Patent ID: 8800113

Claim:
A rigid modular connector comprising: a handle, wherein the handle comprises a distal end, a proximal end, and an internal handle recess extending longitudinally within the handle from the proximal end and ending at a threaded recess; a collar, wherein the collar comprises a distal end, a proximal end, and an internal collar aperture extending from the distal end to the proximal end; one or more leaf springs, wherein the one or more leaf springs each comprise one collar external capture extending from and proximal to an outer surface of the proximal end of the collar and separated by one slot on each side of the collar external capture, wherein each slot extends from the proximal end of the collar substantially halfway to the distal end of the collar and extends from the outer surface of the collar to an inner surface of the collar; and a connector, wherein the connector comprises a distal end and a proximal end and is operable to be rigidly affixed to the handle within the threaded recess of the handle, wherein the proximal end of the connector further comprises a female drive feature operable to receive a male drive feature; wherein the collar is operable to longitudinally slide about the connector from a first, open position proximate to the handle to a second, closed position proximate to the female drive feature of the connector; and wherein the one or more leaf springs are operable to pivot slightly away from or closer to a center longitudinal axis defined through the internal collar aperture of the collar, thereby locking the collar with either the handle or the connector.