This invention relates to a two-piece releasable coupling for anchoring a line to a support surface, for example, in securing a canopy web strap to a boat hull.
Prior art relating to releasable couplings is replete in teachings directed to the joining of free ends of cables, belts, jewelry, halters and similar devices. However, this invention is directed to securing rope, cord, strap, cable and line at either an end or intermediate the opposite ends of a line to a fixed surface while permitting pivoting movement of one component of the coupling to permit its automatic alignment with tensioning forces applied at various angles to the line, for example, in tying down a boat cover.
Conventional means for releasably anchoring boat covers or canopies to a hull or other suitable support surfaces commonly feature metal clips and U bolts, snaps, and various clamping devices.
Known metal parts tend to corrode, creating undesirable stains on the support surface. They are difficult to connect and disconnect under tension and even may cause injury from sharp corroded edges. Clips made of non-corrosive metals are expensive. In addition, repeated contact of metal connectors with adjacent surfaces such as a fiberglass hull may cause costly cosmetic or structural damage.
Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide a new and improved releasable coupling particularly suited to be formed of high strength material with a minimum number of components for relatively inexpensive manufacture.
Another object of t his invention is to provide such a new and improved coupling which is quick and easy to install in a variety of different applications and which minimizes forces required of a user to engage and release a line under tension.
A further object of this invention is to provide such a new and improved coupling for securing a line and which automatically adjusts a movable line connector of the coupling toward alignment with the direction of tensioning forces being applied by the line.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide such a new and improved coupling particularly suited for reliable use over extended periods of time under adverse conditions. Included in this object is the provision of a coupling particularly compatible with coated, painted, fiberglass and wood surfaces and which is quick and easy to manipulate under adverse temperature and weather conditions.
Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out more in detail hereinafter.
To achieve the objects of this invention, a separable twist-to-engage coupling is disclosed having two components, namely, a base and a connector. The base is attachable to a support surface and has an exposed elongated slot and an underlying cavity communicating with the slot. The connector includes a body portion for anchoring a line and an end portion having a pair of arms joined to the body portion. The arms coaxially extend in opposite directions in perpendicular relation to a major axis of the connector. The arms are insertable through the slot of the base into its cavity and rotatable therein about the major axis of the connector into an operative position of the coupling. The body portion of the connector in the operative position of the coupling is free to swing between opposite angular positions with the arms serving as a pivot axis for the connector.