GB566082A - A new or improved lock or latch for hatches, doors and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

566,082. Automatic catches; remotecontrol fastenings. MIDLAND AEROQUIPMENT, Ltd., and BRITTAIN, B. Oct. 27, 1942, Nos. 15078 and 16821. [Class 44] [Also in Group XXI] A fastening described as particularly intended for doors, hatches and the like, but applicable also for bomb release gear and doors in aircraft, for glider release mechanism and for auxiliary tank jetison mechanism, comprises an annular or part-annular casing a with radial gap d and having an annular channel c in which an arcuate catch f is slidably guided, one end g (bevelled at one side and flat at the other) being normally projected across the gap as shown by the action of a compression spring h. A co-operating apertured striker e with bevelled nose l is adapted to be inserted in the gap, thus forcing back the catch until it registers with, and springs back into, the aperture in the striker. The catch may be withdrawn in any suitable way and as described is withdrawn by a lever s pivoted on the casing, one arm of the lever having a pivoted link r with slot q engaging a stud screwed into the catch and projecting through an arcuate slot (not shown) in the casing. The other arm is connected by links (not shown), to a remote control. A second control may operate a push-rod (not shown) connected to one arm of a bell-crank lever (not shown), the other arm bearing against a roller u on lever s, and said push rod may also have operating means accessible outside the aircraft. Lever s may have a third arm w, the end of which is adapted to engage and partly to eject striker e when the catch is released, and prevent its return into engagement, so that should the hatch &c. be jammed, the remote control may be left and force applied directly to the hatch. The catch is preferably die-cast and the casing may be externally cylindrical provided with an attachment flange b. Striker e may enter the gap radially, or in a direction at right angles to the general plane of the casing, catch and striker being correspondingly bevelled.