Patent ID: 7060071

Claim:
A device for coupling instruments comprising: a longitudinal male connector having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and a lateral portion; a hollow coupling shank having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first bore extending therethrough for receiving the male connector coaxially to the longitudinal axis, wherein the lateral portion of the male connector includes a plurality of flat surfaces extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, each flat portion beginning at a predetermined proximal distance from the distal end and extending therefrom in the proximal direction over a predetermined length, and the first bore shank includes a plurality of wall surfaces corresponding to the flat surfaces, so that the male connector can be inserted into the first bore to form a connection which is resistant to twisting about the longitudinal axis, wherein the male connector defines a second bore extending coaxially therethrough and at least one radial slot extending from the distal end in coaxial arrangement to the longitudinal axis to a predetermined depth, and defining a radially elastic, compressible holding element extending from the distal end, wherein the male connector includes at least one radially protruding latch finger; and the first bore includes at least one latch finger recess to engage the latch finger so that the male connector can be axially fixed with respect to the shank, and the latch finger and recess comprise disengagement means which permit disengagement by applying a disengagement tensile force on the male connector in the proximal direction, and the holding element may be radially compressed so that the latch finger will disengage from the recess and the male connector can be removed from the first bore.