Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A device for adjustably interconnecting an object and a support structure, comprising: a tubular member for insertion into a hole in the object and having a central bore for receiving a screw therein; a first end portion provided with means for rotatably locking the head of a screw against longitudinal movement in the bore; a second end portion provided with abutment means extending radially of the tubular member for abutting against the surface of the object surrounding the hole in which the tubular member is received; and diametrically expandable engagement means on a portion of the tubular member adjacent the abutment means for engaging with the interior of the hole in the object, which engagement means is diametrically expandable by inserting a screw into the central bore of the tubular member.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
131 words
A device for adjustably interconnecting an object and a support structure, comprising: a tubular member for insertion into a hole in the object and having a central bore for receiving a screw therein; a first end portion provided with means for rotatably locking the head of a screw against longitudinal movement in the bore; a second end portion provided with abutment means extending radially of the tubular member for abutting against the surface of the object surrounding the hole in which the tubular member is received; and diametrically expandable engagement means on a portion of the tubular member adjacent the abutment means for engaging with the interior of the hole in the object, which engagement means is diametrically expandable by inserting a screw into the central bore of the tubular member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement means comprises an external screw thread on the tubular member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device according to claim 2, wherein the screw thread is left-handed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device according to claim 2, wherein the screw thread has a rectangular cross section.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement means comprises a plurality of external circumferentially extending formations spaced along the length of the tubular member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device according to claim 5, wherein the formations have a rectangular transverse cross section.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the abutment means comprises a circular flange.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the abutment means comprises a polygonal flange.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member is provided with a diametrical slot extending along part of the length of the tubular member from the end portion provided with the abutment means and dividing a part of the tubular member into individual portions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the central bore has a polygonal cross section.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device according to claim 10, wherein the central bore has a hexagonal cross section.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the central bore has a smaller diameter in a portion thereof adjacent the abutment means compared with the diameter of the rest of the bore.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member has an increased external diameter in a region adjacent the abutment means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
53 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the diametrically expandable engagement means comprises a plurality of radially expandable members on the tubular member adjacent the abutment means, which members are expandable to project from the outer surface of the tubular member by inserting a screw into the central bore of the tubular member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the locking means comprises a circumferential shoulder in the central bore and a resilient member spaced from the shoulder for engaging the head of a screw between the shoulder and the resilient member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
48 words
A combination of the device according to claim 2 and a screw for insertion into the central bore of the tube of the tubular member, wherein the direction of the external screw thread on the tubular member is opposite to the direction of the thread on the screw.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
52 words
A combination of the device according to claim 1 and a screw for insertion into the central bore of the tubular member, wherein the screw has a shank with a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the central bore in a portion of the tubular member adjacent the abutment means.