Coupling apparatus for articulated bodies

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Abstract, A coupling apparatus for releasably joining two relatively movable bodies, such as floatable vessels in which, a first coupling assembly having a bearing member with opposed bearing surfaces is secured to one of the vessels and a second coupling assembly, secured to the other of said vessels has, gripping means for frictionally engaging the opposed bearing surfaces, means being provided to effect engagement and disengagement of the gripping means with the bearing surfaces. The apparatus can be used in an articulated marine transportation combination in which the vessels are rigidly coupled or flexible coupled, the latter allowing certain relative movements of the two vessels.