Locking device for connecting a driveshaft to a power take-off shaft

A locking device for connecting a driveshaft to a power take-off shaft, the locking device comprising:

• a coupling sleeve mounted on the driveshaft and arranged so as to slide on the power take-off shaft, said coupling sleeve defining a plurality of radially-extending apertures;
• a plurality of locking members guidable in the apertures for inward movement so as to lock said coupling sleeve against axial movement relative to the power take-off shaft and outward movement to allow such axial movement;
• a locking sleeve on said coupling sleeve which is movable between a locking position thereof in which it embraces said locking members so as to prevent outward movement thereof and a release position thereof in which said locking sleeve allows outward movement of said locking members;
• resilient biasing means for biasing said locking sleeve into the locking position;
• and
• latch means operable for holding said locking sleeve in the release position and releasable by outward movement of said locking members as said coupling sleeve is slid on to the power take-off shaft, said resilient biasing means acting between a first stop on said coupling sleeve adjacent to the apertures and a second stop on said locking sleeve, and said latch means including a third stop on said coupling sleeve and a fourth stop on said locking sleeve and which extends radially inwardly and, by tilting said locking sleeve on said coupling sleeve when said locking sleeve is in the release position, engages with said third stop to thereby hold said locking sleeve in the release position.