Universal quick-release coupler

A quick-release and attachment coupler for releasably securing two objects to one another, the coupler comprising:

• a connector attachable to a first object, the connector comprising:
• a first tapered plug extending from a main body portion and having a slot that extends inward from an outer wall of the plug;
• and,
• a second tapered plug identical to the first tapered plug extending from the main body portion and having a slot that extends inward from an outer wall of the plug;
• a base attachable to a second object, the base comprising:
• an internal cavity extending between opposed side walls;
• a first aperture with an internal wall arrangement including an orifice, the aperture being cooperatively dimensioned with the first plug for reception of the plug within the aperture;
• a second aperture with an internal wall arrangement including an orifice, the aperture being cooperatively dimensioned with the second plug for reception of the plug within the aperture;
• a keeper slidably positioned within the internal cavity, the keeper having a first finger with a leading portion that extends through the orifice and into the slot of the first plug to retain the first plug within the first aperture and a second finger with a leading portion that extends through the orifice and into the slot of the second plug to retain the second plug within the second aperture, wherein simultaneous insertion of the first and second plugs into the first and second apertures retract the fingers until the leading portion aligns with and engages the respective slots through the orifice automatically coupling the connector to the base without pivoting or rotation;
• and,
• a biased pushbutton release operably connected to the keeper, wherein the movement of the release simultaneously displaces the first finger and the second finger from the respective slots of the plugs permitting substantially only vertical lift of the connector from the base.

An automatic quick-release coupler for securing and releasing two objects to one another, the coupler comprising:

• a connector having a conical tapered plug extending from a main body portion, the plug having a slot that extends inward from an outer wall of the plug;
• a base having an internal cavity extending between opposed side walls, an aperture with an internal wall including an orifice, the aperture being cooperatively dimensioned with the plug, wherein insertion of the plug into the aperture automatically connects the connector and the base without pivoting or rotation;
• a keeper slidably positioned within the internal cavity of the base, the keeper having a finger with a leading portion having an inclined upper surface that engages a bottom surface of the plug upon insertion of the plug into the aperture retracting the finger until the leading portion aligns with and extends through the orifice engaging the slot to retain the plug within the aperture automatically coupling the connector and the base without pivoting or rotation;
• a pushbutton release operably connected to the keeper, the release including a biasing actuator, wherein movement of the actuator displaces the leading portion of the finger from the slot simultaneously permitting the plug to be removed from the aperture and the connector from the base in a single linear motion without pivoting or rotation.