GB2586575A

GB2586575A - Hollow tube

Info

Publication number: GB2586575A
Application number: GB1908242.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Morrish Gerald
Original assignee: Enable Access Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Enable Access Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-10
Filing date: 2019-06-10
Publication date: 2021-03-03
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-10
Also published as: GB201908242D0; GB2586575B

Abstract

A hollow tube 301 comprising longitudinally extending walls 302 defining a cavity with a tab 303 projecting from an end of at least one wall, the tab foldable between an open position and a closed position where it extends across an end of the cavity and at least partly defines an opening to the cavity. Two tabs may project towards one another from opposing walls in the closed position. The tabs may have apertures 313 which align. The tube may have seating surfaces comprising lugs 308 formed by tabs or cut-outs in the walls. Also claimed is a socket assembly 300 comprising the hollow tube and a hex nut 304 retained in the cavity by the tab. Also claimed is an adjustable support comprising the socket assembly and a foot comprising a base and an elongate threaded member engaged with the nut. Also claimed is a method for forming a hollow metal tube, comprising cutting a wall of a hollow metal tube to form a tab projecting from an end of the tube, and cutting a wall of the tube to form a seating surface spaced from the end of the tube.

Description

HOLLOW TUBE

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a hollow tube for a socket assembly that is of particular, but not exclusive, use in the provision of an adjustable support.

Background

There are a number of applications that may require attachment or connection of a tubular component with a further component. One such application is the provision of an adjustable foot at the end of a tubular member. Adjustable feet may be used to e.g. adjust the length of a support for a structure, which may thus allow adjustment of the height of a structure.

In known assemblies the connection may be provided by an insert that is inserted into the open end of a hollow tube. Often, the insert includes a plastic body having a ridged outer surface so as to form a friction fit with the internal surfaces of the hollow tube. Such inserts also include a threaded portion, which is sometimes in the form of a separate element (e.g. a nut) encased within the plastic body and that is aligned with a bore formed in the plastic body.

Such assemblies also generally include a foot that includes a base and an elongate threaded portion that extends from the base. The elongate threaded portion of the foot can be inserted into the bore to form a threaded engagement with the nut within the plastic body. Thus, the spacing of the base from the end of the hollow tube can be adjusted by insertion and retraction (i.e. by screwing and unscrewing) of the threaded portion with respect to the insert.

The reliance on a friction fit between the insert and the hollow tube can, in some cases, mean inadequate retention of the insert in the hollow tube. This can lead to inadvertent dislodgement of the insert from the hollow tube. Further, the use of plastic to form the body can lead to an inability to sufficiently accommodate lateral loading.

There is a need for an improved socket assembly which mitigates at least some of the problems associated with the known assemblies.

Summary

In a first aspect, there is provided a hollow tube for a socket assembly, the hollow tube comprising: one or more longitudinally extending walls defining a cavity; and a tab projecting from an end of at least one of the walls, the tab foldable between: an open position in which the tab extends in a longitudinal direction; and a closed position in which the tab extends at least partway across an end of the cavity and at least partly defines an opening to the cavity.

The provision of a tab that can extend at least partway across an end of the cavity may allow a component (such as a fastener) to be retained in the cavity by the tab. In particular, the tab may provide positive engagement, which may result in greater retention of the fastener in the cavity than, for example, a friction fit arrangement. This increased retention may help to prevent dislodgement of the fastener from the tube.

The term "transversely" is used herein to describe a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The term "axially" is a reference to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Optional features of the present disclosure will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect of the present disclosure.

The hollow tube may have a transverse cross-sectional shape that is generally square (i.e. so as to comprise four longitudinal walls). Alternatively, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the hollow tube may be e.g. rectangular or circular. When the transverse cross-sectional shape of the hollow tube is circular the tube may comprise a single circumferential wall.

The tab may be integral (i.e. integrally formed) with the one or more walls from which it projects. In this respect, the tab may be formed of the same material as the hollow tube. Such an arrangement may simplify manufacture, and may increase the strength of the connection between the tab and the hollow tube.

