Interlocking devices

Abstract

An interlocking device for locking components together is provided, comprising at least one first tubular component ( 1 ), at least one second component ( 2 ), arrangeable to interconnect with the first component, the second component ( 2 ) having an opening which, in use, lies within the hollow interior of the first component ( 1 ). There is also at least one third component ( 3, 4 ) insertable into the opening to lie within the hollow interior of the first component ( 1 ), thus locking all three components together. FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention in which the first and second components comprise intersecting members of a pallet. In another embodiment, the components are used to construct a fence. The invention enables a very robust structure to be assembled without the use of tools.

1 . An interlocking device for locking components together, comprising a first tubular component, a second component arrangeable to interconnect with the first component, the second component having an opening which, in use, lies within the hollow interior of the first component, and a third component insertable into the opening to lie within the hollow interior of the first component thus locking all three components together.  
   
   
       2 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the second component fits into a slot in a side wall of the first component.  
   
   
       3 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 2 , comprising a pallet in which a plurality of said first components are spaced apart to comprise main structural members of the pallet and a plurality of said second components are spaced apart to comprise secondary structural members of the pallet.  
   
   
       4 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 3 , in which the pallet is shaped to support a cylindrical load such as a roll, the secondary structural members comprising cross members which act as chocks to retain the roll in position.  
   
   
       5 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 4 , such that the position and height of the chocks can be varied during construction to accommodate any desired size and weight of cylindrical load.  
   
   
       6 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 4 , in which an additional chock is provided to aid loading and unloading.  
   
   
       7 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the second component fits into an aperture extending through side walls of the first component.  
   
   
       8 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 7 , comprising a fence in which a plurality of said first components are spaced apart to form upright posts of the fence and at least one of said second components extends between at least two uprights to form a cross rail of the fence.  
   
   
       9 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein rails can be set at various angles to allow the fence to change direction, for example to go round corners.  
   
   
       10 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 8 , where an upright post is secured into ground using foundation bars.  
   
   
       11 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein laths or panels extend between spaced apart upright posts.  
   
   
       12 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 1 , in which two third components are inserted into each second component, the two third components being spaced apart to abut respectively against opposite inner walls of the first component, thus preventing the second component from moving with respect to the first component.  
   
   
       13 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 1 , in which each component comprises a tube.  
   
   
       14 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 13 , in which the tubes have a substantially square cross-section.  
   
   
       15 . An interlocking device as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the components are made from plastics material, metal or wood or from a combination of these materials.  
   
   
       16 . (canceled)