CN118103568A - Locking pawl assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A locking pawl assembly comprising: a body (110) including an interior cavity (112) having a lower opening; a first locking pawl (120 a) extending at least partially through the first side of the body and displaceable into and out of the interior cavity; a second locking pawl (120 b) extending at least partially through a first side of the body opposite the first side and displaceable into and out of the interior cavity; and a mechanism (132) for simultaneous displacement of the first locking pawl and the second locking pawl, the mechanism having a mechanical advantage.

Description

Locking pawl assembly

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to drive tools commonly used for installing helical anchors and stakes, and more particularly to a locking pawl assembly and operating mechanism for such tools.

Background

Screw anchors and piles are used in a variety of applications including, for example, for foundation construction and repair, securing underwater moorings, and securing and supporting utility poles. For example, when installing or repairing a pole, one or more anchors may be driven into the ground adjacent the pole. One end of the pull wire is attached to the pole and the other end is attached to an anchor fixed in the ground.

The anchors and piles may be similarly configured, although anchors are typically used for stretching and piles are typically used for compression. The present disclosure is equally applicable to, but not limited to, anchors and piles, and tools for installing anchors and piles.

Screw anchors and piles typically include a central shaft or rod with a screw support plate. Depending on the soil type and the desired depth, considerable torque is required to install the helical anchor or pile. Anchors and piles are typically installed using anchor/pile driving tools powered by utility trucks, heavy equipment, or portable drive units. The torque indicator may be disposed between the upper end of the drive tool and the hexagonal or square output shaft. The equipment rotates the output shaft to drive the anchor or pile into the ground. The upper end of the anchor or pile and/or the extension of the anchor or pile is received within the driving tool and locked in place during installation.

Some exemplary driving tools (such as those provided by applicantsLocking pawl assembly) is used in conjunction with a hollow drive wrench. The top of the drive wrench is received by the locking pawl assembly. A spring loaded locking pawl or pin in the locking pawl assembly snaps into a hole in the drive wrench to releasably secure the drive wrench.

The anchor and/or the extension of the anchor is received within the drive wrench and locking jaw assembly and is locked in place during installation. A spring loaded locking pawl or pin in the locking pawl assembly snaps under the head of the anchor member to releasably secure the anchor member in the wrench.

The locking pawl spring may be damaged by a recoil event during which a significant amount of stored energy is instantaneously released into kinetic energy. The kickback event may be the result of a mechanical failure, such as an anchor or pile breaking, and may also occur during normal use if the shear pin torque limiter is used under high torque loads. Recoil is an extreme angular acceleration of the driving tool that suddenly throws the locking pawl outward against the spring. This often damages the spring and results in a damaged locking pawl function. Severely damaged springs do not hold the locking dogs firmly in the engaged position and create a safety hazard as the drive wrench and/or anchor/stake may be dropped.

Furthermore, when operation is required, the locking pawl operation is often difficult due to the required movement and the position of the locking pawl. In prior devices, each locking pawl is urged inwardly along its axis and held in an engaged position by a spring that requires significant force (e.g., about 20 pounds) to fully compress when the locking pawl is pulled out. The movement required to disengage the locking pawl is typically an outward pull against a spring force and a rotation of the locking pawl about its axis to secure it in the disengaged position via an operating ring attached to the outer end of the locking pawl. When the ring and the locking dogs are rotated into place, the locking dogs are automatically reengaged by their springs.

Each locking pawl typically operates independently of the other and for the action of disengaging the second locking pawl it is common for the tool to open and cause the first locking pawl to reengage. In some use cases, the locking dogs are about seven feet above ground level, making it difficult for an operator to generate enough force to disengage the locking dogs when reaching overhead. In other use cases, the locking dogs are 10 feet or more above ground level and the operator must stand on a raised surface or use an extended tool to reach and disengage them. The locking pawl may also be positioned at or near the ground plane, which is also an inconvenient location for disengaging the locking pawl.

Furthermore, there may be a significant load between the locking pawl and the driving wrench and/or the anchor/stake held by the locking pawl. Binding due to this load may make it difficult to pull out the lock jaws, and damage to the lock jaw operating ring is common when a lever is required to pull out the lock jaws.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved locking pawl assembly that is easier to operate and less prone to dangerous failures. The present invention addresses these and other problems in the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a locking pawl assembly for locking pawl operation with improved ergonomics. Another object is to provide a feature to protect the locking pawl-shaped spring from damage and reduce or eliminate the chance of safety hazards due to damage to the spring. Another object is to provide a mechanical advantage for actuating the locking pawl, in particular when retracting the locking pawl in the presence of a binding force. The features and locking pawl assemblies described herein may be used to install helical anchors and stakes, but are not limited in application thereto.

In one exemplary embodiment, the locking pawl assembly is provided with a mechanism that enables simultaneous operation of two locking pawls. In some exemplary embodiments, the locking pawl assembly includes a feature, such as a step in the cylinder wall, that acts as an outward travel stop for the locking pawl.

In one exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, there is provided a locking pawl assembly including: a body including an interior cavity having a lower opening; a first locking pawl extending at least partially through the first side of the body and displaceable into and out of the interior cavity; a second locking pawl extending at least partially through a first side of the body opposite the first side and displaceable into and out of the interior cavity; and a mechanism for simultaneous displacement of the first locking pawl and the second locking pawl, which mechanism has a mechanical advantage.

In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a cam assembly rotatable about a cam axis. The cam assembly selectively displaces each of the first and second locking dogs simultaneously upon rotation. A lever may be provided on the exterior of the body, the lever being rotatable about the cam axis to actuate the cam assembly. A motor may also be provided to drive the cam assembly in place of or in combination with the lever. In some embodiments, the cam assembly includes a first cam that displaces the first locking pawl and a second cam that displaces the second locking pawl. The cam axis may be substantially perpendicular to the locking pawl axis. The cam axis may also be the same as the locking pawl axis.

The assembly may further comprise: a first locking pawl extension having a first end connected to the first locking pawl and a second end coupled to the mechanism, wherein the mechanism displaces the first locking pawl via the first locking pawl extension; and a second locking pawl extension having a first end connected to the second locking pawl and a second end coupled to the mechanism, wherein the mechanism displaces the second locking pawl via the second locking pawl extension. In other embodiments, the first locking pawl extension extends through or is integrally formed with the first locking pawl and has two opposite ends that each engage the mechanism, and the second locking pawl extension extends through or is integrally formed with the second locking pawl and has two opposite ends that each engage the mechanism. In some embodiments, the first locking pawl and the second locking pawl are each displaceable along a locking pawl axis.

