US3635096A - Release mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A pull-cable-type of release mechanism incorporating a latch and a spring release, whereby the actuating pressure applied to the mechanism can be multiplied many times in terms of thrust or pull directed to a release cable. The release mechanism includes many safety features including a cocking member lock, safety pin incorporation, and other structural advantages inducing an operator to follow a given procedure to insure that load release will occur when desired.

Description

nited States Patent Caufield 1 Jan. 18,1l72

[54] RELEASE MECHANISM 21 Appl. No.: 53,180

[52] 11.8. C1. ..74/2 [51] Int. Cl. ....G05g 17/00 [58] Field of Search ..74/2

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,256,965 9/1941 Sexton ..74/2

53 9 l 48 J 46 l 39 4 47 2,764,027 9/1956 Otto ..74/2 3,279,262 10/1966 Olson ..74/2

Primary Examiner--Milton Kaufman Attorney-M. Ralph Shaffer ABSTRACT A pull-cable-type of release mechanism incorporating a latch and a spring release, whereby the actuating pressure applied to the mechanism can be multiplied many times in terms of thrust or pull directed to a release cable. The release mechanism includes many safety features: including a cocking member lock, safety pin incorporation, and other structural advantages inducing an operator to follow a given procedure to insure that load release will occur when. desired.

11 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures 4| 49 59 rr 52 1e SHEET 1 UP 4 INVENTOR. EDWARD C. CAUFIELD F I G 3 HIS ATTORNEY alssspss PATENTEBJAMBWZ SHEET 2 [1F 4 FIG. 6

FIG. 7

INVENTOR. EDWARD C. CAUFIELD HIS ATTORNEY mmmmewz 3.635096 SHEET 3 [1F 4 FIG. I3

IDIVENTOR. EDWARD c. CAUFI LD BY W HIS ATTORNEY PATENTED JAM 8 I972 SHEET u 0F 4 EDWARD C. CAUFIELD FIG. I6

HIS ATTORNEY FIG. l5

RELEASE lVmCIIANISM The present invention relates to release mechanisms and, more particularly, to a new and improved release mechanism of the cable-thrust type wherein a latchable operating spring is utilized to supply a positive thrust to the actuating cable of the mechanism, which thrust can be translated to conventional operating mechanisms of release hooks, bomb shackle assemblies, and so forth.

Many types of mechanisms, such as a helicopter bondrelease mechanism, require the pull or thrust of a release cable to effect a release function. Many of such devices are dependent for actuation upon the nature or condition of the pull of the cable. It would of course be desirable to have a very large cable thrust present regardless of the nature or magnitude of the pressure applied to an operating lever or other means to accomplish cable thrust. Present devices are also unsafe in many contexts in that a procedure is not imposed upon the user to make sure that his cable release mechanism is operating effectively prior to helicopter takeoff, by way of example.

Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved release mechanism.

An additional object is to provide a new and improved release mechanism of the cable-pull type.

An additional object is to provide a release mechanism which is constructed for connection or coupling to various types of release mechanisms such as helicopter load release hooks, bomb shackles, and so forth, all of which rely upon a cable-pull to effect a hook, pin, or other type release.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new and irnproved release mechanism for helicopters which will be suitable for preflight check out in a manner such as to insure and give the pilot confidence that a load can be released while the pilot is in flight.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a safety pin feature as a safety mechanism for a release mechanism, such safety pin being locked in the release mechanism at desired times.

A further object is to provide a release mechanism which relies for its effectiveness upon the latching and release of an actuating spring, the spring being utilized to effect a rapid thrust or pull upon the control cable of the mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide a release mechanism designed to preclude inadvertent actuation thereof either through inadvertent lever movement or through vibration forces translated to the mechanism during flight or otherwise.

The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. I is a side elevation of release mechanism incorporating the features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the structure shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal section taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. I, the lever portion of the release mechanism being shown in fragmentary view.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional detail and is taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. ll.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional detail and is taken along the line S5 in FIG. I.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are side elevations, principally in sectional view, illustrating the release mechanism as being in loaded and fired conditions, respectively.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the release mechanism in its loaded condition.

FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8, illustrating the safety pin as having been pulled and the lever actuated to effect a cable pull upon the control cable of the device.

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9 but illustrates the release mechanism being actuated to recock the same for subsequent use.

FIG. I1 is similar to FIG. l0, illustrating the condition of the equipment once recocking has been completed.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side elevation of the release mechanism of the invention wherein the trigger or lever of the device is inadvertently depressed while the safety pin remains installed, the construction functioning to raise slightly the cocking member so to release its lock relative to the housing of the device.

