JPH02134406A - Releasable grip, lock, coupling or support device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To lock the large load with a simple claw mechanism by restricting the relative motion of the components of a control means by a latching means when the components of a control means are relatively moved in the first direction by a predetermined amount, and unlatching the components when they are relatively moved in the opposite direction by a predetermined amount. CONSTITUTION: When a rope 17 is upwardly pulled, and a cam member 12 is rotated right on a pivot 15, a rod 21 is slid into a casing member 26, a latching claw 28 is removed from an annular shoulder part between the cylindrical holes 22, 26, and laterally directed by a control ball 32, a longitudinal, side of the claw 28 is locked to the annular shoulder part when the rope 17 is downwardly moved, the longitudinal side of the claw 28 is located axially in parallel with the rod 21, and the cam member 12 presses the rope 17 to a body member 10 to lock the same. To release the rope 17, the rope 17 is upwardly pulled again, so that the claw 28 is returned to a large diameter part 26, and engaged with the shoulder part by the action of the control ball 27, and the rope 17 can be moved downwardly. Whereby the large load can be locked with a simple claw latching device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a releasable grip or locking device, and in particular, but not exclusively, to the unidirectional movement of a flexible or rigid elongate member. It relates to a device used to prevent or lock the release of a device.

The present invention also relates to a releasable lock, connection or support device, particularly, but not exclusively, for latching a load, for example in a raised position, so as to relieve the tension of a tensioning line; releasably connect two members, releasably secure one member to another member or structure, form a rotational connection between two members, or provide a releasable load support. related to the equipment used to do so.

PRIOR ART British Patent No. 2,140,495, the disclosure of which is included below for reference, describes two Parts and 2
A releasable locking, coupling or supporting device is disclosed that includes interengaging latching means on individual members.

The latching means can be automatically engaged and disengaged by movement of the members in opposite directions. The latching means includes an abutment portion provided on one member, at least one rotary pawl provided on the other member for cooperating with the abutment portion in the latching state, and the latching means. control means for positioning the pawl on the set of corner devices during a latching or release sequence, the control means comprising resilient means provided on the same member as the pawl to act around the pawl; or an associated member for temporarily positioning the pawl in said angular position during a latching or release sequence.

(Problem to be solved by the invention) In the device of British Patent No. 2,140,495, 2
The latching connection between the two members is achieved by engagement between a pawl provided on one member and an abutment portion provided on the other member. Therefore, the strength of the connection in the latched state depends on the strength of the pawls, so that relatively heavy pawls are required for heavy load applications. Furthermore, if a single pawl is used, the seating of the latching member will be unbalanced. These drawbacks can be reduced to some extent by using two or more latching pawls, but this results in a more complex structure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a releasable lock of the above-mentioned type, in which the load that can be supported by the device in the latched condition cannot be determined primarily by the strength of the pawl or similar latching control mechanism. , to provide a connection or support device. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a grip or locking device in which the latching control mechanism is completely enclosed.

(Means for Solving the Problems) The present invention provides a main body member that is in a sliding relationship with another member that is to be gripped or locked so that it can be released, and a main body member that is movably attached to the main body member and that is in a free state and a grip or locked state. a gripping or locking means that moves between the gripping or locking means and causing a load to be applied to the device in the gripping or locking state;
control means for controlling movement of the gripping or locking means between the free state and the gripping or locked state, the control means including a relatively slidable component; and having mutually engageable latching means actuated by relative movement, the latching means automatically latching when said elements move a predetermined amount relative to each other in a first direction. so that subsequent relative movement in the same direction or in the opposite direction is restricted, respectively, and when the latched state moves by a predetermined amount relatively in the opposite direction or in the first direction, the latched state is automatically latched. a released state allowing subsequent free relative movement of said elements in the first direction or in the opposite direction, respectively, and the free state and the gripping or locked state of said gripping or locking means To provide a releasable grip or locking device that has a latched state and an unlatched state, or a latched and unlatched state and a matching state.

In one embodiment, the latching means is arranged between an abutment provided on one of the components and another one of the components.
a rotary pawl which is housed in the latching means and rotates between the latching means and the latching means to cooperate or not cooperate with said abutting part by the relative movement of said components; locating means for positioning a pawl in a set of angular positions, said pawl being capable of full rotation, and said positioning means being provided on said other component and on said pawl periphery or on said pawl. including resilient means for engaging associated members to temporarily position the pawl in the angular position during the latching or releasing sequence.

The periphery may be substantially parallelogram-shaped, and as the pawl is rotated through engagement and disengagement with the abutment, the resilient means may compress each of the parallelogram peripheries associated with the pawl. Subsequent engagement of the sides rotates the pawl to position it in the required angular position for the next step in the lock or release sequence.

The pawl may include a pair of opposed edges having recesses or notches to receive the edges of the abutment in the latched state of the latching means.

The resilient means may include a control member and spring means acting thereon to urge the control member into engagement with the periphery of the pawl or a member associated therewith.

In one arrangement, the gripping means may include a cam member pivotally supported by the body member and having a gripping curved surface configured to cooperate with an opposing portion of the body member, such that the cam member Rotation in one direction narrows the gap between the two and, in use, grips the elongated member extending between the two. The cam member pivot support means is for the purpose of facilitating threading of the elongate member through the device and accommodating elongate members having different cross-sectional dimensions.
can be slidably attached to the body member for moving toward or away from the opposing portion of the body member, and resilient means are provided for urging the pivot support means against the opposing portion of the body member. There is.

The cam member can act on an elongate member that is engaged in use through a pressure rod that is linked to the cam member and acts on the grip curved surface. In other arrangements, the gripping means may include a pressure bar movable toward or away from the opposing portion of the body member in a generally parallel relationship by means of a pivoting linkage with the body member. A pressure rod is movable on the linkage toward or away from the opposing portion of the body member to facilitate passing elongate material through the device and to accommodate elongate members having different cross-sectional dimensions. The pressure bar can be attached and the pressure rod is resiliently pressed against the opposing portion of the body member.

In the above and other arrangements, the relatively slidable component of the control means is pivotably supported at one end by the body member and at the other end by the cam member or the link for controlling pivot movement. It can be in the form of a nested post attached to the device.

In the above configuration, the latching means of the control means may act directly between the cam member and the main body member.

Furthermore, when the pair of cam members are rotated to their gripping positions, the distance between the gripping surfaces of the cam members becomes progressively narrower, whereby, in use, the elongated member extending between the gripping surfaces of the cam members becomes narrower and narrower. The body members may be pivotally supported opposite each other to provide a secure grip.

In another arrangement, the locking means may include a locking member slidably mounted in a casing attached to the housing, with control means acting between the locking member and the casing; the body member is in the form of a tubular housing slidably housing a shirttle member and includes the locking member projecting into the housing for engaging an outer periphery of the shirttle member;
The shirttle member has a peripheral recess formed to receive the locking member in the locked state of the locking means and to place the locking means in the free and locked states according to sliding movement of the shirttle member within the housing.

In yet another configuration, the main body member.

The locking means may include a tubular housing for accommodating a slidably disposed shuttle member having an engagement portion, the locking means including a toggle member having a crosspiece and pivotally supported relative to the housing; One end of the crosspiece is extendable into the housing through an opening in the wall of the housing by rotation of the toggle member in one direction and is subordinate to the crosspiece and can be extended into the housing by rotation of the toggle member in the other direction. The slidable component of the control means has a leg with a terminal end capable of extending into the housing through an opening provided in the wall of the housing, and the slidable component of the control means is connected to the housing at one end and toggled at the other end. each in the form of a telescoping strut pivotally supported at the other end of the crosspiece of the member, thereby toggling at the opposite end of the engagement portion of the shirttle member by sequential sliding movement in opposite directions within the housing of the shirttle member. engaging said cross-piece and leg of the member to sequentially effect a sequential free and locked condition under the control of said control means;

The present invention also provides a locking mechanism for a releasable lock, coupling or support device having a relatively slidable member to be releasably locked against relative movement in one direction, the mechanism includes a pair of cooperating, relatively slidable components having mutually engageable latching means and locking means, said means actuated by relative movement of the same; the latching means automatically becomes latched when the element moves a predetermined amount relative to the first direction, thereby restricting subsequent relative movement in the same or opposite direction, respectively; Further, when the latching state is moved by a predetermined amount relative to the opposite direction or the first direction, the latching state is automatically changed to the first latching state.
subsequent free relative movement of said elements in the direction of or in the opposite direction, respectively, is allowed and said locking means corresponds to the latched and unlatched conditions or the latched and unlatched condition of said latching means. A locking mechanism is provided that is movable generally transversely to the direction of relative sliding movement of said element between locked and unlocked states.

