GB2425149A

GB2425149A - Clamping connection device

Info

Publication number: GB2425149A
Application number: GB0603692A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Milsom; Lynda Milsom
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-04-12
Filing date: 2006-02-24
Publication date: 2006-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-24
Also published as: GB0507338D0; GB0603692D0; GB2425149B

Abstract

A clamping connection device is provided for connecting a first article (1, Fig. 1) to at least a second article (6, Fig. 1). The device includes first and second members 106,108 movable between a closed position, wherein the members are arranged such that a first article located between the members is secured in place, and an open position, wherein the members are arranged so as to allow the first article to be located between or removed from the members. Attachment means are associated with the first and/or said second members for allowing attachment of the device to at least a second article in use. The attachment means includes an arm member 104 for location with a recess, channel and/or aperture (20,22, Fig. 2) associated with said at least second article. The angle of the arm member may be adjustable with respect to the first and/or second members (Figs. 8,11,12). The device may be used to attach a tray to a wheelchair or walking frame.

Description

1 2425149 Connection Device This invention relates to a connection device,

and particularly to a connection device for connecting at least a first article to at least a second article.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to a connection device for connecting a tray to a wheelchair or (RIM) zimmerkframe, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention can be used to connect any two or more articles together.

Supermarket customers who require wheelchair use or who walk

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with a walking or zimmerLframe have a problem of being able to easily carry or support their purchases as they move around the supermarket. Some supermarkets do provide specially designed trolleys which can be fixed to the front of the wheelchair and protrude a distance in front of the chair. However, a problem with such trolleys is that they are generally large and therefore not suitable for a small amount of shopping and are difficult to steer. Currently, if a wheelchair user wishes to use a basket in which to locate their shopping, they are required to balance the basket on their knees. This typically restricts the wheelchair user from picking items from the shelf, from accessing money on their person and/or the like.

In order to overcome the abovementioned problems, it is known to provide a tray for use with a wheelchair. Examples of connection means for use in connecting a tray to a wheelchair are disclosed in US6390426, in which a telescoping mounting bar is used, and US4449750, in which a plurality of resilient clips arc used for location over a frame member of a wheelchair.

However, conventional connection devices which allow connection of a tray to the chair are normally complicated in design, not easy to use by a frail, elderly or disabled user, do not provide sufficient strength to allow heavy items to be placed on the tray and/or are not universal in design.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a connection device which overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide tray apparatus including a tray member and a connection device which overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a vet further aim of the present invention to provide a I (EM) wheelchair, zimmerk frame or walking frame which has a connection device for use in connecting one or more articles thereto.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection device for connecting a first article to at least a second article, said connection device including at least first and second members movable between a closed position, wherein the members are arranged such that a first article located between said members is secured in place, and an open position, wherein the members are arranged so as to allow the first article to be located between and/or removed from said members, attachment means associated with said first and/or said second members for allowing attachment of the device to at least a second article in use, characterised in that said attachment means includes an arm member for location with a recess, channel and/or aperture associated with said at least second article.

Thus, the present invention allows the connection of a first article to at least one further article in use via the provision of 7 2 two engagement/connection means; one engagement means in the form of a clamp including the first and second members and the other engagement means in the form of a protrusion/recess type of engagement. Both types of engagement means are easy and quick to use, thereby allowing use by frail, elderly and/or disabled users.

The first and/or second articles are typically detachably attached to the connection device.

Preferably both or all the at least first and second members are capable of undergoing movement between said open and closed positions or one of said member can be movable relative to another of said members.

Preferably the connection device is provided with user actuation means to allow the at least first and/or second members to be moved between the open and closed positions.

In one embodiment the user actuation means includes one or more rotatable members. In user, a user typically rotates the rotatable member to allow movement or of between said first and/or second members between said open and closed positions.

