Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a female buckle body that interchangeably mates with either one of a male buckle body or a retainer ring defining a leading bar. The female buckle body has a receptacle to receive an extension portion of the male buckle body slidable therein. A biased lever body is pivotally supported on the female buckle body for cooperating with a catch on the male buckle body between a blocking position retaining the extension portion in the receptacle and a released position allowing removal of the extension portion. The female buckle body also has a slot aligned with the receptacle to receive the leading bar of the retainer ring therein so that the lever body can also selectively retain the retainer ring mated with the female buckle body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated buckle of metal and plastics, comprising a female buckle and a male buckle. The male buckle comprises a male buckle body and left and right pins connected to the male buckle body. The male buckle body is made of metal, the left and right pins are connected to the male buckle body by rotating shafts to form a side-to-side rotational structure. A plastic flick piece is located between two pins, the plastic flick piece is fixed to the male buckle body. An elastic arm is located on both sides of plastic flick piece respectively, the two elastic arms hold two pins respectively. The present invention uses metal material to make male buckle body and pins, and the elasticity of pins is derived from the elastic arms on both sides of plastic flick piece.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a light emitting diode (LED) screen that includes a mounting frame; a plurality of LED modules arranged at said mounting frame, said LED modules comprises a plurality of LED pixels arranged in an array, and a plurality of retention systems configured to securing at least one of said LED module to said mounting frame. At least one of said retention systems comprises a male part, a female part adapted to receive said male part and a retention spring, said retention spring is movable between a retaining position and a non-retaining position, where, in said retaining position, said retention spring is configured to engage said male part and to provide a retaining force to said male part, said retaining force presses said mounting frame and said LED module together.

Abstract: A quick release fastener for an end fitting of a safety belt having spaced apart first and second frame, a lockable insert tongue insertable between the frame plates, and a locking element moveable between a locking position in which the insert tongue is locked between the frame plates, and a release position. A locking element has at least two anchor surfaces facing one another, which at least form the stop at one outer face of the frame plates or of the insert tongue. In this way, a shockproof quick release fastener is provided which can be released without a special tool.

Abstract: A quick-action closure for the end fitting of a safety belt, whereby the quick-action closure includes an insertion tongue which can be inserted into a closure housing and which can be locked therein by means of a locking element disposed in a mobile manner between a locking position and a release position, and whereby the locking element can be transferred from its locking position into its release position by means of an actuating element which can be inserted into the closure housing. A safety element (21) is disposed in the closure housing (11) mounted at its center of gravity (35) rotatable between a safety position and a rest position, the safety element in its safety position fixing the locking element (20) in its locking position and, in its rest position, releasing the locking element (20), whereby the safety element (21) is held in its safety position by the action of a spring (25).

Abstract: An improved buckle device for a limited release application such as a pet collar, which includes a buckle assembly having a cover having a top with a downward turn release lip. The release lip, in the closed position, does not extend past the frame member and is recessed within the sidewalls and bottom wall of the frame. The cover includes high-positioned ledges that cause a cam latch to release a clasp from the buckle only when the cover has traveled at least about 80-degress from horizontal. The cover hingeably mounts to a frame by means of a pin. The latch is supported by the pin. Tension against the cover is provided by a first biasing member and the latch cam is forced downward by a second biasing member.

Abstract: For each capture mechanism of a plurality of three capture mechanisms, a necked coupling element received by a corresponding socket slides therealong and engages a corresponding latch lever biased in an open position and rotates the latch lever to a closed position as the necked coupling element is slid within the socket towards a bottom thereof. A latch locked biased against the latch lever engages a notch in the latch lever when the latch lever is closed so as to latch the latch lever in the closed position and thereby capture the necked coupling element within the socket. The latch lever is unlatched by releasing the latch lock from engagement with the latch. Different latch levers incorporate different shaped surfaces that engage different corresponding necked coupling elements captured thereby so as to provide for respectively constraining in one, two and three degrees-of-freedom, respectively.

Abstract: A capture mechanism provides for receiving a necked coupling element within a socket, providing for the necked coupling element to slide therewith, biasing a latch lever in an open position so as to provide for receiving the necked coupling element within the socket adjacent to the latch lever, rotating the latch lever with the necked coupling element from the open position to a closed position as the necked coupling element is slid within the socket towards a bottom of the socket, biasing a latch lock against the latch lever, engaging the latch lock with the latch lever when the latch lever is in the closed position so as to provide for latching the latch lever in the closed position and capturing the necked coupling element within the socket, and providing for unlatching the latch lever by releasing the latch lock from engagement with the latch lever.

