Self-releasing coupler
AssigneeTurtle Snaps, Inc.
InventorsGregory S. Patterson, Mark Welsh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A self-releasing or break-away coupler that releases in response to experiencing a predetermined load. The self-releasing coupler includes a pair of jaws that form a fastener. Surrounding the jaws is a sleeve housing that deforms in response to the predetermined load when applied to the jaws. That is, as the housing deforms, the jaws are allowed to open so as to release a fastener or connector secured within the jaws.
Claims16
A break-away coupler comprising:
- a) a housing having an open end portion;
- b) a pair of jaws disposed within the open end portion of the housing, the jaws being movable between a closed and opened position;
- and
- c) wherein the open end portion of the housing surrounds the pair of jaws and generally prevents the jaws from freely opening but wherein the open end of the housing is deformable in response to a certain load being applied to the jaws and the jaws engaging the housing and deforming the housing as they move from the closed position towards the open position and wherein the deformed housing permits the jaws to assume an open position such that a connector member held within the jaws is free to break-away from the jaws.
A break-away coupler for attaching to a connector and permitting the connector to break away from the coupler in response to a certain amount of force being applied to the connector relative to the coupler, the break-away coupler comprising:
- a) an elongated sleeve housing including first and second end portions;
- b) a pair of cooperating jaws disposed in the first end portion of the sleeve housing and movable between closed and open positions, the jaws when closed adapted to receive and hold the connector therein;
- c) each jaw including an outer surface that is disposed adjacent the first end portion of the sleeve housing when the jaws assume a closed position;
- d) the first end portion of the sleeve housing generally surrounding the jaws when the jaws assume the closed position so as to prevent the jaws from freely opening, and wherein the first end portion of the sleeve housing is deformable in response to the jaws moving outwardly from the closed position towards the open position due to a force being applied to the jaws through the connector;
- and
- e) wherein the connector opens the jaws and breaks away therefrom in response to a lateral force applied by the jaws to the first open end portion causing the first open end portion to deform such that the jaws may open and release the connector therefrom.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.