GB2591844A

GB2591844A - Connector

Info

Publication number: GB2591844A
Application number: GB2017879.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Reynolds Thomas
Original assignee: Gripple Ltd
Current assignee: Gripple Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-14
Filing date: 2020-11-13
Publication date: 2021-08-11
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-13
Also published as: GB2591844B; GB202017879D0; GB201916564D0

Abstract

A connector 10 comprises a first connection component 12 including a guide projection 34, and a second connection component 14 having a central axis and defining an elongate track (46, fig. 14) to receive the guide projection, securing the first connection component to the second connection component. The track has a main region (52, fig. 14) which is oblique relative to the central axis. Preferably, the second connection component is movable relative to the first connection component to allow the guide projection to move along the track, the interaction between the track and the guide formation twisting the second connection component relative to the first connection component to a twisted condition. The track may have a securing region to receive the guide projection to secure the two components to one another. Also claimed is a connection arrangement comprising such a connector.

Description

Connector This invention relates to connectors. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to connectors for connecting elongate articles or opposite end regions of elongate articles. This invention also relates to connection arrangements comprising such connectors Embodiments of the invention relate to connectors in the form of jewellery clasps.

Connectors are often used to connect elongate articles such as cables or wires. They are also used as clasps to connect ends of necklaces, bracelets and other items of jewellery. Such connectors can be difficult to use.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a connector comprising: a first connection component including a guide formation; a second connection component having a central axis and defining an elongate track to interact with the guide formation, thereby securing the first connection component to the second connection component; wherein a main region of the track is oblique relative to the central axis.

The guide formation may comprise a guide projection. The elongate track may receive guide formation. The track may have a securing region to receive the guide formation to secure the first and second connection components to each other.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a connection arrangement comprising a connector as described above, and first and second end regions of at least one elongate article, the first and second end regions being attached respectively to the first and second elongate connection components, wherein the second connection component is inserted into the first connection component, thereby rotating the second connection component relative to the first connection component to create torque in one or each elongate article.

The track may have a securing region into which the torque urges the guide projection to secure the first and second connection components to each other.

The elongate article may be a wire rope comprising a plurality of wound outer strands. The outer strands may be wound around a core strand. The angle of the track to the central axis may be substantially the same as the angle that each of the outer strands makes to the main longitudinal axis of the wire rope.

One of the first and second connection components may receive the other of the first and second connection components. The first connection component may receive the second connection component.

The guide formation may interact with the track to cause the first and second connection components to twist relative to each other. The second connection component may be moved relative to the first connection component so that the guide formation is moved along the track, thereby twisting the second connection component relative to the first connection component to a twisted condition.

The movement of the guide formation along the track may cause the aforesaid twisting of the first and second components relative to each other.

The twisting of the first and second connection components relative to each other occurs in the direction in which the strands are wound. In this embodiment, the twisting of the first and second components has the effect of tightening the wound strands against each other, thereby increasing the torque.

Said main region of the track may be oblique relative to the central axis. The central axis and the track may constitute a pair of skew lines.

The track may have a proximal end at which the guide projection is received in the track. The track may have an opposite distal end spaced from the proximal end. The main region of the track may extend from the proximal end to the aforesaid distal end.

The securing region may extend from said distal end transverse to the main region of the track. The securing region may be configured to allow the guide projection to move into the securing region when the guide projection is at said distal end of the track.

When the guide projection moves into the securing region, the second connection component may move relative to the first connection component from the twisted condition to an untwisted condition. The securing region may extend from said distal end towards a plane extending through the aforesaid proximal end and the central axis.

The first connection component may comprise a receptacle. The second connection component may comprise an insertion member for insertion into the receptacle. The receptacle may receive the insertion member.

The receptacle may define a cavity. The insertion member may be received in the cavity.

The receptacle may be elongate. The receptacle may comprise an elongate barrel portion. The barrel portion may define the cavity.

