MXPA00012507A - Plunger latch - Google Patents

Abstract

A plunger latch (10) includes a housing (16) and a generally elongate shaft (18) that is driven in the housing between extended and retracted positions. A spring (22) or similar member can be provided for urging the shaft to its extended position. Also, the plunger latch can be adapted so that the shaft is retained in its extended position and/or its retracted position.

Description

PISTON BOLT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to interlocking devices and more particularly to interlocking devices having a reciprocating action between extended and retracted positions. 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art Various interlocking devices are known in the art to hold together two or more members such as panels, cutlery, lids or the like. The present invention has been developed in view of the prior art to provide a metalworking device capable of retaining members securely in a locked position and which can be operated both quickly and easily. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention discloses an interlocking device capable of retaining members securely in an interlocked position and that can be operated both quickly and easily. For this purpose, in one embodiment, the present invention discloses a piston latch comprising a housing, an arrow and means for displacing the arrow by extended and retracted positions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a piston mechanism embodiment according to the present invention illustrated in an extended position and mounted on a portion of a first member. Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the piston mechanism of Figure 1, which is illustrated again mounted on a portion of a first member and illustrated in a retracted position. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the piston mechanism of Figure 1. Figure 3a is a sectional view of the piston mechanism of Figure 1, taken longitudinally through the center. Figure 4 is an isolated perspective view of a housing of the piston mechanism of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the housing of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the housing of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a left side elevation view of the housing of Figure 4, the right side is an image in the mirror.

Figure 8 is an isolated perspective view of an arrow of the piston mechanism of Figure 1. Figure 9 is a front elevation view of the arrow of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a bottom plan view of the arrow of Figure 8. Figure 11 is a left side elevation view of the arrow of Figure 8, the right side is an image on the mirror. Figure 12 is an isolated perspective view of a knob of the piston mechanism of Figure 1. Figure 13 is a side elevational view of the knob of Figure 12. Figure 14 is a bottom plan view of the knob of Figure 12, the plan view or above is an image in the mirror. Figure 15 is a left side elevation view of the knob of Figure 12, the right side is an image on the mirror. Figure 16 is a perspective view of a piston mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 is a front elevational view of the piston mechanism of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a top plan view of the piston mechanism of Figure 16. Figure 19 is a left side elevation view of the piston mechanism of Figure 16, the right side is an image on the mirror. Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of the piston mechanism of Figure 16. Figure 20a is a sectional view of the piston mechanism of Figure 16, taken longitudinally through the center. Figure 21a is an isolated perspective view of a housing of the piston mechanism of Figure 16. Figure 21b is another perspective view of the housing of Figure 21a. Figure 22 is a front elevation view of the housing of Figure 21a. Figure 23 is a top plan view of the housing of Figure 21a. Figure 24 is a left side elevation view of the housing of Figure 21a, the right side is an image in the mirror. Figure 25 is an isolated perspective view of an arrow of the piston mechanism of Figure 16.

