Patent ID: 7217060
Filing Date: 2007-05-15
Classification: A61F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A lock assembly, comprising: an attachment lock body having a central bore formed therein and a cylindrical bore extending therein and orthogonally intersecting at least a portion of the central bore; a locking mechanism slidably engaging the cylindrical bore, the locking mechanism including: a centering axle including an engaging member at one end thereof, said centering axle including at least one groove defined longitudinally about a circumference along at least a portion of a length thereof; a sleeve encompassing a portion of the centering axle and defining at least one groove along an internal periphery thereof and positioned generally opposed to the at least one longitudinal groove of the centering axle, the opposed at least one grooves of the centering axle and the sleeve defining a passageway; a slidable ball bearing element positioned in each passageway defined by the grooves of the centering axle and the sleeve, the bearing element sliding within the passageway and permitting longitudinal movement of the centering axle relative to the sleeve and prohibiting rotation of the centering axle relative to the sleeve; and a clutch device securely receiving the sleeve and permitting rotation of the centering axle and the sleeve in only one direction.