The insertion member may be elongate. The central axis may extend centrally through the insertion member. The insertion member may comprise a shaft portion insertable into the receptacle.

The track may extend axially along the insertion member. The insertion member may have a free end, and the proximal end of the track may be provided at said free end of the insertion member.

The track may extend around the insertion member. The track may extend partially around the insertion member. The securing region may extend from the main region around the insertion member.

In one embodiment, the connector may connect a first article to a second article. Alternatively, the connector may connect opposite first and second end regions of a single article.

In one embodiment, the connection arrangement may be an article of jewellery, such as a bracelet. In another embodiment, the connection arrangement may be an industrial article, for example for suspension from an elongate support to hold electrical cables or the like.

In one embodiment of the connection arrangement, the first article and the second article may be separate articles. For example, the first and second attaching formations may be attached to end regions of separate first and second elongate articles, such as separate elongate articles forming part of a fence, or a suspension assembly for suspending an article, such as a cable tray.

The first connection component may include a first attaching formation for attaching the first connection component to the first article or the first end region of the single article. The first attaching formation may be a deformable part of the first connection component to allow the first attaching formation to be swaged or crimped onto the first article or the first end region of the single article. The first attaching formation may be provided on the receptacle.

The second connection component may include a second attaching formation for attaching the second connection component to the second article or the second end region of the single article. The second attaching formation may be a deformable part of the second connection component to allow the second attaching formation to be swaged or crimped onto the second article or the second end region of the single article.

The second attaching formation may be provided on the insertion member. The second attaching formation may be provided at the distal end of the insertion member to the free end.

The first and second attaching formation may be attached to the respective first and second end regions of the same article.

Each of the first and second articles may be an elongate article such as a cable, wire, wire rope or the like.

When the second connecting arrangement is moved relative to the first connection component to the twisted condition, the second article may be twisted. When so twisted, torque may be created in the second article, thereby urging the second connection component towards the untwisted condition.

When the guide projection is at said distal end of the track, the torque in the second article may urge the guide projection along the securing region.

The second connection component may define a plurality of the tracks. Each track may extend axially along the insertion member. Each track may extend around the insertion member. Each track may extend partially around the insertion member.

The securing region of each track may extend from the respective main region transverse thereto. The tracks may be substantially equally spaced from each other around the insertion member.

The first connection component may comprise a plurality of the guide projections. The guide projections may be substantially equally spaced from each other around the first connection component. Each guide projection may be receivable in a respective one of the plurality of tracks.

The first connection component may comprise a holder for holding the second connection component. The holder may be fastened within the receptacle. The holder may be fastened within the cavity.

The holder and the receptacle may have cooperating fastening formations to fasten the holder within the receptacle. The guide projections may be substantially equally spaced from each other around the holder.

The cooperating fastening formations may comprise a first protrusion on one of the receptacle and the holder, and a first recess defined by the other of the receptacle and the holder.

The first protrusion may be provided on the holder. The first recess may be defined by the receptacle. The first protrusion and the first recess may be configured to restrict the holder from being removed from the receptacle.

The holder may define an inner space to receive the insertion member. The holder may comprise a holding member. The holding member may be hollow, and may define the inner space.

The holding member may be cylindrical. The holding member may define a first opening to provide communication with the inner space.

The holding member may define a second opening opposite the first opening. The holding member may define opposite slots extending from the second opening.

The opposite slots may separate the holding member into a pair of opposed resilient members. The opposite slots may provide the holding member with resilient deformability, to allow the holding member to be received in the cavity.

The first protrusion may be provided on the holding member. The first protrusion may extend around the holding member.

The first protrusion may extend outwardly from the holding member. The first protrusion may extend radially outwardly from the holding member.

The fastening formations may comprise a respective first protrusion on each of the resilient members.

The holding member may be resiliently deformable. The holding member may define a pair of slots to allow the holding member to be resiliently deformed so that the holding member can be received in the receptacle. The slots may be opposite each other.

