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 into and out of which said first member may be inserted and removed, respectively;
• said second member including an outer body and a sleeve;
• threaded elements within said outer body and mounted for movement between a first position wherein the first member may be threaded within the second member and a second position wherein the threaded elements have a diameter larger than the diameter of the threads of the first member permitting the first member to slide axially in and out of the second member, as desired;
• pull/lock/torque pins attached to the second member and associated with the threaded elements, the pull, lock/torque pins terminating in ends;
• the outer body being provided with oval openings through which the pull/lock/torque pins pass;
• the threaded elements including surfaces against which the ends of the pull/lock/torque pins abut locking the threaded elements in place when the sleeve is down, such that as the outer body is moved relative to the sleeve the threaded elements are moved longitudinally into engagement with the pins expanding the threaded elements to their second position, aforesaid;
• and
• wherein the surfaces of the threaded elements comprise oval indentations against which the ends of the pull/lock/torque pins abut.

A coupling device comprising:

• a first member provided with threads;
• a second member having an opening into and out of which said first member may be inserted and removed, respectively;
• said second member including an outer body and a sleeve;
• threaded elements within said outer body and mounted for movement between a first position wherein the first member may be threaded within the second member and a second position wherein the threaded elements have a diameter larger than the diameter of the threads of the first member permitting the first member to slide axially in and out of the second member, as desired;
• pull/lock/torque pins attached to the second member and associated with the threaded elements, the pull, lock/torque pins terminating in ends;
• the outer body being provided with oval openings through which the pull/lock/torque pins pass;
• the threaded elements including surfaces against which the ends of the pull/lock/torque pins abut locking the threaded elements in place when the sleeve is down, such that as the outer body is moved relative to the sleeve the threaded elements are moved longitudinally into engagement with the pins expanding the threaded elements to their second position, aforesaid;
• and
• wherein the surfaces of the threaded elements include openings through which the ends of the pull/lock/torque pins pass.