The latching means preferably cooperates with an abutment provided on one of the components and is attached to the other one of the components and cooperates with said abutment by relative movement of the same component; or a rotating pawl rotating between non-cooperating positions and control means for positioning the pawl in a set of angular positions during a latching or release sequence of said latching means, said pawl being capable of full rotation. and said control means includes resilient means disposed on said component for engaging said pawl periphery or a member associated with said pawl to position said pawl in said angular position during said latching or release sequence. include.

The periphery may be substantially parallelogram-shaped, such that as the pawl is rotated through engagement and disengagement with the abutment, the resilient means will extend around the parallelogram-shaped periphery associated with the pawl. , and rotates the pawl to position it in the required angular position for the next step in the lock or release sequence.

The pawl may include a pair of opposing sides having recesses or notches to receive the corners of the abutment in the latched state of the latching means.

The locking means includes at least one locking member provided on one component and a locking member provided on the other component against movement substantially transverse to the relative sliding direction of the components. the locking means acting on the member to maintain the locking member in the locked position in response to relative sliding movement of the component between the latched or unlatched or unlatched or latched positions; , and cam means for permitting movement of the locking member to an unlocked position.

The invention also provides an attachment device comprising a plug-in attachment device with a locking mechanism according to the invention and a receiving socket member for receiving in a wall structure to which the attachment device is releasably secured.

Additionally, the present invention provides a safety bag harness or safety belt attachment system for connection to the aforementioned attachment device and a safety harness or belt, and for attachment to a plug-in attachment device. In some embodiments, a plurality of receiving sockets are provided for spaced locations in the wall structure, and the safety line or lanyard is connected to each insertion attachment device. Terminal connectors can be provided at each opposite end for attachment. The safety line or lanyard passes through eyelets in the safety harness or belt, but not through the terminal connectors. Such a device makes it possible to provide the wearer of the safety belt or harness with a set of plug-in connections in the face of the wall structure without having to leave the wall structure even temporarily.

Embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment FIGS. 1A to 5 show a rope grip according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The device is an elongated member of other form than a rope, such as a rigid or flexible member. It will be appreciated that the rope grip assembly, which may be used for gripping rods or tubular rod-like members, includes a body member in the form of a plate member having a generally zero-shaped cross section, as seen in FIG. A cylindrical mounting bin 11 having 10 extends through a coaxial opening provided in the side plate portion of the body member 10 and projects outwardly to form a pair of mounting trunnions. The gripping cam member 12 is pivotally supported between the side plates of the main body member 10. Further, as is clear from FIG. 3, the cam member has a substantially triangular shape when viewed from the side. An arch-shaped engagement surface 13 having a curved groove 14 on the engagement surface is formed in the base portion of the cam member, and the depth of the groove gradually increases from the top to the bottom of the engagement surface 13. There is. The cam member is the main body member 10
The cam member 12 is pivotably supported by a spindle 15 extending through a coaxial slot 16A in the side plate portion of the cam member 12 and a coaxial opening in the side plate portion of the cam member 12. A torsion spring 16 acts on the spindle 15 to force the cam member towards the base of the body member 10, thereby applying a light pressure to the rope or other elongated member 17 threaded through the device. Gagami 18 is a torsion spring 16
Pressing resists pressure to move the spindle and cam member away from the base of the main body member, widening the gap between them, and thereby assisting in the work of passing the rope through the device. The spindle 15 is attached to a portion of the spindle 15 that protrudes outward from the main body. As is clear from FIGS. 2 and 4, both end portions of the torsion spring 16 are engaged with fixing pins 19 extending between both side plate portions of the main body member 10. As shown in FIGS.

The action of the grip cam member 12 is that the casing member 23
is controlled by a locking unit 20 comprising a rod 21 slidably housed within a cylindrical bore 22 of. The closed end of the casing member 23 is pivotally supported by a fixed pin 24 extending between the side plate portions of the body member 10, and the free end of the rod 21 is pivotally supported by a fixed pin 25 extending between the side plate portions of the cam member 12. has been done.

The cylindrical bore 22 of the casing member has an enlarged diameter section 26 at its closed end. A transverse slot 27 is formed in the end of the rod in the casing member 23 for receiving a rotary locking pawl 28 which is generally rectangular in cross-section and has a pair of notches 29 on opposite short end faces. There is. The pawl 28 is rotatably attached to the fixed bin 30. An axial hole 31 is provided in the end face of the rod, across the slot 27. A spring-loaded control ball assembly 32 is located within this axial hole 31 and is retained by suitable means acting on the free end of a compression spring that presses the ball. The balls act on the circumferential surface of the pawl to temporarily position the pawl 28 in a set of angular positions during the latching and unlatching sequence of the hook described below.

In the released position of the rope grip device shown in FIG. , further movement out of the casing member is prevented, so that the cam member is prevented from rotating counterclockwise about the pivot 15. In this position, the rope is free to move downwardly, and the cam member 12 is prevented from pivoting to the gripping position where downward movement of the rope is prevented. To activate the lobe grip and stop the rope from moving downward, the rope is first pulled upward and the cam member is rotated clockwise about pivot 15. This causes the rod 21 to slide into the casing member 26 and
As a result, the latching pawl 28 is attached to the cylindrical hole portions 22 and 26.
It comes off from the annular shoulder between. Upon such disengagement, the control ball 32 acts on the pawl to rotate it about the bin 30 into a position with its long side generally transverse to the axis of the rod. The rope is then moved downward, causing the cam member to rotate counterclockwise due to its frictional grip.
This movement is no longer stopped by the latching pawl. When the pawl engages the shoulder with its lower long side, the fifth
Rotate the pawl to a position so that its long side is approximately parallel to the axis of the rod, as shown. Therefore, the cam member becomes free and continues to rotate counterclockwise.

However, the cam surface 13 is shaped so that the cam member is pushed against the rope by such movement, and the rope is firmly pressed against the base portion of the main body member 10.
Fully lock the rope from further downward movement as shown.

To release the rope again, the rope is pulled upwards once again, and the cam member is moved around the pivot 15 to a position such that the rotary pawl returns once more into the large diameter portion 26 of the cylindrical bore of the casing member 23. Rotate clockwise. When the pawl 28 returns, the spring-loaded control ball 32 moves downward until it engages the base of the V-shaped notch 29 on the upper periphery of the pawl, but in this position the pawl projects slightly out of the slot 27. 4, so that when the rope, and therefore the cam member 12 and the rod 21, are then moved downwardly, the shoulder of the cylindrical hole in the casing member engages the V-shaped notch in the lower edge of the pawl, as shown in FIG. The rope is now in the latching state shown in Figure 2, allowing the rope to move freely downward.

FIG. 6 shows a small diameter row 117A that engages the rope grip, in which case the cam member 12 is pressed by the torsion spring 16 into engagement with the row 117A.

FIG. 7 shows a modified example, in which the cam member 12A is a simple flat plate member, and the pressure plate 40 having a U cross section is a cam which brings about a vibrational engagement with the row 117A under the action of an arched cam surface. The member has an obliquely extending slot 41 through which a bottle 42 is passed which is secured to the sides of the pressure plate 40. Depending on the shape of the arched cam surface of the cam member 12A and the direction of the slot 41, the rope 1
It is possible to apply uniform pressure along the gripping surface of the pressure plate that engages 7A. The effect of this embodiment is as follows:
It is substantially similar to that described with respect to the examples.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment in which the pressure plate 40 is controlled by a bin linkage instead of a bin support cam. The linkage consists of a pair of parallel links 43, 44 which are pivotally supported at one end of each by pins 45, 46 fixed to the side plates of body member 10 and which are supported by pressure at each other end. It is pivotably supported by pins 47, 48 attached to both side plates of plate 40. The rocking movement of the links 43, 44 is controlled by a locking unit 20, which corresponds to the locking unit of the oyster embodiment, but the rod 2 of this unit
The free end of 1 is pivotally connected to the lower link 44. The pins 47,48 engage slots in the sides of the pressure plate for the purpose of allowing relative movement of the pressure plate 40 to accommodate rows 117A of different diameters. The pressure plate is pressed against the rope by a leaf spring 49, the ends of which are each engaged with a pin 47, 48. The operation of this embodiment is substantially similar to the previous embodiment and will not be further described.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is substantially similar in form to the gripping device of FIGS. The locking cam member 12B is pressed toward the locking cam member 12B. However, in this embodiment, the cam member 12B is a substantially solid member, and the lock unit 20B is incorporated into the cam member so as to directly lock onto the side plate portion 10A of the main body member 10. It is. In this embodiment, the side plate portion 1
The slot 16B in 0A has a longer extension than the corresponding slot 16A of the first embodiment, and the 0-turn pawl 28 forming part of the control unit 20B is connected to the cam member 12B.
A cavity 50 formed in the side of the cam member with a spring-loaded control ball 51 located in a hole 52 formed in the cam member and acting on and positioning the pawl during lock and release cycles.
It is located inside. As shown in FIG. 10, when the pawl is locked into the slot, the cam member 12B rotates counterclockwise to prevent the rope from pressing against it. To obtain the locking function, in order to rotate the cam member clockwise in the same manner as described above, when the rope is pulled upwardly, the locking pawl 28 is activated by the control ball 51 on its long side as shown in FIG. almost horizontally, and slot 1
Protrudes into 6B. When the rope is then pulled downward, the cam member rotates counterclockwise until the long, unnotched periphery of the pawl engages the bottom wall of the slot, thereby causing the pawl to open into the cavity in the cam member. 50 and the cam member is in a position to press against the rope. To release the rope, the rope is pulled upwards again and the cam member is rotated counterclockwise around pivot 15, causing the spring-loaded control ball to engage pawl 2.
The next downward movement of the rope causes the first
The lower edge of the slot latches the notched edge of the pawl as shown in Figure 0.