Abstract: A secure adjustable orthotic device having multiple brace portions and one or more locking mechanisms. One locking mechanism is a level moving buckle comprising a top member, a locking member and a base member. The locking member is adapted to engage and disengage an inserted strap in response to the longitudinal movement of the top member relative to the base member. The level moving buckle inhibits accidental longitudinal movement of the inserted strap when the top member is in a locked position.

Abstract: A buckle assembly including a first buckle portion having an outwardly projecting engagement member. The assembly further includes a second buckle portion including an extended socket structure with one or more resilient biasing arms disposed radially outboard of the extended socket structure. A sleeve member is disposed in reciprocating relation to the second buckle portion at least partially about the extended socket structure. A camming surface is disposed in substantially fixed relation to the sleeve member radially outboard from the resilient biasing arms. The camming surface includes at least one concavity engaging one or more of the resilient biasing arms.

Abstract: A locking device for use in securing a first part relative to a second part.

Abstract: A buckle assembly including a first buckle portion having an outwardly projecting engagement member. The assembly further includes a second buckle portion including an extended socket structure with one or more resilient biasing arms disposed radially outboard of the extended socket structure. A sleeve member is disposed in reciprocating relation to the second buckle portion at least partially about the extended socket structure. A camming surface is disposed in substantially fixed relation to the sleeve member radially outboard from the resilient biasing arms. The camming surface includes at least one concavity engaging one or more of the resilient biasing arms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a buckle and tongue combination for restraining an occupant in a seat, the buckle and tongue combination.

Abstract: A buckle device including a lock bar pushed by a release button for moving to a second position allowing rotation in a direction to release the engagement of a hook member, and a lock member rotated by a release button toward an unlock position at the time of releasing operation of a tongue plate. When the lock bar is butted against a first engagement part where the lock member is at a lock position, the lock member is rotated toward and held at the lock position, and a second engagement part enters a movement area of the lock bar, while an inertial force of the tongue plate in the direction of insertion thereof is exerted at a value exceeding a predetermined value, the release button is butted against a third engagement part to prevent the lock member from being rotated toward the unlock position to hold the lock position.

Abstract: A dual action canopy release for releasably holding a parachute harness securement strap in a buckle. The canopy release may be activated by a forward movement of a lever arm or a rearward movement of the lever arm. The lever arm cooperates with an actuating lever having a first position, wherein the actuating lever holds a latch in a locked position, and a second position, wherein the actuating lever releases the latch thereby allowing the latch to move to an unlocked position. Either the forward movement or the rearward movement of the lever arm causes the actuating lever to move to the second position. In the unlocked position, the latch allows parachute harness securement strap to be withdrawn from the buckle.

Abstract: An earring assembly including two movably connected earring segments and a clasp assembly structured to removably attach the earring assembly to a wearer's ear when in a closed, locked position. The clasp assembly includes a post secured to and extending outwardly from one earring segment and a movable locking arm secured to the other of the earring segments. The locked position of the clasp assembly is at least partially defined by the orientation of the locking arm into locking engagement with a portion of the post passing into the interior of the earring segment on which the locking arm is mounted.

Abstract: A safety belt buckle locking mechanism comprising a receiving buckle and an insertion buckle with spring-loaded safety locking bars and side-pins extending from each side of the insertion buckle. The receiving buckle has an internal spring-action latch rotatively attached to pivot pin and a spring-loaded main belt release button extending from the top of the buckle. The insertion buckle has a rectangular latching hole, which the receiving buckle's latch snaps into when the two buckles are coupled together. When the belt release button is pressed downward, the spring-action latch is rotated upward out of the mating rectangular latching hole, thereby releasing the belts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch for coupling tether straps attached to child vehicle seats to anchorages provided on the vehicle, e.g., anchorages provided on the package shelf of the vehicle or anchorages located at the crease of the seat bottom and seat back. The latch provides advantages over the common “T” hook currently in use, including a push button remote from the hook of the latch. In addition, the latch may include an opening for attachment of the tether strap. In one preferred embodiment, the latch further includes a plate which is coupled to a strap length adjuster, the plate and adjuster being pivotally connected to permit side-to-side rotation of the adjuster relative to the latch to prevent bunching or twisting of the strap which can cause the belt to loose its ability to uniformly distribute a load across its width.

