WO1984000942A1

WO1984000942A1 - Multi-container connector

Info

Publication number: WO1984000942A1
Application number: PCT/AU1983/000116
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barrie M Eaton
Original assignee: Barrie M Eaton
Priority date: 1982-09-03
Filing date: 1983-08-25
Publication date: 1984-03-15
Also published as: EP0118476A1

Abstract

A multi-container connector for permitting interconnection of containers (1) such as metal drink cans. The connector has an upper part (5) and a lower part (7). Each of parts (5) and (7) has finger means (13) thereon which engage with the upper and lower edge surfaces of the containers. The parts (5) and (7) are held in assembled relationship by body parts (9) and (11) being interconnected. The connector is such that when assembled with the containers (1), the containers (1) are held at the top and bottom surfaces thereby permitting easy carriage and storage. The containers (1) may be removed from the connector by separating the body parts (5) and (7) or by physically pulling the containers (1) from the connector thereby deflecting or rupturing the fingers (13).

Description

- / -

MULTI-CONTAINER CONNECTOR

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a multi-container connector and relates particularly but not exclusively to such for use in connecting together cans of drink in assembled side-by-side relationship.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

In the art of packaging cans of drink in assembled side-by-side relationship it is common to hold such cans in groups of four and/or six cans. The cans

OMPI -1' are held together by means of a plastics material membrane which extends around the perimeter of one end of each of the cans. Typically, cans of drink are assembled into' what is known as a "six pack" and the membrane has six apertures therethrough. The apertures are arranged in two parallel rows in side-by-side relationship. Tops of cans are inserted through the apertures after the apertures are radially outwardly expanded by stretching. When the cans are correctly positioned so that the membrane engages under a lip or bead portion at one end of the cans then the apertures are allowe^'d to shrink back to their original size. The cans are thereby held to the membrane.

The above membrane is known in Australia by the name HI-CONE. There are considerable problems in the utilization of this HI-CONE means in industrial packaging processes . These arise because the material from which the HI-CONE is manufactured must be made to exacting tolerances. Moreover, the machinery used for applying the HI-CONES to groups of cans must be highly mechanized and accurately controlled. Such machinery has finger means which are inser ad through the apertures and radially outwardly expand the apertures whereby to permit fitting over the lip or bead at one end of each of the cans. Such machinery, by its mechanical nature is relatively high in initial capital cost and has a high component replacement part cost. Additionally the machinery needs frequent attention by qualified sngin^eers to retain optimum operating performance. Generally the HI-CONΞ presents considerable difficulty in an industrial packaging plant from the point of view of accurate manufacture of the HI-CONE and from the point of view of correct assembling of the HI-CONE to the cans themselves. Additionally the HI-CONΞ method of retaining cans is not entirely satisfactory to the consumer as the cans are

_O PI ⁶ retained only at one end. Thus, if the cans as an assembly are inverted when the HI-CONE is held by the hand, then the cans tend to topple over and fall away from^' the assembled condition. Thus, for a consumer, cans packaged in this manner must normally be oriented upright to permit carrying and desired storage. Additionally if the cans are inverted and they fall away from the assembled condition, the consequent movement of the cans as they fall, can cause cans to dislodge from the HI-CONE membrane. This, in turn, results in loss of cans from the assembly and can sometimes cause damaging of the cans. Consequently the contents of the can are then lost. Additionally if the assembly of cans is inverted and the cans fall away from the assembly, the falling cans can swing and cause physical damage to a persons fingers holding the HI-CONE membrane.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION The present invention attempts to overcome one or more problems of the known prior art container retaining means.

This may be achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a multi-container connector for connecting at least two similarly shaped and sized containers in assembled side-by-side relationship, said multi-container connector having two parts, one part thereof being for engaging with edge surfaces of the bottom region of the containers and the other part thereof being for engaging with edge surfaces of the top region of the containers, each of said parts being constructed so that when so engaged and are interconnected by a body portion therebetween said containers will be held together in said assembled side- by-side relationship and be inhibited from lateral displacement apart. - - -

Most preferably each of the parts has a body portion which extends away from the end of the part which engages with the top or the bottom of the container, the body portion of each part being dimensioned so that when the containers are so engaged, the body portions will be interconnected to hold both parts in interconnected relationship.

