U.S. patent application number 11/122595 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for height adjustable furniture component.
This patent application is currently assigned to Formway Furniture Limited. Invention is credited to Neville Waisbrod.
Application Number | 20060249060 11/122595 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37392947 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060249060 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Waisbrod; Neville |
November 9, 2006 |
Height adjustable furniture component
Abstract
A height adjustable furniture component has an elongate outer
member and an elongate inner member. The outer member has a first
end, a second end, and a shoulder at the first end. An inner member
is telescopically received in the first end of the outer member to
move longitudinally relative to the outer member. The inner member
has at least two spaced apart grooves. A locking device in the form
of a split ring is configured for selective engagement with the
grooves of the inner member and configured such that when engaged
with one of the grooves, a portion of the split ring projects from
the periphery of the inner member to engage against the shoulder of
the outer member to maintain the inner and outer members in their
relative longitudinal positions.
Inventors: |
Waisbrod; Neville;
(Wellington, NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER;(F/K/A WORKMAN NYDEGGER & SEELEY)
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Assignee: |
Formway Furniture Limited
|
Family ID: |
37392947 |
Appl. No.: |
11/122595 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 9/00 20130101; A47C
1/0303 20180801; A47C 1/0307 20180801; A47C 1/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/137 |
International
Class: |
A47B 11/00 20060101
A47B011/00 |
Claims
1. A height adjustable furniture component comprising: an elongate
outer member having a first end, a second end, and a shoulder at
the first end; an elongate inner member telescopically received in
the first end of the outer member to move longitudinally relative
to the outer member, the inner member having at least two grooves
extending around at least a portion of a periphery of the inner
member and which are spaced apart in the elongate direction of the
inner member; and a split ring configured for selective engagement
with the grooves of the inner member and configured such that when
engaged with one of the grooves, a portion of the split ring
projects from the periphery of the inner member to engage against
the shoulder of the outer member to maintain the inner and outer
members in their relative longitudinal positions.
2. A height adjustable furniture component as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the split ring is made of a resilient material such that
the resilience of the material biases the split ring into
engagement with a groove of the inner member.
3. A height adjustable furniture component as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the split ring is tapered and the shoulder of the outer
member is tapered such that an inward force is provided on the
split ring by the shoulder of the outer member to force the split
ring into engagement with a groove of the inner member.
4. A height adjustable furniture component as claimed in claim 3,
wherein the split ring comprises a portion which is generally
wedge-shaped in cross section and a rib which extends inwardly from
the generally wedge-shaped portion, which rib is configured for
selective receipt in one of the grooves.
5. A height adjustable furniture component as claimed in claim 4,
wherein the grooves of the inner member are annular grooves, and
the wherein the rib of the split ring is an annular rib.
6. A height adjustable furniture component as claimed in claim 4,
wherein the cross-sectional shape of the rib corresponds
substantially to the cross-sectional shape of the grooves.
7. A height adjustable furniture component as claimed in claim 6,
wherein the rib and grooves are substantially semi-circular in
cross-section.
8. A height adjustable furniture component as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the split ring has a width and a height, and wherein the
width of the split ring is greater than the height of the split
ring.
9. A height adjustable furniture component as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the grooves are spaced substantially evenly along the inner
member.
10. A height adjustable furniture component as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the inner and outer members are elongate tubular
members.
11. A height adjustable furniture component as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the outer member comprises a joining sleeve configured for
attachment to a member to provide support to the furniture
component, and the shoulder is part of the joining sleeve.
12. A height adjustable furniture component as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the outer member comprises a bush which provides a bearing
surface against which the inner member can slide, and the shoulder
is part of the bush.
13. A height adjustable chair arm as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the grooves of the inner member are annular grooves.
14. A height adjustable workstation comprising a worktop and one or
more height adjustable components as claimed in claim 1.
15. A height adjustable chair arm comprising a height adjustable
component as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the inner and outer
members is connected to a part of the chair, and the other of the
inner and outer members supports an armrest.
16. A height adjustable furniture component comprising: an elongate
outer member having a first end, a second end, and a tapered
shoulder at the first end; an elongate inner member telescopically
received in the first end of the outer member to move
longitudinally relative to the outer member, the inner member
having at least two spaced apart annular grooves; and a split ring
configured for selective engagement with the annular grooves of the
inner member and configured such that when engaged with one of the
grooves, a tapered surface of the split ring projects from the
periphery of the inner member to engage against the tapered
shoulder of the outer member which biases the split ring inwardly
against the inner member and maintains the inner and outer members
in their relative longitudinal positions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a height adjustable furniture
component. More particularly, but not exclusively, the furniture
component may be part of an item of office furniture.
[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0005] A known height adjustable workstation includes a worktop and
two or more leg assemblies which form part of a height adjustment
mechanism. Each leg assembly has two telescoping leg members,
adjustable relative to one another. The height adjustment mechanism
includes a handle and drive chain and rotatable parts to effect
longitudinal movement of one of the leg members relative to the
other leg member. A disadvantage of that type of adjustable
workstation is that it has a large number of moving parts, and can
therefore be complex and time consuming to assemble.
[0006] There are a number of systems with height adjustment
mechanisms for securing objects, such as shelves, to posts or legs.
Adjustable shelving systems are described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,799,818; U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,108; U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,653; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,748,878; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,645.
[0007] A table leg lock is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,746.
The table leg lock has a spring clip carried by a plate for
engaging an annular groove in the table leg.
[0008] It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the
present invention to provide a height adjustment mechanism for an
item of office furniture which addresses the aforementioned
disadvantages, and/or which at least provides the public with a
useful alternative.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a height adjustable furniture component
comprising: an elongate outer member having a first end, a second
end, and a shoulder at the first end; an elongate inner member
telescopically received in the first end of the outer member to
move longitudinally relative to the outer member, the inner member
having at least two grooves extending around at least a portion of
a periphery of the inner member and which are spaced apart in the
elongate direction of the inner member; and a split ring configured
for selective engagement with the grooves of the inner member and
configured such that when engaged with one of the grooves, a
portion of the split ring projects from the periphery of the inner
member to engage against the shoulder of the outer member to
maintain the inner and outer members in their relative longitudinal
positions.
[0010] The split ring may be made of a resilient material such that
the resilience of the material biases the split ring into
engagement with a groove of the inner member.
[0011] The split ring may be tapered and the shoulder of the outer
member tapered such that an inward force is provided on the split
ring by the shoulder of the outer member to force the split ring
into engagement with a groove of the inner member. In one
embodiment, the split ring comprises a portion which is generally
wedge-shaped in cross section and a rib which extends inwardly from
the generally wedge-shaped portion, which rib is configured for
selective receipt in one of the grooves. The grooves of the inner
member are suitably annular grooves, and the rib of the split ring
is suitably an annular rib. The cross-sectional shape of the
annular rib suitably corresponds substantially to the
cross-sectional shape of the grooves. The annular rib and grooves
may be substantially semi-circular in cross-section.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the split ring has a width and a
height, and the width of the split ring is greater than the height
of the split ring.
[0013] Suitably, the grooves are spaced substantially evenly along
the inner member.
[0014] The inner and outer members may be elongate tubular
members.
[0015] The outer member may comprise a joining sleeve configured
for attachment to a member to provide support to the furniture
component, and the shoulder may be part of the joining sleeve.
[0016] The outer member may comprise a bush which provides a
bearing surface against which the inner member can slide, and the
shoulder may be part of the bush.
[0017] The grooves of the inner member may be annular grooves.
[0018] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a height adjustable workstation comprising a
worktop and one or more height adjustable furniture components as
outlined in the first aspect above configured to support the
worktop from a floor surface.
[0019] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a height adjustable chair arm comprising a height
adjustable component as outlined in the first aspect above, wherein
one of the inner and outer members is connected to a part of the
chair, and the other of the inner and outer members supports an arm
rest.
