Patent ID: 7306395
Filing Date: 2007-12-11
Classification: E02F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A coupler comprising: an upper portion defining a first pin-on axis and a second pin-on axis, wherein said upper portion comprises first and second ribs arranged in parallel spaced relation and defining an upper channel therebetween, wherein said first and second ribs define respective first pin-on bores coincident with said first pin-on axis, and said first and second ribs define respective second pin-on bores coincident with said second pin-on axis; a first hook assembly immovably connected to said upper portion and comprising a first hook adapted to receive a first associated attachment pin; a second hook assembly comprising a second hook adapted to receive a second associated attachment pin, said second hook assembly pivotably connected to said upper portion and selectively pivotable toward and away from said first hook assembly; a locking cam pivotally connected to said first hook assembly and pivotally movable relative to said first hook between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein said locking cam at least partially blocks said first hook when in said extended position; an actuator operatively connected between said second hook assembly and said locking cam, said actuator being operable between a first position and a second position, wherein: (i) when said actuator is operated from said first position to said second position, said actuator moves said second hook away from said first hook and moves said locking cam from said retracted position to said extended position; and, (ii) when said actuator is operated from said second position to said first position, said actuator moves said second hook toward said first hook and moves said locking cam from said extended position to said retracted position; a stop immovably secured relative to said upper portion and said first hook, said stop fixed in position relative to the pivotable locking cam so that said pivotable locking cam moves relative to said stop when said locking cam moves between its extended and retracted positions; and, a pendulum lock bar pivotally connected to the locking cam and movable under force of gravity between a locked position and an unlocked position depending upon an angular orientation of said coupler, said pendulum lock bar comprising a stop face, wherein: (i) said stop face of said pendulum lock bar is located to engage said stop and prevent movement of said locking cam from said extended position to said retracted position when said pendulum lock bar is located in said locked position; and, (ii) said stop face of said pendulum lock bar is moved out of alignment with said stop when said pendulum lock bar is located in said unlocked position so that said locking cam is movable from said extended position to said retracted position when said pendulum lock bar is in said unlocked position; wherein the pendulum lock bar moves together with the locking cam when the locking cam moves between its extended and retracted positions and also pivots relative to the moveable locking cam.