Compression connector for securing axle and handle parts
View Patent ↗A compression connector for securing an apparatus to a mounting surface. The compression connector device can include a housing that can include a cavity configured to accept a wedge member within the cavity. The wedge member and cavity can include corresponding angular surfaces. A biasing means can be coupled to the wedge member or housing and configured to move the wedge member from a first position to a second position within the cavity. As the wedge member is moved to a second position a compressive force can be applied between the wedge and a mounting surface of an object.
1 . A compression device for mounting to an object, comprising:
a housing member, comprising a first cavity configured to position a portion of the object within the first cavity, wherein the first cavity approximates a mounting surface of the object and wherein a portion of the sidewall of the first cavity has a generally angular portion in shape and having an open end, a fixed end, and an angular surface;
a wedge member having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a through hole that includes a threaded portion, a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is configured to engage the object and the second surface is configured to slide along the angular portion of the first cavity, wherein at least a portion wedge member is configured to be positioned within the first cavity; and
a fastener having a threaded end configured to engage the threaded portion of the through hole to bias the wedge member between a first position to a second position, within the first cavity between a plurality of positions, wherein the wedge member exerts a compressive force against the mounting surface of the object when positioned at the second position.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the housing member further comprises a second cavity having a threaded sidewall through and wherein the threaded end of the fastener is configured to engage the threaded portion of the second cavity to bias the wedge member and apply a compressive force against the mounting surface of the object.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the housing member further comprises a molded handle portion.
4 . The device as in claim 1 , wherein the housing member further comprises an aperture configured to allow the object to fully pass through the housing member, and the fastener is configured to extend within the through hole for engaging the wedge member to bias the wedge member relative to the first cavity.
5 . The device as in claim 4 , wherein the aperture is located at the fixed end and includes a nut, and wherein the fastener is a threaded rod, wherein the nut has corresponding threading portions to engage the threaded rod to bias the wedge member within the housing member.
6 . The device of claim 4 , wherein the angular surface of the first cavity and the second surface of the wedge member have a plurality of grooves configured to engage each other to prevent the wedge member from disengaging the housing member.
7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the second surface of the wedge member further comprises a first plurality of grooves, and the angular surface of the sidewall of the first cavity further comprises a second plurality of grooves.
8 . The device of claim 7 , wherein the first plurality of grooves and second plurality of grooves are configured to engage one another to secure the wedge member within the first cavity portion.
9 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the first surface of the wedge member further comprises an engagement member.
10 . The device of claim 9 , wherein the engagement member comprises one or more grooves.
11 . The device of claim 10 , wherein each of the one or more grooves are ramp-like in shape.
12 . The device of claim 9 , wherein the engagement member comprises an over-molded grip portion configured to provide additional friction against the mounting surface of the object.
13 . The device of claim 12 , wherein the over-molded grip portion is comprised of a polymer composition.
14 . The device of claim 12 , wherein the wedge member has a first durometer hardness, and the over-molded grip portion has a second durometer hardness, wherein the second durometer hardness is lower than the first durometer hardness.
15 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the wedge member further comprises a first wall extending generally upward from the first surface and a second wall extending generally upward from the first surface, wherein the first and second wall have a curvature configured to accept a round shape between the first surface, the first wall, and the second wall.
16 . The device of claim 15 , wherein the first wall and second wall each have one or more raised engagement members extending from an interior surface of the wall.
17 . The device of claim 16 , wherein the engagement members have an angular configuration.