Abstract: A jewelry clasp used to secure a piece of jewelry to an individual. The clasp includes a female part attached to one end of the piece of jewelry that has a latch pivotally mounted within a recess on the female part. The latch includes a hook at one end having an outer sloping surface. The clasp also includes a male part attached to the opposite end of the piece of jewelry and including a loop. The loop has a crossbar at its outer end which has an outer sloping wall. The outer wall of the crossbar and the outer surface of the hooks slope in similar directions, such that when the crossbar is pressed against the hook, the hook slides upwardly with respect to the crossbar, until the hook passes over the crossbar and drops through the center of the loop to engage the loop. The clasp also includes a sleeve slidably mounted to the male part that selectively covers the engagement of the male part and female part when the clasp is in the engaged position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lockable element (16) and a buckle (12). The buckle (12) includes a base (28) that defines a passage (32) into which the lockable element (16) is insertable, and a latch (42) movable to lock the lockable element against movement in the passage. The buckle (12) also includes a sensor (60) and a magnet (62). The magnet (62) is movable from a first position to a second position when the lockable element (16) is inserted into the passage (32). The magnet (62) creates a magnetic field of a first flux density acting on the sensor (60) to cause the sensor to provide a first output when the magnet is in the first position. The magnet (62) creates a magnetic field of a second flux density, different than the first flux density, acting on the sensor (60) to cause the sensor to provide a second output, different than the first output, when the magnet is in the second position. The magnet (62) has an interference fit with one of the lockable element (16) and the buckle (12).

Abstract: A low profile latch mechanism for use in existing and new parachute quick release couplings of the type having two nested members. The mechanism uses a U shaped latch connected to a lever. In an overlying position of the lever, the members are retained in the nested condition, preventing release of the coupling. A W-shaped spring biases tabs into engagement with apertures in one of the members. The lever is retained in the overlying position by connection with the W-shaped spring. Disengaging the W-shaped spring allows the lever to be pivoted, moving the U shaped latch to a position whereby the members are free to separate.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic latch (42) is moveable from a first position to a second position in which the latch locks a lockable element (16) against movement in a passage (22) in a buckle (12). The buckle (12) also includes a switch (60) which includes a ferromagnetic support member (62). The switch (60) also includes a ferromagnetic flux collecting member (70), a Hall effect device (72), and a magnet (74) fixed to the support member (62). The magnet (74) creates a magnetic field that is conducted by the flux collecting member (70) and the latch (42) away from the Hall effect device (72) when the latch is in the first position. The magnetic field is conducted by the flux collecting member (70) and the support member (62) towards the Hall effect device (72) when the latch (42) is moved away from the switch (60) to the second position. The Hall effect device (72) senses a first flux density when the latch (42) is in the first position which causes the Hall effect device (72) to provide a first output signal.

Abstract: A buckle for a seat belt has an interlock that provides impact resistance between an ejector and a support for a securing element for securing the locked state, the interlock being maintained during the retensioning process.

Abstract: A buckle including a first buckle portion having an engagement member and a second buckle portion having socket arms forming a socket for releasably engaging the engagement member. A sleeve member is reciprocatably disposed about the socket arms between first, second and third positions, whereby the sleeve member in the first position prevents expansion of the socket arms so as to retain the engagement member, and the socket arms are expandable when the sleeve member is in the second and third positions so as to permit release of the engagement member from the socket and insertion of the engagement member into the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a latch mechanism (26) that releasably interlocks with a seat belt tongue (16), and further includes a safety apparatus (50) for the latch mechanism (26). The latch mechanism (26) includes a pushbutton (24) which is movable manually from a rest position to a release position. The safety apparatus (50) includes a retarder device (52) that is switchable into and out of an actuated condition in which the retarder device (52) resists movement of the pushbutton (24) during movement of the pushbutton (24) to the release position.

Abstract: A buckle system for release of a crew member's harness from a parachute. The buckle system has a frame which holds the harness. A tang assembly holds the parachute strap and snaps into the frame. The tang assembly is held by a latch which pivots between a closed position and an open position. The latch in turn is held by a lever which includes a cavity which holds the free end of the latch. When the lever is moved to an open position the latch is released. The latch has a spring which urges it into an open position. The result is a buckle system which can be opened with very little force being exerted on the lever. The lever is covered by a spring loaded cover. An automatic release is provided wherein a pyrotechnic charge opens the cover and lever and thereby releases the latch.

