Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly receives and releasably fixes a post. The connector assembly has: a base defining a first socket member; a second socket member configured to be in an abutting relationship with, and rotatable relative to, the first socket member of the base, the second socket member having a recess for receiving at least part of the post, in use; and a locking member configured to releasably couple with the base. The locking member is 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 is configured to apply a locking force to the second socket member to prevent rotation of the second socket member relative to the first socket member.

1 . A connector assembly for receiving and releasably fixing a post, the connector assembly comprising:
 a base defining a first socket member:   a second socket member configured to be in an abutting relationship with, and rotatable relative to, the first socket member of the base, the second socket member comprising a recess for receiving at least part of the post, in use; and   a locking member configured to releasably couple with the base, wherein the locking member is 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 is configured to apply a locking force to the second socket member to prevent rotation of the second socket member relative to the first socket member. 
   
     
     
         2 . The connector assembly according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the first socket member comprises a seat, and   wherein the second socket member comprises a rotation member configured to be located in the seat.   
     
     
         3 . The connector assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the second socket member has a spherical region configured to be in the abutting relationship with the first socket member. 
     
     
         4 . The connector assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the second socket member is mechanically coupled with the base and configured to rotate about a single axis. 
     
     
         5 . The connector assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the recess in the second socket member comprises a substantially tapered section such that the post may be received in a press fit in the recess. 
     
     
         6 . The connector assembly according to  claim 5 , wherein the recess comprises a groove towards a distal end of the tapered section, the groove having an increased cross-sectional width compared with tapered section. 
     
     
         7 . The connector assembly according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the base comprises:
 a flange; and 
 a projection having a proximal end and a distal end, the projection extending from the flange at the distal end, and 
   wherein the proximal end of the projection is shaped to form the first socket member.   
     
     
         8 . The connector assembly according to  claim 7 , wherein the projection of the base has an outer surface comprising an attachment portion configured to couple with the locking member. 
     
     
         9 . The connector assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the first socket member is substantially arcuate. 
     
     
         10 . The connector assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the first socket member comprises one or more internal ridges. 
     
     
         11 . The connector assembly according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the locking member comprises a through-hole to form:
 an outer surface: and 
 an inner surface, 
   wherein the post is configured to extend through the through-hole in use, and   wherein the inner surface comprises a complimentary attachment portion configured to releasably connect with the attachment portion of the base.   
     
     
         12 . The connector assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking member is configured such that an amount of locking force applied by the locking member is adjustable by a user. 
     
     
         13 . The connector assembly according to  claim 8 , wherein the attachment portion of the projection of the base and the attachment portion of the locking member comprise complimentary screw threads. 
     
     
         14 . The connector assembly according to  claim 13 ,
 wherein the inner surface of the locking member has a first region and a second region,   wherein the first region comprises the attachment portion, and   wherein the second region is shaped to correspond to a shape of the second socket member   
     
     
         15 . The connector assembly according to  claim 14 , wherein the second region comprises one or more ridges configured to provide friction to lock the second socket member in place. 
     
     
         16 . A method of releasably fixing a-the post to a-the connector assembly of  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 inserting a part of the post within 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 post in the desired position.   
     
     
         17 . A system comprising:
 the connection member as claimed  claim 1-1 ; and   the post received in the recess of the second socket member.   
     
     
         18 . A kit comprising:
 a base defining a first socket member;   a second socket member configured to be in an abutting relationship with, and rotatable relative to, the first socket member of the base, the second socket member comprising a recess for receiving at least part of the post, in use; and   a locking member configured to releasably couple with the base, wherein the locking member is 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 is configured to apply a locking force to the second socket member to prevent rotation of the second socket member relative to the first socket member.