Connection device

Abstract

A connection device is provided including a body portion and at least first and second attachment means for the attachment of the device to or between two or more objects in use. Adjustment means are provided to allow the distance between the at least first and second attachment means to be adjustable in use.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A connection device, said connection device including a body portion and at least first and second attachment
 means for the attachment of the device to or between two or more objects in use, wherein adjustment means are provided to allow the distance between the at least first and   second attachment means to be adjustable in use.   
     
     
         2 . A connection device according to  claim 1  wherein the adjustment means are arranged such that the distance between the at least first and second attachment means is as a result of movement of at least a part of the body portion relative to another part of the body portion and/or to the first and/or second attachment means, and/or by movement of one of the at least first and second attachment means relative to the other of the at least first and second attachment means. 
     
     
         3 . A connection device according to  claim 1  wherein the adjustment means are adjustable by a user to allow the distance between the at least first and second attachment means to be between one of a plurality of arbitrary or required user selected positions or between one of a plurality of pre-determined positions. 
     
     
         4 . A connection device according to  claim 1  wherein the two or more objects are rails, hand rails or stair rails. 
     
     
         5 . A connection device according to  claim 1  wherein the body portion includes at least first and second members and said members are telescopically mounted, movably mounted and/or slidably movable with respect to each other to allow the length of the body portion to be adjustable in use between an extended position and a retracted position. 
     
     
         6 . A connection device according to  claim 5  wherein the first attachment means is provided on or associated with the first body portion member and the second attachment means is provided on or associated with the second body portion member. 
     
     
         7 . A connection device according to  claim 1  wherein fixing means are provided on or associated with the connection device, the adjustment means, attachment means and/or body portion to lock the relative position of the attachment means and/or body portion in a selected position in use. 
     
     
         8 . A connection device according to  claim 7  wherein the fixing means includes any or any combination of one or more nuts and bolts, screws, clasps, buckles or clamps. 
     
     
         9 . A connection device according to  claim 1  wherein at least third attachment means or post attachment means are provided on the device for allowing connection of the device to a further object or post. 
     
     
         10 . A connection device according to  claim 9  wherein the third attachment means or post attachment means is attached to the body portion or an outer telescopic body portion member. 
     
     
         11 . A connection device according to  claim 9  wherein the first, second and/or third attachment means includes any or any combination of one or more nut and bolt arrangements, fasteners, clasps, clamps, ties, hook and loop arrangements, toggles, catches, brackets, brackets, drop catch fastening, antiulce fastening and/or fittings. 
     
     
         12 . A connection device according to  claim 1  wherein the first attachment means, second attachment means and/or a third attachment means is movable relative to a longitudinal axis of the connection device. 
     
     
         13 . A connection device according to  claim 1  wherein two or more connection devices are joined together via a linking member to form a single unit. 
     
     
         14 . A method of using a connection device, said connection device including a body portion and at least first and second attachment means, said method including the steps of adjusting the distance between the at least first and second attachment means to a required distance using adjustment means and attaching the at least first and second attachment means to or between two or more objects. 
     
     
         15 . A rail system, said rail system including at least one connection device according to  claim 1  and at least one rail, the first and/or second attachment means attachable to the at least on rail in use.