FIG. 13 illustrates a further manipulation of the release mechanism, relative to FIG. 12, so that a repositioning of the lever or trigger is effected prior to recocking the mechanism.

FIG. I4 is an exploded view of the entire apparatus of the release mechanism.

FIG. 15 illustrates use of the release mechanism in a helicopter context.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view illustrating in schematic form the manner in which the lower end of the control cable associated with the release mechanism can be connected to the conventional operating mechanism of a load hook so that the cable will effect at desired times a release of such load hook.

The release mechanism of the present invention is generally shown in FIGS. I-3 and is identified as mechanism I0. The same is shown to include a housing II which is preferably cast from a light weight metal material such. as aluminum. Housing 11 is provided with a composite release pin boss I2 accommodating release pin I3. The latter is of the ball-check type, of standard design, wherein a depression of button I4 of the release pin permits balls I5 to be withdrawn inwardly of the pin so as to permit the ejection of release pin I3 in the direction of arrow A. A lever or release trigger 16 is provided and is pivoted to and within the housing I I by means of pivot pin 17 pressed in the housing. Housing ll includes a base mounting flange I8 which is provided with suitable bores 19, for example, to provide for the mounting of the flange l8, and hence of housing II, to appropriate structure 20 such as a floor. The latter will be provided with a relief aperture, as at 2I, to accommodate a depending boss 22.

In returning for a moment to the mounting flange 18, it is to be observed that while two mounting bolt sets 23 with their respective apertures 19 have been shown, it will be understood that two, three or more apertures 19 may be provided for accommodating a corresponding number of attachments.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the interior of the housing structure when the same assumes a ready-to-fire and also a fired" condition, respectively. As seen in FIG. 7 by way of example, the lower boss 22 is threaded at 23 to interiorly receive a threaded fitting 24. The same may be provided with interior threads 25 to accommodate a locking nut 26. The locking nut retains in place the flanged end of the outer flexible sheath 28 of flexible cable structure 29. The cable structure includes the flexible cable member 30 which at its uppermost end M is pressed into aperture 32 of shaft 33. Shaft 33 will generally be made of metal and be provided with a shoulder 34 serving as a limit stop relative to shaft 33 in connection with upstanding boss 35. The boss 35 is integral with housing II, and the interior thereof as at 36 accommodates the reciprocating movement of enlarged cylindrical portion 37 of shaft 33.

FIG. 7 illustrates the condition of the structure wherein the same has been fired or unlatched so as to accommodate a lift ing of shaft 33 and, hence, of enlarged portion 37 to the upper portion of chamber C as formed by interior bore 36. A bore 38 operates to journal or otherwise permit passage of the shaft 33 through the upstanding boss 35.

Shaft 33 includes a shoulder 39 and an upper portion 40 of reduced cross-sectional dimension. Pressed onto portion 40 is a washer 41. The purpose for the inclusion of washer M is to serve as a bearing and thrust agent when the shaft 33 is lowered, upon the user rotating the cocking member 42 in a manner hereinafter explained. It is noted that a nylon bearing member or washer 43 is provided as bearing means in the construction.

As to cocking member 42 itself, the same includes knurled cylindrical handle portion 44 and also a depending central structure 45 which is appropriately exteriorly threaded at 46. These enlarged threads cooperate with the threads 47 of an interior threaded sleeve 48. Threaded sleeve 48, during assembly, is pressed upwardly, relative to the drawing of FIG. 7, into the interior of a stainless steel sleeve 49, by way of example, such that shoulders 50 and 51 of these two parts abut. The compression spring 52 engages at its upper end 53 the surface 54 so as to keep shoulders 50 and 51 in intimate contact.

Nylon bushing 55 is disposed over the shaft 33 in the manner illustrated and is retained in place by washer 56 and nut 57. The latter may be provided with a cotter key 58 which is disposed through aligned apertures of the nut 57 and reduced portion 40 of shaft 33 in the manner shown in FIG. 7.

As to lever or trigger 16, which can be a foot-lever, the same is also illustrated in FIG. 7 as being pivoted about pivot pin 17, previously shown in FIG. 1. Lever 16 includes an upper portion 59 forming a latch 60. Latch 60 selectively engages a circumferential slot 61 formed in the side of the steel sleeve 49. Where the wall thickness of the steel sleeve is a very small dimension, then the slotted area can include a recessed portion 62 in the threaded sleeve 45.