The user actuation means is preferably located at or adjacent one end of said first and/or second members to provide a leverage type of effect, thereby making movement of the first and second members between said open and closed positions relatively easy. However, the user actuation means can be located at any suitable position on the first and/or second members, such as substantially centrally thereof, actuation means at either end of the first and/or second members and/or the like.

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The location means for allowing engaging of the first article with the first and second members are typically located at or adjacent a second end of said first and/or second members The user actuation means are preferably movable between a locked position, wherein movement of the first and/or second members is prevented, and an unlocked position, wherein movement of the first and/or second members is allowed.

Locking means can be provided in association with the user actuation means to allow the unlocking and/or locking of said user actuation means.

Preferably the first and/or second members are provided substantially parallel to each other in use when in at least said closed position. The members are also preferably provided in overlapping and adjacent relationship when in said closed position. The members can be elongate in form and can be of complementary shape or one member can be of a different shape to the other member.

Further preferably the location means on the first and/or second members are shaped so as to define one or more recesses therebetween when the members are in a closed position, thereby allowing the location and clamping of one or more articles therebetween.

In one embodiment both the first and second members are provided with a recess portion, the recess portions being provided on adjacent faces of the members and substantially aligned, such that with the members in a closed position, the recess portions form a larger recess or channel portion for the location of an article therebetween.

The final recess or channel portion is typically substantially circular in shape but can be of any suitable shape and/or size.

The recess portions defined in the first and second members can be of substantially the same shape and/or size or of a different shape and/or size as required.

Preferably the at least first and second members include engagement means. The engagement means in one embodiment are in addition to the means via which the first and second members are connected together to allow movement between the open and closed positions. The engagement means are preferably provided at the free ends of said first and/or said second members.

The means by which the first and second members are connected to allow movement therebetween and/or the engagement means can include any or any combination of user actuation means, one or more clips, hooks, screws, nuts and bolts, ties, inter-engaging portions and/or the like.

In a preferred embodiment the first and second members are pivotally or rotatably connected and said first and/or second members are capable of pivoting or rotating between said closed and open positions.

Preferably the members are pivotally or rotatably mounted to each other via or in association with the user actuation means.

Thus, in the preferred embodiment, one of the first or second members is pivotable relative to the other member from a closed position, wherein an end of one of the members is located in a hook on the other member, to an open position, wherein the end of said one member is unhooked from the other member.

In one embodiment an intermediate member is provided for connection between said at least first and second members and the attachment means typically forms part of or is attached to said intermediate member.

The arm member can be integrally formed or fixedly attached to the first and/or second members. In one embodiment the arm member is detachably attached to the first and/or second members.

Preferably the arm member and/or intermediate member is provided with adjustment means for allowing the angle of the arm member to be adjusted with respect to the first and/or second members.

The angle adjustment means can include one or more and preferably a plurality of different angled surfaces associated with the arm member, intermediate member, first and/or second members.

In a preferred embodiment the angle adjustment means includes a plurality of radially extending segments, each segment being arranged at a different angle to an adjacent segment, thereby providing a plurality of angled surfaces which a user can select to locate the arm member at.

In one embodiment the adjustment means includes a protruding member provided on or through one or more of said intermediate member, said first and/or second member and said protruding member is slidably mounted in a slot defined in one or more of the intermediate member, said first and/or second member.

In a further embodiment the adjustment means includes a protruding member provided on or through one or more of said intermediate member, said first and/or second member and said protruding member is located in one of a plurality of spaced apart apertures provided on one or more of said intermediate member, said first member and/or said second member.

The slot or spaced apart apertures are preferably arranged in an arcuate form.

Preferably the at least first article to which the connection device is connected to is a frame member of a wheelchair, zimmerLframe or walking frame.

Preferably the at least second article which is attached to the connection device is in the form of a tray or receptacle.

In one embodiment the first and second members are movably connected to each other in a substantially central portion thereof and the first and second articles are attachable either side of said central portion.