Figure 26 is a front elevation view of the arrow of Figure 25. Figure 27 is a bottom plan view of the arrow of Figure 25. Figure 28 is a left side elevation view of the arrow in Figure 25, the right side is an image in the mirror. Figure 29 is an isolated perspective view of a knob of the piston mechanism of Figure 16. Figure 30 is a front elevation view of the knob of Figure 29. Figure 31 is a bottom plan view of the knob of Figure 29. Figure 32 is a left side elevation view of the side knob 29, the right side is an image in the mirror. Figure 33 is a perspective view of a piston mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 34 is a left side elevation view of the piston mechanism of Figure 33, the right side is an image in the mirror. Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view of a piston mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 36 is a front sectional view of a handle of the piston mechanism of Figure 35, slightly enlarged and taken on line 36-36 of Figure 35. Figure 37 is a bottom plan view of the handle of Figure 36. Figure 38 is a front sectional view of an arrow of Figure 35 slightly enlarged and taken on line 38-38 of Figure 35. Figure 39 is a perspective view of a cover of the Figure 35. Figure 40 is a front sectional view of the lid of Figure 39, slightly enlarged and taken on line 40-40 of Figure 39. Figure 41 is a partial left front perspective view, slightly enlarged, of another embodiment of a lid of Figure 35. Figure 42 is a partial left side lower perspective view of the lid of Figure 41. Figure 43 is a front sectional view of the lid of Figure 41 , which is taken on line 43-43 of Figure 42. The Figur at 44 is a left side view of the lid of Figure 41. Figure 45 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a piston mechanism according to the present invention illustrated in an extended position, the rear elevation view is an image in the mirror. Figure 46 is a right side elevational view of the piston mechanism of Figure 45, the left side in an image in the mirror. Figure 47 is an isolated perspective view of a handle of the piston mechanism of Figure 45. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Now with reference to the drawings in detail, wherein elements described herein will be numbered according to the numbered elements that Illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in Figures 1 to 15, an embodiment of a piston mechanism according to the present invention is illustrated. The piston mechanism 10 in the present embodiment is illustrated mounted on a portion of a first member 100. In operation, the piston mechanism 10 is adapted to lock the first member 100 with a second member that is not illustrated. In this embodiment, the first member 100 comprises a generally semicircular extension mechanism shaped for the rear gate of a pick-up truck and comprises an inner tubular portion and an outer tubular portion. The second member comprises a portion of the delivery truck having a sear in the form of a receptacle. As will be understood, the first member 100 and the second member may be any of a variety of different structural components such as doors, panels and the like. As illustrated in Figure 1, each of the outer and inner tubular portions of the first member 100 are provided with a pair of opposed through openings and with openings in each of the outer and inner tubular portions aligned so as to receive the mechanism. piston 10 for mounting. The piston mechanism 10 of Figure 1 is illustrated in an extended position and in Figure 2 in a retracted position. The components of the piston mechanism 10 in the present embodiment will be described in greater detail below. As illustrated in the exploded perspective view of Figure 3, the piston mechanism 10 includes, as its portions, a housing 16, an arrow 18 and means for moving the arrow 18 comprising a knob 20 in this embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, the piston mechanism 10 also preferably includes a bypass member comprising a spring 22 and means for holding the piston mechanism 10 in the first member 100 comprising a nut 24. As illustrated in FIGS. Figures 4 to 7, the housing 16 is a generally tubular member including in this embodiment, a flange 30 at one end, a threaded portion 32 on its outer surface proximate a second end and an opening 34 extending longitudinally through the housing 16. The Arrow 18 is illustrated in Figures 8 to 11 and defines a generally cylindrical member and includes means 40 at one end for connecting to the knob 20. In this embodiment, the means 40 define a cross-sectional portion of double D of the arrow 18 and including opposed serrated or sawed surfaces 42. In addition, the arrow 18 includes at its opposite end remote from the portion 40, a locking member 44 that ends with an extension of generally conical shape. The knob 20 is illustrated in Figures 12 to 15 and includes an interior surface 50 having a cavity for snap engagement, with the portion 40 of the arrow 18, although as will be understood, other means for connecting can also be used. knob 20 and arrow 18, such as a threaded coupling illustrated in Figure 3a. The knob 20 also includes a substantially annular outer surface 52.

For assembly, the arrow 18 is mounted in the opening 34 through the housing 16. The spring 22 can also be provided when desired, preferably mounted on the arrow 18 before connecting the arrow 18 to the knob 20, with the spring 22 which is received on the end having the portion 40. In this embodiment, the arrow 18 also includes a shoulder 45 against which it engages the spring 22. In operation, the piston 10 is operable as the arrow 18 reciprocates between extended and retracted positions. Retracted The spring 22 operates to bypass the arrow 20 to its extended position. In accordance with the present invention, means are provided to allow reciprocating movement of the arrow between its retracted and extended positions, as will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, the arrow 18 is axially movable between its extended and retracted positions. Specifically, the arrow 18 retracts against the bypass of the spring 22 through application of a convenient lifting force, such as by an operator holding the knob 20. As will be described in detail below, in this embodiment, the arrow 18 it moves from its retracted position to its extended position by applying a convenient pushing force to the knob 20, and the spring bypass 22 helps in moving the arrow 18 back to its extended position. When locked, the interlocking portion 44 and the arrow 18 engage the receptacle of the second member. In the present embodiment, means are provided for retaining the arrow 18 in its retracted position. In this embodiment, the retaining means comprises at least one resilient tongue and at least one groove between the housing 16 and the arrow 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, housing 16 includes a pair of resilient tabs 36 each generally rectangular connected to its outer surface and arrow 18 includes a slot 48 within the outer surface and extending completely around the perimeter. As illustrated in Figure 6, each of the tabs 36 includes camming surfaces 37, which extend from a bottom surface that is adapted to engage the slot 48. From arrow 18, when arrow 18 moves in the retracted position. The spring-like properties of the tabs 36 allow the cam drive member 37 to travel over the outer surface of the arrow 18 and into the slot 48. In addition, in this preferred mode the slot 48 is generally radiated in cross section for to allow movement of the cam drive members 37 of the tabs 36 in and out of engagement. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, means are also provided for retaining the arrow in a position extended by a second slot 46 spaced apart from the slot 48 and positioned adjacent the shoulder 45 of the arrow 18. Similarly, the drive members by cam 37 of tabs 36, will move within slot 46, when arrow 18 moves to its extended position.

