Patent ID: 7861976

Claim:
A coupling device for coupling a first element to a second element, comprising: a first structure that is configured to be attached to the first element, and includes a plurality of transverse-mounted bearings; a second structure that is configured to be attached to the second element, and includes: a plurality of latch elements that are configured to engage the plurality of bearings via a rotation of the latch elements, a lateral member that is configured to provide the rotation of the latch elements via a lateral movement of the lateral member, and a plurality of pinions that are each configured to couple each corresponding latch element to the lateral member, to facilitate the rotation of each latch element, wherein each latch element of the plurality of latch elements includes a hook element that is configured to engage a corresponding bearing of the plurality of bearings and to apply a force that draws the first structure toward the second structure during the rotation of the latch element; and wherein each pinion includes a tang that engages an adjacent latch element to urge the adjacent latch element toward a latch position during the lateral movement of the lateral member.