The first and second members can be moved towards and away from each other using suitable actuation means, such as screws, nuts and bolts and/or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided tray apparatus, said tray apparatus including a connection device for connecting a tray member to an article in use.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a tray.

According to further independent aspects of the present invention there is provided a wheelchair having a connection device; a zimmerk frame having a connection device; and a wa1kin frame having a connection device. The walking or zimmer&frame can be provided with wheels on base thereof if required.

The connection device of the tray is universal in form since the separation between the first and second members can be controlled by the user actuation means, thereby allowing different sized and/or shaped articles to be clamped therebetween. In addition, the tray apparatus to which the arm member of the connection device can be attached typically is provided with a plurality of different shaped recesses or channels, or is provided of such a shape to allow the tray apparatus to be used with different sized articles, different sized connection devices and/or the like.

Preferably the tray for use with the present invention has an upper or top surface and a lower or base surface. Support means are provided on the tray and said support means preferably have one or more channels, apertures and/or recesses defined therein for location with an arm member of a connection device.

Preferably the support means are provided on the base and/or side walls of the tray. The support means is preferably substantially perpendicular to a top or base surface of the tray but angled support means can be provided if required.

One or more strengthening means, such as strengthening ribs, can be associated with the tray to provide the tray with some rigidity.

Preferably the support means are arranged so as to allow the tray or second article to be attached to an article or connection device in a cantilever arrangement.

The tray can be any suitable size, design or shape to allow a user to have unrestricted movement when the tray is located on a wheelchair, zimmer frame or walking frame.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates use of a connection device in one embodiment of the present invention with a tray and a wheelchair; Figures 2a-2c illustrate a perspective view, a plan view of the base and a side view respectively of the tray shown in figure 1; Figures 3a-3c illustrate a perspective view, a plan view of the base and a side view respectively of a further embodiment of a tray for use with a connection device; Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a tray according to a yet further embodiment for use with a connection device; Figures 5a-5b illustrate a side view and exploded plan view of a connection device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 6a-6b illustrates a side view and plan view of a connection device according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figures 7a -7b illustrate a side and plan view of a yet further embodiment of the connection device according to the present invention; Figures 8a-8e illustrate a plan view of a member of a connection device, a side view of the member of a connection device, a plan view of a further member of a connection device, a plan view of an arm member of a connection device, and a side view of the further member and arm member in engagement with each other; Figures 9a-9c illustrate a perspective view, a plan view of the base and a side view respectively of a yet further embodiment of a tray for use with a connection device; Figures lOa-lOd illustrate a plan view of a member of a connection device according to one embodiment, a side view of the member of the connection device, a plan view of a further member of the connection device, and a side view of the further member; Figures ha-lid illustrate a plan view of a member of a connection device according to a further embodiment, a side view of the member of the connection device, a plan view of a further member of the connection device, and a side view of the further member; and Figures 12a-12d illustrate a plan view of a member of a connection device according to a yet further embodiment, a side view of the member of the connection device, a plan view of a further member of the connection device, and a side view of the further member.

Referring firstly to figure 1, there is illustrated a connection device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The connection device 2 is used to connect a tray 1 to the framework of a wheel chair 5 in use. The tray 1 in this example is used to place a shopping basket thereon to assist wheelchair users when shopping.

Referring to figures 5a-5b, there is illustrated a connection device 102 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Connection device 102 includes attachment means in the form of an elongate arm member 104, a first member 106 and a second member 108 and user actuation means in the form of a rotatable knob 110.

The first and second members 106, 108 are pivotally connected to each other at an end 114 thereof via a bolt 112 which is located through aligned apertures 116, 118 on said members.

The bolt 112 is passed through the aperture of the second member, through the aperture of the first member and secured in place via a nut 120 adjacent the outer surface of first member 106. The bolt is provided with a screw threaded portion 122 and knob 110 is rotatably mounted on said screw threaded portion.