The first and second locking dogs may each be spring biased towards the inner cavity and be included in respective first and second housings with respective first and second springs. The first housing may be removably secured in a first opening on the first side of the body and the second housing may be removably secured in a second opening on the second side of the body. In some embodiments, the first housing and the second housing are removably secured in the respective openings in the future using a dowel pin that engages a complementary surface on the respective housing and prevents rotation thereof.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second locking dogs has a distal portion, a central portion, and a proximal portion, wherein the outer diameter of the central portion is greater than the outer diameter of the distal portion. Each of the first and second housings has a corresponding distal portion, intermediate portion, and proximal portion. The first spring may be positioned around the distal portion of the first locking pawl and configured to extend into the central portion of the first housing, and the second spring may be positioned around the distal portion of the second locking pawl and configured to extend into the central portion of the second housing. The step between the proximal portion and the central portion of each housing may engage against the step between the distal portion and the central portion of each locking pawl when the locking pawl is in the fully disengaged position. This interaction between the steps defines a stop that limits the range of movement of the respective locking pawl and protects the respective spring from being over compressed.

The cam assembly and lever are just one example of such a mechanism. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that other mechanisms may be used for simultaneous operation, such as different cam mechanisms, rack and pinion mechanisms, lead screw mechanisms, solenoid mechanisms, link and actuator mechanisms, crank and rod mechanisms, chain loop and sprocket mechanisms, roller and cable mechanisms, scissor mechanisms, and/or wedge mechanisms. The mechanism may be manually actuated, or hydraulically, pneumatically, or driven via an electric motor or actuator.

In some embodiments, the mechanism includes an actuator (e.g., hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic) and a scissor mechanism, each positioned between a first locking jaw extension engaged with the first locking jaw and a second locking jaw extension engaged with the second locking jaw. In other embodiments, the mechanism is a lead screw mechanism comprising at least one screw displacing the first and second locking dogs, the at least one screw having at least one gear driven simultaneously by an actuation gear. In some embodiments, the at least one screw comprises a first screw that displaces the first locking pawl and a second screw that displaces the second locking pawl, each of the first and second screws having a gear on a proximal end that is simultaneously driven by an actuation gear. A lever or motor may drive the actuation gear.

In some embodiments, the mechanism is a rack and pinion mechanism including a pinion, a first rack that displaces the first locking pawl, and a second rack that displaces the second locking pawl. In other embodiments, the mechanism is a crank and lever mechanism comprising a crank, a first lever rotatably fixed to the crank and displacing the first locking pawl, and a second lever rotatably fixed to the crank and displacing the second locking pawl. In some embodiments, the mechanism is a sliding cam actuated up and down via a handle.

There is also provided a locking pawl assembly comprising: a main body; a first housing held in the main body, the first housing including a first locking pawl and a first spring biasing the first locking pawl in a first direction along a locking pawl axis, the first housing including a first stopper that limits a range of movement of the first locking pawl along the locking pawl axis in a second direction opposite the first direction; a second housing held in the main body, the second housing including a second locking pawl and a second spring biasing the second locking pawl in the second direction along the locking pawl axis, the second housing including a second stopper that limits a range of movement of the second locking pawl in the first direction; and a mechanism that engages the first locking pawl via a first locking pawl extension and engages the second locking pawl via a second locking pawl extension. The mechanism may move the first and second locking dogs simultaneously along the locking dog axis.

In some embodiments, the mechanism is one of a cam mechanism, a hydraulic mechanism, a lead screw mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism, a solenoid mechanism, a link and actuator mechanism, or a crank and lever mechanism. In some embodiments, each of the first housing and the second housing is removably secured in the first opening and the second opening, respectively, via a dowel that engages against a complementary surface on the respective first housing or second housing and prevents axial and rotational movement of the respective first housing or second housing.

In some embodiments, each of the first housing and the second housing has a central portion and a proximal portion having an inner diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the central portion of the respective first housing or second housing, wherein the diameter difference defines the respective first stop or second stop. In some embodiments, the first spring is positioned around the distal portion of the first locking pawl and configured to act between a distal wall of the central portion of the first housing and a distal surface of the central portion of the first locking pawl, wherein the second spring is positioned around the distal portion of the second locking pawl and configured to act between a distal wall of the central portion of the second housing and a distal surface of the central portion of the second locking pawl. When the first locking pawl abuts the first stop and the second locking pawl abuts the second stop, the first spring is protected from over-compression within the central portion of the first housing and the second spring is protected from over-compression within the central portion of the second housing.

There is also provided a locking pawl assembly comprising: a body including an interior cavity; a first locking pawl extending at least partially through the first opening in the body and movable along a locking pawl axis into and out of the interior cavity; a second locking pawl extending at least partially through the second opening in the body and movable along the locking pawl axis into and out of the interior cavity; and a mechanism that simultaneously selectively moves each of the first locking pawl and the second locking pawl.

In some embodiments, the mechanism is one of a cam mechanism, a hydraulic mechanism, a lead screw mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism, a solenoid mechanism, a link and actuator mechanism, or a crank and lever mechanism.

In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a cam assembly rotatable about a cam axis via a lever, the cam assembly including a first cam and a second cam each having at least two cam positions. In some embodiments, each of the first cam and the second cam has three cam positions, including: an engaged position in which the first lock pawl and the second lock pawl are engaged in the inner cavity; an intermediate position in which the first and second locking dogs are at least partially moved out of the cavity; and a disengaged position in which the first and second locking dogs are completely removed from the cavity.

In some embodiments, the body includes first and second stops that limit a range of movement of the first and second locking dogs along the locking dog axis outward from the cavity, respectively.

There is also provided a locking pawl assembly comprising: a body including an interior cavity; a first locking pawl extending at least partially through the first opening in the body and movable into and out of the interior cavity; a second locking pawl extending at least partially through the second opening in the body and movable into and out of the interior cavity; a mechanism that selectively moves at least one of the first and second locking dogs into and out of the inner cavity, wherein the body includes first and second stops that limit a range of movement of the first and second locking dogs, respectively, outward from the inner cavity. In some embodiments, the locking pawl assembly includes: a first housing removably retained in the body, wherein the first locking pawl and the first stop are within the first housing; and a second housing removably retained in the main body, wherein the second locking pawl and the second stop are within the second housing.