11A() and 11B show an embodiment similar to this based on the structure shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In this case, a pair of cam members 12B have an arched cam surface. They are pivoted opposite each other on a common base plate 55. The cam members are not shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, but are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 with locking pawls.
It has the same shape and function as the cam member 12B of the illustrated embodiment,
A lock control unit is provided with juxtaposed elongated slots provided in the substrate 55. The rope is fed between two cam members, which are initially held in the released position by a locking pawl. If it is desired to prevent the rope from moving further downwards,
By first pulling the rope upwards and then rotating the cam members around spindle 15 in a direction such that the cam members separate from each other, the latching pawls controlling the cam members are released and the rope is then pulled downwards. When moved, the cam members are free to rotate fully toward each other, thereby firmly gripping the rope and preventing downward movement. This structure can be used in configurations other than horizontal, and is an automatically operated locking cleat (c!eat) device that can be operated from a remote location by applying an appropriate pulling force to the rope from that location. I will provide a. To ensure that the mechanism is completely sealed during use,
The unit can also be provided with a cover 55A as shown in FIG.

13A to 13D, the control unit 20
shows another embodiment in which a locking unit having the same structure as 2 is used as a catch that can be easily released together with a sliding shuttle member; however, in this embodiment, the locking unit 2
0C is the closed end of the casing unit 23C and the lock 2
A spring bias is provided between the opposite end of the shaft 1C and the shaft 60 to push the rod outwardly from the casing toward the shuttlecock 60. The shuttlecock 60, which is movable in a cylindrical housing 61, is provided with an annular notch 62 on its outer periphery, which has a generally radial upper part and an obliquely inclined lower part.

Above the notch 62, the shuttlecock is attached to the cylindrical housing 6.
The outer diameter is narrower than the lower part, which is a sliding fit inside 1. The control unit 20C is fixed to the outer surface of the housing 61, and the rod 21C projects through an opening provided in the wall of the housing. The end of the rod is
The notch 62 has a slope corresponding to its slanted lower surface.

The sequence of operations is shown in Figures 13A-13D. As the shuttlecock moves upwardly in FIG. 13A, the lower slope of the notch 62 engages the corresponding sloped end of the rod 21C and moves it inwardly into the casing 23C, thereby causing the pawl to form a cylindrical shape. Located at the enlarged end of the hole, the pawl is released or latched as described above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5. When the shuttlecock 60 is subsequently moved downward, the rod in the released state is pushed into the notch 62 by the action of the pressure spring, so that it is locked as shown in FIG. 13B. Subsequently, when the shuttlecock 60 is moved upward, the rod 21C is pushed into the casing 23C and changes its position by the action of the locking pawl or spring-loaded control ball, so that the shuttlecock 60 is moved downward from the position shown in FIG. 13C. When moved, the locking pawl is latched onto the shoulder between the large and small diameter portions of the cylindrical hole of the casing 23C1, and as a result does not completely engage the notch 62, and the shuttlecock is moved downward to the position shown in FIG. 13D. let

This sequence of operations is repeated for further lock and release operations. In order to prevent the end of the rod 21C from coming off the circumferential surface of the shuttlecock 60,
As shown in FIG. 13C, it is necessary to provide an annular end stop 63, which allows the control unit 20 to
The maintenance of the lock and release sequence cycle of C is ensured. If the shuttle is completely rod 21C
Upon movement upwardly past the shaft, an outwardly biased rod engages the terminal face of the shirttle and prevents further movement of the shirttle. If more upward movement of the shuttlecock is desired and an annular end stop is not provided, a longer radial shoulder 64 may be substituted, as shown in Figure 13C.

This type of locking system is used in combination with lobes, for example in mastheads where it is desirable to have an easily releasable locking function that can be operated remotely from deck level by simply applying a pulling force to the lobes. be able to. Such a system can also be used in conjunction with scaffolding systems, providing an easily releasable locking facility for the scaffolding field.

Such systems can also be used to close doors or cabinets. This can be used to fasten a hatch to the attic. Since the unit is used as a catch, a shear load is applied to the plunger. Although the clasp body acts as a locking member, its ability to withstand loads is proportional to the strength of the plunger rather than the strength of the latching pawl.

Figures 14A to 14D are Figures 13A to 13D.
An example of a modification of the lock equipment shown in the figure is shown.

In this case, the shuttlecock 65 is connected to the tubular housing 67
The lower part 65 has a smaller diameter and forms an annular shoulder 67A between the upper part 66 and the upper part 66. The locking mechanism 20D includes a casing portion 23 that is pivotally connected to a portion fixed to the housing 67.
It has D. The locking unit rod 21D is pivotally coupled to the rotating toggle member 68. The toggle member has a crosspiece 69 that projects through a slot in the wall of the housing 67. The toggle member further has a dependent leg 70 that can be engaged through another slot provided in the wall of the housing 67. The piston rod is pivotally connected to one end of the crosspiece 69. The lock and release sequence for this equipment is described below.

In FIG. 14A, upward movement of the shuttlecock 65 engages the crosspiece 69 of the toggle member, thereby causing the toggle member to rotate counterclockwise. This causes the piston rod 21D to move into the casing portion 23D and the rotary pawl to position as described above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, so that the piston rod 21D
As it moves outward, it is latched onto the internal shoulder of a cylindrical hole provided in the casing portion 23D. Thus, as the shirttle 65 continues to move downwardly, the radial shoulder 67A of the shirttle engages the leg 70 of the toggle member projecting into the housing 67, so that the toggle member rotates clockwise. This results in a locked state of the locking control mechanism 20D, thus preventing further downward movement of the shuttlecock 65. To release the shirttle, the shirttle is moved upwardly as shown in FIG. 14C to engage the crosspiece 69 of the toggle member and rotate the toggle member counterclockwise. As a result, the piston member 2
1D moves into the casing 23D and the rotating pawl is disengaged from the internal shoulder and placed in a position by the spring-loaded control ball that does not impede outward movement of the control rod 21D relative to the casing 23D. Therefore, when the shuttlecock 65 continues to move downwardly as shown in FIG. 14D, the release state of the control unit 20D causes the toggle leg 70 to move outwardly of the housing 67 as described above, resulting in the toggle being rotated clockwise. Rotate to. In this example,
An upper annular end stop 70A is formed on the inner periphery of the housing 67, which causes the shuttlecock 65 to move upwardly so that the radial shoulder 67A rests on the crosspiece 69 of the toggle and locks the control unit 20D. and to prevent interference with the release sequence.

If the annular end stop 70A of the housing 67 is inadequate, the shirttle 65 can also be provided with a second radial shoulder to prevent upward movement of the shirttle. The end 70 of the toggle will engage a recess between the two shoulders 67A and 71.

The free movement of the toggle 68 under conditions such as vibrations or sudden shock movements is caused by the friction elements around the pivot or the piston member 21D of the locking unit 20D and the housing 2.
It can be controlled by intervening friction elements between the 3D, which act as damping elements.

