WO2014023982A1

WO2014023982A1 - Connector system

Info

Publication number: WO2014023982A1
Application number: PCT/GB2013/052147
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tim WARRINGTON
Original assignee: Snap Alloy Limited
Priority date: 2012-08-10
Filing date: 2013-08-12
Publication date: 2014-02-13
Also published as: GB2519911B; GB201214341D0; RU2015106565A; GB201503934D0; GB201306586D0; GB2519911A; GB201314406D0; EP2882904A1

Abstract

A connector system is disclosed comprising a male portion having a base surface and a nose extending therefrom and a female portion comprising a faceplate and an orifice through the faceplate the orifice and nose being arranged to allow the nose to be inserted through the orifice when the relative orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a first configuration, and to allow engagement of the hooking portions with the opposed surface to create a connection between the male and female portions when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a second configuration, and, at least one of the base surface an exterior surface of the female portion has one or more projecting portions, positioned so that when the male and female portion orientations correspond to the second configuration with the nose inserted, the projecting portions abut other projecting portions forcing the male and female portions apart to the extent permitted by the hooking portions, and creating a resistance against return to the first configuration wherein the base surface further comprises one or more locating depressions arranged to cooperate with locating protrusions so as to engage when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to the second configuration and the male and female portions are connected.

Description

CONNECTOR SYSTEM

Field of the invention The present invention relates to a connector system and its various components, a kit of parts, a photo-booth and a method of connecting a connector system. Specifically the invention may have particular application in the construction of temporary modular structures, especially those having a number of connector systems spanned by intermediate beams.

Background of the invention

There are many applications for modular structures, which tend to be quick, simple and economic to construct and remove as necessary. A particular application for such structures is the modular photo-booth. This may for example be constructed from a number of beams and connectors (which form a skeleton) supplemented by a number of lightweight panels attached to the beams in order to create an enclosed space.

Existing modular components for such structures are known to comprise a beam with an associated male portion at both ends. An extending nose of the male portion is inserted and secured in an orifice of a female portion. This process may be repeated for one or more additional beams with the noses of their male portions being inserted into alternative additional orifices provided by the original female portion. With the use of additional female portions and beams having male portions a larger structure may be built up.

With regard to the connection itself, this may be achieved via suitable selection of the nose and orifice shapes so that rotation of the male and female portions relative to one another may cause hooking portions provided on the nose to be trapped behind the orifice . In order to enhance the connection it is also known to provide the underside of the hooking portions with ramps or the like in order to pull the male and female portions closer together. While this system works well for a number of rotation cycles, it tends to cause high wear of the ramps and relatively rapid failure of the connection mechanism. Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a connector system optionally comprising a male portion optionally comprising a base surface optionally extending from which is a nose optionally with one or more hooking portions and optionally a female portion optionally comprising a faceplate optionally having an exterior surface and optionally an opposed surface opposite the exterior surface, an orifice optionally being provided through the faceplate,

the orifice and nose being optionally arranged to allow the nose to be inserted through the orifice when the relative orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a first configuration, and optionally to allow engagement of the hooking portions with the opposed surface to create a connection between the male and female portions when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a second configuration,

and where further, optionally at least one of the base surface and the exterior surface has one or more projecting portions, optionally positioned so that when the male and female portion orientations correspond to the second configuration with the nose inserted, the projecting portions abut other projecting portions and/or the base surface or exterior surface towards which they are projecting, optionally thereby forcing the male and female portions apart to the extent permitted by the hooking portions, creating a resistance against return to the first configuration.

By positioning projecting portions on the base surface and/or exterior surface they can be provided with a relatively large collective surface area and positioned for improved stability of the connection. This may allow for improved wear properties of the projections thus lengthening the service life of the connector and improving its performance.

As will be appreciated there may be more than one relative orientation of the nose and orifice that can be considered to correspond to the first configuration. It may for example be that there are several discrete orientations corresponding to the first configuration, while all other orientations correspond to the second configuration.