In Figures 16 to 32 another embodiment of a piston mechanism according to the present invention is illustrated. The piston mechanism 110 in the present embodiment is similar to the piston mechanism 10 and for brevity reasons only those portions of the present embodiment that differ from the piston mechanism 10 will be described. In this embodiment, the piston mechanism 110 is movable between retracted and extended positions by lifting and turning movement of the knob 120. The knob 120 in this embodiment is a T-shaped handle, although as will be understood, any type of Knob may be used with any of the embodiments in the present invention. The movement of lifting and turning the knob 120 in this embodiment is required to move the arrow 118 due to the relationship between the arrow 118 and the housing 116 which will be described below. further, similar to the piston mechanism 10, the piston mechanism 110 also includes means for retaining the arrow 118 in its retracted position and is provided between the arrow 118 and the housing 116. For these operations, at least one projection and at least one slot are provided between arrow 118 and housing 116. In this embodiment, two projections 136 are preferably provided defining opposite ends of a pivot pin extending through an opening through an arrow 118 and housing 116 includes two opposed slot members 146. In the present embodiment, each of the slots 146 includes a substantially axial component comprising a channel 147 that is provided within the inner surface of the housing 116 and a generally lateral component connected to the channel 147 and comprising a generally radiated cam drive slot 149, which extends through the wall of the housing 116. To assemble or , preferably the handle 120 is mounted on the arrow 118 following the assembly of the spring member, in this mode, also preferably following the assembly of the arrow 118 in the housing 116. To mount the arrow 118 in the housing 116, of Preferably the pin that has been installed on the arrow 118 is then inserted into the channels 147, as the arrow 118 is received in the opening through the housing 116. Alternatively, the arrow 118 can be connected to the knob 120 and then the arrow 118 can be inserted into the housing 116 without the pin, and the pin can then be installed by inserting it through the slot 149 in the housing 116 and into the opening through the arrow 118. Operation of the piston mechanism 110 now it will be described. The movement of the arrow 118 in its retracted position is achieved by lifting the handle 120 in an axial direction due to the movement of the projections 136 of the pin within the channels 147 of the housing 116. The rotational movement of the knob 120 subsequently moves the projections 136 of the pin within the grooves 149 of the housing 116. When the knob 120 has been rotated completely, the projections 136 of the pin are placed within the sloping portions of the cam grooves 149 and the arrow 118 in this manner is it retains its retracted position. Subsequently, for movement of the arrow 118 back to its extended position, the knob 120 is first rotated in its opposite direction which moves the projection 136 also in the opposite direction into the slots 149. The bypass that is provided by the spring operates to assist in moving the arrow 118 towards its extended position, as the projections 136 of the pin move beyond the uppermost peak of the cam grooves 149. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the arrow 118 is in its extended position, the end of the knob 120 is in engagement with the housing 116 adjacent the flange.