Abstract: Self actuating mechanical joints that utilize pivotally mounted clamping levers (114) linked to a displaceable catch (112). The displaceable catch engages an external beam (126) inserted into the joint and thus initiates the clamping levers to clasp around the beams profile. Mechanical integrity between beam and joint is achieved when the displaceable catch locks with a stationary catch (102) at the instance the beam is fully inserted into the joint. The three joint designs presented in this patent are the Lever Latch (99), Lever Clamp (299), and Trunnion Clamp (499). Together, they allow mechanical parts to be joined under the following respective circumstances: beam element connected to beam element along their centerline axis, one beam element connected perpendicular to another beam elements centerline axis, and flat plat connected to another flat plat.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (12) includes a latch mechanism (20) and a Hall effect assembly (26). The latch mechanism (20) releasably interlocks with a seat belt tongue (16). The Hall effect assembly (26) has a first output if the seat belt tongue (16) is not interlocked with the latch mechanism (20) and has a second, different output if the seat belt tongue (16) is interlocked with the latch mechanism (20). The output of the Hall effect assembly (26) thus indicates whether or not the seat belt tongue (16) is interlocked with the latch mechanism (20).

Abstract: An end release buckle. A buckle frame has a pivotally mounted pawl for lockingly engaging a buckle tongue. The pawl is urged to a locking position by a pawl spring and is released by an end release button having a ramp surface contacting and pivoting the pawl. A tongue ejector is slidably mounted within the frame and is normally urged over the pawl by an ejector spring holding the pawl in an unlocked position. The ejector moves apart from the pawl upon insertion of the tongue. A separate member slidably mounted within the frame is forced forwardly towards the buckle entrance by the button and the button spring upon insertion of the tongue with the member sliding beneath the locked pawl.

Abstract: A hydrostatically releasable coupling assembly for releasably securing a buoyant object to a vessel with a lashing strap. The coupling assembly includes a pair of lashing plates, a cooperative latching mechanism carried by the lashing plates for releasably coupling the lashing plates together and a composite plunger assembly coupled to one of the lashing plates for movement between a release position and a locking position. The plunger assembly has a first diameter portion shaped for release of the latching mechanism for movement from an engaged position to a disengaged position when the plunger assembly is in the release position, and a second diameter portion formed of plastic and shaped to retain the latching mechanism in an engaged position when the plunger assembly is in the locking position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt buckle mechanism designed for use with belt pretensioning means and being rendered immune to the effects of rapid buckle deceleration following pretensioning action the mechanism having a resiliently movable plate 82 carried by the buckle release button, the resilience being effectively much lighter than release button return springs 49c so that although the plate 82 normally has no effect, in the event of pretensioning action, it slides into an abutting position in the mechanism to inhibit subsequent spurious release resulting from button movement in a crash situation.

Abstract: In a seat belt buckle a U-shaped main frame (1) has two side portions (7,8) and a tilting locking element (15) located between them to be engageable with a belt tongue (4) when inserted therein, a retaining member (27) being movable in L-shaped cut-outs (11,12) in the side portions between locking and unlocking positions in relation to the locking element (15) by action of the tongue or a release button respectively, and inertial rocking member (20) being pivotally carried by the locking element (15) and spring urged towards a position which locks the retaining member into its said locking position and is unresponsive to pretensioning action on the buckle.

Abstract: A buckle apparatus comprises a buckle body into which a tongue plate is inserted, and a lock plate with which the tongue plate is engaged and locked. The buckle body is provided with an opening through which a portion of the lock plate is passed in a condition of the tongue plate locked to the lock plate, so that when a load larger than a predetermined value is applied in a direction of withdrawal of the tongue plate in such locked condition, at least a portion of the lock plate is moved in the tongue plate withdrawal direction. Such portion of the lock plate is provided with a projection which is adapted to be brought into engagement with an edge of the opening by the movement of such portion, thereby inhibiting the movement of the lock plate in a direction to release the tongue plate-locked condition. Therefore, even if a load larger than a predetermined value is applied to the tongue plate in the locked condition, the tongue plate cannot be disengaged from the buckle apparatus.

Abstract: A parachute canopy strap connecting device comprises a male strap connector having a locking tang including a locking notch, a female strap connector having a housing including a slot for receiving the tang for insertion to a locking position, and a locking lever having a handle mounted on the housing and including a lock shoulder movable into and out of the slot as the locking lever is moved between extreme lock and unlock positions. A spring are provided to bias the locking lever to lock position, and a cover lever is mounted on the housing for movement between positions covering and uncovering the locking lever handle. A second spring biases the cover lever to covering position, and a blocking pawl is mounted on the housing for movement between a normal biased position, blocking movement of the locking lever from unlock to lock positions, and an unblocking position forced by engagement of a contact surface by the locking tang, upon its insertion to locking position.