In some embodiments the orifice is shaped to allow the nose to pass through the orifice when the relative orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to the first configuration, and to prevent retraction of the nose when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to the second configuration. By using the shape of the orifice to allow entry and locking of the nose, there may be less need to use other more complicated locking mechanisms, which may be more expensive and/or prone to failure.

In some embodiments alignment of the hooking portions relative to the orifice determines whether or not the nose can be inserted into and retracted from the orifice. In this way the hooking portions may be used to form the connection and yet it is still possible to insert the nose and hooking portions into the orifice when both are properly aligned.

In some embodiments the faceplate has anchor formations defining at least part of the shape of the orifice. The anchor formations may facilitate connection of the male and female portions by providing surfaces for engagement with the hooking portions.

In some embodiments the anchor formations comprise concave sides to the orifice. In this way the distance between corners of the orifice may be increased relative to the distance between its sides, potentially creating a larger surface area for hooking portion engagement while still permitting nose and hooking portion entry into the orifice.

In some embodiments the nose has four hooking portions. This may create a stable connection once the nose is fully inserted into the orifice and the relative orientation adjusted to the second configuration. As will be appreciated however, alternative numbers of hooking portions may be provided (e.g. one, two, three, five or six).

In some embodiments the orifice is substantially square in shape with the square having concave sides that form the anchor formations. This embodiment may be most suitable where the nose is provided with four hooking portions.

In some embodiments the first configuration corresponds to a relative nose and orifice orientation where each hook is substantially aligned with a corner of the orifice, and the second configuration corresponds to a relative nose and orifice orientation where each hook is substantially aligned with a concave side of the orifice. This may be an efficient manner of providing a nose and orifice that allow nose entry and subsequent connection by hooking portion engagement with the anchor portion concave sides.

In some embodiments the transition between the first and second relative orientations of the nose and orifice is achieved through relative rotation of the male and female portions. In this way connection and disconnection may be achieved with a simple twisting motion.

In some embodiments one of the base surface and exterior surface further comprises one or more locating depressions with the other comprising one or more corresponding locating protrusions, the locating depressions and locating protrusions being positioned so as to engage when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to the second configuration and the male and female portions are connected. The locating depressions and protrusions may assist with alignment of the male and female portions in reliably and accurately achieving the second configuration for connection. The locating depressions and protrusions may also assist with creating resistance to adjustment away from the second configuration. This may improve the connection, aid stability and reduce wear and tear on the projecting portions. As will be appreciated the locating depressions may be through-bores.

In some embodiments the base surface comprises the locating depressions.

In some embodiments one, some or all of the locating depressions are provided adjacent to the interface between the nose and the base surface .

In some embodiments the exterior surface comprises the locating protrusions.

In some embodiments one, some or all of the locating protrusions are provided adjacent the perimeter of the orifice .

In some embodiments the base surface and exterior surface abut in areas without projecting portions when the relative orientation of the nose and orifice corresponds to the first configuration and the nose is fully inserted into the orifice . Direct contact between the base surface and exterior surface before the connection is made may reduce the height of the projecting portions required in order to create a desired resistance to disconnection of the male and female portions. This may in turn serve to reduce the required gap between the base surface and exterior surface when the male and female portions are connected. In some embodiments the one or more projecting portions are adjacent a periphery edge of the base surface and/or exterior surface . This may assist with creating a stable connection between the male and female portions.

In some embodiments the female portion comprises multiple faceplates and defines a hollow internal cavity.

In some embodiments at least two of the faceplates are provided with an orifice through the faceplate. In this way at least two male portions may be connected to a single female portion. In this way multiple beams or other intermediate members having at least one end provided with a male portion may be connected to the same female portion. This may allow greater flexibility than providing beams with female portions.