Another embodiment of the piston mechanism of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 33 and 34. The piston mechanism 210 in this new mode is similar to the piston mechanisms 10 and 110 and only those portions that are different will be described in FIG. detail here In this embodiment, the movement of the arrow 218 between its extended and retracted positions is achieved through only rotation of the knob 220. The knob 220 in this embodiment includes alternating projections elevated and folded down on its perimeter. To achieve movement of arrow 218 in the present embodiment, at least one projection and at least one slot are provided between arrow 218 and housing 216. In this embodiment, two projections are provided by a pivot pin extending through of the arrow 218 similar to that illustrated with respect to the piston mechanism 110. In addition, two slots are provided in the housing 216 in this embodiment, which comprise opposing cam grooves 249 that extend through the wall of the housing 216 and that They are usually J-shaped in configuration. The remaining components are the same as those previously described. For assembly, the arrow 118 is inserted into the opening through the housing 216, followed then by insertion of the pin through a slot 249, then into the opening through the arrow 218 and finally through the opposite slot 249. .

The knob 220 can be connected to the arrow 218 either before or after the arrow 218 has been installed in the housing 216. In operation, when the arrow 218 is in its extended position, the pin is at the lower end of the slots of cam 249 closest to the interlocking portion of arrow 218. Subsequent rotational movement of knob 220 will move projections 136 of the pin upwardly through cam slots 249 in the direction of the flange causing movement of the arrow 218 to its retracted position. After the knob 220 has been fully rotated, the projections 136 of the pin are placed in the downward sloping portions of the cam grooves 249 which operate to retain the arrow 218 in its retracted position. For movement of the arrow 218 back to its extended position, the knob 220 is rotated in its opposite position which accordingly moves the projections 136 in the opposite direction into the cam grooves 249. Similar to the interlocking mechanism 110, after the pin has moved past the steepest or steepest portion of the cam grooves 249, the bypass of the spring will help to move the arrow 218 toward its extended position.

Another embodiment of a piston mechanism of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 35 to 40. The piston mechanism 310 of the present invention for purposes of illustration includes a handle at c 320, similar to handle 120 illustrated in Figure 16 and a housing 316 and an arrow 318 similar in design to that of the housing 16 and arrow 18 illustrated in Figures 1 to 15. As will be described in greater detail below, the new features of the piston mechanism 310 of the present embodiment are means for regulating the rotation of the handle 320 and / or arrow 318 with respect to the housing 316 and means for covering the end of the arrow 318 distant from the handle 320. These characteristics may be provided separately or in combination as a whole in any of the illustrated embodiments of this description as well as in other devices. The regulating means in the present embodiment comprises at least one lug 317 that is provided in the housing 316 received within at least one opening 321 that is provided in the handle 320. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two lugs 317 as illustrated in FIG. Figure 35 and two openings 321 in the handle 320 as illustrated in Figure 37. The options of the highlights and the openings can be reversed when desired, such that the lugs are on the handle 320 and the openings in the housing 316. As illustrated in Figure 35, the lugs 317 are positioned opposite each other on the flange 330 and extend from the interior surface of the housing 316 , defined by the opening extending longitudinally through the housing 316. The handle 320 includes a generally elongate projection 323 and includes the openings 321 on opposite sides, defining channels on the longitudinal direction of the projection 323. When desired, the feature of regulating means may be provided between arrow 318 and housing 316 in like manner. The handle 320 in this embodiment also includes a threaded cavity 325 within the distal end of the projection 323 for threaded fit engagement, with a threaded end 327 of the arrow 318, although other means for this same purpose may also be employed. The means for covering the distal end of the arrow 318 in the present embodiment comprises a cap 381 as illustrated in Figures 35 to 39 and 40. The cap 381 in this embodiment is generally elongated and adapted for quick coupling with the arrow 318 For this purpose, the cap 381 includes a cavity 383 at one end defining an interior surface 385 and at least one enhancement 387 extending from the interior surface 385. In this embodiment, the cap 381 defines a simple ring-shaped enhancement. 387 extending over the entire perimeter of the inner surface 385. The arrow 318 in this embodiment includes a channel 391 that extends completely around the perimeter near the distal end. As will be understood, the positions of the jig 387 and the channel 391 can be reversed so that they are on the arrow 318 and the lid 381 respectively, when desired. The liner 387 may be provided with a ramped cam surface to facilitate the quick coupling connection with the arrow 318. The material of the lid 381 and / or the arrow 318 may also facilitate the connection, for example in an arrow mode 318 can be made of metal and the lid 381 can be made of plastic. In operation of the piston mechanism 310, the relationship between the lugs 317 and the openings 321 in the handle 320 and the housing 316 limits the rotational movement of the handle 320 and in accordance with the arrow 318 as the handle 320 reciprocates between its extended positions and Retracted The cap 381 on the arrow 318 protects damage to the second member such as a panel in a delivery truck as described with respect to the piston mechanism 10. The various components of the piston mechanisms described above can be constituted by any from a variety of convenient materials and made from any of a number of different manufacturing processes. For example, the components may comprise plastic and / or metal. As previously described, in one embodiment of the piston mechanism 310, the arrow 318 may be made of metal and the cap 381 may be plastic. In operation, the plastic material of the lid 381 may also work to reduce the chances of damage to the second member when locking.

