Locking mechanism

A locking mechanism for a hold open rod, the hold open rod comprising:

• a first elongate member and a second elongate member, slidably arranged to move between a first configuration and a second configuration, the second configuration being extended relative to the first configuration, wherein the first elongate member comprises a first surface;
• the locking mechanism operable between a locked state and an unlocked state and arranged, in the locked state, to prevent the first and second elongate members from returning to the first configuration;
• wherein the locking mechanism comprises:
• a locking member moveable between a first position and a second position, the locking member comprising a second surface;
• wherein, as the first and second elongate members move from the first configuration to the second configuration the first surface moves from an unlocking region of the second elongate member to a locking region of the second elongate member;
• wherein, the locking mechanism is arranged such that when the first surface is in the unlocking region, the locking member is held in the first position;
• wherein, the locking mechanism is arranged such that the locking mechanism is operable to the locked state only when the first surface is in the locking region;
• wherein, in the first position, the locking member is held out of contact with the first elongate member;
• and
• wherein, in the second position, the second surface of the locking member is configured to block movement of the first surface into the unlocking region.