In some embodiments the female portion is cubical. A cubical female portion may allow for a particularly stable connection and may further be particularly suited for use in creating extended unidirectional beam sections as well as connecting tangential beams.

In some embodiments the female portion has six faceplates and orifices. In this way beams may be connected so as to extend in any one of six directions, each direction being parallel or perpendicular to each other direction.

In some embodiments the nose has an axial through-bore to allow for the passage of a wire, cable, string, rope, pipe or similar. This may for example be particularly useful where it is desirable to protect and/or conceal a cable or the like inside a beam and it is necessary for the cable to cross the connector system to (for example) continue inside an adjacent beam.

In some alternative embodiments the nose has an axial through-bore arranged to receive a screw that may pass through the bore and secure the male portion to an intermediate beam. Preferably the screw is adjustable. In some embodiments a screw may be provided in the axial through bore in addition to at least one other fixing screw that can be used to connect the male portion to the intermediate beam or other mounting. In a preferred embodiment the screw is used in combination with two fixing screws.

Preferably the screw can be used to compensate for wear in the fixture by clamping the nose towards the base surface. In a preferred embodiment, comprising one or more hooking portions, the hooking portions are also clamped towards the base and preferably into engagement with anchor formations on the female portion.

It has been found that use of the screw in combination with two fixing screws on the male portion has resulted in improved wear and durability of the male and female portions and significantly increased the lifespan of the connector system. Tightening of the adjustment screw flexes the nose clamping it closer to the base surface .

In some embodiments the connector system is suitable for use in assembling a modular beam system. In some embodiments one of the male and female portions and preferably the male portion may be adapted to connect to a beam or frame for assembling a structure . The frame may have a box section and engaging portions. In some preferred embodiments the engaging portions may comprise a channel arranged to receive and engage with a foot portion provided on the male connector.

In some embodiments the modular beam system is suitable for constructing a structure. The structure could for example be a photo-booth and could be temporary.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a male portion optionally arranged in use to be connected to a female portion, the male and female portions together optionally forming a connector system,

the male portion optionally comprising a base surface with one or more projecting portions and optionally a nose extending from the base surface optionally with one or more hooking portions, the nose optionally being arranged to allow in use its insertion through an orifice in an exterior face of a faceplate of the female portion when the relative orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a first configuration, and optionally to allow engagement of the hooking portions with an opposed surface of the faceplate to create a connection between the male and female portions when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a second configuration,

and where further the projecting portions are optionally positioned so that when, in use, the male and female portion orientations correspond to the second configuration and the nose is inserted, the projecting portions optionally abut projecting portions of the exterior surface of the female portion and/or the exterior surface itself, optionally thereby forcing the male and female portions apart to the extent permitted by the hooking portions, creating a resistance against return to the first configuration. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a female portion optionally arranged in use to be connected to a male portion, the female and male portions together optionally forming a connector system,

the female portion optionally comprising a faceplate optionally having an exterior surface and optionally an opposed surface opposite the exterior surface and there being optionally an orifice provided through the faceplate,

the orifice optionally being arranged to allow in use the insertion of a nose of the male portion when the relative orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a first configuration, and to optionally allow engagement of hooking portions provided on the nose with the opposed surface to create a connection between the male and female portions when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a second configuration,

and where further the projecting portions are positioned so that when, in use, the female and male portion orientations correspond to the second configuration and the nose is inserted, the projecting portions optionally abut projecting portions of a base surface of the male portion and/or the base surface itself, optionally thereby forcing the male and female portions apart to the extent permitted by the hooking portions, creating a resistance against return to the first configuration.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising at least one of: a) one or more male portions according to the second aspect;

b) one or more female portions according to the third aspect;

c) one or more intermediate beams arranged to span gaps between the connector systems;

d) one or more blanks arranged to be used in plugging unused orifices.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a photo-booth optionally constructed using connector systems according to the first aspect and optionally beams intermediate at least some of the connector systems. The connector system may be particularly suitable for use in constructing relatively lightweight and potentially temporary structures such as photo-booths.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of connecting male and female portions of a connector system,