It is particularly preferred that one of the body parts engages with the other body part and that means be provided in the body parts to permit interconnection. It is preferred that the means for permitting such interconnection be snap-lock engaging means between the body parts.

It is further preferred that each of said two parts be sized for engaging with four similarly shaped and sized containers for holding them in assembled side- by-side relationship.

Desirably the containers are cans such as cans of drink. Desirably each of the two parts has finger means which engage with a lip or bead of each can whereby to provide said engagement with said containers.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In order that the invention can be more clearly ascertained preferred embodiments for use in interconnecting together cans of drink will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a "six pack" incorporating two multi-container connectors of one of the preferred embodiments.

Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along section line 2-2 in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top perspective exploded view of two parts of the multi-container connector.

OMPI Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along section line 4-4 in Figure 2.

Figure 5 is an enlarged vertical cross- sectional view taken along section line 5-5 in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-container connector incorporating two parts integrally interconnected side-by-side.

Figure 7 is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 3 of another embodiment of connector; Figure 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view similar to Figure 2 but of the another embodiment of connector;

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the upper connector of Figures 7 and 8 inverted in a collapsed configuration with lower folds removed for clarity;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view on the line 10-10 of Figure 9 and shows a dashed line along which the lower folds have been removed in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a perspective view similar to

Figure 3 but of a further embodiment of can connector; Figure 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view similar to Figure 2 but of the further embodiment of connector; Figure 13 is an enlarged vertical cross- sectional view taken along line 13-13 in Figure 11;

Figura 14 is a perspective view similar to Figure 3 but of a still further embodiment of can connector; Figure 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view similar to Figure 2 but of the still further embodiment of connector; and

Figure 16 is an enlarged vertical cross- sectional half view on the lines 16-16 in Figure 14. Referring now to Figure 1 there is shown a group of six drink cans 1 held in assembled .relationship by two preferred multi-container connectors 3. The cans 1 are arranged in two parallel rows with three cans 1 in each row i.e. in the typical six pack layout. Each of the cans 1 is positioned in close side-by-side relationship with adjacent cans 1. The multi-container connectors 3 are made of an inexpensive recyclable plastic material which is preferably bio-degradable and/or solar-degradable. A typical example of the material which can be used is polyethylene. The multi- container connector 3 is provided in two parts numbered 5 and 7 respectively. Part 5 will hereinafter be referred to as an upper part 5 while part 7 will hereinafter be referred to as a lower part 7. The upper part 5 and the lower part 7 are substantially identical and each comprises an annular shaped flange which is interconnected with a respective tubular body parts 9 and 11. The internal surfaces of the annulus of the upper part 5 and the internal surfaces of the annulus of the lower part 7 terminates smoothly with the internal surfaces of each of the tubular body parts 9 and 11. Four finger members 13 are provided around the circumference of the radially outermost surfaces of the annuluses of the upper part 5 and the lower part 7. This is clearly shown in Figure 4 and in Figure 5. The fingers 13 are equally spaced around the outer circumferential surfaces of the respective upper part 5 and lower part 7. The fingers 13 are positioned on the upper part 5 and lower part 7 such that there will be a space, designated X, in Figure 5, between the radially innermost surfaces thereof and the radially outermost surfaces of the body part 9. The space X is sufficient to enable a .bead or lip 15 at the end of the cans to be received therein. This is shown in Fiσure 2. The - i - external diameter of the body part 9 and the body part 11 are such that they can fit in the free space between four cans as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4.

The body part 11 is slightly tapered on its external surface as shown generally by the tapered region L in Figure 3. The tapering is such that the external diameter of the free end of body part 11 can be received within the free end of the body part 9. By inspecting Figure 2 it can be seen that the upper part 5 is connected with cans such that the fingers 13 extend over the lip or bead 15 and locate in or close^* to the groove 17 in the cans. The bottom part 7 is similarly fitted with the fingers 13 at the bottom of the cans. In the assembled relationship of the upper part 5 and the lower part 7, the body parts 9 and 11 frictionally engage such that the upper part 5 and lower part 7 are interconnected. This, in turn, holds the four cans in assembled side-by-side relationship. Additionally the fingers 13 are such that they-inhibit lateral displacement apart of the cans 1.