The hollow tube (i.e. including the tab) may be formed of metal. The tab may be foldable by e.g. a metal folding apparatus (e.g. a sheet metal folding machine), or may be configured to be foldable through the use of a handheld tool. The tab may comprise, for example, a weakened portion or a neck portion that facilitates bending of the tab. The wall (from which the tab extends) may additionally comprise notches either side of the tab to accommodate a bend radius of the tab.

When the tab is in the closed position, the tab may extend at least partly across the end of the cavity from a proximal end, at which the retaining portion is connected to the one or more walls, to a distal end. The distal end may be a free end (i.e. it may not be connected to the tube).

In some embodiments, when the tab is in the closed position, the tab may fully define the opening to the cavity. In such embodiments, the tab may comprise an aperture (e.g. a circular aperture) formed therein, which may (i.e. fully) define the opening. In such embodiments, the tab may extend substantially fully across the end of the tube.

In other embodiments, in the closed position the tab may extend only partway across the end of the tube. In such embodiments, the distal end of the tab may comprise a recessed edge that partly defines the opening to the cavity. The recessed edge may be arcuate.

The hollow tube may comprise first and second tabs, each tab being as described above (e.g. extending partway or substantially fully across the end of the tube in the closed position). The first tab may project from a first wall of the tube and the second tab may project from a second wall that opposes the first wall. In the case of a circular tube (i.e. having a single wall), the first tab may project from a first wall region of the wall and the second tab may project from a second wall region of the wall that opposes the first wall region. Thus, the first and second tabs may extend across the end of the cavity towards one another.

Where each of the first and second tabs extends partway across the end of the cavity (in the closed position), the distal ends (e.g. the recessed edges) of the first and second tabs may (i.e. substantially fully) define the opening to the cavity. On the other hand, where the first and second tabs extend substantially fully across the end of the cavity (in the closed position), the tabs may overlap (i.e. so as to overlie one another). Each of the first and second tabs may comprise a respective aperture, and the apertures may be aligned so as to define the opening to the cavity (and so as to permit receipt of an elongate threaded member into the cavity).

In some embodiments the socket assembly may comprise more than two tabs. In such embodiments, the tabs may be spaced about a periphery of the end of the tube (i.e. the end(s) of the wall(s) of the tube) and may extend inwardly from the periphery in the closed position. Each tab may extend only partway across the end of the tube when in the closed position such that distal ends of the retaining portions define the opening to the cavity.

The tube may comprise a retaining portion formed in a wall of the one or more walls. The retaining portion may be in the form of a seating surface (or edge). The seating surface may be spaced in the longitudinal direction from the end of the tube from which the tab projects. The spacing may be such that a fastener can be received, and retained, between the retaining portion and the tab(s) when in the closed position.

In some embodiments, a wall of the one or more walls may comprise a slot extending (e.g. longitudinally) from an end of the wall. The slot may be formed in a wall that is a different wall to those from which the tab(s) project. A portion of a fastener (when received in the cavity) may be received in the slot. In this respect the seating surface may be an edge (e.g. distal edge) of the slot. In such embodiments, the distal edge of the slot (i.e. the seating surface) may retain the fastener against axial movement by way of abutment with the portion of the fastener receive in the slot.

In other embodiments, the seating surface may form part of a protrusion that protrudes inwardly into the cavity from a wall of the one or more walls. The protrusion may be in the form of a lug (or inner tab) that is pressed inwardly to protrude into the cavity. The lug may be formed by way of a cut-out in the wall (e.g. a U-shaped cut-out). In this way, a fastener may be received between the tab(s) (at the end of the tube) and the lug, and may be prevented from moving further into the cavity (away from the end of the tube) by abutment with the seating surface of the protrusion (e.g. lug).