Another embodiment of cover means for arrow 318 is illustrated in Figures 41 to 44 which comprise a cover 481. Cover 481 is similar to cover 381 and for brevity, only portions that are different will be described here in detail . The cover 481 preferably includes at least one liner 487 and more preferably four lugs 487 extending from its inner surface 485, to allow quick-coupling connection with the arrow 318. In the present embodiment, the four lugs 487 are spaced at the inner surface 485 at approximate 45 degree intervals and each includes a ramp cam operating surface to facilitate quick coupling connection with arrow 318. Lid 481 also preferably includes at least one opening 491 within its end portion 492 and in the preferred embodiment four openings 491 are provided within the end portion 492 as illustrated in Figures 41, 42 and 44. In a currently preferred embodiment, the number of openings 491 corresponds to the number of enhancements 487, although that it is not required. In other embodiments, only the enhancements 487 of the openings 491 may be provided. In the present embodiment, each of the four openings 491 is positioned adjacent the perimeter and approximately at intervals of 45 ° substantially aligned with one of the four lugs 487. Other positions and spacing between the lugs 487 and openings 491 are also possible. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the apertures 491 are generally rectangular and have a width substantially corresponding to a width of each of the enhancements 487, although other configurations may also be used when desired. The openings 491 can serve two purposes. For example, in a preferred embodiment the lid 481 is constituted by molded plastic and the openings 491 are used during the manufacturing step, in particular when molding the enhancements 487. Specifically, during manufacture of the enhancements 487, access is provided for the equipment molding through the cavity 483 at one end and through the openings 491 at the opposite end. As will be understood, the lid 481 can be made from other materials and by other manufacturing processes equally, and in those cases, access through the openings 491 may not be required. Another purpose of the openings 491 is to facilitate assembly from the lid 481 to the arrow 318. In particular, the openings 481 allow the escape of air according to the lid 481 is engaged by quick actuation on the arrow 318.