Such systems provide a direct locking unit. It is also useful for applications where the lock unit is in a dirty environment and is required to be a sealed unit and remote from the main lock. Possible applications include rope grips of the general form described in the examples given in UK Patent Application No. 8819928;
Tube clamp and scaffold strut adjustment device (5caffo
ld staying adjusters).

15A to 15C show another form of locking unit that can be used in the lobe gripping device of FIGS. 1 to 7. Latching member 83, which includes a rod 80 slidably housed in member 81,
As shown, an elongated leg 85 dependent on the latching member is shown in FIG. is located on one side of the axis of the casing. A peg 86 extending to the side is provided at the end of the leg 85.

The upper end of the rod 80 has an inward stepped portion 87. On the side wall of the stepped portion 87, a triangular lateral lower convex portion 8 is formed.
8 and a triangular upper convex portion 89 are provided at a distance therebetween, and a locking keyway 90 is formed between the two. The upper surface of the convex portion 89 is an inclined surface 91 extending obliquely to the axis of the rod. The lower surface 92 first forms the upper inclined surface 9
1 and extends approximately parallel to 1. A hook portion 93 is then formed, and the hook, usually located above the apex of the triangular protrusion 88, serves as a detent for the metal.

In operation, when the rod 80 moves into the casing 82 from the release position shown in FIG. 15A, the latch 86 comes into contact with the inclined surface 91 and rotates against the force of the latch member 83 pressing against it. . When the hook 86 passes through the upper convex portion 89, the force of the spring acting on the plate 84 rotates the latching member 83, and the hook 86 comes into contact with the keyway 90.
Eventually, as shown in FIG. 15B, the unit is latched onto the hook portion 93, thereby placing the unit in a locked state that prevents free downward movement of the rod 80. To release the unit, the rod is moved upward again, and the latch 86 is released from the hook portion 93 and passes from the left side of the keyway 90 by the force of the spring of the latch member 83, so that the rod 86 When the rod is subsequently moved downward, the latching member 83 is disengaged from the latching keyway 90, and when the rod is moved sufficiently, the latching member 83 is moved downward.
Return to the state shown in the figure.

Figures 16A to 16F show another form of locking unit that can be used in the apparatus of Figures 1 to 7, the lock being similar to that of Figures 15A to 15C, but with a cylindrical member. 100 and sliding rod assembly 103 have been modified. Furthermore, the pivoting latch member 83 provided within the casing 82 is missing. As shown in FIG. 16A, this modified locking unit has a cylindrical member 100 with deep axial recesses 101 provided on the inner surface, each consisting of a set of four pieces arranged at 90° intervals. It has a set of four axially shallow recesses 102 arranged at intervals, and both sets of recesses are offset from each other by 45 degrees. As can be seen from Figure 16B, shallow recess 1
02 extends only a short length into the cylindrical member 100.

As can be seen in FIG. 16C, deep recesses 1 of the cylindrical member 100 are arranged at 90° intervals at the upper end of the rod 103.
A set of external splines 104 are provided that slidably engage the splines 101. Further, the upper end of the rod 103 has an axial spigot 1 in which a rotatable annular locking member 106 is fitted.
05 is integrally provided. An annular collar portion 107A is at the upper end of the spigot 105 and abuts a recess in the upper end of the locking member 106 to provide an abutment for the spring 106 to force the locking member 106 downwardly. Lock member 106
has a set of splines 108 circumferentially spaced at 90° intervals. The lower portion of each spline 108 is an inner stepped portion 109 that fits into a shallow recess 102 of the cylindrical member 100. The tip of each internally stepped portion 109 is sloped as shown in FIGS. 16C and 16D, so that during the locking and unlatching sequences of the locking unit, this portion is inserted into the shallow recess 102 of the cylindrical member 100 or When engaged with the deep recess 101, the locking member 106
It is rotated in the direction shown by the arrow in figure F.

The upper ends of the locking member 106 and the rod 103 are each provided with engaging serrations 110 and 111, which normally engage each other until the rod is moved downward and its upper end enters the cylindrical member 100. . This movement causes the sloping tip of the stepped portion 109 of the locking member spline 108 to move toward the cylindrical member 100 depending on the orientation of the locking member 106.
engages shallow recess 102 or deep recess 101, resulting in unlatching of serrations 110, 111 and rotation of locking member 106, resulting in the serrations being disengaged as shown in FIG. 16D. Become.

If the spline 108 engages the shallow recess 102, the downward movement of the locking member 106 and thus the rod 103 is restricted, resulting in a locked condition of the locking unit; to release the lock, the rod 13 is moved upwards again;
This engages the serrations 110 , 111 to further rotate the locking member 106 to the next scale position, and a subsequent downward movement of the rod 103 causes the spline 108 to engage the deep recess 101 in the cylindrical member 100 . engage. The first part of the spline that engages in this way is the leading edge of the stepped portion 109 of the spline, but the 16th D
As shown in the figure, from the upper end of the rod 103 to the locking member 1
06 to remove the serrations 110 , 111 and then rotate the locking member 106 relative to the rod 103 to engage the spline 108 in the deep axial recess 101 of the cylindrical member 100 . As a result, the rod 103 can slide downward in the cylindrical member 100 to achieve an unlatching state.The rod 103 is continuously moved up and down in the cylindrical member 100, and the rod 103 is in a latching state and an unlatching state. Repeat this sequence to generate .

Other forms of latching mechanisms that can be incorporated into this locking unit are described in US Pat. No. 4,709.454, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

17 to 36 illustrate a number of embodiments of locking or coupling mechanisms using a locking mechanism according to the invention provided on one of the cooperating parts and lockingly engaged with the other when actuated. ing.

Figures 17A and 17B and Figures 18A and 18
The embodiment shown in Figure B includes a socket member 210 into which a body member 211 is inserted, and the body member 211 is provided with a releasable locking device provided with a locking mechanism according to the invention. The socket member 210 has a substantially cylindrical blind hole 212A that receives the main body member 211.
Adjacent to the open end of 2A is a main body member 211 described below.
It is provided with a large annular recess 213A that receives a portion of the locking mechanism assembled into the locking mechanism.

The main body member 211 includes a cylindrical member having an axial hole 212 at one end that transitions into a small diameter hole 213 with a truncated conical shoulder 214 in between. The hole 212 has an annular undercut 215 and an annular recess 216 spaced therefrom.
is formed.

Slightly beyond the recess 216 and opposite the undercut 215, a plurality of 2.3.4 or more equally angularly spaced openings 218 are provided with a corresponding number of locking balls 217. It is provided through the wall of the hole 212 to receive it. The walls of the aperture 218 have a somewhat smaller diameter radially outwardly to prevent the ball 217 from disengaging, but to allow it to protrude radially outwardly from the cylindrical outer circumferential surface of the body member 211 in the locked position. It becomes.

Control probe 219 is slidably mounted within bore 212 and has a reduced diameter end that is slidably inserted into reduced diameter bore 213 . The probe 219 is connected to the hole 213
It is spring-biased outward from the hole 212 by a compression spring provided therein.

As shown in FIG. 18, when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the locking ball 217 is within the plane forming the cylindrical outer periphery of the main body member 211 and remains at the small diameter end 220 of the probe 219. .

An axial blind hole 223 is formed in the free end surface on the large diameter portion 222 of the probe, and a diametric slot 224 is formed in the same portion 222 of the probe, extending from the free end surface along most of its length. has been done. A pawl 225 is rotatably assembled within slot 224. Claw 22
5 is approximately rectangular and has a pair of notches 226 on opposite narrow sides of its outer periphery. The rotational position of the pawl is at hole 22.
The zero-turn pawl 225, which is controlled by a spring-loaded ball 227 which acts on the rectangular outer circumference of the pawl located within 3 and brings the pawl into the respective angular position, is as described below.
It serves as a latching mechanism between the probe and the main body member 211.

FIG. 18A shows the locking mechanism provided with the locking ball 217 in an unlocked state. In this state, the rotary pawl 225 is rotated by the spring-loaded ball 227.
protruding outward from the outer periphery of the body member 211 to engage with an abutment surface of an undercut portion 215 formed within the body member 211;
It is now in the angular position shown in Figure 18A. This position is also shown schematically in FIG. 20A. When body member 211 is engaged within socket member 210, probe 219 engages the end wall of blind hole 212A in the socket member, and The movement of the body member inward causes the 20B
The rotary pawl 225 is slidably displaced relative to the main body member 211 until it engages within the annular recess 216 as shown. When the probe 219 is in this position, the pawl 215 is moved to an angle such that it projects into the recess under the action of the spring control means;
Thereby, the probe 212 is caught on the end surface of the recess 216, and the movement of the probe 212 in the direction of exiting from the hole 212 of the main body member 211 is restrained, as shown in FIG. 20C. In this state, the locking ball 217 is connected to the small and large diameter portions 220 of the probe.
222 and is moved radially outward, as shown in FIGS. 20B and 20C.
It is held in the outer locked position and rides on the outer periphery of the large diameter member 222 of the probe 219. This lock position is
9B, where locking ball 217 engages inner recess 213A in socket member 210 to prevent withdrawal of body member 211 therefrom.