The knob 110 can be rotated from a locked position, wherein pivotal movement of the first and second members about end 114 is prevented, and an unlocked position, wherein pivotal movement of the first and second members is allowed.

Each of the first and second members 106, 108 is typically an elongate member with a recess portion 124, 126 defined on an inner surface 128, 130 respectively. When the first and second members are in a closed position, as shown in figure 5a, the members are substantially parallel and in overlapping relationship to each other and the recess portions are substantially aligned to form a larger recess or channel 132. An article to which the device is engaged to in use, such as a frame member of a wheelchair, can be located through the channel 132. The relative distance between the first and second members can be adjusted via rotatable knob 110 to allow the wheel chair frame member to clamped in place between the recess portions of the connection device or to be released from clamping engagement.

The first and second members can be moved between a closed position, wherein the ends 134 of the members are engaged via engagement means, as shown in figure 5a, and an open position, wherein the ends 134 of the members are disengaged. In this example, the engagement means includes a hook portion 136 provided on end 134 of first member 106, which end 134 of second member 108 engages thereunder. It will be appreciated that other engagement means can be provided on the first and/or second members as required. The first and second members are pivotably movable by a user between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Thus, rotatable knob 110 allows the first and second members to be pivoted between the open and closed positions, thereby allowing the frame member of a wheelchair to be located in and/or removed from channel 132 and maintained in place in channel 132 respectively.

The provision of a single user actuation means on the device at one end thereof creates a lever type of arrangement which is quick and easy to operate, particularly for a user who is frail, elderly and/or disabled.

The arm member 104 can be integrally formed with either the first or second members or can be attached thereto via any conventional attachment means, such as welding, screws and/or the like. The arm member 104 can be located easily and quickly with a recess or channel defined in support means of a tray as will be described in more detail below.

Further embodiments of connection devices according to the present invention are shown in figures 6a-7b. Connection device 202 in figures 6a and 6b includes first and second members 204, 206 which are pivotally or movably connected at a substantially central portion thereof via user actuation means 208.

Each free end of the first and second members 204, 206 is provided with a recess portion 210, 212 which are substantially aligned and facing the recess portion of the opposite member when said members are arranged parallel to each other in overlapping relationship, as shown in figure 6b. In the illustrated examples the recesses are substantially concave in form on the inner surface of said member but any suitable shape could be provided.

The user actuation means includes a bolt 214, which is provided through the central portions of the first and second members, and a handle 216. The handle 216 can be rotated relative to bolt 214 between an unlocked position, to allow separation of the first and second members, and a locked position, to bring the inner surfaces of the first and second members into engagement with each other. Thus, in one embodiment, first and second members are capable of undergoing reciprocal movement between said open and closed positions.

An arm member 218 can be provided for detachable attachment through one of the recess portions to allow the device to be connected to an article, such as a tray in use. The other recess is typically attached to an article, such as a frame of a wheelchair.

Separation of the first and second members using the user actuation means to allow location or removal of an arm member or a frame member of a wheelchair therewith is as previously described.

Connection device 302 in figures 7a and 7b includes first and second members 304, 306 and an arm member 308 is integrally formed with first member 304 at and end 310 thereof. Recess portions 312, 314 are defined on the inner surfaces of each of the first and second members and said recess portions are substantially aligned to form a larger channel 316. User actuation means in the form of nuts and bolts 318, 320 are provided either side of channel 316. The nuts and bolts can be moved between a locked position, wherein the first and second members can be moved into engagement together to provide a clamping force to an article located therebetween, and an unlocked position, wherein the first and second members can be moved apart from each other, thereby making the channel 316 bigger to allow the location or removal of one or more articles therebetween.

The connection devices described herein can be used to connect tray 1 to any suitable frame member 6 of a wheelchair 5. An example of a tray 8 is shown in figures 2a-2. This tray includes a top surface 10, a base surface 12 and support members 14, 16 protruding outwardly from base surface 12 adjacent a rear edge 18 thereof.