There is also provided a locking pawl assembly comprising: a main body; a first housing held in the main body, the first housing including a first locking claw and a first spring biasing the first locking claw in a first direction; a second housing held in the main body, the second housing including a second locking claw and a second spring biasing the second locking claw in a second direction; a mechanism for moving at least one of the first locking pawl and the second locking pawl in the first direction or the second direction; a first locating pin removably retaining the first housing in the body; and a second locating pin removably retaining the second housing in the body.

In some embodiments, the first housing is cylindrical and is retained in a first cylindrical aperture in the body, an outer surface of the first housing including a first recess; and the second housing is cylindrical and is retained in a second cylindrical aperture in the body, an outer surface of the second housing including a second recess. The first locating pin may extend through an outer wall of the first cylindrical aperture and engage against the first recess, thereby retaining the first housing in the first cylindrical aperture and preventing rotation of the first housing in the first cylindrical aperture. The second locating pin may extend through an outer wall of the second cylindrical aperture and engage against the second recess, thereby retaining the second housing in the second cylindrical aperture and preventing rotation of the second housing in the second cylindrical aperture.

Drawings

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the locking pawl assembly of FIG. 1 with the cover removed;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the locking pawl assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the locking pawl assembly of FIG. 1 with the cover, lever and lever retaining hardware removed;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are partial front views of the locking pawl assembly of FIG. 1 with the cover, lever and lever retaining hardware removed;

FIG. 6A is a bottom view of the locking pawl assembly of FIG. 1 with the locking pawl in the engaged position;

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the locking pawl assembly of FIG. 1 with the locking pawl in a disengaged position;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the cam assembly and locking pawl of the locking pawl assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a rear cross-sectional view of the cam assembly and locking pawl of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure without a front cover;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are front views of the locking pawl assembly of FIG. 9 with the lever and lever retaining hardware removed;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with the locking pawl in an engaged position;

FIG. 12B is another isometric view of the locking pawl assembly of FIG. 12A with the locking pawl in a disengaged position;

FIG. 13A is a partial bottom view of the locking pawl assembly of FIG. 12A with the locking pawl in the engaged position;

FIG. 13B is a bottom view of the locking pawl assembly of FIG. 12B with the locking pawl in the disengaged position;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the cam assembly and locking pawl of the locking pawl assembly illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the lever and cam member of the locking pawl assembly illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20A is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20B is a front view of the locking pawl assembly shown in FIG. 20A with the lever and the lever retaining hardware removed;

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24A is an isometric view of a retention feature according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24B is an exploded view of the retention feature shown in FIG. 24A;

FIGS. 24C and 24D are isometric views of the roller of the retention feature shown in FIG. 24A;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 26 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure.

Furthermore, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents, and reference to a particular value includes at least the particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value, and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It should also be understood that all spatial references (e.g., horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left side, and right side) are for illustration purposes only and may be varied within the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 illustrates a locking pawl assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly 100 includes a tool body or body 110 having an interior cavity 112 with an upper opening and/or a lower opening. The assembly 100 further includes an upper flange 114 surrounding the upper opening for attachment to and/or receiving rotational force from the drive. In some embodiments, the torque indicator is secured to the upper flange 114. The torque indicator is then fixed directly or indirectly to the driver.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the tool body 110 includes apertures 116a, 116b that open into the interior cavity 112 of the tool body 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the apertures 116a, 116b are cylindrical cavities integrally formed with the body 110. The apertures 116a and 116b receive the locking dogs 120a and 120b, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking pawls 120a, 120b are positioned opposite each other and translate into and out of the internal cavity 112 along the same locking pawl axis. In other embodiments, the locking dogs 120a, 120b can translate along different axes. As discussed in more detail below, the locking pawls 120a, 120b may be biased into the cavity 112 by springs toward an engaged position.

Each locking pawl 120a, 120b is positionable within a respective locking pawl housing 122a, 122 b. In the exemplary embodiment, the locking pawl housing 122a and 112b are cylindrical and are retained within the apertures 116a and 116b, respectively, via the dowel 115 (see fig. 2). Each dowel 115 extends at least partially into a bore in a side surface of the respective aperture 116a, 116b and engages a complementary surface 119 (see fig. 7) on the exterior of the respective locking pawl housing 122a and 122b and prevents axial and rotational movement of the locking pawl housing 122a, 122 b. Cotter pin 117 may secure locating pin 115 in place. In some embodiments, the locking pawl housing 122a, 122b is integral with the tool body 110. The detent pin retention of the locking pawl housing disclosed in the present application is applicable to many other tools having locking pawls or other similar elements and is not limited to use with the tools disclosed herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, the locking pawl assembly 100 includes a rotatable lever 132 that is actuatable by hand or a tool to simultaneously move the locking pawls 120a, 120b outwardly toward their disengaged position at least partially outside the interior cavity 112 and inwardly back to their engaged position. The lever 132 may advantageously be operated with one hand. Fig. 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a lever 132 removably secured (e.g., using a nut and cotter pin) about a spindle 130 defining an axis. The lever 132 has a handle portion 134. In some embodiments, the locking pawl assembly 100 is hydraulically, pneumatically, and/or electrically actuated by a motor or actuator.

As shown in fig. 1, a cover 118 may be provided to conceal and protect the internal components of the locking pawl assembly 100 and/or to protect the user from their effects, as discussed in more detail below. Fig. 2 shows the locking pawl assembly 100 with the cover 118 removed.

The locking pawl assembly 100 includes a mechanism for activating both the first locking pawl and the second locking pawl. The mechanism may be, but is not limited to, a cam assembly 140 rotatable about a spindle 130 defining a cam axis as shown in fig. 2. The cam assembly 140 is actuated via the lever 132 to selectively displace each of the first and second locking pawls 120a, 120 b. The first and second locking pawl extensions 150a and 150b are coupled to a mechanism, which in this example is a cam assembly 140. The first and second locking pawl extensions 150a and 150b are adjacent to the cam assembly 140 and are pressed against the cam assembly 140 via spring forces in the first and second locking pawls 120a and 120 b. In the exemplary embodiment, the cam assembly 140 acts on both the first and second locking jaw extensions 150a and 150b, which in turn act on the locking jaws 120a and 120b, respectively.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the locking pawl assembly 100 with the cover 118 and fig. 4 is a front view of the locking pawl assembly 100 with the cover 118 and the lever 132 removed. As shown in fig. 4, the first and second locking pawl extensions 150a and 150b extend into the locking pawl assembly 100 and are slidably retained in the respective guide slots 152 and 154. Cam assembly 140 includes a first cam 142 and a second cam 144. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cam 142 is positioned on the outside of the spindle 130 and interacts with the first locking pawl extension 150 a. The second cam 144 is positioned inboard on the spindle 130 and interacts with the second locking pawl extension 150 b.

