US 5,593,190 A · Consistent-force quick latching system

Abstract

The Consistent-Force Quick Latching System (CQLS) provides a means for athing and detaching two objects quickly, using consistent force regardless of the dimensions of the individual objects. The CQLS, usually secured to object A, utilizes a notched cam and a detent that enters one of the notches in response to externally applied pressure and rotates the cam in conjunction with the rotation of a handle that is pivotally coupled to the cam. When the handle rotates in one direction, the cam rotates so as to raise the hook that is also pivotally coupled to the cam, thereby forcing against object A object B that has been slid onto the hook. The two objects are separated from each other by a release mechanism that pulls the detent out of a notch, allowing the handle to rotate in the opposite direction. This lowers the pivot point and thus the hook, resulting in separation of object B from object A.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A system for removably joining a first object with a second object, said system being adapted for securement to the first object and comprising:

a rotatable cam having on the circumference thereof several notches, said cam being susceptible to being motivated by an initiating motion;
a hook for hooking thereon the second object, said hook being pivotally coupled to said cam such that said hook rises or falls in response to the rotation of said cam, thereby attaching to or detaching from, respectively, the first object the second object;
a handle for supplying said initiating motion and rotating said cam, said handle having a pre-initiating position and being coupled simultaneously and pivotally to said cam and said hook;
a detent adapted to enter and exit said notches;
and a means for applying a pre-determined amount of pressure to said detent such that said detent enters one of said notches in response to said pressure and causes the rotation of said cam in consonance with the movement of said handle.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Consistent-force quick latching system

Life of this patent

Consistent-force quick latching system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19