Releasable latch

Abstract

A method and apparatus for selectively releasing at least one retaining element during a pull-in process that locates a rigid support body at a predetermined location with respect to an aperture in a wall of a facility are disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a rigid support body comprising a through bore that extends through a length of the support body and through which a flexible elongate member is locatable; at least one latch arm slidable along a respective axis of sliding with respect to the support body; and for each latch arm, an abutment element that moves with the latch arm and is disposed to abut with a portion of a wall of a facility when the support body is located through an aperture in the wall of the facility; wherein the latch arm is disposed to respectively slide in a first direction of motion away from a retaining element supported on the rigid support body when the rigid support body passes through the aperture to thereby release the retaining element from a storage position when the retaining element is within the facility.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.