 is shaped to complement the tapered configuration of the inner cavity.

[0059] As best shown in figures 20 and 21 the sleeve 175 provides a guide means being in the form of three channels 127. These channels 127 act in the same manner as the aforementioned channels 27 such that they slidingiy retain wedges 39 therein.

[0060] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0061 ] Reference to positional descriptions, such as lower and upper, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0062] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to a certain exemplary embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0063] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail

[0064] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and“the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms“comprise",“comprises,”“comprising,” “including,” and“having,” or variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0065] When an element or layer is referred to as being“on”,“engaged to”,“connected to” or“coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being“directly on,”“directly engaged to”,“directly connected to” or“directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus“directly between,”“adjacent” versus“directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and ail combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0066] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as“first,”“second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless dearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. [0067] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner," “outer,” “beneath", “below”, “lower”, “above”,“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another eiement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as“below” or“beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented“above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term“below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0068] Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and ail such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.