Coupler for joining movable members

Abstract

A coupler that provides a selectively releasable connection between first and second relatively movable members. Such a coupler has a receiver that is secured to the first relatively movable member. The receiver is bifurcated to present a gudgeon having laterally spaced, generally parallel, side walls. A socket is located in each side wall to be disposed in spaced opposition. Each socket has guide surfaces that flare outwardly from a first race to terminate in an entrance. The second relatively movable member presents a transversely oriented trunnion. The trunnion has bearing surfaces that are selectively insertable within the opposed sockets operatively to engage said first races. A generally U-shaped locking verification clip has a base wall and laterally spaced first and second side walls. A pair of pedestals extend from the base wall in laterally spaced, substantially parallel, disposition between the side walls. Each pedestal terminates in a second race. The second races also operatively engaging the bearing surfaces on the trunnion in opposition to the engagement of the bearing surfaces with the first races. A locking mechanism selectively secures the locking verification clip to the receiver so as to capture the bearing surfaces on the trunnion with respect to the first and second races.