Tension member overload release mechanism

Claim 2

A releasable dual part connector assembly comprising a keeper component having a slot therein for receiving a latch member, detent means positioned in the keeper component and extending into the slot for engagement with the latch member, the detent means being designed to release the latch member upon the exertion of a preselected minimum tension applied to the latch means, said detent means comprising a projection formed in a first plate component, the slot being formed inwardly of the edge of a second plate component which is juxtaposed with the first plate component, the projection projecting into the slot for engaging the latch member, a spherical member positioned in aligned relation to the projection, the spherical member residing in an aperture formed in a third plate component juxtaposed with the second plate component, and means for biasing the spherical member into engagement with the latch member whereby the latch member is clamped between the spherical member and the projection.

Claim 3

The structure of claim 1 wherein the biasing means comprises a coil spring received in an aperture formed in a fourth plate component juxtaposed with the third plate component, the spring having one end thereof contacting the spherical member while the opposite spring end engages a stationary abutment.

Claim 4

The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein the abutment comprises a threaded member adjustably disposed in the fourth plate component and having a shoulder for contacting the spring, adjustment of the threaded member causing variation of spring compression thereby permitting variation of the preselected tension required to release the latch member.

Claim 5

A releasable connector assembly comprising first and second bodies, said first body including opposite end portions, one of said end portions having an aperture formed transversely therethrough, the other of said bodies having a first recess formed therein opening outwardly of one marginal portion of said other body and in which said one end portion of said first body is telescopingly receivable with said aperture opening outwardly, at its opposite ends toward opposite sides of said first recess, one side of said recess including a frusto-conical projection extending toward, but spaced from the opposite side of said first recess and projecting at least into and partially through said apeRture when said one end of said first body is telescoped in said first recess, the minor diameter end of said projection including a generally centered second semi-spherical recess opening toward said other side of said recess, said second body including a passage including a first end opening endwise into said first recess through the other side thereof registered with said projection, and a spherical detent member disposed at least partially within said passage for shifting axially thereof and spring urged toward said projection with said spherical detent member seated in said second semi-spherical recess and projecting less than one-half its diameter into said first recess.

Claim 6

A releasable connector assembly comprising first and second bodies, said first body including opposite end portions, one of said end portions having an aperture formed transversely therethrough, the other of said bodies having a first recess formed therein opening outwardly of one marginal portion of said other body and in which said one end portion of said first body is telescopingly receivable with said aperture opening outwardly, at its opposite ends toward opposite sides of said first recess, one side of said recess including a frusto-conical projection extending toward, but spaced from the opposite side of said first recess and projecting at least into and partially through said apeRture when said one end of said first body is telescoped in said first recess, the minor diameter end of said projection including a generally centered second semi-spherical recess opening toward said other side of said recess, said second body including a passage including a first end opening endwise into said first recess through the other side thereof registered with said projection, and a spherical detent member disposed at least partially within said passage for shifting axially thereof and spring urged toward said projection with said spherical detent member seated in said second semi-spherical recess and projecting less than one-half its diameter into said first recess.