Coupling assembly and ratcheting locking member for use therein

A coupling assembly comprising:

• first and second coupling members including first and second coupling faces, respectively, in close-spaced opposition with one another, wherein at least one of the coupling members is mounted for rotation about an axis;
• a locking member disposed between the coupling faces of the coupling members, the locking member being movable between (i) a coupling position characterized by abutting-engagement of the locking member with each of the first and second coupling members and (ii) an uncoupling position characterized by non-abutting engagement of the locking member with at least the first coupling member;
• and
• a blocking structure, the blocking structure being a part of at least one of the locking member and the first coupling member, wherein the blocking structure prevents the locking member from entering the coupling position, and thereby prevents abutting engagement of the locking member with the first coupling member, while rotation of the first coupling member in an engagement direction relative to the second coupling member is above a predetermined rotational speed;
• the blocking structure being a part of only the locking member;
• and
• the blocking structure is a rib, protuberance, or protrusion on the locking member.

A coupling assembly comprising:

• first and second coupling members including first and second coupling faces, respectively, in close-spaced opposition with one another, wherein at least one of the coupling members is mounted for rotation about an axis;
• a locking member disposed between the coupling faces of the coupling members, the locking member being movable between (i) a coupling position characterized by abutting-engagement of the locking member with each of the first and second coupling members and (ii) an uncoupling position characterized by non-abutting engagement of the locking member with at least the first coupling member;
• a blocking structure, the blocking structure being a part of at least one of the locking member and the first coupling member, wherein the blocking structure prevents the locking member from entering the coupling position, and thereby prevents abutting engagement of the locking member with the first coupling member, while rotation of the first coupling member in an engagement direction relative to the second coupling member is above a predetermined rotational speed;
• the blocking structure is associated with being a part of both the locking member and the first coupling member;
• and
• the blocking structure includes a rib, protuberance, or protrusion.

A locking member for use in a coupling assembly having first and second coupling members, the locking member comprising:

• a body;
• and
• a blocking structure on a portion of the body, wherein the blocking structure prevents the locking member from entering a coupling position, characterized by abutting-engagement of the locking member with each of the first and second coupling members, while rotation of the first coupling member in an engagement direction relative to the second coupling member is above a predetermined rotational speed;
• and
• the blocking structure is a rib, protuberance, or protrusion.

A locking member for use in a coupling assembly having first and second coupling members, the locking member comprising:

• a body;
• and
• a blocking structure on a portion of the body, wherein the blocking structure prevents the locking member from entering a coupling position, characterized by abutting-engagement of the locking member with each of the first and second coupling members, while rotation of the first coupling member in an engagement direction relative to the second coupling member is above a predetermined rotational speed;
• the body includes a main body portion having an upper face;
• and
• the blocking structure includes at least one integrally formed rib portion on the upper face of the main body portion.

A coupling assembly comprising:

• first and second coupling members including first and second coupling faces, respectively, in close-spaced opposition with one another, wherein at least one of the coupling members is mounted for rotation about an axis;
• a locking member disposed between the coupling faces of the coupling members, the locking member being movable between (i) a coupling position characterized by abutting-engagement of the locking member with each of the first and second coupling members and (ii) an uncoupling position characterized by non-abutting engagement of the locking member with at least the first coupling member;
• and
• the locking member having a lateral projection and the first coupling member having a release ledge, wherein the lateral projection contacts the release ledge preventing abutting engagement of the locking member with the first coupling member when rotation of the first coupling member in an engagement direction relative to the second coupling member is above a predetermined rotational speed.

A coupling assembly comprising:

• first and second coupling members including first and second coupling faces, respectively, in close-spaced opposition with one another, wherein at least one of the coupling members is mounted for rotation about an axis;
• a locking member disposed between the coupling faces of the coupling members, the locking member being movable between (i) a coupling position characterized by abutting-engagement of the locking member with each of the first and second coupling members and (ii) an uncoupling position characterized by non-abutting engagement of the locking member with at least the first coupling member;
• and
• the locking member having a protrusion and a recess and the first coupling member having a protrusion and a recess, the protrusion of the locking member disposed in the recess of the coupling member when the locking member is in the coupling position and the protrusion of the locking member is adjacent the protrusion of the coupling member when the locking member is in an uncoupled position.