Patent ID: 6332635
Filing Date: 2001-12-25
Classification: A01B,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
A two-part connector having a first part in the form of a cylindrical member and a second part in the form of a tubular member with a tube extending transversely therefrom; the tubular member sized to snugly, rotatably, receive the cylindrical member; cooperating locking means on the first and second parts to selectively lock the tubular member to the cylindrical member preventing its rotation and lateral displacement relative to the cylindrical member when mounted thereon; the locking means on the first part comprising at least two openings on the surface of the cylindrical member, the openings spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member; the locking means on the second part comprising a lock member slidable axially in the tube, the lock member movable transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member and sized to snugly fit into any one of the openings on the cylindrical member; a collar slidable on the tube; a pin traversing the collar and passing through elongated, aligned slots in the wall of the tube and through the lock member, the slots parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube; the collar movable along the tube to move the lock member via the pin; spring means in the tube biasing the lock member, toward the tubular member, to a locking position; and slot extensions at the top of the slots extending transversely therefrom in opposite directions, the slot extensions receiving the pin when the collar is rotated at the top of the slots to retain the lock member in an unlocked position against the action of the spring means; the lock member having a slightly elongated hole through which the pin passes to permit the pin to be rotated relative to the lock member by the collar.