Patent ID: 7142926

Claim:
A quick-connect system for mechanically connecting a first component and a second component, wherein the first component and second component are configured to be used with a hearing device the system comprising: a receptacle which is part of the first component; a barrel connector, which is dimensioned to fit inside said receptacle, said barrel connector is part of the second component; and a lock for locking the barrel inside the receptacle, wherein the lock comprises: a cam slot on the barrel; and a spring-loaded tooth, dimensioned to fit into the cam slot, wherein the spring-loaded tooth is at least partially contained in a spring retaining chamber, which chamber is attached to a side wall of the receptacle; wherein the spring-loaded tooth and spring retaining chamber are positioned to permit the spring-loaded tooth to engage the cam slot after the barrel is inserted into the receptacle, and wherein the cam slot is sized and configured so that when the barrel is twisted between about 45° and 90°, the barrel is disengaged from the spring-loaded tooth, allowing the barrel to be withdrawn from the receptacle.