Abstract: In a belt buckle for safety belts, particularly in motor vehicles, for receiving and locking an insertable tongue having a housing and, arranged therein, an insertion path for the insertable tongue, with the path containing a spring-loaded ejector, and having a locking element which is pivotably mounted in the buckle and, in the locked position, engages in the tongue recess and is secured in the locked position via a securing member movably mounted in the buckle, and having a slidable actuator for releasing the locking element, which is guided in the housing transversely with respect to the plane of movement of the locking element and which, to protect it from shock, cooperates with a counterweight guided in the housing, the intention is to simplify the construction of the buckle for the purpose of shock prevention and reduce the mass of the parts which cooperate in the event of acceleration of the buckle.

Abstract: A convertible bank anchor and mooring device with a locking cylinder is shown for use with watercraft. The anchor has an elongated tube, or pole, having a ball and socket coupling at one end joined to the side of the boat and an inverted, downturned hook member at the opposite end of the pole for engagement with a tree bough or trunk on shore. There is a lock and key cylinder associated with the socket of the coupling to prevent the unauthorized disengagement of the coupling when the bank anchor is reversed and used as a mooring device. The hook member has a longitudinal swivel connection to the pole, and the ball and socket coupling comprises a stationary socket mechanism attached to one sidewall of the boat having a housing supporting a fixed clamping jaw and a spring-biased clamping jaw urged toward the fixed jaw to provide a female socket.

Abstract: A belt lock for safety belt systems, more especially a small-size lock, comprising a lock housing with a closure mechanism which contains an ejector, with a release key and with at least one eye for the fastening of a first belt strap end, and at least two further endpieces, held in the working position by the mechanism, for further belt strap ends. The endpieces have respective detent arms which overlie one another and are held in a predetermined plug-in position with respect to one another in the working position, being unlockable by means of the release key co-operating with a metal spring which actuates the ejector. The closure mechanism has mutually opposed resilient counter-detent tongues which receive between them the detent tongues of the endpieces and in that the release key which unlocks the detent tongues is provided on a lateral narrow side of the lock housing. The entire belt lock with the exception of the ejector spring is made of plastics material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved coupling system capable of releasably joining and two or more of a variety of cooperative male/female mating items to be temporarily joined and released by a remotely positioned operator by means of a cable connected to the male member. Spring-biased positive forces within the female assembly otherwise tending to separate the male/female members are used to reliably capture the male component. A relatively small adjustable triggering force activated by the cable moving an activating pin triggers ejecting movement of the female capturing members. The male member forms a cavity containing gripping members that slidably grip the cable. The cavity is accessible to the operator.

Abstract: A buckle is constructed of a base, latch piece, holding member and release member. The base has a bottom wall and side walls defining substantially L-shaped holes. The latch piece is supported on the base rockingly between a tongue latching position and a tongue non-latching position. The holding member is received at both end portions in the holes displaceably between a holding position, where the end portions are in the horizontal portions of the corresponding holes so as to hold at the latching position the latch piece which has been in the latching position, and a non-holding position where the end portions are in the vertical portions of the corresponding holes so as to permit movement of the latch piece from the latching position. The release member is provided displaceably between a non-operated position and an operated position and adapted to bring the holding member to the non-holding position and the latch piece to the non-latching position when the release member assumes the operated position.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle comprises a pivoted latch plate biased to a latched position and kept in that position by a control member slidably carried on the latch plate and biased to a position in which blocking portions cover notches at the edges of the latch plate. Control projections on the sides of a channel-shaped frame are engaged by the blocking portions in the latched position but accept the notches in the latch plate when the control member is moved by a release button to uncover the notches. Cam surfaces on the frame sides coact with cam follower surfaces on the control member to lift the control member and latch plate when the release button is depressed. Anchor projections on the frame sides are received in the notches in the latch plate in the latched position and transfer loads from the latch plate to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a unique, self-aligning, quick-releasing coupling system capable of releasably joining male/female items for permanent or temporary joining. One or preferably two jaw members are supported for movement between capturing and releasing positions on a support structure on a pair of cylindrical pivots connected to the structure. Tension springs carried by the capturing members and interrelated with the support structure biases the capturing members to the releasing position. A locking member including a shaft with a pair of pins capable of being rotated via the shaft in and out of a pair of recesses in the jaw members from releasing mode either respectively locks the jaw members into the capturing mode or unlocks from the jaw members in the releasing mode. The shaft is operated by a lever connected to a brass plate by an expansion spring which biases the pins via the shaft towards the locking mode.