Housing 11 includes a relief recess 63 for accommodating the positioning of compression spring 64. The latter coacts as between the housing at 65 and a thrust button 66 incorporating a central stub-shaft portion 67.

Threaded into opposite sides of housing 11 at threaded bores 69 are a pair of limit-stop bolts or screws 70. See FIG. 1 wherein a representative one of the diametrically opposed screws is illustrated. These screws include blunt ends at 71 which selectively engage surface 72 (see FIG. 14) of vertical slot 73. These vertical slots 73, see FIG. 14, are disposed on opposite sides of the steel sleeve 49. A safety pin receiving slot 74 is provided in the left-hand slot configuration at 73 in FIG. 14 to accommodate the safety insertion of release pin 13 when the same is installed in the manner shown in FIG. I. When the pin is removed, the steel sleeve 49 is free to move upwardly against the pressure of spring 52 when a lever 16 is depressed.

The release mechanism of the present invention operates as follows. Consider that the same is installed in a helicopter as shown in FIG. 15. In such event the cable assembly 29 proceeds downwardly to the conventional cargo-hook 76, installed in FIG. as a secondary cargo hook. The usual control 77 proceeds to a primary cargo-hook 78, and the latter loops through a looped end 79 of cable 80 which supports, via its end strands or end loops 81 and the load 82. The employment of primary and secondary cargo hooks is standard to the art, and their installations as well are standard, except of course for the release mechanism 10 comprising the present invention. See by way of example cable-pull actuated, load release hook models 2A ISE illustrated at the third and fourth pages of the E. R. C. (Eastern Rotocraft Corporation) current standard manual (undated).

FIG. 16 illustrates the manner in which the cable assembly 29 can be attached to a representative one of the cargo hooks. In particular, FIG. 16 illustrates that the interior flexible cable may be provided with a ball-end fitting at 83, with extreme pressure being applied to the ball to squeeze against and thus rigidly secure the cable 30 thereto. Ball 83 will be positioned in the operating mechanism 84 of the release hook 85 e.g., 76, 78), more particularly disclosed in the referenced above cited, such that when the cable is pulled upwardly, a release of the hook takes place. More particularly, the ball and applicants assemblies merely by way of example. The specific manner of connecting the pull," i.e., cable 30, to the operating mechanism, whatever standard mechanism is employed, forms no part of the present invention. The present invention comprises an operative release mechanism incorporating a control cable which, upon actuation of the mechanism as through a lever or other means, rapidly thrustingly pulls such cable.

The operating sequence of the release mechanism of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8-13.

FIG. 8 illustrates the mechanism 10 as assuming its loaded condition. At this point, and provided the operator has previously pulled out the release pin 13 as shown in FIG. 9, then depression or actuation of lever 16 will trip the mechanism so as to enable the spring 52 to thrust upwardly the cocking member 42 and the cable 30 as well. Again, this is accomplished by virtue of the fact that the shaft 33 affixed to the cable in fact keyed for motion to the member 42 as shown in FIG. 7.

To recock the mechanism the user merely rotates in a clockwise direction the cocking member 42 so that rotation of the same will automatically compress spring 52. Where righthand threads are used instead of left-hand threads as shown, then the cocking operation will assume a reverse rotation to that illustrated.

FIG. 11 illustrates that once the cocking member 42 has been returned to its original position, the safety release pin 13 may be returned to its position shown in FIG. 11 and also in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates that once the cocking mechanism 42 is so returned in the manner shown in FIG. 11 then the pin 87 will engage a detent recess 88 in member 42. Pin 87 may form the composite pin structure, as at 89, having a pressed washer 90 pressed to the shaft 91 of the pin. A spring 92 is provided to' back the pin and a spring guide or casing 93 may be included. The pin combination is inserted in recess bore 94 and the same retained in place by a locking nut 95. See FIG. 4 in connection with this construction. Thus, a complete return of the cocking member 42 will accomplish the detent of FIG. 4 so as to retain the cocking member against movement during vibration periods; hence, the cocking member 42 is locked in place.

Suppose at this juncture even though the pin is installed as shown in FIG. 12, the lever is actuated accidentally. Such actuation as shown in FIG. 12 will produce an upward movement of cocking member 42 so that a"release as between pin 87 and aperture 88 exists. Kindly note the spacing between the housing 11 and cooking member 42 in FIG. 12. However, at this juncture the pin 13 will not be capable of being withdrawn. This is because of the upward pressure of the lower surface of the side slot 74 of steel sleeve 49 as well as the presence of the supplied balls for the safety pin 13. Now since the pin is not withdrawn or withdrawable, this forces the user to check his system. He does this by rotating upwardly the cocking member 42 so as to draw upwardly on the cable and thus actuate and thereby test his load hook. When the upper extremity of the cable has been reached, then the continued rotation will drive the steel sleeve 49 downwardly so that slot 61 ultimately comes in engagement with the latch or hook portion 60 of lever 16. At this point the lever will spring upwardly and be ready for use when the cocking member 42 is returned to its downward position. It is to be noted that, as seen in FIG. 13, when the cocking member is at its uppermost position after the operation immediately described above has taken place, the pin can be removed. However, since the cable is up, a reverse rotation of cocking member 42 is necessary to return the cable to its lowermost position preparatory for lever depression.

In the event that the operator has inadvertently depressed the lever with his foot at the time the cocking member 42 is in its uppermost position, the lever will be displaced slightly downwardly in the manner shown in FIG. 12. To recock, all that is needed is for the user to rotate, perhaps a quarter-tum, the cocking mechanism so as to thrust the steel sleeve down and thereby permit the latch of the lever to reengage the slot of the steel sleeve. At that time the pin can be removed, or even be left in place while the cocking member is rotated downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 6.

So that the reader may fully comprehend the significance of this invention, it should be emphasized that the design of the release mechanism of the invention requires the user to check out his system completely so that he knows that when airbom he will be able to release his load. Furthermore, it is most important to note that most cable release systems will operate on an exertion of say 5 to pounds of pressure. The present invention may be designed so as to utilize a 70 or 80 pound spring, so that when the release function is performed, a guaranteed, positive,- high-power thrust is applied to the release cable.

When the user is on the ground, again, and is preparing to board his helicopter, he should indeed know that his release mechanism and his primary system are operating satisfactorily so that he is completely assured the load can be released when airborn. Thus, it isnt a question of merely pulling the pin and then stepping on the lever to release the load. Rather, the user must be assured that the mechanism is operating satisfactorily and must be forced to go through the previously described procedure such that such assurance is justified. For example, if he enters the helicopter and the mechanism is ready for firing, in any event he can simply pull the safety pin and then depress the lever with his hand or foot so as to uncock or release the mechanism. On the other hand, if someone has inadvertently depressed the lever prematurely while the pin was installed, then the user cannot now pull the pin but rather will follow the procedure outlined in connection with F168. 12 and 113, and the discussion appertaining thereto, so that the lever is properly positioned. In either event, the user will know that upon actuation on the ground, his system is in good order and also that a positive cable thrust can be achieved and will later be realized upon depression of the lever.

After such has been positively determined, he will return with his hand the cocking mechanism to its downward position and replace the pin so that he is ready to operate the same once aloft. Qt course the user may wish simply to leave the pin out as he is ascending in flight ready to perform his desired service.

It should be further emphasized that the spring 52should be chosen to be of sufficient strength such that not only will a positive strong pull be achieved upon release of the mechanism, but also the safety pin will be retained in place and not be capable of being pulled out in the event that the operating lever is prematurely depressed.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

lclajm:

l. A release mechanism including, in combination, a housing, first structural means movably disposed in said housing for carrying a flexible cable, a cable secured to said first structural means and extending beyond said housing, sleeve means slideably disposed in said housing, a compression spring operably disposed within said housing between said housing and said sleeve means, manually rotatable means threadedly engaging said sleeve means for depressing said first structural means to compress said spring and cock said sleeve means and, subsequently, for extending said first structural means and said cable in one direction, means for releasably latching said sleeve means when said spring is compressed, and ac tuatable means for unlatching the same, for thrusting said first structural means and said cable in a predetermined direction, reverse to that of said one direction, under the pressure of said spring 2. he mechanism of claim I wherein said sleeve means comprises a sleeve disposed for reciprocal movement within said housing, axially, interiorly threaded means carried by said sleeve means and operatively, reactively engaging said spring and threadedly engaging said depressing means, said means for depressing said first structural means comprising a cocking member provided with a shaft secured to said cable and having an inner, depending threaded portion threadedly engaging said threaded means, said sleeve means and said housing in cluding means providing a limit stop to limit the outer extension of said first structural means relative to said housing under the pressure of said spring.

3. The mechanism of claim 2 wherein said sleeve includes a latching slot, said latching means including a latching portion constructed for releasable engagement with said latching slot.