The result is that the lid 481 is both easier to attach by quick actuation, and that it provides a firmer fit between the lid 481 and the arrow 318. In figures 45 to 47 another embodiment of a piston mechanism according to the invention is illustrated. with the present invention. For reasons of brevity, the present modality will be described in relation to the previous modalities when describing the particular characteristics that are similar to those that are different. In the present embodiment, the housing 516 is the same as the housing 316 except for the addition of at least one and in this embodiment four enhancements 518 extending from its lower surface. In operation, the lugs 518 are received in appropriately shaped openings that are provided in the member to which the piston mechanism is mounted, which functions to restrict the rotation of the piston mechanism. The arrow of the present embodiment, although not illustrated, is the same as the arrow 318. The handle 520 of the present embodiment is similar to the handle 320 by a projection 523 that is similar to the projection 323 but slightly larger in the longitudinal direction. The overall configuration of the handle 520 is similar to the handle 20, which is in the shape of a generally conical shaped knob. The lid 581 is similar to the lid 481. In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that there may be a number of different variations of the present invention and the embodiments illustrated are only some of the possible variations as will be illustrated with reference to the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. A piston mechanism adapted for connection to a first member having at least one opening, the piston mechanism is used to selectively secure the first member to a second member having a detent in the form of a receptacle, the piston mechanism comprises : a substantially tubular housing adapted to extend at least in part through at least a portion of the opening of at least the first member, when the piston mechanism is mounted on the first member, the housing has a longitudinal axis and a bore that extends longitudinally through the housing, the housing has a first end and a second end, the housing has a flange adjacent to the first end of the housing and the housing is coaxial with at least one opening of the first member, when the mechanism is mounted. piston in the first member; means for holding the piston mechanism of the first member, and the means for holding the piston mechanism engage a portion of the housing adjacent the second end of the housing, the means for holding the piston mechanism and the flange cooperate to releasably hold the mechanism of the piston mechanism. piston with the first member when the piston mechanism is mounted on the first member; an elongated arrow placed at least partly within the bore of the housing, the elongated arrow is coaxial with the bore of the housing and the arrow is arranged for selective movement between an extended and a retracted position with respect to the housing in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing. housing, the arrow is provided with first and second slots, the first and second slots are spaced over the length of the arrow; means for selectively retaining the arrow at least in one of the extended and retracted positions of the arrow, means for selectively retaining the arrow include at least one resilient finger that is elongated and having a longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to the arrow. longitudinal axis of the housing, the resilient finger is connected at a first end with the housing and having a projection at a second end of the resilient finger distant from the first end of the resilient finger, the projection at the second end of the resilient finger is drifted towards the end. longitudinal axis of the housing, the projection on the second end of the resilient finger engages the first slot when the arrow is in the retracted position, and the projection on the second end of the resilient finger engages the second slot, when the arrow is in the extended position; and means for displacing the arrow, the means for moving the arrow are connected to the arrow, the means for moving the arrow allow an operator to selectively move the arrow between the retracted position and the extended position, whereby the piston mechanism engages the first member with the second member when the piston mechanism is mounted on the first member and the arrow moves to the extended position in order to couple the receptacle of the second member.

A piston mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing has a threaded portion adjacent to the second end of the housing and the means for holding the piston mechanism comprise a nut having threads, the nut engages the position threaded housing and the nut and flange cooperate to releasably hold the piston mechanism with the first member when the piston mechanism is mounted on the first member.

3. A piston mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for displacing the arrow comprise a knob and a handle.

A piston mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second grooves are annular and wherein the resilient finger has camming surfaces defined by the projection at the second end of the resilient finger remote from the first end of the finger. resilient finger, and the camming surfaces cooperate with the first and second slots to move the projection at the second end of the resilient finger, outside the first and second slots as the arrow moves between the retracted and extended positions.

A piston mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing has a wall and an elongated opening extending through the wall of the housing, the elongated opening in the wall of the housing has a peripheral wall and the finger resilient extends from a portion of the peripheral wall of the elongated opening in the wall of the housing to the second end of the housing.

6. A piston mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a bypass member positioned intermediate the second slot and the first end of the housing, the bypass member derives the arrow towards the extended position.

A piston mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrow has a portion extending from the second end of the housing when the arrow is in the extended position and wherein the arrow further comprises a cover coupled by rapid actuation. , at least with a terminal portion of the portion of the arrow extending from the second end of the housing when the arrow is in the extended position.

8. A piston mechanism adapted to connect to a first member having at least one opening, the piston mechanism is used to selectively lock the first member with the second member and having a sear in the form of a receptacle, the piston mechanism comprises: a substantially tubular housing adapted to extend at least in part through at least a portion of the aperture of the first member, when the piston mechanism is mounted to the first member, the housing has a longitudinal axis and a perforation extending longitudinally through the housing, the housing has a first end and a second end, the housing has a flange adjacent the first end of the housing, and the housing is coaxial with at least one opening of the first member, when the piston mechanism is mounted in the first member, the housing has a slot having a first end and a second end, the slot being extends at least partly in a circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing, the housing has a longitudinally extending slot that is contiguous and communicates with the second end of the slot; means for securing the piston mechanism to the first member, and the members for holding the piston mechanism engage a portion of the housing adjacent the second end of the housing, the means for securing the piston mechanism and the flange cooperate to releasably hold the mechanism of the piston mechanism. piston to the first member when the piston mechanism is mounted on the first member; an elongated arrow placed at least partly within the bore of the housing, the elongated arrow is coaxial with the bore of the housing and the arrow is positioned for selective movement between an extended and a retracted position with respect to the housing in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing. housing, the arrow has a projection that engages with one of the longitudinally extending slot and the slot, the projection of the arrow is placed within the slot to stop the arrow in the retracted position, and the projection of the arrow is placed inside the slot extending longitudinally when the arrow is in the extended position; and means for displacing the arrow, the means for moving the arrow are connected to the arrow, the means for moving the arrow allow an operator to selectively move the arrow between the retracted position and the extended position, whereby the piston mechanism engages the first member with the second member when the piston mechanism is mounted on the first member and the arrow moves to the extended position in order to couple the receptacle of the second member.