The receptacle may have an inner surface. The first recess may be defined by the inner surface The first recess may extend around the inner surface of the receptacle.

The cooperating fastening formations may comprise a second protrusion on one of the receptacle and the holder, and a second recess defined by the other of the receptacle and the holder.

The second protrusion may be provided on the holder. The second recess may be defined by the receptacle. The second protrusion and the second recess may be configured to restrict the holder from being rotated within the receptacle.

The second protrusion may be provided on the holding member. The second protrusion may extend outwardly from the holding member. The second protrusion may protrude radially outwardly from the holding member.

The second protrusion may extend substantially in a straight line along the holding member from the second opening.

The cooperating fastening formations may comprise two of the second protrusions on one of the receptacle and the holder, and two of the second recesses defined by the other of the receptacle and the holder.

The second protrusions may be provided on the holder. The second recesses may be defined by the receptacle.

Each of the second protrusions may be provided on a respective resilient member. The second protrusions may be opposite each other. The second recesses may be defined by the receptacle opposite each other.

The second protrusions may be elongate. The second recesses may be elongate.

The holder may include the, or each, guide projection. The, or each guide projection may be provided on the holding member.

The, or each guide projection may be adjacent the first opening. The, or each, guide projection may extend into the space from the holding member.

The, or each, track may receive the, or a respective, guide projection of the holder. The plurality of guide projections may be substantially equally spaced from each other around the holder.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection arrangement incorporating a connector; Figure 2 is a sectional view of the connection arrangement shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the connector; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a receptacle, being a part of the first connection component; Figure 5 is a sectional view through the receptacle shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a side view of the receptacle in a first orientation; Figure 7 is a side view of the receptacle in a second orientation; Figure 8 is a view along the line VIII -VIII in Figure 6; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a holder, being another part of the first connection component; Figure 10 is a sectional view through the receptacle shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a side view of the receptacle in a first orientation; Figure 12 is a side view of the receptacle in a second orientation; Figure 13 is a view along the line XIII -XIII in Figure 11; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second connection component; Figure 15 is a sectional view through the second connection component shown in Figure 14; Figure 16 is a side view of the second connection component in a first orientation, Figure 17 is a side view of the second connection component in a second orientation; Figure 18 is a view along the line XVIII -XVIII in Figure 16; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the connector showing a first stage in connecting articles to each other; Figure 20 is a sectional side view of the connector showing the first stage in connecting articles to each other; Figure 21 is a perspective view of the connector showing a second stage in connecting the articles to each other; Figure 22 is a sectional side view of the connector showing the second stage in connecting the articles to each other; Figure 23 is a perspective view of the connector showing a third stage in connecting the articles to each other; Figure 24 is a sectional side view of the connector showing the third stage in connecting the articles to each other; Figure 25 is a perspective view of the connector showing a fourth stage in connecting the articles to each other; Figure 26 is a sectional side view of the connector showing the fourth stage in connecting the articles to each other; Figure 27 is a view along the lines XXVII -XXVII in Figure 26; Figure 28 is a perspective view of the connector showing the final stage in connecting the articles to each other; Figure 29 is a sectional side view of the connector showing the final stage in connecting the elongate articles to each other; Figure 30 is a view along the lines XXX -XXX in Figure 29; Figure 31 shows the connection arrangement in use for holding items; and Figure 32 shows the connection arrangement comprising the connector and two of the elongate articles.

Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings show a connection arrangement 100 in the form of an item of jewellery. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connection arrangement 100 is in the form of a bracelet.

The connection arrangement 100 comprises an elongate article 102 and a connector 10. The elongate article 102 is in the form of a wire rope or cable and comprises opposite end regions 104, 106.

The connector 10 comprises first and second connection components 12, 14 to connect the opposite end regions 104, 106 of the elongate article 102 to each other.

Referring to Figures 3 to 8, the first connection component 12 comprises a receptacle 16 defining a cavity 18 having an inner surface 19. The receptacle 16 is in the form of a barrel having an aperture 20 to provide communication between the cavity 18 and the region outside the receptacle 16.