By observing Figure 4 and Figure 5 it can be seen that the radially inner surfaces of each of the fingers 13 is arcuately shaped whereby to closely follow the circular contour of the lip or bead 15 of the cans 1. This generally assists in retaining the cans to the multi-container connector.

The construction of the multi-container connector disclosed herein lends itself to rapid and inexpensive packaging of cans into groups in an industrial packaging process. It is envisaged that two rows of cans will be provided on a conveyor and the upper part 5 will be lowered into the space between four adjacent cans whilst, at the same time, the lower part 7 will be raised into the same space at the bottom of the cans and forces will be applied to the respective upper and lower parts 5 and 7 to enable the interconnection between the two.

It is to be observed in Figure 2 and Figure 5 that the end surfaces 20 of the annular shaped flanges of the upper part 5 and the lower part 7 are inclined, so that the radially innermost portion thereof is proud of the radially outermost portion. This generally assists in maintaining a low profile at the bottom and/or top of the assembly and assists movement of the assembly over conveyors.

If desired two multi-container connectors shown generally by parts 5* and 5* in Figure 6 may be interconnected by an interconnecting bridge 21. If desired the adjacent fingers 13* between the two parts 5' may be removed and in this alternative embodiment further fingers 13' may be placed midway along the length of the bridge 21 and on opposite sides thereof. Accordingly the fingers 13' would then engage with cans 1, in the bridge portion 21, at the point where both cans 1 are closest to one another.

It will be appreciated that the accuracy with which the multi-container connector may be manufactured is less than in the prior art and that the assembly procedures for packaging groups of containers in assembled side-by-side relationship is less complicated than in prior art arrangements. It will also be appreciated that the containers retained by the multi- container connector may be disposed in any orientation without fear of individual containers falling apart from the assembled side-by-side relationship if the containers are inverted.

In order to remove cans from the multi- container connector 3 the parts 5 and 7 can be laterally moved apart whereby releasing the fingers 13 from each of - 1 - the cans. Alternatively, the fingers 13 may have a reduced thickness portion where they interconnect the annular shaped upper part 5 and lower part 7. The reduced thickness can be provided whereby to permit manual pulling away of a can from the group of cans by permitting the fingers 13 to flex at the region of the reduced thickness part. Alternatively the reduced thickness part may be reduced sufficiently so that it will actually break away from the upper part 5 or lower part 7 when manually separating forces are applied to the cans.

It will be appreciated that many modifications may be made to the embodiment without departing from the ambit of the invention. For example, the body parts 9 and 11 may be provided with apertures in the side walls thereof. Accordingly when a person's finger passes down through the central opening in the annular upper part 5 and/or lower part 7 and into the body parts 9 and/or 11, the person's finger will be able to pass into one of the apertures whereby to provide a positive means for permitting engagement of the finger with the retaining means to, in turn, permit relatively easy carrying of a group of cans. The providing of the apertures also reduces the volume of plastics material used and thus lowers the cost of the multi-container connectors. A typical shape of the apertures is shown in dotted line in Figure 3 by numeral 10.

Instead of adopting a frictional surface engagement between the upper part 5 and lower part 7 other forms of fastening engagement such as snap lock fastening engagement means may be provided. Such may conveniently comprise snap lock means such as recesses and/or correspondingly shaped projections on the respective body parts 9 and/or 11. It should also be appreciated that the body parts 9 and 11 may not be cylindrical in nature but may merely be single webs of material which extend from the upper part 5.and the lower part 7.

In one preferred alternative embodiment one of the upper part 5 and/or lower part 7 will have a male barb means thereon. The barb may be singular or plural in nature. The other of the upper part 5 and/or lower part 7 will then have a recess provided therein into which the male part can be received and wherein the recess has a plurality of inwardly directed webs which engage with the barb(s) of the male member whereby to hold it therein. In this manner the upper part 5 and lower part 7 can be pressed together and the barb(s) on the male member will locate with appropriate inwardly directed webs in the female part and provide the desired holding engagement.

