Method and apparatus for rapidly engaging and disengaging threaded coupling members

A coupling device comprising:

• a first member provided with threads;
• a second member having an opening therein lying along a longitudinal axis into and out of which said first member may be inserted and removed;
• threaded elements associated with said second member, means mounting said threaded elements to move relative to said second member;
• means moving said threaded elements radially outward permitting said first member to be moved inwardly along said axis by axial sliding movement;
• and
• means moving said threaded elements radially outward permitting aid first member to be moved outwardly along said axis by axial sliding movement.

A method of rapidly engaging and disengaging first and second coupling members provided with external and internal threads, respectively, comprising the steps of:

• inserting the first coupling member within the second coupling member;
• moving the internal threads of the second coupling member apart from each other;
• continuing to move the first coupling member within the second coupling member by sliding movement;
• briefly rotating the first coupling member such that the external threads thereof tightly engage the internal threads of the second coupling member locking the coupling members together;
• rotating the first coupling member in the opposite direction to release the tight engagement between the external threads of the first coupling member and the internal threads of the second coupling member;
• moving the internal threads of the second coupling member apart from each other;
• and
• removing the first coupling member from the second coupling member by sliding movement.