In fig. 3 and 4, the cam assembly 140 is shown in a rest or engaged position whereby the locking pawls 120a, 120b are engaged in the cavity 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking pawls 120a, 120b are biased inward toward their engaged positions by springs. The first and second cams 142, 144 may each include a plurality of cam surfaces or positions to enable selective positioning of the locking pawls 120a, 120b. In some embodiments, there are two positions. In an exemplary embodiment, there are three positions, including an engaged (inward) position, an intermediate position, and a disengaged (outward) position.

Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate how the cam assembly 140 may be rotated (e.g., by the lever 132) to disengage the locking pawls 120a, 120B. Fig. 5A shows the cam assembly 140 in an intermediate position having been rotated (e.g., clockwise) and having pushed the locking pawls 120a, 120b outwardly (e.g., against springs) to partially disengage them from the internal cavity 112. Cam assembly 140 includes a surface that provides a safety stop at an intermediate position. Continued rotation of the cam assembly 140 moves the locking pawls 120a, 120b further outwardly. Fig. 5B shows the cam assembly 140 rotated further to the disengaged position such that the locking dogs 120a, 120B are pushed completely (or nearly completely) outward from the inner cavity 112.

As shown in fig. 5B, the cams 142, 144 may have flat distal surfaces that contact the locking pawl extensions 150a, 150B in the disengaged position. This provides a safety stop in the disengaged position. To reengage the locking dogs 120a, 120b, the operator can rotate the lever 132 far enough against the spring resistance such that the cams 142, 144 are beyond the position where the locking dogs 120a, 120b are in their maximum outward position. After this point, the spring force pushes the jaws 120a, 120b in and automatically rotates the cams 142, 144 and lever 132 to the engaged position. The length of the lever 132 and cam-actuated disengagement of the locking dogs 120a, 120b provide the operator with a mechanical advantage to overcome the binding force on the locking dogs 120a, 120 b.

Fig. 6A and 6B are bottom views of the locking pawl assembly 100. In fig. 6A, the lever 132 is in the engaged position and the locking pawls 120a, 120b are engaged (as if supported against an inserted anchor stator assembly). The proximal ends 124a and 124b of the locking pawls 120a and 120b, respectively, extend into the internal cavity 112 to retain the anchor and/or driving wrench in the internal cavity 112. In fig. 6B, the lever 132 is rotated to disengage the locking pawls 120a, 120B completely (or nearly completely). The proximal ends 124a and 124b of the locking pawls 120a and 120b, respectively, are retracted from the internal cavity 112 to release the anchor and/or drive wrench from the internal cavity 112.

Fig. 7 shows the cam assembly 140 and the locking dogs 120a, 120b of the locking dog assembly 100. For illustration purposes, the first locking pawl 120a is shown without its housing 122a and the second locking pawl 120b is shown in its housing 122 b. Each locking pawl 122a, 122b has a proximal end or surface 124a, 124b, a central portion 126a, 126b and a distal portion 128a, 128b. The central portions 126a, 126b have a larger diameter than the distal portions 128a, 128b and/or the proximal ends 124a, 124 b. The first and second locking pawl extensions 150a, 150b extend through slots on the exterior of the respective housings 122a, 122a and connect to the respective locking pawls 120a, 120b. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking pawl extension 150a, 150b extends into the central portion 126a, 126b of the locking pawl 120a, 120b.

Fig. 8 is a rear cross-sectional view of the cam assembly 140 and the locking pawls 120a, 120 b. Each locking pawl 120a, 120b is retained within its respective locking pawl housing 122a, 122b together with a spring 160a, 160b (see also fig. 7). The locking pawl housing 122a, 122b each has a proximal cavity 162a, 162b, a central cavity 166a, 166b, and a distal cavity (or bore) 168a, 168b with a step 164a, 164b located between the proximal cavity 162a, 162b and the central cavity 166a, 166 b. The springs 160a, 160b act between the distal walls of the central cavities 166a, 166b and the distal surfaces of the central portions 126a, 126b of the locking pawls 120a, 120 b.

The steps 164a, 164b act as solid locking pawl stops to establish an outward limit of travel of the locking pawls 120a, 120b upon disengagement. In particular, the central cavities 166a, 166b of the locking pawl housing 122a, 122b can have a length that is greater than the length of the springs 160a, 160b when fully compressed. This arrangement advantageously protects the springs 160a, 160b from over-compression and damage (such as if recoil were to occur). The locking pawl stop disclosed in the present application is applicable to many other tools having locking pawls or other similar elements and is not limited to use with the tools disclosed herein.

As shown in fig. 8, the locking pawl extensions 150a, 150b can extend into receptacles or channels in the respective locking pawls 120a, 120 b. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal ends of the locking jaw extensions 150a, 150b are retained in the locking jaws 120a, 120b by a first set screw, a spacer, a second set screw, and a spring pin.

Fig. 9 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In exemplary embodiments, the cover is removed or not provided. The locking pawl assembly 200 has a small interior cavity 212 with a smaller upper and/or lower opening to accommodate different applications. The locking pawl assembly 200 also has a different cam assembly 240, although it can be used with the previous embodiments. Cam assembly 240 includes cams 242, 244 that are shaped such that there are no intermediate positions that may be desirable for certain applications. Other mechanisms as described herein may also be used.

Fig. 10A and 10B show how the cam assembly 240 rotates to disengage the locking pawls 220A, 220B. Fig. 10A shows the cam assembly 240 rotated (e.g., clockwise) from the engaged position. Fig. 10B shows the cam assembly 240 rotated further to the disengaged position such that the locking pawls 220a, 220B are fully (or nearly fully) urged outwardly from the interior cavity 212. As shown in fig. 10B, the cams 242, 244 have flat distal surfaces that contact the locking pawl extensions 250a, 250B in the disengaged position. As in the previous embodiment, this provides a safety stop at the disengaged position.

Fig. 11 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly 300 includes a tool body or body 310 having an interior cavity 312 with an upper opening and/or a lower opening. Unlike the body 110 shown in fig. 1, the body 310 includes an extended upper portion 314 that includes an integrated hex socket for attachment to a driver.