In a further embodiment the body parts 9 and 11 may be formed with appropriately shaped surfaces to permit correct axial alignment of the fingers 13 on the upper part 5 with the fingers 13 on the lower part 7. Such appropriately shaped surfaces may comprise a square shaped male member which fits into a square shaped female member on the respective body parts 9 and/or 11.

In a further embodiment it is proposed that the upper part 5 and the lower part 7 be preassembled prior to receiving cans therein. In this embodiment the upper part 5 and the lower part 7 may be provided with ratchet type holding means for permitting the fastening engagement therebetween and once the cans are correctly positioned then the upper part and the lower part 7 may be relatively moved together whereby to provide for correct container connection.

It should also be appreciated that the means such as the fingers 13 for engaging with top and bottom of the cans may not be identical. This alternative - rf-

embodiment is provided to permit retaining of containers, such as aluminum two-piece drink containers, with the multi-container connectors. In this case the fingers 13 for engaging at the top of the cans would be similar to that disclosed but because there is no lip or bead 15 and groove 17 at the^' bottom of these cans a specially shaped interconnecting part will be provided to engage with the profile of an edge part of the concave bottom of these cans. It should also be appreciated that in the embodiments so far disclosed, the multi-c'ontainer connectors 3 engage with the end edge surfaces of the adjacent containers where the end edge surfaces are generally closest to one another. In an alternative embodiment, the multi-container connectors may extend completely across the top and bottoms of the containers and have container engaging means which engage with the end edge surfaces of the containers where their respective engaged surfaces are generally remotely distant from each other. The construction proposed in the preferred embodiment, however, represents a particularly economic embodiment.

Further embodiments of the multi-container connectors in accordance with the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying Figures 7 to 16.

It will be appreciated that each of the embodiments of can connector disclosed in Figures 7 to 16 may incorporate variations and modifications disclosed with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Thus, for example, each of the second, third and fourth embodiments may be coupled with an identical can connector as shown with reference to Figure 6, the second and third embodiments of can connector may incorporate the finger opening 10 shown generally in Figure 3 and the various finger means - U ^s- - ^■

illustrated, for example as at 13 in Figure 3, may be adapted for use with any one of the embodiments, according to the type of can to be connected.

As with the embodiments of Figures 1 to 6, the cans 1 to be connected are preferably arranged in two parallel rows with three cans in each row as in the typical six pack layout, so that two of the connectors are used. Each of the cans is positioned in close side- by-side relationship with adjacent cans. Referring now to the embodiment of can connector 103 illustrated in Figures 7 to^* 10, the connector is provided in two parts 105 and 107, part 105 hereinafter being referred to as an upper part and part 107 hereinafter being referred to as a lower part. The upper part 105 and the lower part 107 are substantially identical and each comprises a radially outwardly directed annular flange 108 interconnected with a respective tapering tubular body part 109 and 111 respectively. Four identical and equally spaced finger members 113 are provided around the circumference of the axially inner surfaces 112 of the annular shaped flanges 108 of the upper and lower parts 105 and 107. Fingers 113 are spaced by the aforementioned radial distance X from the adjacent respective body portions 123 of the tubular body parts 109 and 111 to permit the lip or bead 15 of a can to be inserted therebetween.

The body portions 123 are preferably of a resilient nature so that a bead or lip 15 of the same or slightly greater cross-section as the distance X may be resiliently held between one of the fingers 13 and the body portions 123. The body portions 123 should accordingly be essentially self supporting, and they extend substantially axially from the respective radial flange 108. The remainder of each tubular body part 107 and 109 is of gradually reducing diameter and is provided -β~