The state in which the rotary pawl 225 of the probe 219 is latched to the end contact surface of the inner recess 216 of the main body member 211 corresponds to the locked state of the locking mechanism, but in this state, the spring-loaded control ball 227 is in the rectangular shape of the pawl. It acts on one of the pair of long sides of the outer periphery.

To release the locking mechanism, it is necessary to remove the pawl 225, which means pushing the body member 211 into the socket 210 and bringing the free end surface of the probe 219 into contact with the bottom of the blind hole 212A so that the probe 219 and the body member 211 The probe 226 of the pawl 225 is connected to the body member 211.
It is further inserted into the hole 212 so as to disengage from the end contact surface of the annular recess 216 inside. Once removed from this abutment surface, the pawl becomes rotatable, and due to the action of the elastic control means 227, the pawl generates some rotational movement, so that the parallel long side surface on the outer periphery of the pawl aligns with the axis of the hole 212 in the main body member. The body member is then moved in the direction of withdrawal from the socket member 210 so that the probe is freed outwardly from the hole 212 by the action of the spring 221, which is at this stage partially compressed. is pushed out. This relative outward movement of the probe 219 with respect to the body member 211 is made possible as a result of the above-described new condition of the pawl 225, which abuts the end of the recessed member 216 on one of its unnotched long sides. When engaged, the pawl is free to rotate against the spring control means 227 and completely within the outer periphery of the probe 219, so that the spring-loaded ball 227 is in a position to act on the notched end face of the pawl. When the probe is moved outwardly through the hole 212 until the pawl 225 is in a position opposite the undercut end of the hole 212, the pawl, under the action of the spring-loaded ball 227, moves the probe as shown in FIG. 20A. Moving outwardly from 219 into engagement with this undercut, the ball engages the bottom of the corresponding notched end of the pawl. The locking ball 217 faces the small diameter end member 220 of the probe 219 and is allowed to move inward of the body member 211, thereby allowing the body member 211 to be freely pulled out from the socket 210.

FIG. 21 shows a configuration substantially similar to that described above except that a body member 211A is applied to a socket member 210A having an open end. In this embodiment, the operation of the probe 219A is This is accomplished by an outer sleeve 228 slidably mounted on the probe 211A and coupled to the small diameter portion 220 of the probe 219A by a pin 229 extending through a transverse slot formed in the body member 211A. The operation of the probe 219A to cause the pawl 225 to engage with the end wall contact surface of the annular recess 216 is as follows:
As shown in FIG. 21, the sleeve 22 is attached to the end surface of the socket member 210A as the main body member 211A is inserted.
This is done by the engagement of 8. The sequence of latching and unlatching of the pawl 225 to the end contact surface of the recess 216 and the ball 21 in the inner annular recess of the socket 210A
The corresponding locking and releasing of 7 is shown in FIGS. 19A to 20C.
This is done according to the sequence described above with respect to the figures.

Figures 22A and 22B show the grooved bottle 2 to be inserted.
A socket member 2 into which the receiver 36 is inserted and releasably locked.
35, the locking mechanism includes a cylindrical cage member 237 having a cylindrical recess 238 at one end for receiving the slotted bottle 226. A locking ball 239 is provided in the wall of the recess 238 and is located in an opening 240 formed so that the ball projects inward from the recess 238 in the locked state. located within a slot 242 extending from. A spring-loaded ball 244 for controlling the angular position of the pawl 241 is provided in a hole 243 extending from the other end of the cage member 237 along the slot 242 .

Cage member 237 is located within a hole in socket member 235 and a compression spring 245 is provided between the bottom of the hole and the opposing end surface of cage member 237 .

In the hole in the socket member 235, as in the previous embodiment,
A first annular recess 246 is formed with an abutment surface for the rotary pawl 241 at one end. The hole also includes a second annular recess 247 having a shallow portion 248 at one end that maintains the locking ball 239 in a locked position as described below.
is formed.

The initial free state of the locking mechanism is shown in FIG. 23A with locking pawl 241 latched against the left radial abutment surface of recess 246.

In this state, the cage member is inside the socket member 235.
The locking ball 239 is located at the left end of the deep portion of the annular recess 247 and is held at an axial position such that it does not protrude radially inward from the recess 238 into the cage member 237. In this state, the grooved bottle 236 is engaged within the recess of the cage member 237 until it abuts its end wall. Further movement of bin 236 forces cage member 237 against the action of the spring to the position shown in Figure 23B. The spring-loading control means 244 acting on the pawl 241, once disengaged from the radial abutment surface of the recess 246 in the position shown in FIG. 23A, then acts on the pin 236 to rotate the pawl to the position shown in FIG. 22B. power is removed,
The compression spring 245 acts on the cage member 237 to
Move to the position shown in the diagram. This is permitted by the repositioning of pawl 241 as shown in FIG. 23B so that as cage member 237 moves to the left, pawl 241 becomes as shown in FIG. 23C. In this state, the locking ball 239 is located in the shallow portion 248 of the recess 247 and projects radially into the cage member 237 from the recess 238 . In this state, the second
As shown in FIG. 2B, the ball engages with an annular groove 249 provided in the bottle 236 to push the bottle 236 into the socket member 2.
Lock within 35. To remove the bottle 236, the bottle is pushed into the socket member 235, so that the locking ball 239 is moved deeper into the recess 247 and released from the bottle 249.

When locking pawl 241 is radially aligned with recess 246 in the socket member, spring-loaded ball 244 acts to move pawl 241 from the position shown in FIG.
4 rotates clockwise until it engages with the bottom of the ■-shaped notch on the end face of the pawl 241.

In this position, removal of the bin 236 with movement of the cage member in the same direction under the action of the spring 245 causes the pawl 24
The pawl projects into the recess 236, thereby locking the cage member 237 such that the V-shaped notch at the opposite end of the recess 246 receives the corner of the left radial abutment surface of the recess 246, as shown in FIG. It is latched in that position so that the locking ball 239 is in the deep part of the recess 247. As a result, the bottle 236 is connected to the locking mechanism and the socket member 235.
be freely extracted from

Each of the embodiments described above comprises a mechanically actuated locking mechanism operated by mechanical interaction between two members that are locked and unlocked together.

Figures 24A and 24B illustrate a self-gripping locking mechanism for an elongate element passing through the mechanism, such as a tubular member, bar, lobe or wire.

The mechanism consists of an outer tubular housing 250 and an inner tubular ball cage 251 slidably positioned therein. The latching mechanism between the cage 251 and the housing 250 includes a rotating pawl 252 located in a radial slot 254 in the wall of the housing 250 and a rotary pawl 252 acting thereon located in a hole 255 in the wall of the housing. It is composed of a spring push control ball 253. The pawl 252 has the same overall shape as described in each of the above embodiments, and the spring-loaded control ball 253 controls the angular position of the pawl 252 according to the sequence described in each of the above embodiments during latching and unlatching operations. stipulate. cage 25
1 is provided with an annular recess 256 on its outer surface, and the upper radial end wall of this recess 256 has a pawl 252 connected to the 24th A.
As shown in the figure, it is a contact surface that engages.

