Sequencing locking mechanism for telescoging structures
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsSteven P. Kemp, Gary E. Marcelynas, Gregory S. Renaud, Sarah L. Palmer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A passive locking mechanism for a telescoping structure includes a stud fixed to a first panel section, a lower pawl coupled to a second panel section, an upper pawl coupled to the second panel section operable to engage the lower pawl, and a lock wedge coupled to a third panel section. The lock wedge is operable to engage the upper and lower pawls. In a retracted position of the telescoping structure, the lower pawl is engaged with the lock wedge, such that the second panel section is locked in place relative to the third panel section, and the first panel section is free to move relative to the second panel section.
Claims17
A passive locking mechanism for a telescoping structure, comprising:
- a stud fixed to a first panel section;
- a lower pawl coupled to a second panel section;
- an upper pawl coupled to the second panel section, the upper pawl operable to engage the lower pawl;
- and
- a lock wedge coupled to a third panel section, the lock wedge being operable to engage the upper and lower pawls,
- wherein, in a retracted position of the telescoping structure, the lower pawl is engaged with the lock wedge, such that the second panel section is locked in place relative to the third panel section, and
- wherein the first panel section is free to move relative to the second panel section.
A locking system for a telescoping structure, comprising:
- a first panel section having a stud fixed thereto;
- a second panel section having a lower pawl and an upper pawl coupled thereto, the lower pawl operable to engage the stud, the upper pawl operable to engage the lower pawl;
- a third panel section having a lock wedge coupled thereto, the lock wedge being operable to engage the upper and lower pawls,
- wherein, in a retracted position of the telescoping structure, the lower pawl is engaged with the lock wedge, such that the second panel section is locked in place relative to the third panel section, and
- wherein the first panel section is free to move relative to the second panel section.
A method for facilitating sequential extension and retraction of a telescoping structure, comprising:
- providing a stud fixable to a first panel section;
- providing a lower pawl coupleable to a second panel section;
- providing an upper pawl coupleable to the second panel section, the upper pawl operable to engage the lower pawl;
- providing a lock wedge coupleable to a third panel section, the lock wedge being operable to engage the upper and lower pawls;
- configuring the stud for engagement with the lower pawl;
- configuring the lower pawl for engagement with the lock wedge to facilitate locking of the second panel section relative to the third panel section, wherein the first panel section is free to move relative to the second panel section.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.