The receptacle 16 further includes a first attaching formation 22, provided opposite the aperture 20. The first attaching formation 22 is in the form of a deformable portion of the receptacle 16.

One end region 104 of the elongate article 102 is received in a blind hole 24 defined by the first attaching formation 22. The end region 104 is attached thereto by crimping the first attaching formation 22 around said end region 104.

The first connection component 12 further includes a cylindrical holder 26 (see Figures 9 to 13) for holding the second connection component 14. The holder 26 comprises a hollow holding member 28.

The holding member 28 defines an inner space 30 and a first opening 32 to provide communication with the space 30.

The holder 26 further includes radially inwardly extending guide projections 34 on the holding member 28 at the first opening 32. The guide projections 34 are substantially equally spaced around the circumference of the first opening 32 of the holding member 28.

The holding member 28 has a second opening 36 opposite the first opening 32, and defines opposite slots 38 extending from the second opening 36. The opposite slots 38 separate the holding member 28 into a pair of opposed resilient members 40, thereby providing the holding member 28 with resilient deformability, to allow the holding member 28 to be received in the cavity 18.

The holder 26 is fastened in the cavity 18 by fastening formations. The fastening formations comprise respective circumferentially extending first protrusions 42 on each of the resilient members 40 adjacent the second opening 36.

The fastening formations further include a circumferentially extending first recess 43 (see Figure 5) defined by the inner surface 19 of the receptacle 16 to receive the first protrusions 42.

The cooperating fastening formations further comprise two opposed substantially straight elongate second protrusions 45 extending along the holder 26, and two opposed substantially straight elongate second recesses 47 defined by, and extending along, the inner surface 19 of the receptacle 16.

The second protrusions 45 are provided on the holding member 28, and protrude radially outwardly therefrom.

The holder 26 is introduced into the cavity 18 in the receptacle 16, and pressed therein so that the first protrusions 42 are received in the first recess. When so introduced, the holder 26 is oriented in the cavity 18 so that the second protrusions 45 are received in the second recesses 47.

The first protrusions 42 and the first recesses prevent the holder 26 from being removed from the receptacle 16. The second protrusions 45 and second recesses 47 prevent the holder 26 rotating relative to the receptacle 16. Thus, the holder 26 is fastened in the cavity 18.

Figures 3 and 14 to 18 show the second connection component 14 comprising an elongate insertion member 44 for insertion into the inner space 30 in the holder 26. The insertion member 44 is in the form of a shaft portion, and has a central axis A (see Figures 15 to 18).

The insertion member 44 defines a plurality of elongate tracks 46 extending along the insertion member 44. The tracks 46 are substantially equally spaced around the circumference of the insertion member 44.

In the embodiment shown, the insertion member 44 defines three equispaced tracks 46, but it will be appreciated that the insertion member 44 could define any other suitable number of tracks 44.

The insertion member 44 has a free end 48 (see Figures 14 to 17). Each track 46 has an open proximal end 50 at said free end 48.

The proximal ends 50 of the tracks 46 are positioned around the free end 48 of the insertion member 44 so that each proximal end 50 can receive a respective one of the guide projections 34 when the insertion member 44 is inserted into the holder 26 of the first connection component 12.

Each track 46 has a main region 52 extending axially along the insertion member 44 from the proximal end 50 at the free end 48 of the insertion member 44 to a distal end 51 at the opposite end of the insertion member 44.

A securing region 54 extends from the main region 52 of each track 46 at said opposite end of the insertion member 44. The securing region 54 extends circumferentially of the insertion member 44, transverse to the main region 52.

The main region 52 of each track 46 is oblique relative to the central axis A by an angle in the range of approximately 15° to approximately 30°. The securing region 54 of each track 46 extends from the main region 52 approximately at a right angle to the central axis.