The locking mechanism consists of locking balls 257 positioned within each opening through the wall of cage 251. Positioning of the locking ball 257 is provided by an annular cam surface 258 on the lower inner surface of the housing. Cam surface 258
has a relatively deep upper portion 259 of constant depth, which allows the balls to assume a position in which they do not protrude inwardly from the inner periphery of the cage 251. Cam surface 258
A constant depth portion 259 is connected to a frustoconical portion 260 that tapers toward the lower end of the housing 250 so that the cage 251 is moved within the housing 250 toward the position shown in FIG. 24B. When the ball moves downward, the ball moves inward from the inner surface of the cam 258 toward the lock position. In the initial state, the claw is 252
engages with an abutment surface provided at one end of the recess 256, and the cage 251 is latched in the upper position as shown in FIG. 24A. In this position the elongated member passing axially through the cage 251 and housing 250 is free to be withdrawn downwardly through the locking mechanism. The outside of the elongate member is such that there is a frictional engagement between the inside circumference of the cage 251 as it moves therethrough. To create the locked condition, the elongate member is moved in the opposite direction or upwardly, thereby raising cage 251 sufficiently to allow control balls 253 to act on pawl 252 and rotate it to a substantially horizontal position. Allow. As a result, the subsequent downward movement of the elongated member causes the cage 251 to also move downward under frictional contact therebetween, so that the upper end abutment surface of the recess 256 is now aligned with the longer unnotched side of the pawl 252. 24B, the pawls are freely rotated to the approximately vertical position shown in FIG. 24B, allowing free downward movement of cage 251. As the cage 251 moves downward toward the position shown in FIG. 24B, the locking balls 257 move along the smaller diameter frustoconical portion of the cam surface 258 and move inwardly into contact with the elongated member. It becomes locked. To subsequently release the locking mechanism from the elongate member, the elongate member is moved upwardly, thereby moving cage 251 sufficiently upwardly so that upon downward movement of the elongate member and cage 251, the cage 251 is moved upwardly. Housing 25 in the state shown in
Control ball 253 allows pawl 252 to be positioned within cage recess 256 so as to be latched to zero.

Locking ball 257 may be replaced by other suitable locking elements, such as rollers, wedges or serrated collets.

This type of mechanism connects the ball cage 251 to the housing 25.
Mechanical means for moving relative to 0 may be provided and actuated mechanically, or it may be solely by frictional contact between the elongated member and the ball cage 251 as described above.

FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative locking member in the form of wedge members 261 and 262 with externally threaded edges 263 or flat gripping edges that engage surrounding internal threads. The wedge member includes a horizontal slot 26 through which a bin 266 is provided in the tubular support member 267.
4.265 to move in the radial direction. The tubular locking cage 268 in this embodiment has an outwardly flared lower end that cooperates with the slanted inner surfaces of the wedge members 261, 262 and the tubular support member 267.
The relative axial movement of the gauge 268 relative to the wedge member applies an outward force to the wedge member into locking engagement with the inner surface of the surrounding component. Figures 24A and 24
The latching mechanism described above with respect to FIG. For engagement and release controlled by the latching mechanism between the cages 26
8 and support member 267 is required.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B is generally similar to that shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, and the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Therefore, the following description of this embodiment will be limited to the modifications made to the embodiment of FIGS. 26A and 26B. This embodiment constitutes a locking mechanism for an elongate member, such as a rope or wire, allowing normal free passage of the lobe downward through the device until a predetermined set limit of high acceleration is reached; At that limit, the device activates, gripping the rope tightly and preventing downward movement through the device.

The upper end of the tubular cage 251A has been modified, so that the radial abutment surface on the upper end side of the annular groove 256 that cooperates with the latching pawl 252 is an annular cage slidably assembled to the upper end of the cage. It is composed of a collar 271. Collar 271 is spring biased toward radial step 273 adjacent annular recess 256 of cage 251A. Second
No. 26/l corresponding to the latched state shown in Figure 4A! In the latched condition shown at 1, the locking device is in the unlocked condition when the row 1270 passes downwardly through the device. However, if the acceleration of the lobes suddenly increases, for example due to a sudden load, the tubular cage 251A will be moved together by friction, resisting the action of the compression spring biasing the collar 271, into the locked state shown in FIG. 26B. is moved downwards.

When such a load is released, the spring force acting on the locking collar 271 returns the locking mechanism to the unlocked state shown in FIG. 26A. The locking and unlocking of the device necessary for unlatching is accomplished by the same operations described in connection with the locking and unlocking of the device shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B.

Figures 27A and 27B illustrate this locking mechanism for secure clamping engagement of lengths of solid or tubular bar stock, such as flat bars, round bars, square bars or I-beams. The locking mechanism includes a lock body 275 comprising a housing adapted to surround and generally correspond to the contour of bar 276. The housing 275 includes a locking mechanism on one side of the bar 276 that acts on the bar 276. A rotary pawl 277 operated by a spring-loaded control ball 278 is located in the slotted wall of the housing. A locking ball 2 is provided on the inner wall of the housing 275 at a position below the rotary pawl 277.
A cam surface 279 for controlling 80 is formed.

The ball cage member 281 is connected to the latching device 277,278.
The inner surface of the wall of the housing 275 housing the locking mechanism 2
79.280, and is slidable relative to the housing 275. The cage has an opening 282 for receiving a locking ball 280 and a latching pawl 277.
・The receptacle has an opening 283 into which it is inserted. cage 281
An arcuate spring member 284 is provided for frictional engagement with the bar 276. As shown in Figure 27A,
The locked condition of the rotating pawl 277 in the cage opening 283 allows free downward movement of the bar 276 through the locking mechanism. To lock the bar, the bar is first moved upwardly so that the pawl 277 is fully engaged within the opening 283 under the action of the spring-loaded control ball 278. The subsequent downward movement of the bar 276 is caused by the frictional engagement of the spring 284 with the cage 276.
27B, causing the locking ball 280 to move along the lower slope of the cam surface 279 into the locked condition shown in FIG. 27B.
76 into insertion engagement. To release the bar 276, the rotary pawl 277 is re-engaged within the cage opening 283 under the control of the spring-loaded ball 278.
The bar is moved upwardly from the position shown in Figure 27B. As a result, when the bar 276 is subsequently moved downward with the cage 281, the notched end of the pawl 277 engages the upper edge of the opening 283 of the cage 281, and the cage is moved as shown in FIG. 27A. latched into position.

Figures 28A and 28B illustrate an embodiment in which the locking mechanism is provided in a plug-in connector member 290 that is removably attached to a tubular member 291. The insertion type connector has a cylindrical shape as a whole and includes a lock body 292 that holds a locking mechanism.A zero rotation pawl 293 is located within a cutout 294 on the outer periphery of the lock body 292, and is formed in the cutout. There is a spring loaded ball 295 located within the hole. A series of four equally spaced cutouts 296 are formed below the cutouts 294, each cutout being formed to provide a camming surface for a locking ball 297 disposed therein. It has a polished bottom surface. The camming surface has an upper portion extending generally axially of the lock body 292 that transitions into a lower sloped surface for forcing the ball outwardly into locking engagement with the tube 291. An annular ball cage 298 surrounds the lock body 292 and includes 29 apertures cooperating with latching pawls 293 and each locking ball 297.
There are four openings 300 arranged at equal angular intervals to receive the
is formed. The cage 298 is also provided with an arcuate spring piece 301 to create a frictional engagement with the inner surface of the tube 291.

When lock body 292 is inserted into tube 291 as shown in FIG. 28B, the frictional engagement between spring 301 and the inner surface of tube 291 holds cage 298 within tube 291 while lock body 292 is restrained. It continues to move downward without any problem. This relative movement between lock body 292 and cage 298 allows pawl 293 to disengage from the top of aperture 299 with which it was engaged, as shown in FIG. is rotated within the opening 299 to a substantially horizontal position. The subsequent movement to pull out the lock body 299 from the tube 291 is caused by the cage 293 being unlatched and unlatched by the pawl 293.
98 resulting in a free upward movement of the locking body, whereby the locking balls 297 are forced by the lower slope of the camming surface of the corresponding cutout 296 in which they are provided.
It is lockingly engaged with the inner periphery of the tube 291. In this way, a secure locking of the lock body 292 within the tube 291 is achieved. To remove the lock body 292 from the tube 291, the lock body 292 is rotated in the opposite direction and further into the tube 291 so that the rotating pawl 293 is engaged within the opening 299 in the cage.
It is necessary to move it within 91. In this state, the rotating pawl is set at the angular position formed by the spring-loaded control ball 295, and is ready for the subsequent upward movement of the lock body 292.
It is latched to the upper edge of opening 299 as shown in FIG. 28B. In this latching state, the locking ball 297 is held at the upper axial portion of the cam surface of the cutout 296, and the locking engagement with the inner periphery of the tube 291 is released. In this state, the lock body 292 can be pulled out from the tube 291. A possible field of application for this device is architectural scaffolding, which together with its tubular members allows for simple and reliable locking.

In all the embodiments described above, the locking ball may be replaced by a suitable locking element, such as a locking roller, a locking wedge or a serrated collet.

The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of the wide variety of different types of locking connections or support devices that may incorporate locking mechanisms according to the present invention. For example, British Patent No. 2,140.49, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
5 can be applied to use the locking mechanism according to the invention.