The lug may have a proximal end, where it is attached to the wall, and an opposing distal (free) end. The lug may be oriented in a longitudinal direction such that the proximal and distal ends lie along a line that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The lug may alternatively be oriented so as to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The tube may comprise a plurality of seating surfaces. The plurality of seating surfaces form part of one or more slots and/or one or more protrusions (e.g. lugs). For example, the tube may comprise two slots formed in respective opposing walls, and two lugs formed in the other (i.e. where the tube has a rectangular shape) of the two opposing walls.

The tube may be a unitary component (i.e. an integrally formed body). This may simplify manufacture of the socket assembly. The tube may, for example, be extruded, and the, tabs, lugs, and/or slots described above may be formed by removing (e.g. cutting) material from the tube. For example, the tabs, lugs and/or slots may be formed by a laser-cutting process.

In a second aspect there is provided a socket assembly comprising: a hollow tube as described above with respect to the first aspect; and a fastener received in the cavity of the hollow tube and retained against movement out of the end of the cavity by the or each tab when in the closed position, the fastener comprising an internally threaded bore that is axially aligned with the opening to the cavity in the longitudinal direction.

Where the or each tab comprises an aperture, the aperture may have a cross-sectional area that is the same as or greater than a cross-sectional area of the bore of the fastener, and may be aligned in the longitudinal direction with the bore (i.e. so as to permit receipt of an elongate threaded element through both the aperture and the bore).

Where the or each tab comprises an arcuate recessed edge, the recessed edge may have a radius that is substantially the same as or greater than a radius of the bore of the fastener. In this respect, the recessed edge may permit receipt of an elongate threaded element into the bore of the fastener.

Where the tube comprises a seating surface, the seating surface may be spaced from the tab (or tabs) by a distance that is substantially the same as a height of the fastener (i.e. between opposing longitudinal end surfaces of the fastener). In this way, the fastener may be disposed between the seating surface and the tab(s) so as to be retained (axially) therebetween. That is, the seating surface may be arranged to substantially prevent axial movement of the fastener further into the cavity (i.e. away from the tabs or end of the tube).

For example, where the seating surface forms part of a slot, the slot may have a length (i.e. in the longitudinal direction) that is substantially the same as the depth of the fastener (i.e. in the longitudinal direction).

The fastener may be a hex nut (i.e. having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape), or may have another form. For example, the fastener may be a square nut (i.e. having a square cross-sectional shape). Where the fastener is a hex nut or square nut, and the tube comprises a retaining portion in the form of a slot, a corner portion (i.e. between two flat sides of the hexagon/square) of the nut may be received in the slot.

The fastener may be sized so as to fit closely (i.e. snugly) within the cavity of the tube. Where the fastener is a hex nut, the hex nut may comprise a width "across flats" dimension (i.e. between two opposing parallel lateral sides) and a width "across corners" dimension (i.e. between two opposing corners/edges). Due to the geometry of a hexagon, the width across corners dimension is larger than the width across flats dimension. In embodiments where the tube has a substantially square cross-sectional shape, the length of a side of the square (i.e. the distance between two opposing walls of the tube) may be substantially the same as the width across flats dimension of the fastener. In such embodiments, because the width across corners dimension of the hexagon exceeds the distance between the walls of the tube, two walls of the tube may comprise slots (i.e. defining retaining portions) to accommodate respective corner portions of the hex nut.

In a third aspect, there is provided an adjustable support comprising: a socket assembly as described above with respect to the second aspect; and a foot comprising a base and an elongate threaded member projecting from the base, the elongate threaded member and fastener of the socket assembly configured for threaded engagement.

In this way, turning the elongate threaded member relative to the socket assembly (when engaged with the socket assembly) moves the foot towards or away from the socket assembly.

Thus, the length of the adjustable support can be altered by turning the foot. The adjustable support may, for example, be used to support a portable ramp surface, furniture, etc. In a third aspect, there is provided an adjustable ramp comprising a ramp surface and a plurality of adjustable supports, each as described with respect to the second aspect, supporting the ramp surface. Thus, the ramp surface may be stabilised on an uneven surface by adjustment of the adjustable supports.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for forming a hollow metal tube for a socket assembly, such as that described above in the first aspect, the method comprising: providing a hollow metal tube; cutting a wall of the tube so as to form a tab projecting from an end of the tube; and cutting a wall of the tube so as to form a seating surface in the wall of the tube, spaced from the first end of the tube.