The elongate article 102 is a wire rope comprising a plurality of outer strands 102A wound around a core strand 102B, thereby creating torsion in the elongate article 102. The core strand 102B is shown in broken lines in Figure 3.

The angle of the main region 52 of each track 46 to the central axis A may be substantially the same as the angle that each of the outer strands makes to the main longitudinal axis of the wire rope.

The second connection component 14 further includes a second attaching formation 56 on the insertion member 44 at said opposite end thereof. The second attaching formation 56 is in the form of deformable portion of the second connection component 14.

One end region 106 of the elongate article 102 is received in a blind hole 58 defined by the second attaching formation 56 and attached thereto by crimping the second attaching formation 56 around said end region 106.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, one end region 104 of the elongate article 102 is attached to the first connection component 12 at the first attaching formation 22, and the opposite end region 106 of the elongate article 102 is attached to the second connection component 14 at the second attaching formation 56.

Alternatively, separate elongate articles 102 could be attached to the first and second attaching formations 22, 56, such as separate wires or cables forming a fence.

In use, the end regions 104, 106 of the elongate article 102 or articles are attached to the respective first and second connection components 12, 14. The first and second connection components 12, 14 are then presented to one another, as shown in Figures 19 and 20.

The first and second connection components 12, 14 are then moved towards each other as indicated by the arrow 1 in Figures 19 and 20.

The first and second connection components 12, 14 are then brought together, as shown by the arrow 1 in Figures 21 and 22 in an orientation in which the proximal ends 50 of the tracks 46 are aligned with the guide projections 34 on the holding member 28 of the holder 26. The insertion member 44 is then inserted into receptacle 16 via the first opening 32 of the holding member 28.

Referring to Figures 23 and 24, further relative movement of the insertion member 44 into the receptacle 16, as indicated by the arrow 1, causes the guide projections 34 to move along the oblique tracks 46 to the distal ends 51.

The oblique orientation of the main region 52 of each track 46 relative to the central axis A of the insertion member 44 causes relative rotation between the first and second connection components 12, 14, as indicated by the arrow 2 in Figures 23 and 24, i.e. twisting, the first and second connection components 12, 14 to a twisted condition.

The relative rotation creates torque in the elongate article 102. This torque has the effect of urging the second connection component 14 in the opposite direction to that indicated by the arrow 2.

The twisting of the first and second connection components 12, 14 relative to each other occurs in the direction in which the outer strands 102A are wound. The twisting of the first and second components 12, 14 has the effect of tightening the wound strands against each other, thereby enhancing the increase in torque.

Figures 25 to 27 show the relative positions of the first and second connection components 12, 14 after the insertion member 44 is moved further into the receptacle 16.

The second connection component 14 is rotated by the interaction between the guide projections 34 and the oblique tracks 46 in the direction indicated by the arrow 2. This increases the torque in the elongate article 102.

Figures 28 to 30 show the final stage, in which the guide projections 34 have been moved wholly along the main region 52 of the track 46 and are received in the securing regions 54.

The torque in the elongate article 102 rotates the first connection component 12 relative to the second connection component 14 in the direction indicated by the arrow 3, i.e. in the opposite direction to the rotation caused by the guide projections 34 moving along the tracks 46.

The rotation of the first connection component 12 in the direction indicated by the arrow 3 moves the first and second connection components 12, 14 to an untwisted condition. This rotation causes the guide projections 34 to be received in the securing regions 54 in the tracks 46, thereby securing the first and second connection components 12, 14 to each other, and connecting the end regions 104, 106 of the elongate article 102 together.

There is thus described a connector 10 that can be used in jewellery to connect end regions 104, 106 of elongate article 102 to each other, for example in the case of bracelets and the like.

The connector 10 also can be used in industrial and agricultural situations, for example to connect two of the elongate articles 102 in fencing or in the suspension of items from roofs or ceilings.

The connector 10 provides the advantage of connecting end regions of an elongate article by utilising the natural torsional stress in the elongate article.

