Quick disconnect apparatus for modular tooling

A coupler for a modular tooling apparatus, comprising:

• a body having a first side and a second side wherein a recess is formed in the first side of the body and defines a stepped aperture extending through the body from the first side to the second side;
• a coupling member complementarily seated within the recess and connected to the body, the coupling member including a first annular ring with a substantially cylindrical, central opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the coupling member;
• a second annular ring extending inwardly from the first annular ring, the second annular ring including projections that extend toward a center of the central opening and taper away from the first side toward the second side of the body such that each projection defines a thickness that decreases along the longitudinal axis of the coupling member in the radial direction, whereby each projection includes a wedge-like profile;
• and
• openings located between adjacent pairs of the projections.

A coupler connectable to a receiver of a modular tooling apparatus, comprising:

• a body having a first side and a second side wherein a recess formed in the first side of the body defines a stepped aperture extending through the body from the first side to the second side wherein the recess has a larger diameter than the remaining portion of the aperture and wherein the aperture is adaptable to receive a tooling assembly on the second side of the body;
• a coupler ring matingly received within the recess and connected to the body, and the coupler ring having a substantially cylindrical, central opening defined in part by an annular wall that extends around the central opening;
• wedge-like projections that extend inward from the annular wall in a radial direction so as to define an inner ring located concentrically within the central opening, the wedge-like projections tapering away from the first side toward the second side of the body such that each wedge-like projection defines a thickness that decreases in the radial direction;
• openings located between adjacent pairs of the wedge-like projections adaptable to receive the receiver from the first side of the body;
• at least one aperture formed in the body adaptable to receive guide pins from the receiver on the first side of the body;
• and
• at least one mechanical code pin connected to and extending from the first side of the body wherein the at least one mechanical code pin is adaptable to be received by corresponding apertures in the receiver.