Forming the seating surface may comprise cutting a slot into the first end of the tube. Forming the seating surface may comprise cutting a lug (e.g. inner tab) into the wall of the tube. The method may comprise both cutting a lug and cutting a slot.

The cutting may be performed by a laser cutting process (e.g. using a laser tube cutting machine).

The method may further comprise forming the tube by e.g. extrusion.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method for forming a socket assembly, the method comprising: forming a hollow metal tube according to the fifth aspect; and inserting a fastener into the end of the hollow tube so as to be retained against further axial movement into the tube by the seating surface; and folding the tab of the tube so as to retain the fastener within the tube.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the Figures, in which: Figures 1A to 1E are views of a first embodiment of a socket assembly; Figures 2A to 2C are views of a second embodiment of a socket assembly; Figures 3A to 3C are views of a third embodiment of a socket assembly; and Figure 4 is a perspective view of an adjustable support.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure is made by way of example. On reading this disclosure, modifications of the embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention will be apparent.

Figures 1A to 1E illustrate a first embodiment of a socket assembly 100 in a partially disassembled state. The socket assembly 100 comprises a hollow metal tube 101 comprising four longitudinally extending walls 102 that define a cavity having a square cross-sectional shape. The tube 101 comprises two tabs 103 that project from respective ends of two of the walls 102. A fastener, in the form of a hex nut 104 (having a threaded bore 105) is shown partially inserted into the cavity defined by the walls 102 of the tube. The hex nut 104 is oriented such that its bore 105 is general axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tube 101.

The tube 101 further comprises two rectangular slots 106 (only one is shown) that each extend axially from an end of a respective wall 102. In particular, the slots 106 are formed in different walls 102 to those from which the tabs 103 project. As will be described in more detail below, a transverse (i.e. distal) edge 107 of each slot 106 defines a seating surface of the tube 101. Further seating surfaces are provided as part of two rectangular lugs 108. These lugs 108 are formed in respective opposing walls 102 by way of U-shaped cuts formed in the walls 102. In particular, the lugs 108 are formed in the same walls 102 from which the tabs 103 (at the end of the walls 102) project.

In Figure 1D and 1E, the socket assembly 100 is shown in an assembled state. In these figures, the hex nut 104 is fully received in the end of the cavity of the tube 101. In particular, opposing corner portions 109 (i.e. corners of the "hexagon") of the hex nut 104 are received in the slots 106, whilst opposing flat sides of the hex nut 104 lie flat against respective walls 102 of the tube 101. In this way, the hex nut 104 snugly fits within the cavity of the tube 101. This close fit means that the hex nut 104 is unable to rotate about the longitudinal axis when located in the cavity.

In this assembled state, the tabs 103 are folded so as to extend transversely across the end of the tube 101 (i.e. across the cavity). In this way, the tabs 103 provide a partial closure of the end of the cavity of the tube 101 so as to retain the hex nut 104 within the cavity. The hex nut 104 is further retained by the transverse edges 107 of the two slots 106. The corner portions 109 of the hex nut 104, which are received in the slots 106, abut these transverse edges 107 so as to prevent movement of the hex nut 104 further into the cavity.

The height of the hex nut 104 is approximately the same as the depth of each slot 106. Thus, as is apparent from the figures, the hex nut 104 fits snugly between the tabs 103 and the transverse edges 107 of the slots 106 so as to be held (i.e. sandwiched) between these features of the tube 101. In other words, axial movement of the hex nut 104 in the longitudinal direction is restricted by the tabs 103 and the transverse edges 107 of the slots 106, and rotational movement (about the longitudinal axis) is restricted by the snug fit of the hex nut 104 between the walls 102.