A piston mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that the projection of the arrow is placed on the first end of the slot to retain the arrow in the retracted position; and the arrow moves between the retracted and extended positions by a combination of a rotational and axial movement of the arrow.

10. A piston mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that a portion of the intermediate slot to the first and second ends of the slot is placed closer to the first end of the housing as compared to the first and second ends of the slot.

A piston mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a bypass member positioned intermediate to the projection of the arrow and the first end of the housing, the bypass member derives the arrow towards the extended position.

A piston mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that the arrow has a portion extending from the second end of the housing when the arrow is in the extended position and wherein the arrow further comprises a cover coupled by rapid actuation. at least at a terminal portion of the portion of the arrow extending from the second end of the housing when the arrow is in the extended position.

13. A piston mechanism in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the housing has a groove with a first end and a second end, the groove extends at least in part in a circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing, the first end of the groove is closer to the first end of the housing in comparison with the second end of the slot, a portion of the intermediate slot to the first and second ends of the slot is closer to the first end of the housing compared to the first and second ends of the slot, the arrow has a projection coupled by the slot, the projection of the arrow is placed on the first end of the slot to retain the arrow in the retracted position, the projection of the arrow is placed on the second end of the slot, when the arrow is in the position extended and the arrow moves between the retracted and extended positions by a combination of rotational and axial movements of the arrow.

14. A piston mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises a bypass member positioned intermediate the projection of the arrow and the first end of the housing, the bypass member derives the arrow toward the extended portion.

A piston mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that the arrow has a portion extending from the second end of the housing when the arrow is in the extended position and wherein the arrow further comprises a cover coupled by rapid actuation. at least at a terminal portion of the portion of the arrow extending from the second end of the housing when the arrow is in the extended position.

16. A piston mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises means for limiting the rotational movement of the arrow with respect to the housing.

17. A piston mechanism adapted to connect to a first member having at least one opening, wherein the first member has at least one cavity contiguous with the opening at least of the first member, the piston mechanism is used to selectively couple the first member with a second member having a latch in the form of a receptacle, the piston mechanism comprises: a substantially tubular housing adapted to extend at least in part through at least a portion of the opening at least of the first member, when mounts the piston mechanism with the first member, the housing has a longitudinal axis and a bore extending longitudinally through the housing, the housing has a first end and a second end, the housing has a flange adjacent to the first end of the housing , and the housing is coaxial with the opening at least of the first member, when the piston mechanism s e mounts on the first member; means for holding the piston mechanism with the first member, the means for holding the piston mechanism engage a portion of the housing adjacent the second end of the housing, the means for securing the piston mechanism and the flange, cooperating to releasably hold the piston mechanism with the first member, when the piston mechanism is mounted on the first member; an elongated arrow placed at least partly within the bore of the housing, the elongated arrow is coaxial with the bore of the housing and the arrow is positioned for selective movement between an extended and a retracted position with respect to the housing in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing. accommodation; means for limiting the rotational movement of the piston mechanism with respect to the first member, when the piston mechanism is mounted on the first member, the means for limiting the rotational movement of the piston mechanism with respect to the first member include at least one projection that is projected from the housing and adapted to couple the cavity at least; and means for displacing the arrow, the means for moving the arrow are connected to the arrow, the means for moving the arrow allow an operator to selectively move the arrow between the retracted position and the extended position, whereby the piston mechanism struts the first member with the second member, when the piston mechanism is mounted on the first member and the arrow moves to the extended position in order to couple the receptacle of the second member.