Fig. 12A is an isometric view of another locking pawl assembly 400 with locking pawls 420a, 420b in engaged position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12B is an isometric view of the locking pawl assembly 400 with the locking pawls 420a, 420B in disengaged positions. In this embodiment, the lever includes a left lever member 432a and a right lever member 432b that are simultaneously actuated upward and downward (e.g., with one hand) via an attached handle 434 to disengage and engage the locking pawls 420a, 420b. The locking pawl extensions 450a, 450b extend radially from the locking pawls 420a, 420b through slots in the apertures 416a, 416b and slide along ramps on the cam portions of the lever members 432a, 432 b. Each locking pawl extension 450a, 450b may be a single piece extending through the respective locking pawl or may be two separate pieces, one attached to or integrally formed on each side of the respective locking pawl. Each ramp may include a rest or fully engaged position, an intermediate step for partial disengagement, and a final step for full disengagement (as shown in fig. 12B).

Fig. 13A and 13B are bottom views of the locking pawl assembly 400. In fig. 13A, the levers 432a, 432b are shown in a rest position and the locking dogs 420a and 420b are engaged (as if supported against an inserted anchor stator assembly). The proximal ends 424a and 424b of the locking dogs 420a and 420b, respectively, extend into the cavity 412 to retain the anchor and/or drive wrench in the cavity 412. In fig. 13B, the levers 432a, 432B are rotated to disengage the locking pawls 420a, 420B completely (or nearly completely). The proximal ends 424a and 424b of the locking dogs 420a and 420b, respectively, are retracted from the lumen 412 to release the anchor and/or drive wrench from the lumen 412.

Fig. 14 is an isometric view of the levers 432A, 432B and internal components of the locking pawl assembly 400 shown in fig. 12A and 12B. Each lever member 432a, 432b has a cam portion at its proximal end that rotates about a cam axis. The cam axis may be the same axis along which the locking pawls 420a, 420b translate into and out of the internal cavity 412. The locking pawl extensions 450a, 450b (in this case cylindrical members) extend through corresponding slots in the top of the locking pawl housing 422a, 422b, through the center portions of the locking pawls 420a and 420b, and out of corresponding slots in the bottom of the locking pawl housing 422a, 422 b. Springs 460a, 460b are used to bias the locking pawls 420a, 420b inward.

The locking pawl housing 422a, 422b can be retained in the aperture 416a, 416b via the dowel pin 415. Each detent pin 415 engages a complementary surface on the exterior of the respective locking pawl housing 422a, 422b and prevents axial and rotational movement of the locking pawl housing 422a, 422 b. Cotter pins 417 positioned above dowel 415 may secure dowel 415 in place.

Fig. 15 is an isometric view of the lever member 432B of the locking pawl assembly 400 illustrated in fig. 12A and 12B. Each lever member 432a, 432b has a cam portion including a ramp for engaging the locking pawl extension 450a, 450 b. As shown in fig. 15, the cam portion of the lever member 432b has two complementary ramps (e.g., two or three positions each) whereby the ramp 436b engages the top of the locking pawl extension 450b and the ramp 438b engages the bottom of the locking pawl extension 450 b. The ramps 436a, 436b and 438a, 438b have intermediate and outer stops to hold the locking pawl extension 450b in the position defined by such stops. The lever member 432a has a similar but opposite configuration.

Fig. 16 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly 500 includes a tool body or body 510 having an interior cavity 512 with an upper opening and/or a lower opening. The structure and features of the locking pawl assembly 500 can be similar to other examples described herein. However, in this example, the mechanism is a hydraulic mechanism that includes a hydraulic actuator 540 and a hydraulic fluid reservoir 541. The hydraulic actuator 540 is double sided and includes piston rods 543a, 543b acting on the locking pawl extensions 550a, 550 b. The hydraulic mechanism is actuated using a pump and lever assembly 532. If only two locking dog positions (engaged and retracted) are required, the pump and cylinder of the actuator may be a single chamber. If multiple positions are required (including intermediate positions), the locking pawl movement should be synchronized and thus the pump and cylinder of the actuator should have dual chambers (parallel operation). The hydraulic mechanism may alternatively have a single-sided hydraulic actuator 1140 with a piston rod 1143, as shown in fig. 22. The hydraulic mechanism may also include a scissor mechanism 1145 that acts between and guides the locking jaw extensions 1150a, 1150b, as shown in fig. 22. A pump and lever assembly may also be included in the embodiment shown in fig. 22. The actuator 1140 shown in fig. 22 may alternatively be a pneumatic actuator or an electric actuator.

Fig. 17 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly 600 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly 600 includes a tool body or body 610 having an interior cavity 612 with an upper opening and/or a lower opening. The structure and features of the locking pawl assembly 600 can be similar to other examples described herein. However, in this example, the mechanism is a lead screw mechanism including screws 643a, 643b. Each screw 643a, 643b has a helical gear 645a, 645b at its proximal end and passes through a locking pawl extension 650a, 650b at its distal end. The lever 632 is provided and connected to an actuation bevel gear that engages and drives the two bevel gears 645a, 645 b. The lever 632 is used to actuate the lead screw mechanism and in turn the screws 643a, 643b. The screws 643a, 643b move the locking jaw extensions 650a, 650b by rotation of the respective locking jaw extensions 650a, 650b. Alternatively, the lever 632 may be connected to a tapered head instead of actuating a helical gear, and the screws 643a, 643b may be replaced with a screwless shaft. Rotation of the lever 632 causes the tapered head to translate toward the body 610 and act on a circular follower on each non-threaded rod, moving the locking dogs 620a, 620b in a linear manner.

Fig. 18 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly 700 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly 700 includes a tool body or body 710 having an interior cavity 712 with an upper opening and/or a lower opening. The structure and features of the locking pawl assembly 700 can be similar to other examples described herein. Similar to the example shown in fig. 17, the mechanism is a lead screw mechanism including screws 743a, 743 b. In this example, the lead screw mechanism is motorized using a motor 741 in communication with a control assembly 742 (e.g., including a battery and electronics). The motor 741 drives an actuation bevel gear that meshes with and drives a bevel gear on the proximal end of the screws 743a, 743 b. For example, the motor 741 may be an electric motor. Although motor 741 is shown as having a lead screw mechanism, motor 741 may be used with any of the mechanisms described herein. As shown in fig. 23, the lead screw mechanism may alternatively be arranged with a single screw 1243 having a spur gear 1245. In this embodiment, the spur gear 1245 is driven by the motor 1241 via another spur gear 1247. A control assembly 1242 (e.g., including a battery and electronics) communicates with the motor 1241.

