GB833986A - Improvements in or relating to rapid release coupling devices - Google Patents

Abstract

833,986. Strap &c. fastenings; stud and socket fastenings. GOLAY, C. F. June 5, 1956 [June 6, 1955], No. 16103/55. Class 44 A coupling device 10 comprises a body portion 11 joined longitudinally at one end 13 to provide a gap 12 between the jaws open at that end to receive a coupling element 17 inserted endwise of the gap, latching means mounted so as to be laterally movable with respect to the body portion 11 transversely of the gap to restrict or open the gap, so as to retain the coupling element therein or permit its endwise withdrawal therefrom respectively, and a member 18 movable longitudinally of the body portion and co-operating with the latching means so that in one position of the member 18 the latching means are moved inwardly into and locked in their latching or gap-restricting position, the latching means are permitted to move outwardly to their gap-opening position. As shown, the latching means consist of steel balls 16 mounted in radially aligned bores 15 in jaws 14 defining the gap 12. The member 18, which is tubular, is formed with cam surfaces 20 which assist in moving the balls to their gapclosing position and also prevents complete displacement of the balls outwardly of the bores 15. The ends of the bores are reduced in diameter to prevent complete displacement of the balls inwardly of the bores. Movement of the member 18 is limited by a pin and slot connection 22, 23 with the body portion 11. Spring loaded balls 24 housed in the body portion co-operate with recesses 26 in the member 18 to frictionally lock the latter in its forward or rearward position on the body portion 11.