Below are some examples or possible fields of application of the locking mechanism according to the invention: operation of nitrile strings, operation of valves (in particular manual handles), domestic taps, lock bolts (for machines or concrete), hoists. deadlock operation, jack, screw actuator, safety lock (secondary and tertiary deadlock),
Applications in robotics, small applications such as watch bands, belts, transmission and coupling devices, drive and indexing connections, electrical switches and plug-in devices, free-standing scaffolding and storage and warehousing applications.

Figures 29 to 36 show a readily removable insert that mates with the end attachment of a safety lanyard connected to a safety harness or safety belt for removably securing the wearer to a fixed structure. An example of a device with a locking mechanism according to the invention is shown, particularly adapted to provide a self-contained coupling means. The pluggable unit is received in a socket member embedded in a fixed structure, such as a wall of a building. In prior art methods, an ungainly projecting eye bolt is fixed to the wall and an end connection member of a safety harness lanyard is attached to it, for example to support a window sweeper in a sturdy location on an interior wall near a window. It will be done.

Similar eyebolt support points are provided on the exterior of building walls, for example, to support workers climbing ladders or moving on exterior scaffolding. The method according to the invention using an embedded tubular receiving element eliminates the need for the aforementioned ungainly protruding eye bolts for the safety attachment attachment points.

Figures 29A-29C, 30C and 31A-31G illustrate various configurations of receiving sockets for securing to a wall or bulkhead member. The receiving socket of FIGS. 29A to 29C is resin-bonded within a cylindrical opening formed in a wall structure. This socket is
A tubular metal member 310 is provided with a reduced diameter inlet head 311 whose free end extends outward. A reinforcing collar 312 is provided around the top 311 and is press fit, swaged or spot welded. The outer peripheral surface of the socket body member 310 is knurled as shown in FIG. 29A to aid in resin adhesion within the wall opening. An end wall 313 is provided within the large diameter portion of the tubular socket 310, spaced inward from the left end thereof. End wall 31
3 may be provided with a resin cap or may be a punched washer fixed within the tubular socket.A cup-shaped slider 314 is provided within the socket member 310 and has dimensions such that it is slidably fitted within the neck portion 311 thereof. It becomes.

The slider 314 has four equally spaced axially projecting legs 315 at their free ends that engage an inner shoulder formed between the body member and the head within the socket member 310. A jaw 316 is provided that protrudes in the direction. According to this configuration, the cup-shaped element 314 is connected to the socket member 310.
It can be snapped into the neck 311 of the body. A compression spring 317 acts between the end wall 313 closing the body member of the socket 310 and the cup-shaped slider 314.

An annular plastic cap 318 is snapped around the outwardly projecting end of the neck 311 so as to engage the peripheral surface of the wall opening to which the socket member is secured in use. An annular abutment surface 319 is provided that projects outward.

Figures 30A-30C illustrate the construction of a receiving socket member similar to that shown in Figures 29A-29C, but adapted for a variety of different wall constructions. The description of this embodiment is limited to the differences in construction of the two receiving sockets. The body member 320 of the receiving socket 320 includes, at an end opposite the neck 313, a frustoconical portion 321 that constricts inwardly into a smaller diameter tubular end 322 that is internally threaded. The compression spring 317 is connected to the truncated conical portion 32
1 and a cup-shaped slider 314. The resin end cap 318 of the embodiment of FIG. 29B has been replaced with an annular washer 323. This receiving socket may be resin glued into the opening in the central wall and may be held by a threaded tension element 324, which has one end attached to the threaded end 3 of the socket 320.
22 and includes a threaded retaining member for engaging an abutment surface through which member 324 passes in cooperation with the other end. If the tension element 324 is not provided,
A resin cap (not shown) may be fitted into the open end of the threaded tubular portion 322 of the socket 320.

Receiving socket 33 illustrated in FIGS. 31A to 31G
0 is a member machined from a cylindrical bar. The outside surface of the rod is knurled. The bar has an initial open part 331, a large diameter center inner diameter part 322 where this opens, and a small diameter other end part 33 which is further reduced and threaded.
A hole is drilled in the axial direction so that the diameter is 3. The outer periphery of the rod is machined so that the right end forms an annular step 334, which is crimped with an outwardly projecting washer similar to the washer 323 of the structure of FIG. 30C.

As shown in FIG. 31D, the receiving socket 330 may be held in a solid or hollow wall with a threaded stud 335 that engages an end threaded inside its inner periphery, FIG. 31C. 1 illustrates a locking device consisting of an expansion collar 336 in which a threaded fastener is located between the head of element 337 and opposing reduced diameter surfaces on the end surface of socket member 330. FIG. Tightening element 337 is socket 330
has a hexagonal end 338 to enable the member 337 to be screwed into the threaded end 333 of the collar 337, thereby causing an expansion of the collar 337 to securely hold it against the walls of the surrounding aperture. 31E shows a state in which the annular stepped portion 334 is extended, FIG. 31F shows a state in which a resin cap is fitted to the other end 333, and FIG. 31G shows a state in which the other end 333 is fitted with a resin cap.
33 is shown.

Figures 32A-32D illustrate a insertable locking device that is removably engaged with the implanted socket shown in any of Figures 29-31. This locking device is a probe-like member 3 having a shaft hole with a closed tip.
It is equipped with 40.

A cylindrical lock control member 341 having a tip portion 342 with a small diameter is located within the hole of the probe 340 . A blind hole 343 is formed at the other end of the control member 341 and is traversed partway through its length by a diametrical slot 344 extending from the rear end of the control member 341 along its axis. A rotation control pawl 345 similar to the rotation pawl of the previously described embodiments of the present invention is located within the diametrical slot 344, and its rotational position is also controlled by a spring-loaded ball 346 as in the previous embodiments. ing. An annular recess 347 is provided on the inner surface of the probe 340, which also cooperates with the notched end face of the pawl 345 in the latched state, in accordance with the operation of the previously described embodiments. Four holes 348 arranged at equal angular intervals receive locking balls 349, as in the above embodiment. The plunger 340 is formed through the wall of the plunger 340 near its tip to determine its location. When the ball is in contact with the main body of the control member 340, it is maintained in an outwardly protruding locked position, but the control member is moved so that the reduced diameter end 342 is radially aligned with the ball. If so, the ball will move inward of the probe to allow unlocking. A flange ring 350 with an opening forms an annular groove 3 on the outer periphery.
51 and positioned on the outer periphery of the probe body 340 by a snap ring 352. 32nd A
Flange ring 350 with an opening shown in FIG. 32C
Slot 390 fits short length lanyards
is formed, and this lanyard is shown in Figure 3 from Figure 33 below.
It may be sewn together to provide an opening for engagement with a safety hook device as illustrated in FIG.

A bulb-shaped actuation member 353 having an axial hole is slidably provided at the rear end of the probe 340, and a compression spring 354 acting between the two is provided. The probe 34 is inserted into the probe 34 by a vial 355 that engages diametrically opposed holes in the wall and passes through a slot 356 formed in a diametrically opposed portion of the wall of the probe 340.
0, and this pin engages in a transverse hole formed in the side wall of the control member 341 so that the actuating body 353 and the control member 341 move together as a unit.

To permit insertion of a bayonet locking device into a receiving socket of the type shown in FIGS. 29-31, the rotational latch pawl 354 is released from the latching position shown in FIG. 32C. Therefore, the actuating body 353 is compressed by the compression spring 35.
4 against the probe 340. The subsequent release of the actuating mechanism 353 is performed by the probe body 34 together with the control member 341 under the action of the compression spring 354.
32C to the right with respect to 0, so that the reduced diameter tip 342 of the control member is laterally aligned with the locking ball so that the ball is in contact with the probe body during the insertion phase. Allow for inward movement. The latching and unlatching sequence of the latching pawl 345 under the control of the spring-loaded ball 346 is based on the latching and unlatching sequence of the rotary pawl described in the above embodiment of the locking mechanism according to the present invention.

During the insertion phase, the spring-loaded cup-shaped member 314 engages the inner surface of the probe body 340 and is moved into the large diameter portion of the body of the receiving socket 310 against the action of the compression spring 317. The locking ball 349 is in the receiving socket 310
When the probe body 340 is fully inserted into the large diameter internal hole of the actuating member 353, the compression spring 354
as a result, the latching mechanism, ie, the latching pawl 345, moves against the 32nd C.
It is in the latching state shown in the figure. This maintains the locking ball 349 in an outwardly projecting locking position in which it engages the inner step between the large diameter central portion and the small diameter neck 311 of the inner diameter of the receiving member 310 . Preventing withdrawal of probe 340 from the receiving socket. To improve safety in this locked condition, laterally aligned holes 357 are formed through the wall of the body member 340 and the central portion of the control member 340. These holes are the control member 34.
1 is aligned when it reaches the locked position shown in FIG. 32C. If necessary, a suitable locking member can then be inserted through these aligned holes to provide extra security and to positively maintain the device in a locked condition when the device is inserted into the receiving socket. can be inserted.