Fig. 19 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly 800 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly 800 includes a tool body or body 810 having an interior cavity 812 with an upper opening and/or a lower opening. The structure and features of the locking pawl assembly 800 can be similar to other examples described herein. However, in this example, the mechanism is a rack and pinion mechanism. The mechanism includes a pinion 841 fixed around a spindle 830 that is rotatable by means of a lever 832. In other embodiments, the pinion 841 may rotate with the motor. The pinion 841 is engaged with racks 843a, 843b fixed to the locking pawl extensions 850a, 850b, respectively. Rotation of the pinion 841 (e.g., clockwise) causes the racks 843a, 843b to move outwardly, which in turn causes the locking pawl extensions 850a, 850b and the locking pawls 820a, 820b to move outwardly.

In some embodiments, the locking pawl assembly 800 includes a retaining feature for retaining the locking pawls 820a, 820b in the intermediate position (if included) and in the retracted (outward) position. For example, the retention features may include a roller, pin, and plunger mechanism. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 24A-24D, the mechanism includes a cylindrical drum 1300 coaxial with and integral with or attached to a pinion 841. In an exemplary embodiment, when the locking pawls 820a, 820b are in the retracted position, the drum 1300 has a stepped rail 1302 cut therethrough having steps corresponding to the angular position of the drum 1300. In an exemplary embodiment, stepped track 1302 includes a first step 1304 (e.g., at a fully retracted position), a second step 1306 (e.g., at an intermediate position), and a fully engaged portion 1308. The retention features include locking pins 1310 that extend through stepped track 1302, tool body spindle 1312, and plunger 1314. Locking pin 1310 may be oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis of drum 1300. Plunger 1314 may be a spring-loaded plunger that is coaxial with drum 1300 and moves axially within tool body spindle 1312. The spring pushes locking pin 1310 into a step in step track 1302 as the locking pin rotates (e.g., clockwise). This prevents rotation past the step in the opposite direction until plunger 1314 is pushed in against the spring and locking pin 1310 is disengaged from the step. In other embodiments, the mechanism includes one or more spring detents mounted on the tool body that push downward under the handle as the handle rotates past (e.g., clockwise) and engage behind the handle after the handle passes. The pawl is positioned to correspond to the locking pawl intermediate (if included) and retracted positions. The pawl is depressed to allow the handle to rotate back (e.g., counterclockwise).

Fig. 20A is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly 900 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 20B is a front view of the locking pawl assembly 900 with the lever 932 removed for clarity. The assembly 900 includes a tool body or body 910 having an interior cavity 912 with an upper opening and/or a lower opening. The structure and features of the locking pawl assembly 900 can be similar to other examples described herein. However, in this example, the mechanism is a crank and lever mechanism. The mechanism includes a lever 932 that actuates a crank 941 that is fixed about a spindle 930. In other embodiments, crank 941 may rotate with the motor. The first lever 943a is rotatably fixed between the crank 941 and the first locking pawl extension 950 a. The second lever 943b is rotatably fixed between the crank 941 and the second locking pawl extension 950 b. Rotation of the crank 941 (e.g., clockwise) causes the levers 943a, 943b to move the locking pawl extensions 950a, 950b and locking pawls 920a, 920b outwardly. In some embodiments, the locking pawl assembly 900 includes a retaining feature (e.g., as discussed above) that interfaces with the crank 941 or lever 932 to retain the locking pawls 920a, 920b in the intermediate position (if included) and the retracted (outward) position.

Fig. 21 is an isometric view of a locking pawl assembly 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly 1000 includes a tool body or body 1010 having an interior cavity 1012 with an upper opening and/or a lower opening. The structure and features of the locking pawl assembly 1000 can be similar to other examples described herein. However, in this example, the mechanism is a sliding cam 1040. The slide cam 1040 is slidably secured between two channels on the exterior of the body 1010. Handle 1034 is used to actuate slide cam 1040 upward and downward. The slide cam 1040 includes two or more sets of corresponding detents or notches positioned at different widths on each side to receive the locking pawl extensions 1050a, 1050b and to position the locking pawls 1020a, 1020b.

Fig. 25 illustrates a locking pawl assembly 1400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the locking pawl assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the assembly 1400 includes a tool body 1410 having an interior cavity 1412 and an upper flange 1414. The tool body 1410 includes apertures 1416a, 1416b opening into the inner cavity 1412 that are configured to receive the locking dogs 1420a and 1420b, respectively. The locking dogs 1420a, 1420b may be biased into the cavity 1412 (see, e.g., fig. 7-8) by springs toward the engaged position.

The locking pawl assembly 1400 includes a rotatable lever 1432 that is actuatable by hand or a tool to simultaneously move the locking pawls 1420a, 1420b outwardly and inwardly back to their engaged positions toward their disengaged positions at least partially outside the inner cavity 1412. Lever 1432 is removably secured about a mandrel 1430 defining an axis. Lever 1432 has a handle portion 1434.

As shown in fig. 25, the mechanism for simultaneously actuating the first and second locking dogs includes a cam assembly 1440 that is rotatable about a spindle 1430 and actuated via a lever 1432. The cam 1440 comprises an oblong component with two closed tracks for receiving and actuating the first locking pawl extension 1450a and the second locking pawl extension 1450b. The track may include a detent position for the intermediate and/or fully disengaged position (e.g., as described above with respect to fig. 5A-5B, 10A-10B, 15 and/or 21), or may include a retaining feature as discussed above (e.g., paragraphs 0094 and 0095) and as shown in fig. 24A-24D.

Fig. 26 is an isometric view of another locking pawl assembly 1500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the locking pawl assembly 400 illustrated in fig. 12A-15, the locking pawl assembly 1500 includes locking pawls 1520a, 1520b that are actuated by a lever having left and right lever members 1532A, 1532b that are simultaneously actuated upward and downward via a connected handle 1534.

The locking pawl assembly 1500 includes locking pawls 1520a, 1520b that can be positioned within or integrally formed with locking pawl housing 1522a, 1522 b. Each lever member 1532a, 1532b has a base portion 1536a, 1536b surrounding a respective one of the locking pawl housing 1522a, 1522 b. The inner surface of each base 1536a, 1536b is threaded and the corresponding outer surface of each locking pawl housing 1522a, 1522b is threaded (not shown). The threads are opposite each other on each side of the locking pawl assembly 1500 such that rotation of the lever causes each locking pawl housing 1522a, 1522b and/or locking pawls 1520a, 1520b to move inwardly and outwardly by rotation of the lever.

