Releasable snap connector

Claim 1

A self-locking, releasable connector for a plug and socket, comprising: a plug; a socket configured to receive said plug; an elongate member defining a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion being formed for attachment to one of said socket and said plug, and said second end portion being formed with external ribs and extending outwardly of said first end portion; and an adapter member comprising an internal passageway and means for attaching said adapter member to the other of said plug and said socket so as to receive freely said elongate member within said passageway upon engagement of said plug and said socket, said adapter member further comprising a pair of inwardly biased hinge plates mounted for pivotal movement about said internal passageway and configured to define an opening therebetween so as to yieldingly receive said elongate member, and means for selectively separating said inwardly-biased hinge plates, whereby, upon insertion of said elongate member into said passageway, said inwardly-biased hinge plates capture said second end portion of said elongate member so that said plug is positively interlocked with said socket and, upon activation of said separating means, said hinge plates release said second end portion of said elongate member such that said plug is released from connection with said socket.