Coupling device

Abstract

A coupling device having an integral metal member folded over on itself forming two parallel sides which slideably receives another integral metal member folded over on itself, the first member having openings in the top thereof for receiving coupling loops and the second member having complementary openings in the top thereof for the reception and release of coupling loops depending upon its slideable relationship with said first member.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A coupling device comprising: a flat elongated .Iadd.integral metallic .Iaddend.holder member, .[.said flat elongated holder member having first and second parallel sides joined at one edge thereof,.]. .Iadd.consisting of substantially flat metallic material folded on itself along a fold line so as to define first and second parallel sides joined to each other only at the folded edge defined by said fold line, .Iaddend.said first and second sides defining an elongated slot;   at least one opening .Iadd.extending .Iaddend.through said .[.one.]. .Iadd.folded .Iaddend.edge .Iadd.adjacent one end .Iaddend.of said .[.flat elongated.]. holder member.Iadd., .Iaddend..[.adjacent one end thereof;.]. at least one aperture .Iadd.extending .Iaddend.through said first and second parallel sides .[.of said flat elongated holder member adjacent another end thereof;.]. .Iadd.adjacent the other end of said holder member; .Iaddend.and   a flat elongated .Iadd.integral .Iaddend.inner .Iadd.metallic .Iaddend.member consisting of .Iadd.substantially flat metallic material folded on itself along a fold line so as to define parallel .Iaddend.first and second sides .[.joined at one edge thereof, said first and second sides being.]. spring-loaded .Iadd.outwardly .Iaddend.with respect to each other .[.from moving apart when held in parallel relationship.]. .Iadd.when said inner member is positioned within said holder member, with the spring loaded sides of the former .Iaddend.for effecting a .Iadd.resilient .Iaddend.frictional engagement with .[.said flat elongated holder member, said inner member being slidably mounted within said flat elongated holder member, said flat elongated inner member having an extension on one end thereof for opening and closing said one opening.]. .Iadd.the inner surfaces of the parallel sides of the latter, said inner member being slidable within the confines of said holder member and having an extension at one end thereof for opening and closing said one opening.Iaddend..   
     
     
       2. The coupling device of claim 1 wherein said flat elongated inner member further includes a .[.second extension on said.]. .Iadd.portion adjacent the .Iaddend.other end thereof for opening and closing said at least one aperture. 
     
     
       3. The coupling device of claim 1 and further including swivel means attached to said .[.aperture.]. .Iadd.opening .Iaddend.. 
     
     
       4. The coupling device of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.3 .Iaddend.wherein said swivel means comprises: a hemispherical receptacle coupled to said aperture, the inner bearing surface of said receptacle being directed towards said aperture;   a bearing member having an outer spherical bearing surface and rotatably coupled to said receptacle, said .[.inner.]. .Iadd.outer .Iaddend.bearing surface being directed away from said aperture; and   a spacer means rotatably mounted between said hemispherical receptacle and said bearing member and having spherical bearing surfaces contacting said receptacle and said bearing member.