[0020] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a height adjustable furniture component
comprising: an elongate outer member having a first end, a second
end, and a tapered shoulder at the first end; an elongate inner
member telescopically received in the first end of the outer member
to move longitudinally relative to the outer member, the inner
member having at least two spaced apart annular grooves; and a
split ring configured for selective engagement with the annular
grooves of the inner member and configured such that when engaged
with one of the grooves, a tapered surface of the split ring
projects from the periphery of the inner member to engage against
the tapered shoulder of the outer member which biases the split
ring inwardly against the inner member and maintains the inner and
outer members in their relative longitudinal positions.
[0021] The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages
constructions of which the following gives examples only.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The present invention will now be described by way of
example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a workstation with leg
assemblies each of which is a preferred embodiment height
adjustable component;
[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded underside perspective view of the
workstation of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a leg assembly of
the workstation of FIG. 1, which leg assembly is a preferred
embodiment of the height adjustable furniture component;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an inner leg member and
mounting plate of the leg assembly of FIG. 3;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a front view of the leg assembly of FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a side view of the leg assembly of FIG. 3;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a cross section through line 7-7 of FIG. 6;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a close up view of detail A of FIG. 7 showing the
split ring engaged between the annular groove of the inner member
and the tapered shoulder of the outer leg member;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment split ring
from the leg assembly of FIG. 3;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a side view of the split ring of FIG. 9;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a cross section through line 11-11 of FIG.
10;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a close up view of detail B of FIG. 11;
[0035] FIG. 13 in a plan view of a bush from the outer leg member
of the leg assembly of FIG. 3, which provides a bearing surface for
the inner leg member;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a front view of the bush of FIG. 13;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a side view of the bush of FIG. 13;
[0038] FIG. 16 is a cross section through line 16-16 of FIG.
13;
[0039] FIG. 17 is a close up view of detail C of FIG. 16; and
[0040] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a height
adjustable chair arm in accordance with an alternative preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment
workstation 1 for use in an office environment has a work surface
3, a pair of adjustable side leg assemblies 5, an adjustable
central leg assembly 7, and chassis rail assemblies 9 which extend
between each one of the side leg assemblies 5 and the central leg
assembly 7.
[0042] Each adjustable leg assembly 5, 7 is a preferred embodiment
height adjustable component, and has an elongate outer leg member
11 and an elongate inner leg member 13 which is telescopically
received in a first end of the outer leg member 11 to move
longitudinally relative to the outer leg member 11. The lower end
of the inner leg member 13 is received in the outer leg member.
Sliding of the inner leg member 13 in the outer leg member 11,
allows the overall length of the leg assembly, and consequently the
height of the workstation 1, to be adjusted. As will be described
in more detail with reference to FIG. 3, a locking member in the
form of a split ring 15 maintains the relative longitudinal
positions of the inner and outer leg members.
[0043] The upper end of the inner leg member 13 is connected to or
integral with a mounting plate 17, as shown in FIG. 4. The mounting
plate 17 is adapted for attachment to the underside 19 of the work
surface 3 of the workstation using fasteners such as screws 21 or
the like.
[0044] The outer leg member 11 preferably comprises a body 11a,
which is generally cylindrical. In the form shown, the body 11a is
substantially circular in cross section, although it will be
appreciated that other cross sections could be provided. In the
form shown, the inner leg member 13 is also substantially circular
in cross section, but again could be a different cross section.
Preferably, the body of the inner member and the outer member
comprise metal cylindrical tubes, but other forms and materials
could be used.
[0045] In the form shown, a joining sleeve 23 which incorporates an
engagement portion 23a including a threaded boss 23b for connecting
to a respective chassis rail assembly 9, is connected to the body
11a of the outer leg member. The joining sleeve 23 is preferably a
cast component, and may have a lower part 23c which is press-fit
into the body 11a of the outer leg member 11. The joining sleeve 23
of each side leg assembly 5 comprises a single engagement portion
23a for connecting to one end of a chassis rail assembly 9. The
joining sleeve 23 of the central leg assembly 7 has two engagement
portions for connecting to the opposite ends of the chassis rails
9.
