Coupling system with lock
First Claim
1. An improved latching system, comprising, in combination,a supporting structure,a pair of capture members forming generally facing hollow portions, said capture members being supported for movement between capturing and releasing positions by said supporting structure,first spring means carried by said support structure normally biasing said capture members towards said releasing position,an elongated cam member positioned between the lower portions of said capture members and extending generally lateral to said pair of capture members, said cam member being supported for movement between interfering and non-interfering positions by said supporting structure, wherein in said interfering position said capture member is in said capturing position and in said non-interfering position said capture member is in asid releasing position,an elongated, generally upright lever member having one end connected to one end of said cam member and another end accessible to gripping by an operator, said lever member being carried by said supporting structure, said lever member being capable of movement between first and second positions wherein in said first position said cam member is in said interfering position and in said second position said cam member is in said non-interfering position,second spring means carried by said supporting structure for normally biasing said lever member towards said first and second positions;
- a ball member capable of being releasably captured in said hollow portions of said capture members, said ball member being capable of being fully rotated over 360 degrees,a connector member having one end connected to said ball member and extending outwardly from said support structure, said connector member being rotatable over 360 degrees with said ball member,a key lock member supported for rotational movement by said supporting structure,a pawl member integral with said key lock capable of movement between holding and non-holding positions, wherein in said holding position said pawl member holds said lever member in said first position,a key capable of being inserted into said key-lock member and operating said key lock member and said pawl member between said holding and non-holding positions, anda boat having side walls wherein said supporting structure is positioned in one of said side walls, and further including a base structure, said supporting structure being positioned in said base structure.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. An improved latching system, comprising, in combination,
a supporting structure, a pair of capture members forming generally facing hollow portions, said capture members being supported for movement between capturing and releasing positions by said supporting structure, first spring means carried by said support structure normally biasing said capture members towards said releasing position, an elongated cam member positioned between the lower portions of said capture members and extending generally lateral to said pair of capture members, said cam member being supported for movement between interfering and non-interfering positions by said supporting structure, wherein in said interfering position said capture member is in said capturing position and in said non-interfering position said capture member is in asid releasing position, an elongated, generally upright lever member having one end connected to one end of said cam member and another end accessible to gripping by an operator, said lever member being carried by said supporting structure, said lever member being capable of movement between first and second positions wherein in said first position said cam member is in said interfering position and in said second position said cam member is in said non-interfering position, second spring means carried by said supporting structure for normally biasing said lever member towards said first and second positions; -
a ball member capable of being releasably captured in said hollow portions of said capture members, said ball member being capable of being fully rotated over 360 degrees, a connector member having one end connected to said ball member and extending outwardly from said support structure, said connector member being rotatable over 360 degrees with said ball member, a key lock member supported for rotational movement by said supporting structure, a pawl member integral with said key lock capable of movement between holding and non-holding positions, wherein in said holding position said pawl member holds said lever member in said first position, a key capable of being inserted into said key-lock member and operating said key lock member and said pawl member between said holding and non-holding positions, and a boat having side walls wherein said supporting structure is positioned in one of said side walls, and further including a base structure, said supporting structure being positioned in said base structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification