Hatch clamping mechanism
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorJustin R. Helton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A lift assist mechanism is provided for positioning a hatch cover in relation to a corresponding opening in a hatch frame. The assist mechanism includes a torsion bar and a lifting mechanism. The torsion bar has first and second opposite ends. The first end secures to the hatch frame. The second end connects to a bar spur gear. The lifting assembly includes a lift spur gear and a hinge gear. The lift spur gear engages the bar spur gear. The gears convert an acute angle twist of the bar to substantially perpendicular pivot the hatch cover from the hatch frame.
Claims8
A lift assist mechanism for positioning a hatch cover in relation to a corresponding opening in a hatch frame, said mechanism comprising:
- a torsion bar having first and second opposite ends, said first end secured to the hatch frame, said second end connecting to a bar spur gear;
- and
- a lifting assembly including a lift spur gear and a hinge gear, said lift spur gear engaging said bar spur gear, wherein said gears convert an acute angle twist of said bar to substantially perpendicular pivot the hatch cover from the hatch frame.
A locking mechanism for releaseably securing a hatch cover to a corresponding opening in a hatch frame, said mechanism comprising:
- a central hub disposed on the hatch cover, said hub including a worm gear and a plurality of sprockets that rotate in response to said worm gear;
- and
- a plurality of armatures corresponding to said plurality of sprockets, each armature including a rotating dog-lock disposed adjacent a rim on the hatch cover and a corresponding shaft that rotably connects a sprocket to said dog-lock;
- wherein
- said dog-lock including a latch that pivots between a locking position that engages the hatch frame and a release position in response to rotation by said worm gear.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.