[0046] The individual chassis rails 9a, 9b in each chassis rail
assembly 9 are held in a spaced apart configuration by end spacer
plates 9c, which are configured to engage with the engagement
portions 23a of the joining sleeves 23. The end spacer plates-9c
are connected to the bosses 23b in the engagement portions 23a of
the joining sleeves 23 by fasteners such as Allen bolts 25 or the
like. The chassis rail assemblies provide additional stability to
the workstation assembly. In the embodiment shown, the chassis rail
assemblies 9 are angled at approximately 120.degree. to each other
to correspond generally to the shape of the worktop 3 of the
workstation. It will be appreciated that other configurations could
be used--for example a generally straight chassis rail could be
provided between the legs in a workstation having only a pair of
legs. Alternatively, the chassis rails could be curved.
[0047] Bushes 25 are preferably clipped into the upper and lower
ends of each joining sleeve 23, to provide bearing surfaces against
which the inner leg members 13 telescopically slide. As can be seen
in FIGS. 13 to 17, each bush 25 has a portion 25a with an external
frustoconical shape. That is configured for receipt in
corresponding tapered apertures in the upper and lower ends of the
joining sleeve 23. A radially outwardly extending flange 25b is
provided at one end of the bush to engage against a respective
shoulder in the joining sleeve 23. The bushes are made of a
suitable material such as nylon or other plastic for example, and
provide low friction bearing surfaces within the joining sleeve 23
against which the inner leg member slides.
[0048] At least the upper bush of each leg assembly also includes
an internal tapered surface 25c which forms a shoulder against
which the split ring engages.
[0049] An outwardly-facing projection 25d on each bush 25 is
configured to engage in a respective aperture 23d of the joining
sleeve to connect those components together.
[0050] Each side leg assembly 5 has a supporting foot 27 connected
to the outer leg member 11 at a second end of the outer leg member
by a fastener such as a bolt 29 and a washer 31. The threaded end
of the fastener 29 is threaded into a nut 11c which is fixed
relative to the outer leg member 11a by a plate 11b. The plate 11b,
nut 11c, and associated washer 11d are shown in FIG. 7. A spacer
component 33 is received in the base of the outer leg member 11, to
enhance the stability of the leg under load. The feet 27 of the
side leg assemblies 5 are preferably generally elongate and
cantilevered off the base of the outer leg members 11 to provide
additional stability to the worktop assembly. As shown in FIG. 2,
the underside of each foot 27 has two gliders 27a made of a
suitable material such as plastic. The gliders are preferably
adjustable relative to the foot to provide some fine height
adjustment of the foot. Preferably, the gliders are threaded to the
main part of the foot. The central leg assembly 7 has an adjustable
foot 35, which may again screw into a nut 11c in the outer member
11 of the central leg assembly.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner leg member 13 has a
plurality of grooves 39 which extend around at least a portion of
the periphery of the inner leg member 13 and which are spaced apart
in the elongate direction of the inner leg member. In the
embodiment shown, the grooves are annular grooves 39 provided along
at least part of the length of the inner member. The inner leg
member preferably also includes indicia such as numbers, letters,
or the like printed or cast between the grooves which indicate the
adjusted position of the leg members and thereby the height of the
workstation top. That is useful if the height of more than one
component is being adjusted, to enable a user to easily determine
whether they have been adjusted to the same amount. The annular
grooves 39 are configured to be engaged by the split ring 15 which
is shown in detail in FIGS. 9 to 12 for securing the inner and
outer leg members in their relative longitudinal positions. In the
embodiment shown, the grooves 39 are substantially evenly spaced
along the inner leg member 13. Preferably, the annular grooves 39
have a semi circular cross section.
