Coupling assembly

A coupling assembly for connecting two members comprising:

• a split locking ring having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends being aligned to permit abutting engagement;
• a first member extending along an axis from a forward end toward a rearward portion and having an exterior surface;
• a rib extending outwardly from said exterior surface of said first member, said rib including a ramp tapering in a direction away from said forward end and away from said axis, said rib further including a cylindrical surface substantially parallel to said axis extending rearwardly from said ramp, said rib further including a shoulder tapering away from said forward end and inwardly toward said axis;
• a second member having a leading end and a leading portion extending therefrom for receiving said first member, said leading portion having an inner surface;
• a locking ring receiving groove defined by said inner surface of said second member;
• a locking ring retaining groove defined by said inner surface of said second member, said retaining groove adjoining said receiving groove;
• a release sleeve movably mounted adjacent said exterior surface of said first member for movement from a rearward position to a forward position, said sleeve having a leading edge facing toward said shoulder;
• whereby upon insertion of said first member into said second member, said split locking ring travels up said ramp into said locking ring receiving groove, over said cylindrical surface and contracts to engage said shoulder and said locking ring retaining groove, said first and second members being released upon movement of said release sleeve from a rearward position to a forward position to engage said leading edge with said split locking ring to urge said locking ring up said shoulder and over said cylindrical surface.