Channels 20, 22 are defined through support members 14, 16 respectively and are arranged longitudinally thereof. In use, the arm member of a connection device can be located in channel 22 simply by dropping the tray onto the arm member, thereby supporting one edge or end of the tray. An arm member of a further connection device attached to an opposite side of the wheelchair can be located in channel 20. As such, the tray is held in a cantilever type of arrangement with the rear of the tray nearest to the user of the wheelchair and the front of the tray protruding forwardly of the wheelchair. Channel 20 is larger than channel 22 to allow the tray to be used with different sizes, widths and/or makes of wheelchairs. A similar arrangement is shown in figures 9a-9c but the channels 20, 22 are of substantially equal dimensions.

An upwardly protruding rim 24 can be provided around the peripheral edge of the top surface 10 of the tray to prevent items located on the tray from falling off.

A similar tray is illustrated in figures 3a-3b but in this embodiment a strengthening rib 26 is provided on the base surface 12 to provide rigidity to the tray, particularly if heavy objects are to be located on the top surface of the tray in use.

The strengthening rib can be any suitable size, shape and/or design so as to provide sufficient support and rigidity to the tray as required. The strengthening rib can be integrally formed with the tray or can be attached thereto. Furthermore, two channels 22, 22' are defined in the support member so as to allow the tray be fitted to different sized wheelchairs in use (i.e. the user selects which channel size 20, 22 is appropriate for engagement with the connection device).

A further example of a tray 402 is illustrated in figure 4 wherein the support member 403 is provided on a side wall 404 of the tray. A channel 406 is defined through the support member and an arm member of a connection device is typically located in the channel in use. A rotatable screw 408 with user actuation head 410 is located through the wall of the support member and protrudes into the channel and can be rotated to engage against the arm member to secure the same in position.

The tray 402 has a top surface 412 with recesses 414, 416, 418 defined therein. The recesses are typically of substantially complementary shape to one or more objects to be supported in the recesses in use, such as a circular recess 418 for the location of a base of a bowl, a circular recess with an outwardly protruding slot 414 for the location of a mug with a handle and/or the like. A rim 420 is typically provided around the peripheral edge of the top surface to prevent items located on the tray from falling off. A plate like member or lid (not shown) can be provided for location on top of the top surface and/or on top of the rim to allow a substantially continuous surface to be provided if the recesses are not required.

The trays and/or connection devices can be made from any suitable material, such as wood, metal and/or plastic. In addition, the trays and/or connection devices can be made in any suitable shape, size and/or design to allow fitting to any suitable article, such as a zimmerL rame, walking frame, wheelchair and/or the like.

A further example of a connection device 502 according to the present invention is illustrated in figures 8a-8e. This connection device allows the arm member 504 which is detachably attached to device 502 to be provided at any suitable angle with respect to the device and/or the article to which the device is attached to in use. This allows an article located with the arm member 504 to also be provided at any suitable angle. The angle can be adjusted by a user in use.

Arm member 504 has a first end 506 adjacent which an article is typically attached to in use, and a second end 508 to which a leg portion 510 is joined to at an angle substantially perpendicularly thereto. An angle adjustment member 512 is provided at the free end 514 of leg portion 510. Angle adjustment member 512 is a substantially circular member with a plurality of angled surfaces 516 provided on a lower surface thereof. These angled surfaces are brought into engagement with similar angled surfaces 518 provided on angle adjustment member 520 at end 520 of a first member 522. Different angled surfaces can be brought into engagement to allow the arm member 504 to be provided at different angles as required.

Securing means in the form of a bolt 524 is located through aligned apertures 528, 530 of the arm member and first member angle adjustment means and a nut 526 is used to secure the same together. A rotatable knob 532 is provided on the end of bolt 524 and can be moved between a locked position, wherein the angle of members 512, 520 is maintained in a selected position, and an unlocked position, wherein the angle of members 512, 520 can be adjusted.