the male portion optionally comprising a base surface optionally extending from which is a nose optionally with one or more hooking portions and the female portion optionally comprising a faceplate optionally having an exterior surface and optionally an opposed surface opposite the exterior surface, an orifice optionally being provided through the faceplate,

and where at least one of the base surface and the exterior surface optionally has one or more projecting portions extending from that surface,

the method optionally comprising the steps of:

a. optionally arranging the nose and orifice such that their relative orientations correspond to a first configuration whereby the nose and orifice are aligned for insertion;

b. optionally fully inserting the nose into the orifice;

c. optionally adjusting the relative orientations of the nose and orifice such that their relative orientations correspond to a second configuration where optionally the hooking portions engage the opposed surface, and in so doing force the male and female portions apart to the extent permitted by the hooking portions, through the action of the projecting portions engaging the base surface or exterior surface towards which they are projecting, thereby creating a resistance against return to the first configuration. In some embodiments the method further comprises reversing the method steps to disconnect the male and female portions.

The skilled person will appreciate that a feature described in relation to any one of the above aspects of the invention may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

Figure 1A is cross-section through a male portion of a connector system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure IB is a top view of the male portion of Figure 1 A;

Figure 1C is a perspective view of a male portion of a connector system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2A is a side view of a female portion of a connector system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2B is a perspective view showing a disassembled female portion of a connector system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3A is a bottom view of a blank for optional use with a female portion of a connector system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3B is a side view of the blank of Figure 3A;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a connector system including male portions, a female portion and a blank in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 5A is a cross section of a male portion of a connector system in accordance with a modified embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5B is perspective view of the male portion of Figure 5A;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is an end view of the embodiment of Figure 6, and Figure 8 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 6.

Detailed description of the drawings

Referring first to Figures 1A to 1 C, a male portion of a connector system is generally provided at 1. The male portion 1 has a square base portion 3 with a base surface 5. Extending perpendicularly from the base surface 5 is a nose 7. The nose 7 extends from the centre of the base surface 5 and is substantially cylindrical in shape . An axial through bore 9 passes through the nose 7 and base portion 3 creating a passage from one side of the base portion 3 to the other via the nose 7. The nose 7 has a body portion 1 1 and a head portion 13, the body portion 1 1 being intermediate the head portion 13 and the base surface 5. Projecting from the head portion 13 are four hooking portions 15, each hooking portion having an engagement surface 17 facing the base surface 5. The base surface 5 is also provided with four locating depressions 19 (in this case through bores, passing through the base portion 3). The locating depressions 19 are positioned adjacent to the interface between the nose 7 and the base surface 5.

Adjacent a peripheral edge 21 of the base surface 5 and at each of its four corners is a projecting portion 23. The projecting portions 23 are raised from the bed provided by the base surface 5.

Additionally two countersunk fixing holes 25 are provided passing through the base portion 3. Extending from an underside of the base portion 3 is a beam locator formation 27.

Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B a female portion of a connector system is generally provided at 3 1. The female portion 3 1 is moulded in two securable parts (see Figure 2B). Once secured the two securable parts form a cube shape comprising six faceplates 33 which collectively define a hollow internal cavity 35. Each faceplate 33 has an external surface 37 and an opposed surface 39 (the latter facing the hollow internal cavity 35). Each of the faceplates 33 is provided with an orifice 41 passing through the faceplate 33. Each orifice 41 is substantially square, having four corners 43 and four sides 45. The sides 45 of the orifice 41 are however concave (that is they curve inwards encroaching on the orifice 41). The area of each opposed surface 39 proximate a side 45 of the corresponding orifice 41 may be considered to be an anchor formation 47.

Each exterior surface 37 of each faceplate 33 is also provided with four locating protrusions 49. Each of the locating protrusions 49 is provided adjacent to the perimeter of the orifice 41 along one of its sides 45. In use male portion 1 and female portion 3 1 can be connected and disconnected from one another.