by a plurality of wall sections 125 each of which may also be axially extending or may taper gradually inwardly. The wall sections 125 are interconnected and are connected with associated body portions 123 and connector portions 129 by shoulder portions 127. By making the sections 125 and the shoulder portions 127 sufficiently flexible, each tubular body part 109 and 111 may be telescopically collapsed in the manner shown in Figures 9 and 10. The body parts 109 and 111 generally will have the same number of sections 125 such that the body portions 123 and the connector porti'ons 129 project in the same direction as shown in Figures 9 and 10. It will be appreciated that in Figure 9 the lower shoulder portions 127 of the upper part 105 shown have been omitted for clarity. The sections 125 and shoulder portions 127 should preferably have resilience in the longitudinal axial direction but should otherwise be relatively flexible as, for example, the finger of a rubber glove. The connector portions 129 of the tubular body parts are preferably also relatively rigid and the one of a slightly larger diameter than the other whereby they may be pushed together for frictional engagement or other retention in a manner similar to the body parts 9 and 11. In the embodiment illustrated the upper part 105 has the smaller diameter male connector portion 129 which is received in the female connector portion 129 of the lower part 107. Both connector portions 129 are hollow and extend axially, although one or both may include a tapered respective engaging surface.

In use, the collapsed upper and lower parts 105 and 107 are taken from storage and located as shown in Figure 1 at opposed ends of the interstitial space between two, three or four cans, and a rod or other suitable members (not shown) are extended through the body parts to engage the connector portions 129 from within and thereby extend the body parts 109 and 111 until the connector portions 129 are interengaged. In a six-pack, two pairs of upper and lower parts 105 and 107 will usually be extended in position simultaneously. The^* arrangement illustrated in Figures 7 to 10 provide substantial advantages in material savings and in storage space over the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The material of the wall sections 125 and shoulder portions 127 may be thinner than that of the body portions 123 and connector portions 129. ^*

Similar space saving advantages may be achieved by providing a corresponding arrangement in which each of the sections 123, 125 and 129 of each body part are separately formed but slidingly interfitted although such an arrangement is likely to be expensive with regard to material costs, manufacturing costs and assembly costs. Likewise an arrangement identical to the embodiment of Figures 7 to 10 except that each of the portions 125, instead of being provided by solid material in tubular form, is formed of a plurality of angularly spaced flexible strips extending between adjacent shoulders 127.

The cans would be held by the connector parts 105 and 107 by the careful selection of the overall extended length of the body parts 109 and 111 and their resilience and may be released by axially stretching the connector parts or by levering open the finger members 113. Each connector part may be injection moulded in the expanded condition and subsequently contracted for storage.

The further embodiment of connector illustrated in Figures 11 to 13 is of a one-piece injection moulded construction which is used in a similar manner to the previous embodiments, is illustrated in Figure 12, and may be made of similar material. The one-piece connector 203 comprises opposed annular radially extending end flanges 208 which are identical and which have finger members 213 identical with or similar to the finger members previously described, the flanges 208 being interconnected by an integral one-piece tubular body part 209. The body part 209 may have a consistent wall thickness as shown in Figure 12 and be sufficiently resilient in the radial direction to provide the snap engaging clamping effect on the bead or lip 15 of a can 1 in the space X between the finger members 213 and the adjacent portion 223 of the wall 209. Preferably however said adjacent portions 223 do have such radial resilience but the intermediate portion 225, while being axially resilient, is radially flexible. In use, the tubular body part 209 is axially stretched to engage the respective finger members 213 over the associated opposed lips 15 of the cans. By this arrangement, substantial material savings may be achieved and the connector 203 may conceivably be collapsed axially for storage. In an alternative embodiment the connector may be generally the same as in Figures 11 to 13 but the tubular body part 209 may be relatively rigid relative to the radially extending end flanges 208. In this embodiment the flanges 208 may be flexed axially to permit insertion or retraction of containers. In a further variation of this both the tubular body part 209 and the flanges 208 may be flexed to permit the insertion and retraction of containers.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 to 16, the multi can connector comprises two essentially identical upper and lower body parts 305 and 307 mounted in opposed manner on the beads or lips 15 of adjacent cans 1 and interconnected by a plurality of elements such as filaments 331. The body parts 305 and 307 each comprises an axially extending tubular portion 323 having -f$-

