Coupling for molecular models
OwnerEdward J. Barrett, Yee K. Huiinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Molecular modeling constituents having plug ends are joined by a coupling having a connective sleeve and a locking sleeve. The connective sleeve receives a plug in a bore at each end thereof. Radially deflectable staves of the connective sleeve have ridges on the inside surface thereof for engaging corresponding annular grooves about the circumference of the plugs. A locking sleeve fits over the connective sleeve and allows outward radial deflection of the staves in an OPEN position for insertion/extraction of plugs into/from the coupling, and inhibits radial deflection of the staves in a lock position to prohibit insertion/extraction of plugs into/from the coupling. The OPEN and LOCK positions are relative rotational positions of the connective sleeve and locking sleeve.
Claims7
A coupling for joining molecular modeling constituents, said molecular modeling constituents having plugs including a generally cylindrical shank and an annular groove about the circumference of the shank, said coupling comprising:
- (a) a connective sleeve having:
- a body member having a generally cylindrical wall, two ends, and a bore extending axially into the body member from the two ends for receiving a plug of a molecular modeling constituent;
- a first stave formed in the wall of the body member, said stave including an inwardly extending ridge for mating with an annular groove in the plug;
- and
- a second stave formed in the wall of the body member;
- said stave including an inwardly extending ridge for mating with an annular groove in another plug;
- and
- (b) a locking sleeve having:
- a body member having a bore therethrough forming a generally cylindrical wall, said body member of suitable size to fit coaxially over the connective sleeve;
- first means formed in the wall of the body member for receiving, in circumferential alignment in an "OPEN" position of the coupling, the first stave of the connective sleeve and for allowing the outward radial deflection of the first stave;
- second means formed in the wall of the body member for receiving, in circumferential alignment in an "OPEN" position of the coupling, the second stave of the connective sleeve and for allowing the outward radial deflection of the second stave;
- wherein, in a "LOCK" position of the coupling, the wall of the locking sleeve restricts the outward radial deflection of the first and second staves.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.