Abstract: A latch device is provided with a stationary cylinder to be fixed on a structure on which a door is hinged and a rod adapted to be driven into the cylinder against the resilience of a spring by a strike on the rear side of the door during the closing of the door, and the rod has the front half thereof formed in the shape of a pair of retention pieces connected separately through hinges of a small wall thickness into the rear half of the rod, so that while the rod is pushed into the stationary cylinder, the inner wall surface of the stationary cylinder will enable the retention pieces to grasp the strike and, while the door is opened, the rod will protrude from the stationary cylinder and slightly push the door open and, at the same time, the retention pieces will release the strike from retention therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lock for doors or windows, with two latches each pivoting about a pivot pin being provided in the one component and of which the mutually facing ends in the locked position engage in mutually opposite directions an undercut surface of a locking bolt mounted on the other component, this locking bolt cross-sectionally being a wedge-shaped or conical tip by means of which the two latches can be forced apart against the opposing force of a spring, this lock being designed so that unauthorized forcible opening in the absence of a key is at least made appreciably more difficult.

Abstract: A parachute quick release coupling having overlying and underlying coupling members and a latching mechanism pivotally mounted on a lower upstanding lug of the underlying coupling member to be withdrawn outwardly and downwardly from a normal latching position thereof overlying the upper coupling member to release the coupling and then eject the latching mechanism from the underlying coupling member.

Abstract: A two-stage latch type safety belt buckle is provided with a first latch member directly engaged with a tang and a second latch member for preventing the tang from being disengaged from the first latch member. The second latch member is a two-layer structure, and the first latch member partly extends between the two layers. The second latch member is brought into engagement with the first latch member in a wall portion connecting the two layers together to thereby lock the first latch member in a position in which it is engaged with a tang.

Abstract: A retention and quick release mechanism, in particular for securing an oxygen mask (2) to a helmet (4), comprises two flexible cables (12) each attached at one end to the mask (2) and having an attachment head (18) at its other end, and two locking devices (10) each attached to the helmet (4). Each locking device (10) has catch means which automatically engages the attachment head (18) when it is pushed into the housing (30) and manually operable release means.

Abstract: A safety belt buckle comprises a latch portion including two parallel plates, locking elements in the form of rolls, members for stopping the rolls in latched and unlatched positions of the buckle in the form of a wedge and plate-like pushers respectively, a member for unlatching the buckle fashioned as a button, and a catch part in the form of a prong having a slot for receiving the safety belt and a portion insertable into the shell. The plates of the shell have slots for the rolls to move therein and slots wherethrough the wedge is connected to the button.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved coupling system capable of releasably joining and two or more of a variety of cooperative male/female mating items to be temporarily joined and released by a remotely positioned operator by means of a cable connected to the male member. Spring-biased positive forces within the female assembly otherwise tending to separate the male/female members are used to reliably capture the male component. A relatively small adjustable triggering force activated by the cable moving an activating pin triggers ejecting movement of the female capturing members. The male member forms a cavity containing gripping members that slidably grip the cable. The cavity is accessible to the operator.

Abstract: The present system discloses an improved self-aligning quick release coupling system capable of releasably joining any two or more of a great variety of male/female mating items to be joined at the option of the user. This improved system includes a lock and key system that provides capability for the coupling system to be safely locked into the coupling mode or released from the coupling mode. The system includes a male connecting member having a securing end. The supporting structure, or housing, can be positioned in the side walls of a small boat and the securing end of the male connecting member connected to an oar on a securing rope. A ball member of the male connecting member is freely rotatable between the female mating members positioned in the housing so as to provide rowing and free riding, tying and lifting capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a unique, self-aligning, quick-releasing coupling system capable of releasably joining male/female items for permanent or temporary joining. One or preferably two jaw members are supported for movement between capturing and releasing positions on a support structure on a pair of cylindrical pivots connected to the structure. Tension springs carried by the capturing members and interrelated with the support structure biases the capturing members to the releasing position. A locking member including a shaft with a pair of pins capable of being rotated via the shaft in and out of a pair of recesses in the jaw members from releasing mode either respectively locks the jaw members into the capturing mode or unlocks from the jaw members in the releasing mode. The shaft is operated by a lever connected to a brass plate by an expansion spring which biases the pins via the shaft towards the locking mode.