Patent ID: 6139214
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: A61B,F16D,Y10T

Abstract:
A coupling for releasably connecting first and second parts of an apparatus, said coupling comprising:a socket member on the first part of said apparatus, said socket member having an axially extending central opening; anda plug member on the second part of said apparatus, said plug member to be received coaxially in said central opening in said socket member;a first one of said plug member and said socket member including a first manually depressible release button and a first locking element spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of said central opening and movable radially with each other relative to said central opening when said plug member is received in said central opening in said socket member, said first locking element moving away from said central opening when said first release button is depressed;said first one of said plug member and said socket member also including a second manually depressible release button and a second locking element spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of said central opening and movable radially with each other relative to said central opening when said plug member is received in said central opening in said socket member, said second locking element moving away from said central opening when said second release button is depressed;said first and second locking elements being engageable with said second one of said plug member and said socket member to block axial movement between said plug member and said socket member when said plug member is received in said central opening in said socket member.