# US 2014/0191177 A1 · Connector assemblies

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 2014/0191177 A1
- Document ID: US20140191177A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 13/735,999
- Filed: 2013-01-07
- Published: 2014-07-10
- Earliest claimed: 2013-01-07
- Assignees: Homecare Products, Inc.
- Applicants: Homecare Products, Inc.
- Inventors: David A. Bailie
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140191177A1

## CPC

- E04F 11/002: {Ramps}
- E04F 11/1834: {with adjustable angle, e.g. pivotal connections}
- E04F 2011/1889: {mainly of metal}
- E04F 2011/1897: {mainly of organic plastics with or without reinforcements or filling materials}
- F16B 7/025: {with the expansion of an element inside the tubes due to axial movement towards a wedge or conical element (for rods or tubes telescopically engaged F16B7/1463)}
- Y10T 29/4995: Nonthreaded
- E04F: FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS (windows, doors E06B)
- F16B: DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING (couplings for transmitting rotation F16D)
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A connection assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, generally includes a first portion, wherein the first portion includes a body made substantially from plastic material and an adjustable interface made substantially from metal material, and a second portion couplable to the first portion.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A connection assembly, comprising:
(a) a first portion, wherein the first portion includes a body made substantially from plastic material and an adjustable interface made substantially from metal material; and
(b) a second portion couplable to the first portion.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The connection assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustable interface includes a wedge portion.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The connection assembly of claim 2, wherein the wedge portion expands and contracts when subjected to a force.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The connection assembly of claim 3, wherein the force is applied to the wedge portion by one or more pressing members.

### Claim 5 (depends on 3)

The connection assembly of claim 3, wherein the adjustable interface further includes an interface portion extending outwardly from the wedge portion.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The connection assembly of claim 5, wherein the interface expands and contracts together with the wedge portion.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The connection assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second portions are pivotably coupled to one another.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The connection assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second portions include respective first and second engagement arms for coupling with one another.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The connection assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second engagement arms of the first portion are spaced apart from one another.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The connection assembly of claim 9, wherein the spacing between the first and second engagement arms provides access to adjust the adjustable interface of the first portion.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The connection assembly of claim 1, wherein the second portion is substantially similar to the first portion.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The connection assembly of claim 1, wherein the second portion is different from the first portion.

### Claim 13

A connection assembly, comprising:
(a) a first portion, wherein the first portion includes a body made substantially from plastic material and an adjustable interface made substantially from metal material, wherein the adjustable interface includes a wedge portion and an interface portion extending outwardly from the wedge portion, and wherein the wedge portion causes the interface to expand when a force is applied to the wedge portion; and
(b) a second portion couplable to the first portion.

### Claim 14

A method of using a connection assembly, the method comprising:
(a) obtaining a first portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first portion includes a body made substantially from plastic material and an adjustable interface made substantially from metal material;
(b) coupling the first portion to a first metal connecting member, including inserting the second end of the first portion into the first connecting member and adjusting the adjustable interface of the first portion to engage with the first connecting member;
(c) obtaining a second portion;
(d) coupling the second portion to a connecting member; and
(e) coupling the first and second portions to each other.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The method of claim 14, wherein the second portion has a first end and a second end, and wherein the second portion includes a body made substantially from plastic material and an adjustable interface made substantially from metal material.

### Claim 16 (depends on 15)

The method of claim 15, further comprising coupling the second portion to a second metal connecting member, including inserting the second end of the second portion into the second connecting member and adjusting the adjustable interface of the second portion to engage with the second connecting member.