Insert connector and stem caster assembly using the same

A connector for removably securing two members together, said connector configured to be inserted into a hollow cavity of a first member and comprising:

• a. an outer surface corresponding with a portion of an inner wall of the first member such that at least a portion of said outer surface can rest in abutting engagement with a corresponding portion of the inner wall of the first member when the body is inserted into the hollow cavity of the first member;
• b. a first inner wall and a second inner wall spaced apart from one another;
• c. a first hinge wall and a second hinge wall spaced apart from one another, wherein the first hinge wall is connected to said first inner wall and the second hinge wall is connected to said second inner wall;
• d. a flex wall that connects said first and second hinge walls;
• e. a groove formed in said second inner wall configured to receive a portion of a second member;
• f. a threaded opening extending through said first inner surface opposite said groove.

A connector for removably securing two members together, said connector configured to be inserted into a hollow cavity of a first member and comprising:

• a. top, bottom, rear and front sides extending from a first end to a second end;
• b. an outer peripheral side wall configured to be inserted into the hollow cavity of a first member such that at least a portion of the outer surface is positioned adjacent the inner wall of the cavity;
• c. a gap extending between the top and bottom sides through the front side and within a center of the connector;
• d. the rear side of the connector defines a hinge to enable movement of the top and bottom sides relative to one another to expand or increase an outer circumference of the connector, thereby increasing the size of the gap between the top and bottom sides;
• and
• e. the bottom side includes an inner bearing surface corresponding in shape to a portion of a second member's outer surface.

A stemmed attachment and support assembly comprising:

• a. a support having a hollow cavity at one end;
• b. a stemmed attachment having a stem extending upwardly;
• c. a connector inserted into said cavity and securing said stem within said cavity, said connector comprising:
• i. an outer peripheral surface extending from a front top edge around top, back and bottom sides of the connector to a bottom front edge, wherein the outer peripheral surface corresponds in shape with the hollow cavity of the support;
• ii. wherein the top side defines a top inner wall and the bottom side defines a bottom inner wall, and wherein said top and bottom inner walls extend generally parallel a longitudinal axis of the connector and are spaced apart a distance to define a gap between the top and bottom sides;
• iii. a groove formed in the bottom inner wall that corresponds in shape with a portion of an outer surface of the stem;
• iv. a hinge slot extends rearward from the gap into a portion of the rear side of the connector;
• v. an aperture extending through the top side of the body at an angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector;
• vi. wherein a set screw extends through the aperture, wherein the stem is sandwiched
• d. said stem is positioned within said gap and a force applicator extends through said aperture pressing said stem within the groove and a portion of the outer surface of the connector against the inner wall of the support to fix said connector and said stem within said cavity.