The above mechanisms are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting. Other means for simultaneously actuating the first and second locking dogs may alternatively or in combination be used. For example, the mechanism may be a cable loop mechanism that includes a cable looped around a central drum on the tool body and a pulley positioned near the end of the locking pawl housing. The central drum may be rotated (by hand or motor) to drive the cable. The cable may be secured to the locking pawl extension (e.g., between the central drum and the pulley) such that the locking pawl is pulled outward as the cable rotates. The means for holding the locking pawl in the disengaged position may be interfaced with the central drum or the operating handle. Similarly, a chain loop mechanism may be used having a chain in place of the cable and a sprocket in place of the central drum and pulley.

Alternatively, the mechanism may comprise a central drum having two cables wound at least partially around the central drum. The distal end of each cable may be attached to and/or inside the respective locking pawl. When the central drum rotates, the cable is tensioned to pull the locking dogs outwards. In some embodiments, the locking pawl shank (distal portion) is slotted along its vertical center plane to provide access to the cable housing when the pawl is pulled out. The means for holding the locking pawl in the disengaged position may be interfaced with the central drum or the operating handle.

In other embodiments, the linkage may include a scissor jack that pushes the locking dogs outward via the locking dog extension. The mechanism may be driven by a threaded rod (e.g., vertically disposed on the tool body) that pulls the center pivots of the scissor jacks together. One end of the threaded rod may be right-hand threaded and the other end may be left-hand threaded. The mechanism may alternatively be driven by a cable that pulls the central pivots of the scissor mechanism together. The mechanism for holding the locking pawl in the disengaged position may be interfaced with a cable or a link.

In other embodiments, the mechanism may include one or more solenoids to urge the locking dogs outward. This may be particularly useful for tools having only two locking dog positions (engaged and disengaged), but is not limited thereto. The solenoid may be externally mounted on the tool body and push the locking dogs outwardly via the locking dog extension. Alternatively, the solenoid may be integrated with the locking pawl (e.g., such that the locking pawl shank [ distal portion ] is a solenoid rod) or may be attached coaxially with the locking pawl rather than acting on the locking pawl extension.

As shown throughout the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are examples of the present disclosure and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be considered as being limited by the foregoing description.

Claims (44)

1. A locking pawl assembly comprising:

a body including an interior cavity having a lower opening;

a first locking pawl extending at least partially through the first side of the body and displaceable into and out of the interior cavity;

a second locking pawl extending at least partially through a first side of the body opposite the first side and displaceable into and out of the interior cavity; and

A mechanism for simultaneous displacement of the first locking pawl and the second locking pawl, which has a mechanical advantage.

2. The locking pawl assembly according to claim 1, wherein said mechanism includes a cam assembly rotatable about a cam axis, said cam assembly selectively displacing each of said first and second locking pawls simultaneously upon rotation.

3. The locking pawl assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a lever on an exterior of said body to actuate said cam assembly.

4. The locking pawl assembly according to claim 3, wherein said lever is rotatable about said cam axis.

5. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the cam assembly includes a first cam that displaces the first locking pawl and a second cam that displaces the second locking pawl.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

A first locking pawl extension having a first end connected to the first locking pawl and a second end coupled to the mechanism, wherein the mechanism displaces the first locking pawl via the first locking pawl extension; and

A second locking jaw extension having a first end connected to the second locking jaw and a second end coupled to the mechanism, wherein the mechanism displaces the second locking jaw via the second locking jaw extension.

7. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

A first locking pawl extension extending through or integrally formed with the first locking pawl and having two opposite ends each engaged with the mechanism, wherein the mechanism displaces the first locking pawl via the first locking pawl extension; and

A second locking pawl extension extending through or integrally formed with the second locking pawl and having two opposite ends each engaged with the mechanism, wherein the mechanism displaces the second locking pawl via the second locking pawl extension.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises an actuator and a scissor mechanism each positioned between a first locking jaw extension engaged with the first locking jaw and a second locking jaw extension engaged with the second locking jaw.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mechanism is a lead screw mechanism comprising at least one screw displacing the first and second locking dogs, the at least one screw having at least one gear driven simultaneously by an actuation gear.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the at least one screw comprises a first screw that displaces the first locking pawl and a second screw that displaces the second locking pawl, each of the first screw and the second screw having a gear on a proximal end that is driven simultaneously by an actuation gear.

11. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising a motor driving the actuation gear.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mechanism is a rack and pinion mechanism comprising a pinion, a first rack that displaces the first locking pawl, and a second rack that displaces the second locking pawl.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mechanism is a crank and lever mechanism comprising a crank, a first lever rotatably fixed to the crank and displacing the first locking pawl, and a second lever rotatably fixed to the crank and displacing the second locking pawl.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mechanism is a sliding cam actuated upward and downward via a handle.

15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second locking dogs are each displaceable along a locking dog axis.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the mechanism comprises a cam assembly rotatable about a cam axis, wherein the cam axis is perpendicular to the locking pawl axis.

17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the mechanism comprises a cam assembly rotatable about a cam axis, wherein the cam axis is the locking pawl axis.

18. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second locking dogs is spring biased toward the cavity.

19. The assembly of claim 18, further comprising a first housing comprising the first locking pawl and a first spring and a second housing comprising the second locking pawl and a second spring.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the first housing is removably secured in a first opening on the first side of the body and the second housing is removably secured in a second opening on the second side of the body.

21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein each of the first and second housings are removably secured in the first and second openings, respectively, via a dowel that engages against a complementary surface on the respective first or second housing and prevents axial and rotational movement of the respective first or second housing.

22. The assembly of claim 19, wherein each of the first and second locking dogs has a distal portion, a central portion, and a proximal portion, wherein an outer diameter of the central portion is greater than an outer diameter of the distal portion.

23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the first spring acts on a distal surface of the central portion of the first locking pawl and the second spring acts on a distal surface of the central portion of the second locking pawl.

24. The assembly of claim 22, wherein each of the first and second housings has a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a central portion, an inner diameter of the proximal portion being greater than an inner diameter of the central portion, and an inner diameter of the central portion being greater than an inner diameter of the distal portion, wherein the first spring is positioned around the distal portion of the first locking pawl and configured to extend into the central portion of the first housing, wherein the second spring is positioned around the distal portion of the second locking pawl and configured to extend into the central portion of the second housing.

25. The assembly of claim 19, wherein each of the first and second housings includes a stop that limits a range of movement of the respective first and second locking dogs outward from the inner cavity.

26. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

Wherein the body comprises a first housing portion having a proximal cavity adjacent a central cavity, the proximal cavity having an inner diameter greater than an inner diameter of the central cavity, thereby defining a first step between the proximal cavity and the central cavity in the first housing portion;

wherein the first locking pawl is slidably engaged within the first housing portion;

Wherein the first locking pawl has a central portion and a distal portion, the central portion having an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the distal portion, thereby defining a second step between the central portion and the distal portion of the first locking pawl;

wherein the second step of the first locking pawl is displaced towards the first step of the first housing portion when the first locking pawl is displaced out of the interior cavity of the main body, the first step defining an outer stop for the first locking pawl.

27. The assembly of claim 26, further comprising:

Wherein the body comprises a second housing portion having a proximal cavity adjacent a central cavity, the proximal cavity having an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the central cavity, thereby defining a third step between the proximal cavity and the central cavity in the second housing portion;

wherein the second locking pawl is slidably engaged within the second housing portion;

Wherein the second locking pawl has a central portion and a distal portion, the central portion having an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the distal portion, thereby defining a fourth step between the central portion and the distal portion of the second locking pawl;

Wherein the fourth step of the second locking pawl is displaced towards the third step of the second housing portion when the second locking pawl is displaced out of the interior cavity of the main body, the third step defining an outer stop for the second locking pawl.

28. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the body has an upper end with a flange that receives rotational force from a driver.

29. A locking pawl assembly comprising:

a main body;

A first housing retained in the main body, the first housing including a first locking pawl and a first spring biasing the first locking pawl in a first direction along a locking pawl axis, the first housing including a first stop that limits a range of movement of the first locking pawl along the locking pawl axis in a second direction opposite the first direction;

A second housing retained in the main body, the second housing including a second locking pawl and a second spring biasing the second locking pawl in the second direction along the locking pawl axis, the second housing including a second stop that limits a range of movement of the second locking pawl in the first direction; and

A mechanism engaging the first locking pawl via a first locking pawl extension and the second locking pawl via a second locking pawl extension;

wherein the mechanism moves the first and second locking dogs simultaneously along the locking dog axis.

30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein each of the first housing and the second housing is removably retained in the body via a dowel that engages against a complementary surface on the respective first housing or second housing and prevents axial and rotational movement of the respective first housing or second housing.

31. The assembly of claim 29, wherein each of the first and second locking dogs has a distal portion, a central portion, and a proximal portion, wherein an outer diameter of the central portion is greater than an outer diameter of the distal portion.

32. The assembly of claim 31, wherein each of the first and second housings has a central portion and a proximal portion having an inner diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the central portion of the respective first or second housing, wherein such diameter differences define the respective first or second stop.

33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein the first spring is positioned around the distal portion of the first locking jaw and is configured to act between a distal wall of the central portion of the first housing and a distal surface of the central portion of the first locking jaw, wherein the second spring is positioned around the distal portion of the second locking jaw and is configured to act between a distal wall of the central portion of the second housing and a distal surface of the central portion of the second locking jaw.

34. The assembly of claim 33, wherein the first spring is protected from over-compression within the central portion of the first housing and the second spring is protected from over-compression within the central portion of the second housing when the first locking pawl is against the first stop and the second locking pawl is against the second stop.

35. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the mechanism is one of a cam mechanism, a hydraulic mechanism, a lead screw mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism, a solenoid mechanism, a link and actuator mechanism, or a crank and lever mechanism.

36. A locking pawl assembly comprising:

a body including an inner cavity;

A first locking pawl extending at least partially through the first opening in the body and movable along a locking pawl axis into and out of the interior cavity;

a second locking pawl extending at least partially through a second opening in the body and movable along the locking pawl axis into and out of the interior cavity; and

A mechanism that simultaneously selectively moves each of the first locking pawl and the second locking pawl.

37. The assembly of claim 36, wherein the mechanism is one of a cam mechanism, a hydraulic mechanism, a lead screw mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism, a link and actuator mechanism, or a crank and lever mechanism.

38. The assembly of claim 36, wherein the mechanism comprises a cam assembly rotatable about a cam axis by a lever, the cam assembly comprising a first cam and a second cam each having at least two cam positions.

39. The assembly of claim 38, wherein each of the first cam and the second cam has three cam positions, comprising: an engaged position in which the first and second lock pawls are engaged in the inner cavity; an intermediate position in which the first and second locking dogs are at least partially moved out of the cavity; and a disengaged position in which the first and second locking dogs are completely removed from the cavity.

40. The assembly of claim 36, wherein the body includes first and second stops that limit a range of movement of the first and second locking dogs, respectively, outwardly from the interior cavity along the locking dog axis.

41. A locking pawl assembly comprising:

a body including an inner cavity;

a first locking pawl extending at least partially through a first opening in the body and movable into and out of the interior cavity;

A second locking pawl extending at least partially through a second opening in the body and movable into and out of the interior cavity; and

A mechanism that selectively moves at least one of the first and second locking dogs into and out of the inner cavity,

Wherein the body includes a first stop and a second stop that limit a range of movement of the first and second locking dogs, respectively, outwardly from the interior cavity.

42. The locking pawl assembly according to claim 41, further comprising:

A first housing removably retained in the main body, wherein the first locking pawl and the first stop are within the first housing; and

A second housing removably retained in the main body, wherein the second locking pawl and the second stop are within the second housing.

43. A locking pawl assembly comprising:

a main body;

A first housing held in the main body, the first housing including a first locking claw and a first spring biasing the first locking claw in a first direction;

a second housing held in the main body, the second housing including a second locking claw and a second spring biasing the second locking claw in a second direction;

A mechanism for moving at least one of the first locking pawl and the second locking pawl in the first direction or the second direction;

a first locating pin removably retaining the first housing in the body; and

A second locating pin removably retains the second housing in the body.

44. The locking pawl assembly according to claim 43, wherein:

The first housing being cylindrical and being retained in a first cylindrical aperture in the body, an outer surface of the first housing comprising a first recess; and

The second housing being cylindrical and being retained in a second cylindrical aperture in the body, an outer surface of the second housing including a second recess;

Wherein the first dowel extends through an outer wall of the first cylindrical aperture and engages against the first recess, thereby retaining the first housing in the first cylindrical aperture and preventing rotation of the first housing in the first cylindrical aperture;

Wherein the second dowel extends through an outer wall of the second cylindrical aperture and engages against the second recess, thereby retaining the second housing in the second cylindrical aperture and preventing rotation of the second housing in the second cylindrical aperture.