Quick release coupling device for anchor ropes

A quick release coupling device adapted to control between minimum and maximum limits the separation force sustainable by the coupling device, comprising:

• (a) an elongated barrel member having inner and outer peripheries and an eye at one end to which a line may be connected and at the opposite end being open with the inner periphery of the barrel being formed with a recess spaced from the open end;
• (b) a release member coupled to the barrel member and including a stem having a camming ball at one end seated in said recess in the inner periphery of the barrel and an eye on the other end projecting from the open end of the barrel whereby tension applied in a direction to separate said eyes imposes a radially outwardly directed force on said barrel tending to expand the diameter thereof adjacent said open end;
• (c) means mounted on the barrel exteriorly thereof and selectively adjustable to control expansion of the barrel adjacent the open end thereof in response to said radially outwardly directed force whereby the amount of tension applied on said eyes to effect a predetermined expansion of said barrel sufficient to release said camming ball from said recess is controlled by controlling the amount of said radially outwardly directed force required to effect expansion of the barrel, and
• (d) a radially outwardly projecting lock stud fixed on said barrel cooperatively interconnected with said means mounted on said barrel exteriorly thereof to selectively lock said means in adjusted position.