Hermaphroditic connector

Abstract

A connection system for securing two articles to each other having two connectors, each of connectors includes a base plate with a center point and identical inter-engaging sections with at least one male component and at least one female component. Also provided is a connection region for securing the connector to an article. Male and female components are radially disposed equidistant around the center point of the base plate and the connection region is disposed circumferentially around the male and female components. The connectors are engaged by rotating each connector such that the male and female components of each connector interlock with each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hermaphroditic connector constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the hermaphroditic connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is the bottom plan view of the hermaphroditic connector of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of two connectors aligned and engaged together;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two connectors in the engaged, locked position;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view along the lines 6-6 of the two connectors in FIG. 5 the engaged, locked position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a connector constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the connector of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the connector of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connector constructed in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the connector of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the connector of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view along the lines 13-13 of the connector of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a side view of two connectors as shown in FIG. 10 aligned to be engaged;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a connector constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the connector of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side view of two connectors as shown in FIG. 15 in the engaged, locked position;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of two connectors as shown in FIG. 15 in the engaged, locked position;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a connector constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the connector of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view along the lines 21-21 of the connector of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the connector of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a different connector including a locking mechanism constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the connector of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the connector of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of two connectors of the type shown in FIGS. 23 placed together to begin locking them to each other; and

FIG. 27 is a perspective view similar to the top plan view of FIG. 26.

Claims

1. A connection system for securing two articles to each other comprising: two connectors, each having: a base plate with a center point;substantially identical inter-engaging sections with at least one male component and at least one female component; anda connection region for securing to an article.

2. The connection system according to claim 1 wherein the male and female components are radially disposed equidistant around the center of the base plate and the connection region is disposed circumferentially around the male and female components.

3. The connection system of claim 2 wherein the male component comprises a curved ramp member having an interior surface and the ramp having a radially inwardly oriented section towards a center of the connector; and the female component comprises a curved ramp member having an interior surface and the ramp terminating at the end of the arc of the ramp.

4. The connection system of claim 1 wherein one of the connectors further comprises an outer connection collar disposed around the entire base plate, the collar having a greater radius from the center point than the male and female components and the connection region.

5. The connection system of claim 4 wherein in the outer connection collar comprises a series of pre-cut slots.

6. The connection system of claim 1 wherein each of the connectors further comprises an outer connection tab disposed around a portion of the base plate.

7. The connection system of claim 6 wherein in the outer connection tab includes a pre-cut slot and a release flange, wherein the pre-cut slot of each connector align when the connectors are locked, and the release flange extends beyond the tab of the other connector to facilitate disengagement of the connectors.

8. The connection system of claim 7 wherein the release flange includes at least one elongated raised hatching region.

9. The connection system of claim 8 wherein the connection tab includes a ramp having a lower engagement end and a raised locking end for connecting to the other connector.

10. The connection system of claim 8 wherein the connection tab includes a lip disposed in the area of the lower engagement end for releasably locking with the raised locking end such that when the connectors are rotated the raised locking end snaps into place at the lower engagement end with the lip.

11. The connection system of claim 3 wherein the male component further comprises a positive locking element.

12. The connection system of claim 3 wherein the female component further comprises a positive locking element.

13. The connection system of claim 11 wherein the female component further comprises a negative locking element for engagement with the positive locking element on the male component.

14. The connection system of claim 1 wherein the inter-engaging section further comprises at least one ramp for facilitating connection of the connectors.

15. The connection system of claim 1 wherein the each connector includes a series of concave curved surfaces along an outside edge of the base plate.

16. The connection system of claim 14 wherein each connector includes a series of curved cutouts along an outside edge of the base plate between each curved surface, wherein the cutouts and curved surfaces align when the connectors are engaged.

17. The connection system of claim 14 wherein each connector includes a flexible locking arm comprising a convex surface for mating with the concave surface on the connectors and a locking cylindrical element for engagement with the aligned cutouts of the connector.

18. The connection system of claim 2 wherein the male component comprises an elongated member having a stem portion and a head portion; and the female component comprises a receiving volume having a widened area and a narrowed area, wherein the head portion of the male connector fits into the widened area of the female component for engagement and the first and second connectors are rotated to slide the stem portion into the narrowed area of the female connection for locking.