Patent ID: 6857247
Filing Date: 2005-02-22
Classification: E04B,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A coupling device comprised of a base with a coupling axis and at least two spaced apart prongs which extend from the base and are parallel to the coupling axis, wherein each prong is comprised of: a) two radially extending mating surfaces, each having a first and second end; b) an inner transition surface connecting the first ends of each mating surface; c) an outer transition surface connecting the second ends of each mating surface; d) wherein each mating surface is planar and forms an equal but opposite angle with a common baseline connecting the second end of each mating surface; e) wherein each prong is centered about a radial line and the width of a prong is defined by the length of the radial line associated with each prong from the inner transition surface to the outer transition surface and wherein the width is less than ⅔ the distance from the coupling axis to the outer transition surface; f) wherein the outer transition surface is curved and a ring is positioned around the outer transition surfaces to restrain deflection of the prongs when connected to a mating coupling; and g) wherein each prong is shaped and oriented such that gaps created between the prongs have a substantially identical and orientation to accept substantially identical identically shaped prongs from another coupling device.