Locking device

Claim 2

A locking device attached to an elongate member said locking device comprising at least a first part and a second part, each of said parts defining an opening through which said elongate member extends, each of said parts being axially movable together on said elongate member in a first mode of attachment with said elongate member, one of said parts being rotatable relative to said elongate member and to said other part to define a second mode of attachment for said parts with said elongate member wherein said first and said second parts are releasably locked to said elongate member to prevent axial movement of said first and second parts relative to said elongate member, and said other part cooperating with said elongate member to prevent rotation therebetween in the first and second modes.

Claim 3

The locking device of claim 1 further characterized by said first and second parts forming a tongue and groove connection when said first and second parts are mounted on said elongate member to provide uniform axial movement for said first and second parts relative to said elongate member.

Claim 4

The locking device of claim 1 further characterized by said first and second parts cooperating to form a releasable latch for maintaining said parts in their second mode of attachment.

Claim 5

The locking device of claim 1 further characterized by said one part 34 defining a recess said other part including a flange with a tab extending into said recess to substantially prevent axial movement between said parts and said flange further defining a finger cooperating with said other part to oppose rotation between said parts.

Claim 6

The locking device of claim 4 further characterized by a support engageable with said one part to prevent axial movement of said elongate member, said support extending into said one part recess to attach the locking device thereto.

Claim 7

The locking device of claim 1 further characterized by said elongate member including an outer surface defining a first set of teeth partially covering the outer surface within said part openings, said one part opening including an inner surface defining a second set of teeth partially covering the inner surface, and said first and second sets of teeth are meshed together to form a positive lock preventing longitudinal movement of said one part relative to said elongate member when said one part is rotated relative to said elongate member.

Claim 8

A locking device for attachment to an elongate member said locking device comprising at least a first part and a second part, each of said parts defining an opening through which said elongate member extends, each of said parts being movable axially on said elongate member in a first mode of attachment with said elongate member, one of said parts being rotatable relative to said elongate member and said other part to define a second mode of attachment for said parts with said elongate member wherein said first and said second parts are releasably locked to said elongate member to prevent axial movement of said first and second parts relative to said elongate member said elongate member including a substantially triangular cross section with the edges of the triangular cross section defining gripping surfaces at the edges and the triangular cross section forming sliding surfaces between the edges.

Claim 9

A locking device for attachment to an elongate member said locking device comprising at least a first part and a second part, each of said parts defining an opening through which said elongate member extends, each of said parts being movable axially on said elongate member in a first mode of attachment with said elongate member, one of said parts being rotatable relative to said elongate member and said other part to define a second mode of attachment for said parts with said elongate member wherein said first and said second parts are releasably locked to said elongate member to prevent axial movement of said first and second parts relative to said elongate member said elongate member including a substantially triangular cross section with the edges of the triangular cross section defining gripping surfaces at the edges and the triangular cross section forming sliding surfaces between the edges.