Typically male portion 1 would be secured to the end of a beam (not show), the beam locator formation 27 being used to assist with positioning and securing of the male portion 1 at the end of the beam in such a manner that the nose 7 extends outwards in the longitudinal direction of the beam. Screws or bolts would then be used to secure the male portion 1 to the beam via fixing holes 25.

The male portion 1 is offered up and fully inserted into one of the orifices 41 of the female portion 3 1 such that the base surface 5 of the male portion 1 and the locating protrusions 49 of the relevant faceplate 33 are in contact. In order for the insertion to occur the nose 7 and orifice 41 must be arranged so as to be in a first relative orientation, that is with each hooking portion 15 aligned with a corner 43 of the orifice 41. As will be appreciated, without such an alignment the sides 45 of the orifice 41 would prevent insertion of the nose 7 by interfering with the hooking portions 15. With the relative orientation corresponding to the first configuration the male 1 and female 3 1 portions are rotated at approximately 45° to one another. Consequently the projecting portions 23 are not in contact with the exterior surface 37.

With the nose 7 in the inserted position it (in combination with the male portion 1 as a whole) can be rotated relative to the female portion 3 1. This is possible because the height of the body portion 1 1 of the nose 7 substantially corresponds to the thickness of the faceplate 33. As the relative orientation of the male 1 and female 3 1 portions is rotated away from the first configuration, the projecting portions 23 engage the exterior surface 37, forcing separation between the male 1 and female 3 1 portions to the extent permitted by engagement of the engagement surface 17 of each hooking portion 15 with the corresponding anchor formation 47 on the opposed surface 39. The separation forces the engagement surface 17 of each hooking portion 15 into closer engagement with the corresponding anchor formation 47, creating increased resistance to relative rotation of the male 1 and female 3 1 portions. Once the male 1 and female 3 1 portions have been rotated away from the first configuration they may be considered to be in a second configuration in which the nose 7 cannot be withdrawn from the orifice 41 in view of the action of the hooking portions 15 and anchor formations 47. Assuming sufficient force is applied and rotation continues the locating protrusions 49 will eventually engage the locating depressions 19, which thereafter tend to resist further relative rotation of the male 1 and female 3 1 portions. At this stage the male 1 and female 3 1 portions may be considered connected, with edges of the beam (not shown) and female portion 3 1 aligned.

This process may be repeated using an additional beam (not shown) provided with a male portion 1 and connecting it via another orifice of the female portion. In this way a modular structure may be constructed. As will be appreciated beams may be provided with a male portion 1 at each end to increase construction flexibility.

As will be appreciated disconnection of male 1 and female 3 1 portions may be achieved by applying sufficient rotational force to overcome the resistance created by the projecting portions 23 and the locating protrusions 49. Once the relative rotation results in a return to the first configuration, the nose 7 can be retracted from the orifice 41. If desired a wire, cable or similar extending from the beam may be fed through the orifice To further illustrate the connection process, Figure 4 shows a female portion 3 1 and three male portions la, lb and lc. Male portion la is connected to the female portion 3 1 and the relative orientation of the male portion la and female portion 3 1 correspond to the second configuration, such that retraction of the male portion l a from the female portion 3 1 is prevented without first adjusting the relative rotation to the first configuration. Male portion lb is not connected to the female portion 3 1 , but the relative orientations correspond to the first configuration such that the nose 7 of the male portion lb can be fully inserted into the orifice 41. Male portion lc is not connected to the female portions 3 1 , and the relative orientations correspond to the second configuration and will therefore require adjustment to the first configuration before insertion can occur.

