Patent ID: 6585444
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: B25B,Y10T

Abstract:
A coupler for releasably coupling a first shaft and a second shaft, comprising:a housing having a first interior surface defining a center cavity and a second interior surface defining a through hole intersecting the center cavity; and a locking member at least partially disposed in the center cavity and comprising: a first and an opposing second inwardly-facing surface partially defining a central passage in the locking member; a projection extending partially along a length of the first inwardly-facing surface; an upper portion; an intermediate portion having a lower surface that partially defines the central passage; and a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a first side member adjoining the intermediate portion and including the first inwardly-facing surface, a second side member adjoining the intermediate portion and including the second inwardly-facing surface, and a bottom member adjoining the first and the second side members and having an upper surface that partially defines the central passage, wherein the locking member is movable between a first position wherein the projection is substantially misaligned with the through hole and the central passage can removably receive an end portion of the first shaft, and a second position wherein the projection is substantially aligned with the through hole and the projection can engage a recessed portion of the first shaft and thereby inhibit removal of the end portion from the central passage.