Patent · US Expired

Latch mechanism

US6336667B1 · kind B1 · utility

18Cited by
30References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 11, 1999
Grant dateJan 8, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 11, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T292/0826
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A compact, lightweight latch (38) especially adapted for use with an emergency deployment oxygen mask container (20) is provided which is made up of a minimum of parts and which can be delatched in multiple ways. The latch (38) includes a latch assembly (40) designed to be mounted in the oxygen mask container box (22) and a cooperating latch pin (44) secured to a cover (24). The assembly (40) has a primary latch body (46) supporting a diaphragm (48), latch member (50) and shiftable piston (52); the latch member (50) includes a plurality of laterally displaceable, hook-shaped locking legs (86) configured to interfit with latch pin (44). The piston (52) is shiftable in opposite axial directions within latch member (52), and cooperating surfaces on the member (50) and piston (52) serve to positively displace the latching legs (86) in response to piston movement. During pneumatic operation, the piston (52) is shifted within latch member (50) under the influence of diaphragm (48). The latching member (50), piston (52) and latch pin (44) are preferably in substantial axial alignment, and a passageway (116) in the latch pin (44) allows use of push or pull rods (126, 128) for manual delatc…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.