Also shown connected to the female portion 3 1 of Figure 4 is a blank 5 1 , described in more detail with reference to Figures 3 A and 3B . Blanks 5 1 may be used in orifices 41 which are not used to form connections with male portions 1. The blank 5 1 comprises a square blanking plate 53 and a lip 55 protruding therefrom. The lip 55 is shaped and sized to cooperate with an orifice 41 in an interference fit to secure the blank 5 1. In a similar manner to the male portions 1 , the blanking plate is provided with locating recesses 57 arranged to cooperate with the locating protrusions 49 of the female portion 3 1.

An alternative embodiment will now be described in relation to Figures 5 and 6. In this embodiment a male portion 101 of a connector system is provided. As before the male portion 101 has a square base portion 103 with a base surface 105 and a nose 107 extending from the base surface. The nose has an axial though bore 109 that is arranged to receive an adjustment screw 1 1 1. The adjustment screw 1 1 1 can pass through the axial bore 109 and from one side of the base portion 103 to the other.

The male portion 101 is substantially as described in relation to the previous embodiments and can be sued in combination with a female portion as previously described. The base portion 103 has two countersunk fixing holes 1 13 which pass through the base portion 103. Fixing screws are provided which pass thorough the fixing holes 1 13 and secure the male portion 101 to an intermediate beam or other mounting. The adjustment screw 1 1 1 is able to be screwed into the mounting and can be tightened in the course of the lifetime of the connector system. It has been found that after a number of rotation cycles the resistance of projecting portions and the anchor formation to rotation from the second configuration to the first configuration is reduced. The adjustment screw 1 1 1 can be tightened clamping the nose 107 and the hooking portions 1 15 towards the base surface 105 and into engagement with anchor formations on the female portion so increasing the resistance to rotation and prolonging the life of the connectors. As the adjustment screw is tightened the material of the nose is flexed tightening the engagement of the hooking portions 1 15 with the anchor formations. The male and female portions are formed of plastics and therefore as the adjustment screw is tightened the plastic of the nose is relatively readily flexed and deformed to move closer to the base surface and the movement of the nose increases the strength of the connection. It has been found that the use of the adjustment screw in combination with the male portion has increased the lifespan of the connector.

A further embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the male portion and female portions are connected to an aluminium frame in use . Figure 7 is an end view of the embodiment of Figure 6.

The frame 600 comprises a box section 602 having a diagonally extending strut 604 joining a first corner 606 to a second corner 608 of the box section 602. The strut 604 joins the box section 602 on an inner side 610 of the box section. The strut 604 comprises a first circular section 614 integral with the inner side of the box section and a first web 616 extends from the first circular section 614 to a central cylindrical portion 618 and a second opposing web 620 extends from central cylindrical portion 618 to a second cylindrical portion 622 integral with the box section of the second corner 608. As best seen in Figure 7 each vertex 624 of the frame is provided with a projection 626 on an outer side thereof. Each projection 626 is formed such that a rounded fender is provided around the sharply angled vertices of the box section. Each projection 626 is also shaped to define an angled overhang 628 defining a channel 630 between the overhang 628 on each side of the box section. The channel 630 is sized to engage with a beam locater portion 632 extending from a base of a male portion 634. The beam locator portion 632 comprises a foot 636 having angled sides arranged to cooperative with and engage the overhang 628 of the channel 630. The foot 636 can be slid into the channel 630 from an open end of the channel.

Turning now to Figure 8, as before the male portion 634 a square base portion 638 with a base surface 640. As before a nose 642 extends perpendicularly from the base surface 640. The nose 642 extends from the centre of the base surface 640 and is substantially cylindrical in shape. An axial through bore 644 passes through the nose 642 and base portion 638. The nose 642 has a body portion 646 and a head portion 648. Projecting from the head portion 648 are four hooking portions 650, each hooking portion having an engagement surface facing the base surface 640.

The base surface 640 is also provided with four locating depressions 652 (again these are through bores, passing through the base portion 638). The locating depressions 652 are positioned adjacent to the interface between the nose 642 and the base surface 640.