Axial movement of the hex nut 104 is further restricted by the inner tabs 108. As is apparent, in particular, from Figure 1D, in the assembled state the inner tabs 108 are folded (e.g. pushed) inwards so as to project into the cavity of the tube 101. In this way, distal ends 110 of the inner tabs 108 abut the hex nut 104. Like the transverse edges 107 of the slots 106, the distal ends 110 of the inner tabs 108 are spaced from the end of the tube 101 by a distance that is approximately the height of the hex nut 104. Thus, the hex nut 104 is also sandwiched between the distal ends 110 of the inner tabs 108 and the tabs 103 that project transversely from the end of the walls 102.

As is provided above, the two tabs 103 project from opposing walls 102. Thus, in the assembled state, these tabs 103 project towards one another. Each tab 103 comprises a recessed arcuate (semi-circle) edge 111. Together, these arcuate edges 111 define a circular opening 112 to the cavity, which is axially aligned with the threaded bore 105 of the hex nut 104. As will be described further below, this means that a threaded member (e.g. a bolt) can be received through the opening 112 for engagement with the hex nut 104. Such engagement is facilitated by the restricted movement (as discussed above) of the hex nut 104 in the cavity.

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a second embodiment of a socket assembly 200. Many of the features described above with respect to Figures 1A to 1E are present in this embodiment, and the description of these features has not been repeated.

Unlike the previously described embodiment, the illustrated socket assembly 200 comprises eight tabs 203 that project from the end of the walls 202 of the tube 201. In particular, each wall 202 comprises two tabs 203 projecting therefrom. Each pair of tabs 203 are spaced either side of a slot 206 extending axially into the respective wall 202, such that there are a total of four slot 206 (one formed in each wall 202). Thus, in this embodiment, the fastener is in the form of a square nut 204 (i.e. having a square cross-sectional shape) and each of four corner portions 209 of the square nut 204 are received in a respective slot 206.

As is apparent from Figure 2C, in an assembled state, the eight tabs 203 are folded so as to extend transversely (partway) across the end of the tube 201 and so as to wrap around the square nut 204. Thus, like the previously described embodiment, the square nut 204 is retained against axial (i.e. longitudinal) movement by the tabs 203 and the slots 206. The square nut 204 is also retained against rotational movement (about the longitudinal axis) by receipt of the corner portions 209 in the four slots 206.

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate a third embodiment of a socket assembly 300. Again, many of the features described above with respect to the first and second embodiments are present in this embodiment, and the description of these features has not been repeated.

This socket assembly 300 differs from the previously described embodiments in that the tube 301 comprises two tabs 303 that (when folded) extend transversely fully across the end of the tube 301. Thus, in the assembled state (Figure 3C), the tabs 303 overlap one another. This may provide an increased ability to retain the hex nut 304 in the cavity of the tube 301.

To permit access to the bore 305 of the hex nut 304, each of the two tabs 303 comprises an aperture 313 formed therein. When the tabs 303 are folded (to the closed position), these apertures 313 align so as to define an opening 304 to the cavity of the tube 301.

Like the first embodiment, the tube 301 of the third embodiment comprises lugs 308. However, there lugs 308 are oriented so as to extend in a transverse direction. Thus, rather than a distal end of each tab 308 abutting the hex nut 304, it is a side edge 314 of each lug 308 that defines the seating surface and performs this function.

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary use of a socket assembly 400 (which could be the same as any one of those described above). In particular, this figure shows a socket assembly 400 forming part of an adjustable support 415. In addition to the socket assembly 400, the adjustable support 415 comprises a foot 416 that is engagable with the socket assembly 400. The foot 416 comprises an elongate threaded member (i.e. a bolt) 417 and a base 418.

The foot 416 is threadedly engaged with a fastener (not shown) of the socket assembly 400 such that turning of the foot 416 moves the elongate member 417 linearly with respect to the socket assembly 400 (so as to move the base 418 toward or away from the socket assembly 400). Whilst not shown, a fastener (e.g. nut) may be provided on the elongate member 417, between the base 418 and the socket assembly 400, for securing the foot in place (i.e. when the desired position is achieved).

The base comprises a central ridge 419 and planar mounting plates 420 extending laterally either side of the central ridge 419. These mounting plates 420 comprise a plurality of apertures 421 that allow the base (and thus the adjustable support 415) to be secured to a surface.

As should be appreciated, the adjustable support 415 may be used to support a structure such as e.g. a portable ramp. For example, multiple adjustable supports 415 may be used to ensure that the ramp remains fully supported (and level) on an uneven surface.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments above-described and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts described herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hollow tube for a socket assembly, the hollow tube comprising: one or more longitudinally extending walls defining a cavity; and a tab projecting from an end of at least one of the walls, the tab foldable between: an open position in which the tab extends in a longitudinal direction; and a closed position in which the tab extends at least partway across an end of the cavity and at least partly defines an opening to the cavity.
2. A hollow tube according to claim 1 comprising two tabs projecting from opposing walls of the hollow metal tube so as to project towards one another when in the closed position.
3. A hollow tube according to claim 2 wherein each of the two tabs extends partway across the end of the cavity in the closed position and a distal end of each tab comprises a recessed edge that partly defines the opening to the cavity.
4. A hollow tube according to claim 2 wherein each of the two tabs extends substantially fully across the end of the cavity in the closed position and each tab comprises an aperture therethrough, the apertures aligning so as to define the opening to the cavity.
5. A hollow tube according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the end of the or each sidewall from which the or each tab projects comprises two notches disposed either side of the tab.
A hollow tube according to any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more seating surfaces, each formed in a respective wall of the tube and spaced in the longitudinal direction from the end of the tube, each seating surface arranged to prevent longitudinal movement of the fastener further into the cavity.
7. A hollow tube according to claim 6, comprising a slot extending from an end of a wall of the tube for receipt of a portion of a fastener when received in the cavity, and wherein a seating surfaces of the one or more seating surfaces is defined by a transverse edge of the slot.
8. A hollow tube according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a lug formed in a wall of the tube, the lug spaced in the longitudinal direction from the end of the tube and projecting inwardly into the cavity, and wherein a seating surface of the one or more seating surfaces is defined by an edge of the lug.
9. A hollow tube according to claim 8 wherein the lug is oriented so as to project in a longitudinal direction towards the opening of the cavity.
10. A hollow tube according to claim 8 wherein the lug is oriented so as to project in a transverse direction.
11. A hollow tube according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each tab is integrally formed with a respective wall of the tube.
12. A hollow tube according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each lug is formed by a cut-out in a respective wall of the tube.
13. A socket assembly comprising: a hollow tube according to any one of the preceding claims; and a fastener received in the cavity of the hollow tube and retained against movement out of the end of the cavity by the or each tab when in the closed position, the fastener comprising an internally threaded bore that is axially aligned with the opening to the cavity of the tube in the longitudinal direction.
14. A socket assembly according to claim 13 wherein the hollow tube comprises one or more seating surfaces, each formed in a respective wall of the tube and spaced in the longitudinal direction from the end of the tube by a distance that is substantially the same as a height of the fastener between two opposing longitudinal end surfaces of the fastener.
15. A socket assembly according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the fastener is a hex nut.
16. A socket assembly according to claim 15 wherein the hex nut has a width across flats dimension defined between two opposing lateral sides of the hex nut, and wherein the width across flats dimension is substantially the same as a distance between two opposing walls of the one or more walls of the tube.
17. An adjustable support comprising: a socket assembly according to any one of claim 13 to 16; and a foot comprising a base and an elongate threaded member projecting from the base, the elongate threaded member threadedly engagable with the fastener of the socket assembly.
18. A method for forming a hollow metal tube for a socket assembly, the method comprising: providing a hollow metal tube; cutting a wall of the tube so as to form a tab projecting from an end of the tube; and cutting a wall of the tube so as to form a seating surface in the wall of the tube, spaced from the end of the tube.
19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the cutting is performed by way of a laser cutting process.
20. A method according to claim 18 or 19 further comprising forming the hollow metal tube by way of an extrusion process.