Quick release device

A quick release device comprising two members which may be releasably engaged to transmit a tensile force, each of the members having a load-connection end and an engagement end, the engagement end of each of the members comprising two flat, flexible elongated branches, the branches of each member originating in aligned, face-to-face relationship with each of the branches terminating in a flat, rigid paddle, the paddles of one member being foldable relative to the adjacent portions of their branches toward one another through an arc of substantially 180.degree. to form inwardly-directed U-shaped pockets to receive the paddles of the second member, the paddles of the second member being foldable relative to the adjacent portions of their branches away from one another through an arc of substantially 180.degree. to form outwardly-directed U-shaped pockets to receive the paddles of said one member, and releasable latching means for holding the paddles securely in their substantially 180.degree. folded positions whereby the members are capable of transmitting a tensile force therethrough so long as the latching means is in place and the members will freely disengage from one another when the latching means is released.