Connecting mechanism and method of manufacturing

A method of manufacturing a connecting mechanism, the method comprising:

• constructing a first section by providing a stud comprising a roller bearing;
• and
• constructing a second section engageable with the first section by:
• providing a housing configured to receive the stud therethrough;
• and
• assembling, within the housing, a locking assembly actuatable between a locked state configured to lock the first section to the second section when the first and second sections are engaged and an unlocked state configured to allow the second section to engage with or disengage from the first section, assembling the locking assembly comprising:
• engaging, with the housing, a handle configured to actuate between a locked position corresponding to the locked state of the locking assembly and an unlocked position corresponding to the unlocked state of the locking assembly;
• engaging, with the handle, a first end of a linkage arm having a die spring positioned thereon;
• and
• engaging, with a second end of the linkage arm, a wedge configured to receive the stud therethrough and comprising a tapered section configured to advance to engage the roller bearing of the stud when the handle is actuated to the locked position and configured to retract when the handle is actuated to the unlocked position.

A locking assembly for a connecting mechanism, the locking assembly comprising:

• a wedge configured to receive a stud therethrough and comprising a tapered section;
• a linkage arm comprising:
• a first end configured to engage the wedge and a second end;
• a main plate comprising an opening at a first end and a slot at a second end;
• and
• first and second linkage arm connectors configured to engage with the main plate at the respective first and second ends of the main plate, each of the first and second connectors comprising:
• a biasing plate;
• an end plate extending from the biasing plate to define the first or second end of the linkage arm and comprising an opening aligned with the opening or the slot of the main plate;
• and
• a slot extending through the biasing plate and the end plate and configured to receive the first or second end of the main plate;
• a die spring constructed to fit to on the linkage arm between the first and second linkage arm connectors;
• a handle configured to engage the second end of the linkage arm and actuatable between a locked position configured to place the locking assembly in a locked state by advancing the tapered section of the wedge and an unlocked position configured to place the locking assembly in an unlocked state by retracting the tapered section of the wedge;
• wherein the linkage arm is configured to:
• engage the wedge at its first end via a first pin configured to extend through the opening in the end plate of the first linkage arm connector, an opening in the wedge, and the opening in the main plate;
• and
• engage the handle at its second end via a second pin extending through the opening in the end plate of the second linkage arm connector, an opening in the handle, and the slot in the main plate.