4. The mechanism of claim 2 wherein said actuatable means comprises a lever pivoted to said housing and having said latching means.

5. A mechanism according to claim 2. wherein said cocking member includes an upper access aperture constructed to provide access for retentive engagement for retention means secured to said shaft, said shaft being so provided with retention engagement means.

6. The mechanism of claim 2 wherein, when said cocking member is threaded downwardly, said cocking member and said housing are provided with releasably engageable detent means for releasably locking said cocking member with respect to said housing when said cocking member is returned to a position towards said housing to compress said spring.

7. The mechanism of claim 6 wherein said housing includes a withdrawable safety pin means releasably engaging as a stop abutment means of said sleeve means when said cocking member is threaded downwardly to releasably engage said detent means, said housing, sleeve, safety pin means, and said actuatable means being constructed and arranged such that depression of said actuatable means is sufficient to release said cocking member from said housing even when said safety pin means in installed in place in said housing.

8. A mechanism according to claim ll wherein said housing includes a depending threaded boss, said cable being provided with a flexible sheath, and means for securing said flexible sheath to said boss such that said cable proceeds upwardly therethrough.

9. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said housing is provided with aperture means for receiving a safety pin, said mechanism being provided with a safety pin releasably engageable with said aperture means, said sleeve means being constructed and arranged to provide stop means engaging said pin when the latter is installed in said housing at said aperture means to prevent full length outer movement of said first structural means should inadvertent movement of said latching means unlatch said first structural means with respect thereto.

10. A mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said actuatable means is spring-biased upwardlly with respect to said housing.

ill. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said depression means rotatably and retentively engages said first structural means.

Claims (11)

1. A release mechanism including, in combination, a housing, first structural means movably disposed in said housing for carrying a flexible cable, a cable secured to said first structural means and extending beyond said housing, sleeve means slideably disposed in said housing, a compression spring operably disposed within said housing between said housing and said sleeve means, manually rotatable means threadedly engaging said sleeve means for depressing said first structural means to compress said spring and cock said sleeve means and, subsequently, for extending said first structural means and said cable in one direction, means for releasably latching said sleeve means when said spring is compressed, and actuatable means for unlatching the same, for thrusting said first structural means and said cable in a predetermined direction, reverse to that of said one direction, under the pressure of said spring.

2. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said sleeve means comprises a sleeve disposed for reciprocal movement within said housing, axially, interiorly threaded means carried by said sleeve means and operatively, reactively engaging said spring and threadedly engaging said depressing means, said means for depressing said first structural means comprising a cocking member provided with a shaft secured to said cable and having an inner, depending threaded portion threadedly engaging said threaded means, said sleeve means and said housing including means providing a limit stop to limit the outer extension of said first structural means relative to said housing under the pressure of said spring.

3. The mechanism of claim 2 wherein said sleeve includes a latching slot, said latching means including a latching portion constructed for releasable engagement with said latching slot.

4. The mechanism of claim 2 wherein said actuatable means comprises a lever pivoted to said housing and having said latching means.

5. A mechanism according to claim 2 wherein said cocking member includes an upper access aperture constructed to provide access for retentive engagement for retention means secured to said shaft, said shaft being so provided with retention engagement means.

6. The mechanism of claim 2 wherein, when said cocking member is threaded downwardly, said cocking member and said housing are provided with releasably engageable detent means for releasably locking said cocking member with respect to said housing when said cocking member is returned to a position towards said housing to compress said spring.

7. The mechanism of claim 6 wherein said housing includes a withdrawable safety pin means releasably engaging as a stop abutment means of said sleeve means when said cocking member is threaded downwardly to releasably engage said detent means, said housing, sleeve, safety pin means, and said actuatable means being constructed and arranged such that depression of said actuatable means is sufficient to release said cocking member from said housing even when said safety pin means in installed in place in said housing.

8. A mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said housing includes a depending threadEd boss, said cable being provided with a flexible sheath, and means for securing said flexible sheath to said boss such that said cable proceeds upwardly therethrough.

9. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said housing is provided with aperture means for receiving a safety pin, said mechanism being provided with a safety pin releasably engageable with said aperture means, said sleeve means being constructed and arranged to provide stop means engaging said pin when the latter is installed in said housing at said aperture means to prevent full length outer movement of said first structural means should inadvertent movement of said latching means unlatch said first structural means with respect thereto.

10. A mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said actuatable means is spring-biased upwardly with respect to said housing.

11. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said depression means rotatably and retentively engages said first structural means.

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