Locking and unlocking mechanism

Abstract

A locking mechanism includes a linkage assembly having a first link (6a) and a second link (6b) joined at a pivot point (110). The assembly also includes a linkage assembly spring to bias the linkage assembly into a first, locked, position and a rotational rod (1) having a cam (120) formed thereon with a cam surface in engagement with the linkage assembly in the region of the pivot point (110). The assembly also includes a solenoid assembly (3) arranged, in a first mode, to rotate the rotational rod (1) such that the cam acts as a stop against the linkage assembly at the pivot point in a locked position, and, in a second mode to rotate the rotational rod such that the cam surface presses against the linkage assembly sufficiently to overcome the linkage assembly spring and to force the linkage assembly into a second, unlocked position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.