Second member 534 is attached to first member 522 in a manner previously described above.

Further examples of connection devices are illustrated in figures lOa-12d. In figures lOa-lOd, the first and second members 602, 604 are pivotably connected to each other via alignment of apertures 606, 608 on said members and location of a bolt 610 through said apertures, as in figures 5a-5b. User actuation means in the form of a rotatable knob 612 is provided to move the members between locked and unlocked positions. Each member 602, 604 has a recess defined on an inner surface thereof, and alignment of said members with the recesses facing each other forms a larger recess for allowing attachment to a frame member. In this embodiment, upright arm member 614 is provided at an angle greater than 90 degrees to member 604, thereby allowing a tray or other item attached to arm member 614 to be provided at an angle.

In figures ha-lid, first and second members 702, 704 are pivotably connected to each other via alignment of apertures 706, 708 on said members and location of a bolt 710 through aid apertures, as described previously. User actuation means in the form of a rotatable knob 712 is provided to move the members between locked and unlocked positions. Each member 702, 704 has a recess defined on an inner surface thereof, and alignment of said members with the recesses facing each other forms a larger recess for allowing attachment to a frame member. In this embodiment, arm member 714 is joined to an intermediate member 716 and said intermediate member 716 is provided with aperture 718, such that said member 716 can be located between said members 702, 704 and bolt 710 canbe located through aperture 718. More particularly, intermediate member 716 is in the form of a protruding portion, the length of which is arranged substantially parallel to arm member 714. A slot 720 is defined in member 716 and in this example is in the of form of an arcuate slot. A protruding pin member or bolt 722 located at or through end 724 of second member 704 adjacent the actuation means is slidably mounted in arcuate slot 720 to allow arm member 714 to be pivoted to a required angle with respect to members 702, 704.

In figures 12a-12d, a similar arrangement is shown to that in figures ha, lid and similar features are referenced using the same reference numerals. However, in place of arcuate slot 720, a plurality of spaced apart apertures 724 are provided on intermediate member 716 and a further bolt 726 can be located through a selected one of these apertures 724 and aperture 728 on second member 704 to allow arm member 714 to be positioned at a required angle with respect to members 702, 704.

The apertures 724 are typically arranged along an arcuate path in the illustrated example but any suitable spacing could be provided as required.

It will be appreciated that any of the abovementioned features can be used alone or in combination with each other and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims: 1. A connection device for connecting a first article to at least

a second article, said connection device including at least first and second members movable between a closed position, wherein the members are arranged such that a first article located between said members is secured in place, and an open position, wherein the members are arranged so as to allow the first article to be located between and/or removed from said members, attachment means associated with said first and/or said second members for allowing attachment of the device to at least a second article in use, characterised in that said attachment means includes an arm member for location with a recess, channel and/or aperture associated with said at least second article.
2. A connection device according to claim 1 wherein user actuation means are provided to allow the first and/or second members to be moved between said open and closed positions.
3. A connection device according to claim 2 wherein the user actuation means includes one or more rotatable members.
4. A connection device according to claim 3 wherein the user actuation means are movable between locked and unlocked positions.
5. A connection device according to claim 1 wherein the first and/or second members are provided with location means for allowing location of said first article therewith.
6. A connection device according to claim 5 wherein the location means includes one or more recesses.
7. A connection device according to claim 6 wherein the at least first and second members each include a recess and the recess on the first member is substantially aligned with the recess on the at least second member to form an aperture or larger recess for the location of the first article therewith.
8. A connection device according to any preceding claim wherein the support means are arranged so as to follow the second article to be connected in a cantilever arrangement via the connection device.

8. A connection device according to any preceding claim wherein the user actuation means are provided at or adjacent a first end of the device and the location means are provided at or adjacent a second end of the device.

9. A connection device according to claim 1 wherein the at least first and second members are provided substantially parallel to each other in the closed position.