[0052] Each leg assembly has a locking device in the form of a
split ring 15. The split ring 15, as shown in FIGS. 9-12, is
configured for selective engagement with one of the annular grooves
39 in the inner member 13. The split ring is an annular component
which preferably comprises a single member which has an exterior
surface 15a that is tapered outwardly towards its upper edge and is
thickest at its top portion. The taper on the outer surface of the
split ring may be about 15.degree. to 45.degree. to vertical.
Preferably the taper on the outer surface of the split ring is
about 30.degree. to vertical. A split 15b is provided in the split
ring. As can be seen in FIG. 12, in cross section the split ring
has a generally wedge-shaped portion 15c with an inwardly-directed
annular rib 15d formed on its interior surface which can be
selectively engaged in the grooves 39. Preferably, the rib 15d has
a semicircular cross section to correspond to the cross section of
the grooves.
[0053] The split ring 15 preferably has a width or diameter W
significantly greater in size than its depth D. In the embodiment
shown, the split ring has an outer diameter in the order of
thirteen to fourteen times its depth, although it will be
appreciated that other variants could be provided. Preferably, the
ratio of the width to depth is greater than about 10:1. By
providing a split ring that is significantly wider than its depth,
a large diameter is provided to support the load through the leg
assembly, while enabling a large number of adjustment positions to
be provided.
[0054] The split ring 15 is further configured such that when
engaged with the groove 39, a portion of the split ring, and in the
embodiment shown the wedge-shaped portion 15c including the tapered
outer surface 15a projects from the periphery of the inner leg
member 13 beyond the groove 39 to engage against a shoulder 25c of
the outer leg member 11 to maintain the inner and outer legs in
their relative longitudinal positions. FIG. 8 shows the split ring
engaged with the groove 39 and against the shoulder 25c. The
corresponding internal surface of the shoulder 25c of the outer leg
member 11 is tapered to correspond substantially to the taper of
the outer surface of the split ring. As such, the taper on shoulder
25c of the outer leg member may be about 15.degree. to 45.degree.
to vertical. Preferably the taper on the shoulder 25c of the outer
leg member 11 is about 30.degree. to vertical. The interaction of
the tapered surfaces provides a locking bias on the split ring 15
inwardly on the groove 39 of the inner leg member.
[0055] The split 15b allows the ring to be placed onto the inner
leg member 13. The split also allows the ring to reduce in diameter
as a force is applied on the ring by the shoulder of the outer leg
member 11. The split ring is preferably self-biased inwardly a
sufficient amount to engage the groove 39 to at least some extent
even in the absence of external force from the outer leg member 11.
That self-biasing is suitably a result of the resilience of the
material used to make the split ring.
[0056] The split ring 15 may be molded from a suitable plastic
material or formed from a suitable non-plastic metal such as spring
steel. The preferred split ring is made of acetal.
[0057] The leg assembly is assembled by placing the split ring 15
around the inner leg member 13 so that split ring is loosely
received in a groove 39 at the desired height. The inner leg member
13 is placed inside the outer leg member 11. The weight of the work
surface 3 urges the inner leg member 13 downwards within the outer
leg member 11. The tapered surfaces of the split ring 15 and the
shoulder 25c produce a wedging action which causes the split ring
to be radially compressed. The rib 15d on the split ring securely
engages with the groove 39 to secure the inner and outer leg
members in their longitudinal positions.
[0058] To adjust the height of the leg assembly, the inner leg
member 13 is lifted a small amount, the split ring 15 is pulled
open to clear the groove 39, is moved to another groove 39, is
released to engage that other groove 39, and the inner leg member
13 is moved downwardly relative to the outer leg member 11 such
that the shoulder of the outer leg member 11 engages against the
split ring 15.
[0059] Rather than being a leg assembly of a workstation, the
preferred embodiment height adjustable furniture component could be
used in a different type of furniture. For example, the furniture
component could be a height adjustable chair arm for an office
chair. One of the inner and outer members could be connected to
part of the chair such as a main transom of the chair for example,
and the other of the inner and outer members could be connected to
an arm rest. Such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 18. Unless
described below, the features and operation should be considered
the same as for FIGS. 1 to 17, and like reference numerals are used
to indicate like parts with the addition of 100.