The insertion member 44 has a plurality of tracks 46 that match the helix angle of the wire rope forming the elongate article 102. On insertion, the insertion member 44 rifles within the holder 26, guided by the guide projections 34 to create torsional stress.

This stress is then relieved as the guide projections 34 are received in the securing region 54 at the end of each track 44. The interaction of the guide projections 34 in the securing regions 54 creates a lock and secures the first and second connecting components 12, 14 together.

The above described embodiment of the connector 10 provides a secure mechanical fixing method with a reduced number of parts compared to prior designs.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the end regions 104, 106 of the elongate article 102 could be attached to the first and second connecting components 12, 14 by other suitable means, such as by the use of an adhesive.

Figure 31 shows the use of the connection arrangement 100 to form a holding device for holding one or more items, which may be in the form of cables, such as electrical cables. The connection arrangement 100 shown in Figure 31 is one of several spaced along a building, such as a factory, warehouse or the like.

The connection arrangement 100 shown in Figure 31 is attached to a strap member 108 suspended from an upper support member (not shown) in, for example, the roof or ceiling of the building. An example of a suitable strap member 108 is described in published UK patent application No GB2558759. The strap member 108 defines a plurality of slots 110 along its length.

The connection arrangement 100 is attached to the strap member 108 by means of an attaching sleeve 112, which comprises a main body 114 defining a plurality of further slots 116. A substantially flat latching member (not shown) can be inserted through one of the further slots 116 in the attaching sleeve 112, and through one of the slots 110 in the strap member 108, thereby securing the attaching sleeve 112 to the strap member 108.

The attaching sleeve 112 further includes a receiving member 118 through which the elongate article 102 extends. When the two connecting components 12, 14 are connected to each other, the elongate article 102 forms a loop through which the cables can extend.

Figure 32 shows a further example of the use of the connection arrangement 100. In this example, the connection arrangement 100 is used to connect two elongate articles, generally designated 102A and 102B in Figure 32.

The connection arrangement 100 shown in Figure 32 is used for suspending an item from a support (not shown) in a roof or ceiling. The upper elongate article 102A is attached to the support. The lower elongate article 102B is attached to the item to be suspended, such as a cable tray or the like.

The upper and lower elongate articles 102A, 102B are connected to each other by inserting the insertion member 44 of the second connection component 14 into the inner space 30 in the holder 26 of the first connection component 12 to suspend the article therefrom.

Before inserting the insertion member 44 into the inner space 30, both of the first and second connection components 12, 14 can be twisted in directions indicated by the arrows 4 and 5, thereby creating torque in the respective upper and lower elongate articles 102A, 102B. Thus, when the insertion member 44 is fully inserted into the inner space 30, and released, the first and second connection components 12, 14 untwist in the opposite directions to the directions indicated by the arrows 4 and 5. This allows the guide projections 34 to be received in the securing regions 54 of the tracks 46, to secure the first and second connection components 12, 14 to each other.