10. A connection device according to claim 1 wherein the at least first and second members are pivotably or rotatably connected to each other to allow movement between said open and closed positions.

11. A connection device according to any preceding claim wherein the user actuation means provides, at least in part, the pivotable or rotatable connection between said first and second members.

12. A connection device according to claim 10 wherein the at least first and second members include engagement means in addition to said pivotable connection, said engagement means engaged when the members are in the p b closed position and disengaged when the members are in the open position.

13. A connection device according to claim 12 wherein the engagement means includes one or more clips, screws, nuts and bolts, hooks, ties or inter-engaging portions.

14. A connection device according to claim 1 wherein an intermediate member is provided for connection between said at least first and second members and the attachment means forms part of or is attached to said intermediate member.

15. A connection device according to any preceding claim wherein the arm member and/or intermediate member to which the arm member is connected to includes adjustment means for allowing the angle of the arm member to be adjusted with respect to the first and/or second members.

16. A connection device according to claim 15 wherein the adjustment means includes an arrangement of different angled surfaces for engagement with the first and/or second members.

17. A connection device according to claim 16 wherein the arrangement includes a plurality of radially extending segments, each segment being arranged at a different angle to an adjacent segment.

18. A connection device according to claim 15 wherein the adjustment means includes a protruding member provided on or through one or more of said intermediate member, said first member and/or said second member which is slidably located in a slot defined in the other of said intermediate member, said first member and/or said second member.

19. A connection device according to claim 15 wherein the adjustment means includes a protruding member provided on or through one or more of said intermediate member, said first member and/or said second member which is located in one of a plurality of spaced apart apertures provided on the other of said intermediate member, said first member and/or said second member.

20. A connection device according to claim 1 wherein the at least first article to which the connection device is connected to in use is a frame member of a wheelchair, (scM) zimmerframe or walking frame.

21. A connection device according to claim 1 wherein the at least second article is in the form of a tray or receptacle.

22. A connection device according to claim 20 wherein the second article has support means and the recess, channel and/or aperture into which the arm member of the attachment means locates is defined in said support means.

23. A connection device according to claim 22 wherein strengthening means are provided in association with said support means.

24. A connection device according to claim 23 wherein the strengthening means include one or more strengthening ribs.

25. A connection device according to claim 22 wherein the support means are arranged so as to allow the second article to be connected in a cantiliever arrangement via the connection device.

26. A connection device according to claim 1 wherein the at least first and second members are capable of undergoing reciprocal movement between said open and closed positions.

27. A connection device according to claim 1 wherein the arm member is detachably attached to a recess, channel and/or aperture associated with said at least second article.

28. A connection device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second members are movably connected to each other in a substantially central portion thereof and the first and second articles are attachable either side of said central portion.

29. Tray apparatus incorporating a connection device according to claim 1.

30. A tray suitable for use with a connection device according to claim 1.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Amended Claims 1. A connection device wherein the at least first and second members include engagement means engaged when the members are in the closed position.

2. A connection device according to any preceding claim wherein the engagement means includes one or more clips, screws, nuts and bolts, hooks ties or inter- engaging portions.

3. A connection device according to any preceding claim wherein the adjustment means includes a protruding member provided on or through one or more of said intermediate member, said first member and/or said second member which is slidably located in a slot defmed in the other of said intennediate member, said first member and br said second member.

4. Connection device according to any preceding claim wherein the adjustment means includes a protruding member provided on or through one or more of said intermediate member, said first member and/or said second member which is located in one of a plurality of spaced apart apertures provided on the other of said intermediate member, said first member and/or said second member.

5. A connection device according to any preceding claim wherein the second article has support means and the recess channel and/or aperture into which the arm member of the attachment means locates is defmed in said support means.

6. A connection device according to any preceding claim wherein strengthening means are provided in association with said support means.

7. A connection device according to any preceding claim wherein the strengthening means include one or more ribs.