[0060] The height adjustable chair arm 101 for an office chair has
an outer member 111 and an inner member 113 which is telescopically
received in the outer member 111. A mounting portion 112 extends
generally transversely from the outer member 111, and is configured
to mount the arm support to part of the chair, such as the main
transom (not shown) of the chair. In the embodiment shown, the
mounting portion 112 includes a support portion 112a which defines
a shoulder which abuts against the main transom, and an engagement
portion 112b which engages in an aperture or channel in the main
transom. It will be appreciated that the chair will generally be
provided with two such chair arms, one on either side of the chair.
Rather than engaging with the main transom, the chair arm could
engage with a different part of the chair.
[0061] An arm rest 114 is carried by the inner member 113.
Preferably, the arm rest comprises a cushioned pad to comfortably
support a chair occupant's arm. In a preferred embodiment, the arm
rest 114 is movable relative to the inner member 113, and an
actuator 114a is provided to release a locking mechanism to enable
said movement.
[0062] The inner member 113 again has a number of spaced apart
grooves which extend around at least a portion of the periphery of
the inner member. The grooves are preferably annular grooves as
shown. A split ring 115 is configured to be selectively engaged
with any of the grooves. The upper edge of the outer member 111
will again preferably be provided with a tapered shoulder, such
that when the split ring is engaged with one of the grooves and the
shoulder of the outer member engages with the tapered outer surface
of the split ring, the split ring is radially compressed against
the groove of the inner member.
[0063] The height of the arm rest can be adjusted by lifting the
arm rest slightly, releasing the split ring from the groove, moving
the split ring to another groove, and releasing the arm rest so
that the outer member engages against the split ring. Bushes or the
like may again be provided within the outer member if desired.
[0064] Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described
by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto
without departing from the scope of the following claims.
[0065] For example, the adjustable leg assemblies are described as
having the inner member 13 forming the top portion of the leg
assembly and the outer member 11 forming the lower portion. It will
be understood that the arrangement could be inverted so that the
upper portion is the outer member 11 and the lower portion is the
inner member 13. Similarly, some of the components of the arm
support could be inverted such that the outer member is the upper
member which supports the arm rest and the inner member is the
lower member which connects to part of the chair.
[0066] The worktop is shaped with two portions at an angle to each
other with three adjustable leg assemblies, as shown in FIGS. 1 and
2. However, the leg assemblies may be used with other shapes of
worktop and more or fewer adjustable leg assemblies may be used.
For example, the workstation may have a conventional rectangular
shaped work top and two adjustable leg assemblies.
[0067] The inner members 13, 113 are described as having evenly
spaced annular grooves. The spacing between the grooves 39, 139 may
be decreased or increased to provide greater or finer height
adjustment.
[0068] The split ring 15 is described as having a semicircular rib
on its interior surface. However, the rib may have any other
profile such as square. It will be understood that the annular
grooves 39 of the inner member 13 would generally have a
corresponding shaped profile. In an alternative embodiment, the
split ring could be provided without the rib. Rather, a portion of
the wedge-shaped body of the split ring could be received in the
annular groove of the inner member. However, it is preferred that a
rib is provided, as it is easier to remove the split ring from
engagement with the groove.
[0069] In the embodiment shown, the tapered shoulder 25c of the
outer member against which the tapered outer surface of the split
ring engages is part of the bush 25. Alternatively, the bushes
could be dispensed with and the tapered shoulder could instead be
provided as part of the joining sleeve 23. In embodiments which do
not use chassis rail assemblies, the joining sleeve 23 could also
be dispensed with and the tapered shoulder could be part of the
main body 11a of the outer member. Alternatively, the bush 25 could
be configured to engage directly into the main body 11a, and the
tapered shoulder could be provided in the bush.
[0070] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *