Quick release shackle pin system

• US 7,448,823 B2
• Filed: 09/28/2004
• Issued: 11/11/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/09/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Fred Silva
• Original Assignee: Fred Silva
• Inventors: Silva, Fred
• Primary Examiner(s): Stodola; Daniel P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mills; Daniel J.
• Application Number:
  US10/954,138
• Publication Number:
  US 20050276658A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,505 Days
• Field of Search: 403/348, 403/349, 403/323, 403/325, 403/327, 411/347, 411/348, 599/01, 59/85, 59/86
• US Class Current: 403/349
• CPC Class Codes: F16G 15/06 Shackles designed for attachment by joint pins to chain elements, e.g. D-shackles so called harp links; the D-chain links are classified according to the corresponding kind of chain
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32893 including distinct pin retainer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/599 Spring biased manipulator
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7007 Bayonet joint

Abstract

A spring loaded quick release pin and tubular receiver with a retainer pin configured to secure the quick release pin in a shackle, clevis, yoke or forked rod end. The receiver is welded to a shackle or cast with the shackle as a single body. One end of the quick release pin has aligned J slots that engage the retainer pin positioned in the receiver with a clockwise twist. The other end of the quick release pin has a cap and a spring loaded sleeve that biases the cross pin against outside of the second leg of the shackle. The spring bias keeps the short leg of the J slot engaged with the retaining pin. The quick release pin is removed with a push and counter clockwise twist. The invention includes a kit with a receiver, a bushing and a quick release pin for installing or retrofitting existing shackles.

Claims

1. An apparatus for securing a first object having a first aperture to a second object having second and third apertures, said apparatus comprising:

an elongated cylindrical pin having distal and proximal ends;

a tubular receiver adapted to receive said distal end of said pin;

wherein said receiver is adapted to couple to the second object adjacent to and aligned with the third aperture;

a retainer coupled to said receiver;

means for engaging said retainer positioned at said distal end of said pin;

wherein said means for engaging said retainer is further positioned within the circumference of said pin;

means for biasing said pin positioned at said proximal end of said pin;

wherein the first aperture of the first object is secured between the second and third apertures of the second object when said pin is positioned in the first, second, and third apertures, said means for engaging is engaged to said retainer, and said pin is biased against the second object by said means for biasing;

wherein said pin has a mid proximal position between said distal end and said proximal end;

wherein said pin has a large diameter from said distal end to said mid proximal position of said pin; and

wherein said pin has a small diameter less than said large diameter from said mid proximal position to said proximal end of said pin; and

wherein an annular shoulder is formed at said mid proximal position of said pin;

wherein said means for engaging said retainer comprises a plurality of retainer slots, positioned in said distal end of said pin;

wherein each said retainer slot is configured to form a continuous J slot having a long leg and a short leg;

wherein said long leg of said J slot is aligned longitudinally with said pin;

wherein said long leg of said J slot is open at said distal end of said pin;

wherein said short leg of said J slot is configured to extend partially toward said distal end of said pin;

wherein said J slot is further adapted to engage said retainer; and

wherein said distal end of said pin engages said retainer when said short leg of said J slot is aligned with said retainer and said pin is biased against the second object by said means for biasing;

wherein said receiver comprises a tubular receiver sleeve having distal and proximal ends;

wherein said receiver sleeve is adapted to align with the third aperture of the second object; and

wherein said proximal end of said receiver sleeve is adapted to couple to the second object.

2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said distal end of said pin comprises a truncated cone.

3. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for biasing comprises:

a tubular sliding sleeve configured to slide on said small diameter of said pin;

said sliding sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end;

said sliding sleeve further having an inner circumference and an outer circumference;

wherein said distal end of said sliding sleeve has a ridge on the inner circumference;

wherein said outer circumference of said sliding sleeve is greater than the inner circumference of the second aperture of the second object;

wherein said ridge of said sliding sleeve is adapted to engage said annular shoulder of said pin;

a tubular cap having a distal end, a mid proximal position and a proximal end;

wherein said proximal end of said cap is adapted to couple to said proximal end of said pin;

wherein said cap is further adapted to receive said sliding sleeve from said distal end to said mid proximal position of said cap;

a spring adapted to fit said small diameter of said pin;

wherein said spring is positioned within said inner circumference of said sliding sleeve;

said spring having a distal end and a proximal end;

wherein said distal end of said spring is positioned on said ridge of said sliding sleeve;

wherein said proximal end of said spring is positioned on said mid proximal portion of said tubular cap; and

wherein said spring is configured to bias said sliding sleeve distally on said pin.

4. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said retainer is a retainer pin positioned perpendicular to and intersecting the longitudinal axis of said receiver sleeve.

5. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said proximal end of said receiver sleeve is adapted to be welded to the second object.

6. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said proximal end of said sleeve is adapted to couple within the third aperture of the second object.

7. An apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein:

the third aperture of the second object is adapted with female threads;

said proximal end of said receiver sleeve having male threads; and

wherein said male threads are adapted to mate to said female threads.

8. An apparatus for securing an object having a first aperture, said apparatus comprising:

a body having second and third apertures;

wherein said second and third apertures of said body are adapted to align with the first aperture of the object when the object is positioned between said second and third apertures;

said body further having a tubular receiver;

wherein said receiver is configured to align with said third aperture of said body;

a retainer coupled to said receiver;

an elongated cylindrical pin, said pin adapted to fit in said second and said third apertures of said body;

said pin having distal and proximal ends;

means for engaging said retainer positioned at said distal end of said pin;

said means for engaging further positioned within the circumference of said pin;

means for biasing said pin positioned at said proximal end of said pin;

wherein the first aperture of the object is secured between said second and third apertures of said body when said pin is positioned through the first, second, and third apertures, said means for engaging is engaged with said retainer, and said pin is biased against said body by said means for biasing;

wherein said pin has a mid proximal position between said distal end and said proximal end;

wherein said pin has a large diameter from said distal end to said mid proximal position of said pin; and

wherein said pin has a small diameter less than said large diameter from said mid proximal position to said proximal end of said pin; and

wherein an annular shoulder is formed at said mid proximal position of said pin;

wherein said means for engaging said retainer comprises a plurality of retainer slots, positioned in said distal end of said pin;

wherein each said retainer slot is configured to form a continuous J slot having a long leg and a short leg;

wherein said long leg of said J slot is aligned longitudinally with said pin;

wherein said long leg of said J slot is open at said distal end of said pin;

wherein said short leg of said J slot is configured to extend partially toward said distal end of said pin;

wherein said J slot is further adapted to engage said retainer; and

wherein said distal end of said pin engages said retainer when said short leg of said J slot is aligned with said retainer and said pin is biased against said body by said means for biasing;

wherein said receiver comprises a tubular receiver sleeve having distal and proximal ends;

wherein said receiver sleeve is adapted to align with said third aperture of said body; and

wherein said proximal end of said receiver sleeve is coupled to said body.

9. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said distal end of said pin comprises a truncated cone.

10. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said means for biasing comprises:

a tubular sliding sleeve configured to slide on said small diameter of said pin;

wherein said sliding sleeve has distal and proximal ends;

wherein said sliding sleeve further has an inner circumference and an outer circumference;

wherein said distal end of said sliding sleeve has a ridge on said inner circumference;

wherein said outer circumference of said sliding sleeve is greater than the circumference of said second aperture;

wherein said ridge of said sliding sleeve is adapted to engage said shoulder of said pin;

a tubular cap having a distal end, a mid proximal position and a proximal end;

wherein said proximal end of said cap is adapted to couple to said proximal end of said pin;

wherein said cap is further adapted to receive said sliding sleeve from said distal end to said mid proximal position of said cap;

a spring adapted to fit said small diameter of said pin;

said spring positioned within said inner circumference of said sliding sleeve;

said spring having distal and proximal ends;

said distal end of said spring positioned on said ridge of said sliding sleeve;

said proximal end of said spring positioned on said mid proximal portion of said tubular cap;

wherein said spring is configured to bias said sliding sleeve distally on said pin.

11. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said retainer is a retainer pin positioned perpendicular to and intersecting the longitudinal axis of said receiver sleeve.

12. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said proximal end of said receiver sleeve is welded to said body.

13. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said proximal end of said receiver sleeve is adapted to couple within said third aperture of said body.

14. An apparatus for securing an object as recited in claim 13, wherein:

said third aperture of said body is adapted with female threads;

said proximal end of said receiver sleeve having male threads; and

wherein said male threads are adapted to mate to said female threads.

15. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said receiver and said body are manufactured as a single structure.

16. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said body is selected from the group consisting of a shackle, a clevis, a yoke, and a forked rod end.

17. An apparatus for securing an object having a first aperture, said apparatus comprising:

a body having second and third apertures;

wherein said second and third apertures of said body are adapted to align with the first aperture of the object when the object is positioned between said second and third apertures;

a tubular receiver coupled to said body;

wherein said receiver is configured to align with said third aperture of said body;

a retainer coupled to said receiver;

an elongated cylindrical pin, said pin adapted to fit in said second and said third apertures of said body;

said pin having distal and proximal ends;

a plurality of open ended J shaped slots positioned at said distal end of said pin;

said J shaped slots configured to engage said retainer when said pin is advanced distally in said receiver and rotated through an angle less than 180 degrees;

a spring positioned near said proximal end of said pin;

wherein the first aperture of the object is secured between said second and third apertures of said body when said pin is positioned through the first, second, and third apertures, said J shaped slots are engaged with said retainer in said receiver, and said spring is biased between said proximal end of said pin and said body;

wherein said pin has a mid proximal position between said distal end and said proximal end;

wherein said pin has a large diameter from said distal end to said mid proximal position of said pin; and

wherein said pin has a small diameter less than said large diameter from said mid proximal position to said proximal end of said pin; and

wherein an annular shoulder is formed at said mid proximal position of said pin.

18. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein said retainer is a retainer pin positioned perpendicular to and intersecting the longitudinal axis of said receiver sleeve.

19. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein:

a bore extends longitudinally and partially through said distal end of said pin, thereby forming a distal tube; and

said plurality of J shaped slots comprises two.

20. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, further comprising:

a sliding sleeve positioned near said proximal end of said pin;

wherein said sliding sleeve is biased against said body by said spring when said J shaped slots are engaged with said retainer.

21. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein:

said third aperture of said body is adapted with female threads;

said receiver having male threads; and

wherein said male threads are adapted to mate to said female threads.

22. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein said receiver and said body are manufactured as a single structure.

23. A pin securing system kit for mounting to an object having first and second apertures, the kit comprising:

a tubular receiver having distal and proximal ends;

said proximal end of said receiver adapted to couple to the object;

said receiver further adapted to align with the second aperture of the object;

a retainer coupled to said receiver;

an elongated cylindrical pin, said pin adapted to slidingly fit in the first and second aligned apertures of the object;

said pin having distal and proximal ends;

a plurality of retainer slots, positioned in said distal end of said pin;

wherein each said retainer slot is configured to form a continuous J slot having a long leg and a short leg;

wherein said long leg of said J slot is aligned longitudinally with said pin;

wherein said long leg of said J slot is open at said distal end of said pin;

wherein said short leg of said J slot is configured to extend partially toward said distal end of said pin;

wherein said J slot is further adapted to engage said retainer;

a spring positioned near said proximal end of said pin;

wherein said distal end of said pin is engaged with said retainer when said short leg of said J slot is aligned with said retainer and said spring is biased between said proximal end of said pin and the object;

said pin further having a mid proximal position between said distal end and said proximal end;

said pin having a large diameter from said distal end to said mid proximal position;

said pin having a small diameter less than said large diameter extending from said mid proximal position to said proximal end;

wherein an annular shoulder is formed at said mid proximal position of said pin;

a tubular sliding sleeve configured to slide on said small diameter of said pin;

said sliding sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end;

said sliding sleeve further having an inner circumference and an outer circumference;

wherein said outer circumference of said sliding sleeve is greater than the inner circumference of the first aperture of the object;

said distal end of said sliding sleeve having a ridge on said inner circumference;

said ridge of said sliding sleeve adapted to engage said annular shoulder of said pin;

a tubular cap having a distal end, a mid proximal position and a proximal end;

said proximal end of said cap adapted to couple to said proximal end of said pin;

said cap further adapted to accommodate said sliding sleeve from said distal end to said mid proximal position of said cap;

said spring adapted to fit said small diameter of said pin;

said spring positioned within said inner circumference of said sliding sleeve;

said spring having a distal end and a proximal end;

said distal end of said spring positioned on said ridge of said sliding sleeve;

said proximal end of said spring positioned on said mid proximal portion of said tubular cap; and

wherein said spring is configured to bias said sliding sleeve distally on said pin.

24. A kit as recited in claim 23, further comprising:

a bushing having an inner circumference and an outer circumference;

wherein said outer circumference of said bushing is adapted to fit tightly within the first aperture;

wherein said inner circumference of said bushing is further adapted to receive said pin; and

wherein said inner circumference of said bushing is further adapted to be smaller than the outer circumference of said sliding sleeve.

25. A kit as recited in claim 24, wherein:

the first aperture of the object is adapted with female threads;

said bushing having male threads; and

wherein said male threads are adapted to mate to said female threads.

26. A kit as recited in claim 23, wherein said receiver comprises:

a receiver sleeve with distal and proximal ends;

said proximal end of said receiver sleeve adapted to couple to the object.

27. A kit as recited in claim 26, wherein said retainer is a retainer pin positioned perpendicular to and intersecting the longitudinal axis of said receiver sleeve.

28. A kit as recited in claim 26, wherein said proximal end of said receiver sleeve is adapted to be welded to the object.

29. A kit as recited in claim 26, wherein said proximal end of said receiver sleeve is adapted to couple within the second aperture of the object.

30. A kit as recited in claim 29, wherein:

the second aperture of the object is adapted with female threads;

said receiver sleeve having male threads; and

wherein said male threads are adapted to mate to said female threads.

31. In an apparatus having first and second apertures configured to receive a pin, the improvement comprising:

a tubular receiver having at least a proximal end, said proximal end adapted to couple to the apparatus;

wherein said receiver is further adapted to align with the second aperture of the apparatus;

a retainer coupled to said receiver;

an elongated cylindrical pin, said pin adapted to slidingly fit in the first and second aligned apertures of the apparatus;

said pin having distal and proximal ends;

a plurality of retainer slots, positioned in said distal end of said pin;

wherein each said retainer slot is configured to form a continuous J slot having a long leg and a short leg;

wherein said long leg of said J slot is aligned longitudinally with said pin;

wherein said long leg of said J slot is open at said distal end of said pin;

wherein said short leg of said J slot is configured to extend partially toward said distal end of said pin;

wherein said J slot is further adapted to engage said retainer;

a spring positioned near said proximal end of said pin;

wherein said distal end of said pin is engaged with said retainer when said short legs of said J slot is aligned with said retainer and said spring is biased between the apparatus and the proximal end of said pin;

said pin further having a mid proximal position between said distal end and said proximal end;

said pin having a large diameter from said distal end to said mid proximal position;

said pin having a small diameter less than said large diameter extending from said mid proximal position to said proximal end;

wherein an annular shoulder is formed at said mid proximal position of said pin;

a tubular sliding sleeve configured to slide on said small diameter of said pin;

said sliding sleeve having distal and proximal ends;

said sliding sleeve further having an inner circumference and an outer circumference;

wherein said outer circumference of said sliding sleeve is greater than the inner circumference of the first aperture;

said distal end of said sliding sleeve having a ridge on said inner circumference;

said ridge of said sliding sleeve adapted to engage said annular shoulder of said pin;

a tubular cap having a distal end, a mid proximal position and a proximal end;

said proximal end of said cap adapted to couple to said proximal end of said pin;

said cap further adapted to accommodate said sliding sleeve from said distal end to said mid proximal position of said cap;

said spring adapted to fit said small diameter of said pin;

said spring positioned within said inner circumference of said sliding sleeve;

said spring having a distal end and a proximal end;

said distal end of said spring positioned on said ridge of said sliding sleeve;

said proximal end of said spring positioned on said mid proximal portion of said tubular cap; and

wherein said spring is configured to bias said sliding sleeve distally on said pin.

32. In an apparatus as recited in claim 31, the improvement further comprising:

a bushing having an inner circumference and an outer circumference;

said outer circumference of said bushing adapted to couple within the first aperture;

said inner circumference of said bushing adapted to receive said pin;

said inner circumference of said bushing further adapted to be smaller than the outer circumference of said slide sleeve.

33. In an apparatus as recited in claim 32, the improvement further comprising:

wherein the first aperture of the apparatus is adapted with female threads;

said bushing having male threads; and

wherein said male threads are adapted to mate to said female threads.

34. In an apparatus as recited in claim 31, the improvement further comprising:

a receiver sleeve with distal and proximal ends;

wherein said proximal end of said receiver sleeve is adapted to couple to the apparatus.

35. In an apparatus as recited in claim 34, said retainer further comprising a retainer pin positioned perpendicular to and intersecting the longitudinal axis of said receiver sleeve.

36. In an apparatus as recited in claim 34, the improvement further comprising said proximal end of said receiver sleeve adapted to be welded to the apparatus.

37. In an apparatus as recited in claim 34, the improvement further comprising said proximal end of said receiver sleeve adapted to couple within the second aperture of the apparatus.

38. In an apparatus as recited in claim 34, the improvement further comprising:

the second aperture of the apparatus adapted with female threads;

said receiver sleeve having male threads; and

wherein said male threads are adapted to mate to said female threads.

39. In an apparatus as recited in claim 31, the improvement is adapted to couple to an apparatus selected from the group consisting of a shackle, a clevis, a yoke, and a forked rod end.