As can be seen in Figure 8 a female portion 654 is provided. The female portion 654 as before is moulded in two securable parts which once secured form a cube shape comprising six faceplates collectively defining a hollow internal cavity. Each faceplate 656 has an external surface and an opposed surface inner surface 658.

Each of the faceplates 656 is provided with an orifice 660 passing through the faceplate 656. Each orifice 660 is substantially clover shaped and has four segments 662 extending from the orifice 660 and four ledges 664 extending from the inner surface towards a centre of the orifice.

In use male portion 634 and female portion 654 can be connected and disconnected from one another in a similar way to the previous embodiments and the male portion 634 is offered up and fully inserted into one of the orifices 660 of the female portion 654 such that the base surface 640 of the male portion 634 and the locating protrusions of the relevant faceplate are in contact. In order for the insertion to occur the nose 642 and orifice 660 must be arranged so as to be in a first relative orientation, in which each hooking portion 650 is aligned with a segment 662 of the orifice 660.

With the nose 642 in the inserted position it can be rotated relative to the female portion 654 until the projecting portions hooking portions engage an exterior surface of the ledges 664 as before .

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 various concepts described herein. Any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the invention extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein in any form of connector system.

Claims

1. A connector system comprising,

a male portion comprising a base surface extending from which is a nose with one or more hooking portions and a female portion comprising a faceplate having an exterior surface and an opposed surface opposite the exterior surface, an orifice being provided through the faceplate,

the orifice and nose being arranged to allow the nose to be inserted through the orifice when the relative orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a first configuration, and to allow engagement of the hooking portions with the opposed surface to create a connection between the male and female portions when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a second configuration,

and where further, at least one of the base surface and the exterior surface has one or more projecting portions, positioned so that when the male and female portion orientations correspond to the second configuration with the nose inserted, the projecting portions abut other projecting portions and/or the base surface or exterior surface towards which they are projecting, thereby forcing the male and female portions apart to the extent permitted by the hooking portions, creating a resistance against return to the first configuration and wherein the base surface further comprises one or more locating depressions and the face plate comprises one or more corresponding locating protrusions, the locating depressions and locating protrusions being positioned so as to engage when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to the second configuration and the male and female portions are connected.

2. A connector system according to claim 1 where the orifice is shaped to allow the nose to pass through the orifice when the relative orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to the first configuration, and to prevent retraction of the nose when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to the second configuration.

3. A connector according to claim 2 where alignment of the hooking portions relative to the orifice determines whether or not the nose can be inserted into and retracted from the orifice.

4. A connector according to any preceding claim where the nose has four hooking portions.

5. A connector according to claim 4 where the orifice is substantially square in shape with modified concave sides.

6. A connector according to claim 5 where the first configuration corresponds to a relative nose and orifice orientation where each hook is substantially aligned with a corner of the orifice, and the second configuration corresponds to a relative nose and orifice orientation where each hook is substantially aligned with a concave side of the orifice .

7. A connector according to any preceding claim where the transition between the first and second relative orientations of the nose and orifice is achieved through relative rotation of the male and female portions.

8. A connector according to claim 1 where some or all of the locating depressions are provided adjacent to the interface between the nose and the base surface.

9. A connector according to any of claims 1 where the locating protrusions are provided on the exterior surface .

10. A connector according to claim 9 where some or all of the locating protrusions are provided adjacent the perimeter of the orifice .

1 1. A connector according to any preceding claim where the base surface and exterior surface abut in areas without projecting portions when the relative orientation of the nose and orifice corresponds to the first configuration and the nose is fully inserted into the orifice.

12. A connector according to any preceding claim where the one or more projecting portions are adjacent a periphery edge of the base surface and/or exterior surface .

13. A connector according to any preceding claim where the female portion comprises multiple faceplates and defines a hollow internal cavity.

14. A connector according to claim 13 where at least two of the faceplates are provided with an orifice through the faceplate.

15. A connector according to any preceding claim where the female portion is cubical.

16. A connector according to any preceding claim where the female portion has six faceplates and orifices.

17. A connector according to any preceding claim where the nose has an axial through-bore to allow for the passage of a cable.

18. A connector according to any preceding claim suitable for use in assembling a modular beam system.

19. A connector according to any preceding claim suitable for constructing a structure.

20. A connector according to any preceding claim wherein the male portion comprises a beam locator portion preferably comprising a foot having angled sides.

21. A connector according to claim 20 wherein the female portion comprises an orifice having a substantially clover leaf shape and the male portion is arranged to extend therethrough in the first portion and wherein ledges in the female portion are preferably provided to engage with the hooking portion in the second position.

22. A male portion arranged in use to be connected to a female portion, the male and female portions together forming a connector system,

the male portion comprising a base surface with one or more projecting portions and a nose extending from the base surface with one or more hooking portions, the nose being arranged to allow in use its insertion through an orifice in an exterior face of a faceplate of the female portion when the relative orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a first configuration, and to allow engagement of the hooking portions with an opposed surface of the faceplate to create a connection between the male and female portions when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a second configuration,

and where further the projecting portions are positioned so that when, in use, the male and female portion orientations correspond to the second configuration and the nose is inserted, the projecting portions abut projecting portions of the exterior surface of the female portion and/or the exterior surface itself, thereby forcing the male and female portions apart to the extent permitted by the hooking portions, creating a resistance against return to the first configuration and wherein the base surface further comprises one or more locating depressions and the face plate comprises one or more corresponding locating protrusions, the locating depressions and locating protrusions being positioned so as to engage when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to the second configuration and the male and female portions are connected..

23. A female portion arranged in use to be connected to a male portion, the female and male portions together forming a connector system,

the female portion comprising a faceplate having an exterior surface and an opposed surface opposite the exterior surface and there being an orifice provided through the faceplate,

the orifice being arranged to allow in use the insertion of a nose of the male portion when the relative orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a first configuration, and to allow engagement of hooking portions provided on the nose with the opposed surface to create a connection between the male and female portions when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to a second configuration,

and where further the projecting portions are positioned so that when, in use, the female and male portion orientations correspond to the second configuration and the nose is inserted, the projecting portions abut projecting portions of a base surface of the male portion and/or the base surface itself, thereby forcing the male and female portions apart to the extent permitted by the hooking portions, creating a resistance against return to the first configuration, and wherein the base surface of the male portion further comprises one or more locating depressions and the face plate comprises one or more corresponding locating protrusions, the locating depressions and locating protrusions being positioned so as to engage when the orientation of the nose and orifice correspond to the second configuration and the male and female portions are connected..

24. A kit of parts comprising at least one of:

a) one or more male portions according to claim 22;

b) one or more female portions according to claim 23 ;

d) one or more blanks arranged to be used in plugging unused orifices.

25. A photo-booth constructed using connector systems according to any of claims 1 to 21 and beams intermediate at least some of the connector systems.

26. A method of connecting male and female portions of a connector system,

the male portion comprising a base surface extending from which is a nose with one or more hooking portions and the female portion comprising a faceplate having an exterior surface and an opposed surface opposite the exterior surface, an orifice being provided through the faceplate,

and where at least one of the base surface and the exterior surface has one or more projecting portions extending from that surface,

the method comprising the steps of:

a. arranging the nose and orifice such that their relative orientations correspond to a first configuration whereby the nose and orifice are aligned for insertion;

b. fully inserting the nose into the orifice;

c. adjusting the relative orientations of the nose and orifice such that their relative orientations correspond to a second configuration where the hooking portions engage the opposed surface, and in so doing force the male and female portions apart to the extent permitted by the hooking portions, through the action of the projecting portions engaging the base surface or exterior surface towards which they are projecting, thereby creating a resistance against return to the first configuration.