Claims

Claims 1. A connector comprising: a first connection component including a guide formation; a second connection component having a central axis and defining an elongate track to interact with the guide formation, thereby securing the first connection component to the second connection component; wherein the track has a main region, said main region being oblique relative to the central axis.
2. A connector according to claim 1, wherein the first connection component receives the second connection component.
3. A connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second connection component is movable relative to the first connection component thereby allowing the guide formation to move along the track, the interaction between the track and the guide formation twisting the second connection component relative to the first connection component to a twisted condition.
4. A connector according to claim 3, wherein said main region of the track is oblique relative to the central axis; the track having a proximal end at which the guide formation interacts with the track; and the track having an opposite distal end spaced from the proximal end; the main region of the track extending from the proximal end to the distal end.
5. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the track has a securing region to receive the guide projection to secure the first and second connection components to each other, the securing region extending transverse to the main region of the track.
6. A connector according to claim 5 when dependent upon claim 4, wherein the securing region extends from said distal end transverse to the main region of the track, the securing region being configured to allow the guide projection to move into the securing region when the guide projection is at said distal end of the track, whereby when the guide projection moves into the securing region, the second connection component moves relative to the first connection component from the twisted condition to an untwisted condition.
7. A connector according to claim 6, wherein the first connection component includes a first attaching formation for attaching the first connection component to a first article or a first end region of a single article, the first attaching formation being a deformable part of the first connection component to allow the first attaching formation to be swaged or crimped onto the first article or first end region of the single article.
8. A connector according to claim 7, wherein the second connection component includes a second attaching formation for attaching the second connection component to a second article or a second end region of the single article, the second attaching formation being a deformable part of the second connection component to allow the second attaching formation to be swaged or crimped onto the second article or the second end region of the single article.
9. A connector according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein when the second connecting arrangement is moved relative to the first connection component to the twisted condition, the second article or the single article is twisted, thereby creating torque in the second article or in the single article to urge the second connection component towards the untwisted condition.
10. A connector according to claim 9, wherein when the guide projection is at said distal end of the track, the torque in the second article or in the single article urges the guide projection along the securing portion.
11. A connector according to any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the securing region extends from said distal end towards a plane extending through the aforesaid proximal end and the central axis.
12. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the second connection component defines a plurality of the tracks, each track extending axially along the insertion member.
13. A connector according to claim 12, wherein the securing region of each track extends from the respective main region transverse thereto, the tracks are substantially equally spaced from each other around the insertion member.
14. A connector according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first connection component comprises a plurality of the guide projections, the guide projections being substantially equally spaced from each other around the first connection component, each guide projection being receivable in a respective one of the plurality of tracks.
15. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the first connection component comprises a receptacle, and the second connection component comprises an insertion member for insertion into the receptacle.
16. A connector according to claim 15, wherein the receptacle comprises an elongate barrel portion, the barrel portion defining a cavity, the insertion member being received in the cavity.
17. A connector according to claim 16, wherein the central axis extends centrally through the insertion member, the insertion member comprising a shaft portion insertable into the receptacle.
18. A connector according to claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the track extends axially along the insertion member, the insertion member having a free end, the proximal end of the track being provided at said free end of the insertion member, and the track extending around the insertion member.
19. A connector according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the first connection component comprises a holder for holding the second connection component, the holder being fastened within the receptacle.
20. A connector according to claim 19, wherein the holder comprises a holding member defining an inner space to receive the insertion member, the holding member defining a first opening to provide communication with the inner space, and the holding member defining a second opening opposite the first opening.
21. A connector according to claim 19 01 20, wherein the holder and the receptacle have cooperating fastening formations to fasten the holder within the receptacle, the cooperating fastening formations comprise a first protrusion on one of the receptacle and the holder, and a first recess defined by the other of the receptacle and the holder.
22. A connector according to claim 21, wherein the first protrusion is provided on the holding member, the first protrusion extending around the holding member, and the first protrusion extending outwardly from the holding member, and wherein the receptacle has an inner surface, the first recess being defined by the inner surface, and the first recess extending around the inner surface of the receptacle.
23. A connector according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the holding member defines opposite slots extending from the second opening, the opposite slots separating the holding member into a pair of opposed resilient members, and the fastening formations comprise a respective one of the first protrusions on each of the resilient members.
24. A connector according to claim 21, 22 or 23, wherein the cooperating fastening formations comprise a second protrusion on one of the receptacle and the holder, and the cooperating fastening formations further include a second recess defined by the other of the receptacle and the holder.
25. A connection arrangement comprising a connector as claimed in any preceding claim, and first and second end regions of at least one elongate article, the first and second end regions being attached respectively to the first and second elongate connection components, wherein the second connection component is inserted into the first connection component, thereby rotating the second connection component relative to the first connection component to create torque in the or at least one elongate article, wherein the track has a securing region into which the torque urges the guide projection to secure the first and second connection components to each other.