at its axially remote end a radially outwardly extending flange 308 from which project a plurality, such as four, finger members 313. The finger members 313 extend in the same^* axial direction as the tubular portion 323 and are equally angularly spaced thereabout in radially spaced manner by the distance X. To this extent, the body parts 305 and 307 are essentially identical to the corresponding portions of the body parts 105 and 107, that is the body members 105 and 107 without the flexible portions 125, the shoulder portions 127 and the end portions 129. Thus, the finger members 313 are resiliently mounted with respect to the rigid tubular portion 223 and the bead or lip 15 of the can is snap engaged or otherwise located therebetween. An alternative shape of finger member 313 may be utilized as described herein with respect to the various embodiments. Each body part 305 and 307 has at its axial end opposite to the flange 308 a radially inwardly directed angular flange 333 through which is provided a plurality of apertures 335 to receive the filaments 331 as clearly shown in Figures 15 and 16. The filaments 331 are also preferably of plastics such as polypropylene and may be retained in position between the opposed body parts 305 and 307 by for example melting and moulding the end portions as shown in Figure 15. In use, the two opposed body parts 305 and 307 will be located in the position shown in Figure 15 by suitable means and the desired number of filaments 331 will then be located through the respective apertures 335 and the ends thereof subsequently melted. One end of each filament may be preformed to prevent it being, drawn through the respective aperture 335, or said one end may be formed in situ prior to the other end, so that a tension may be applied to the filament. The tension will be

OMPI s/Λ/y, W1PO - ^-

predetermined to provide the necessary retention of the cans yet still permit one or more of the cans to be removed from the connector.

These and other modifications may be made without departing from the ambit of the invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

Claims

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1. A multi-container connector for connecting at least two similarly shaped and sized containers in assembled side-by-side relationship,, said multi-container connector having two parts, one part thereof being for engaging with edge surfaces of the bottom region of the containers and the other part thereof being for engaging with edge surfaces of the top region of the containers, each of said parts being constructed so that when so engaged and are interconnected by a body portion

_* therebetween said containers will be held together in said assembled side-by-side relationship and be inhibited from lateral displacement apart.

^'2. A connector as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the two parts are separate parts and interconnectable with each other so as to hold together said multi-container connector and said containers.

3. A connector as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein each of the parts has a body portion which extends away from the end of the part which engages with the top or the bottom of the container, the body portion of each part being dimensioned so that when the containers are so engaged, the body portions will be interconnected to hold both parts in interconnected relationshi .

4. A connector as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the interconnection of the body portions comprises a snap- lock interconnection means carried by the body parts.

5. A connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the parts has finger means extending therefrom which are shaped to engage with a lip or bead of a can like container whereby to provide said engagement with said containers. " «^*f -

6. A connector as claimed in Claim 5 wherein there are four finger means extending from each of said parts whereby to permit connecting together of four containers by said connector.

7. A connector as claimed in Claim 2 or any one of Claims 3 to 6 when appended to Claim 2 wherein said body portions are tubular in nature and wherein there is aperture means in each body portion near said parts, said aperture means being sized and so spaced from said part that a persons finger can be received therein to assist holding of the connected containers by a person.

8. A connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein there are a pair of said connectors and wherein the parts which engage with the edge surfaces of the top region of the containers are interconnected and wherein the parts which engage with the edge surfaces of the bottom region of the containers are interconnected whereby to permit connection of six containers.

9. A connector as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said body portion is tubular in nature and wherein there is aperture means therein near one or both of said parts, said aperture means being sized and so spaced from said part or parts that a persons finger can be received therein to assist holding of the connected containers by a person.

10. A connector as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 9 wherein each of the parts has finger means extending therefrom which are shaped to engage with a lip or bead of a can like container whereby to provide said engagement with said containers.

11. A connector as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8 wherein said body portion is collapsible whereby to permit compact storage of the multi-container connector. - o2© -

12. A connector as claimed in Claim 11 when appended to Claim 2 wherein the body portion of each part is tubular and made from a plurality of tubular body portions which are serially interconnected with shoulder portions therebetween, the radial dimension of each tubular body portion being different to the next and said shoulders being relatively flexible to said tubular body portions whereby to permit said body portion to be axially shortened by allowing said plurality of tubular body portions to telescope into each other by flexing of said shoulder portions.

13. A connector as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 when appended to Claim 2 wherein the interconnection between the body portions comprises filament means.

14. A connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the connector is made of a plastics material.