Patent ID: 7828340

Claim:
A coupling, comprising: a shell having two semi-circular shell arms, each with a first end and a second end, the first ends of the shell arms moveably attached by a hinge assembly; and a securing assembly configured to releasably secure the second ends of the shell arms in a substantially abutting relationship; wherein the securing assembly includes: (i) a handle rotatably attached at or near the second end of one of the first shell arm or second shell arm, the handle having: (a) a handle body; (b) at least one hinge orifice extending through at least a portion of the handle body; and (c) a hinge pin extending through the at least one hinge orifice, the hinge pin having an orifice extending therethrough; and (ii) a substantially T-shaped bail having an arm with a first end and a base portion having an engagement member extending substantially transversely with respect to the bail arm, wherein the engagement member is configured to mate with a groove positioned on a boss attached at or near the second end of the other of the first shell arm or second shell arm, the first end of the bail arm extending through the hinge pin orifice; wherein the bail arm includes a flexion portion for providing spring action to the bail while closing the handle, wherein the flexion portion is a bend in an intermediate portion of the bail arm, thereby providing spring action to the bail arm.