To release the locking device, the actuating member 353 is again manually moved against the action of the spring 354 to the left in relation to the probe member 340 in FIG. , and the subsequent rightward movement of the actuating body 353 and the control member 341 allows the locking ball 349 to move to the unlocked state in which it engages with the small diameter end 342 of the probe 341. The locking device 340 can then be withdrawn from the receiving socket. When the locking mechanism is inserted into the receiving socket, the spring force of the compression spring 354 is applied to the receiving socket in order to prevent the locking mechanism from being released inadvertently, for example by a swinging window frame accidentally contacting the actuating member 353. The spring force is set to be greater than the spring force of the compression spring 317 inside the socket.

A double ended safety lanyard as shown in Figures 33 to 36 or an attachment line 410 as described in British Patent No. 2.133.969, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, is shown in Figures 32A to 32D. Can be used in conjunction with the locking device shown in lanyard 4
10 has a safety hook connector 411, 4 at each free end thereof.
12 is attached. The lanyard is connected to a safety harness or safety belt through an eyelet 413, such as a D-ring, a hook, or a hook.
The relative dimensions of 11 and 412 allow the lanyard to pass freely through eyelet 413, but prevent hooks 411 and 412 from passing through the eyelet.

Hook grip 414 illustrated in FIGS. 34-36
includes a molded plastic housing having a slot 417 located in the center of the opposing walls for receiving an eyelet 413.

Each opposite end of housing 414 is connected to housing 41
Pairs of inwardly directed recesses 415, 416 formed in opposite ends of the side walls of 4 allow the ends of each hook connector 411 and 412 to be received and retained.

Each safety hook 411 and 412 is connected to the third
It may be coupled to the apertured flange 350 of the locking mechanism shown in the 2D view, so that the wearer can move across the wall without becoming at least temporarily unsecured. It can be inserted into a series of receiving sockets implanted in the position. one hook connector 41
1.412 is inserted into the receiving socket at a selected convenient location. If it becomes necessary to move to a new position, the lanyard 4
A locking mechanism coupled to the other connector hook at the other end of 10 is inserted into a receiving socket at another convenient location before removing the locking mechanism from the first receiving socket.

Once the second coupling is securely made, the first coupling can be released for subsequent use for insertion coupling into the next connector socket before releasing the locking device at the other end of the lanyard. can.

(Operation and effect of the invention) The advantages of the locking mechanism embodying the present invention are as follows.

The strength of the lock does not depend on the pawl itself; the pawl merely latches the control member that activates the locking mechanism, allowing a relatively simple pawl mechanism to be used for a wide range of loads. The strength of the receiver is provided by the locking member rather than the pawl. Therefore, a simple pawl latching device can operate a locking mechanism with loads of several tons. The locking mechanism is capable of locking a wide variety of different members, such as tubular members, ropes, flat bars, beams of various cross-sectional shapes, round bars, and square bars. This mechanism can also be adapted to include speed control mechanisms of different sensitivities. Moreover, the locking mechanism according to the invention makes it possible to very easily balance the sitting of the cooperating circumferential circumferences of the components that are locked together in a circumferential manner.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1A to 1C are a front view, a left side view, and a plan view, respectively, of the rope grip device of the present invention, and FIG.
3 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1A, FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the device in FIGS. 1A to 1C at the release position, and FIG. 1A to 1C are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the device in the rope grip state, and FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device in the rope grip state shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of the rope gripping device according to the invention; FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of the device according to the invention; FIG. 9 is an illustrated longitudinal sectional view of the third embodiment of the rope grip device according to the present invention; FIG.
Figure 0 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 9, Figures 11A and 11B.
12 is a schematic perspective view of the device of FIG. 11B with a cover, and FIGS. 13A to 13D are locks according to the invention. Diagrammatic illustration of the locking and releasing sequence of operation of the assembly in each of the four positions, number 14
Figures A to 14D are diagrammatic illustrations of the operation of a modified form of a releasable locking assembly according to the present invention in each of four positions of the locking and releasing sequence;
5A to 15C are respectively a longitudinal sectional view of a further locking unit used in the device according to the invention in the released state, a similar sectional view of the same locking unit in the locked state, and a diagrammatic representation of the latching element of the same. Side views, Figures 16A to 16F are Figures 15A to 15
FIG. 3C shows an end view of the cylindrical member, a schematic longitudinal section of the top of the cylindrical member, a schematic side view of the top of the sliding rod assembly of the same unit, and a sliding A view similar to FIG. 16C with the members of the assembly separated, a bottom plan view of the annular locking member of the sliding assembly, and a top plan view of the annular locking member, FIGS. 17A-17C are shown when inserted into the socket member. Side and end views of the body member and side views of the socket member, FIGS. 18A and 18B, respectively, of a releasable coupling device embodying the invention that includes a retractable body member are shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C. FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view of the main body member and socket member of the device shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C, FIGS. 18A and 18B, respectively; FIG. Figure 19A is a longitudinal sectional view, Figures 20A to 20C are the first
Illustrated cross-sectional views of the insertable body member of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 19B at various positions during the locking sequence;
FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modification of the releasable coupling of FIGS. 19A and 19B in which the socket member has an open end; FIG. FIG. 22B is a side view of the end of the insert in the embodiment, and FIG. 23A is a sectional view of the end of the insert when engaged with the socket member of the coupling.
23C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing different states of the internal locking mechanism during the locking sequence of the socket member of FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism for application to an elongate member, such as a tubular member, the same being shown in the unlocked and locked states respectively; FIG. 25 shows a schematic detail of another form of friction gripping means; 26A and 26B are schematic representations of a device similar to those shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, but adapted to be sensitive to the rate of passage of an elongate member passing through the device. In the cross-sectional views, the locking mechanism is shown in the free and locked states, respectively, in Figures 27A and 2.
7B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another form of a locking mechanism embodying the invention for friction locking with a bar, the device being shown in the unlocked and locked states, respectively;
Figures A and 28B are a side view and a sectional view of a lock body member equipped with a locking mechanism according to the invention when engaged with a tubular element, Figures 29A and 29B and 2, respectively.
9C is a side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a socket member for positioning in a wall or bulkhead member to receive the insertable locking mechanism shown in FIGS. 32A to 32D;
Figure A and Figures 30B and 30C are side and cross-sectional views, respectively, of another type of socket member that may be mounted on a wall to receive a locking mechanism of the type shown in Figures 32A to 32D; Figures 31A; Figures 31B and 31E and 31G are side views, cross-sectional views, and partial cross-sections, respectively, of yet another type of wall-mounted socket member for receiving a locking mechanism of the type shown in Figures 32A-32D. Figures 31C, 31D and 31F are
Figures 32A to 32D are partial cross-sectional views showing the fixing means for the socket member of Figures A and 31B; Figures 32A to 32D illustrate the invention for cooperating with a wall-mounted socket member of the type shown in Figures 29A to 31B; FIG. 33 shows a safety harness for cooperating with the insertable locking mechanism shown in FIGS. 32A to 32D. or FIG. 34 is a schematic front view of the lanyard securing means of FIG. 33 with a housing element for receiving and retaining a lanyard terminal attachment hook; FIG. 36 is an end view of the hook housing shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. FIG. Explanation of symbols 10.211.211A...Body member, 12°12B
...Cam member, 13...Cam engagement surface, 16...Torsion spring for cam, 17 (17A), elongated member (rope), 20.20B, 20C, 20D...Lock unit, 28, 225°241.252, 277.293.
345・Rotating pawl, 29...notch (recess), 32.
51... Control ball, 40... Pressure plate, 43°44
...Link device link, 60.65・Shattoru, 6
1.67...Tubular housing, 68...Toggle member, 6...Cross pieces, 70...Toggle member leg. Applicant Latchways Limited Agent Patent Attorney Teru Hase (1 other person) ″BB

Claims (20)

[Claims] (1) A main body member that is in a sliding relationship with another member to be gripped or locked so as to be releasable, and a main body member that is movably attached to the main body member and moves between a free state and a grip or locked state, and the same grip or lock. gripping or locking means for producing a load on the device in the gripping or locking state; and control means for controlling the movement of the gripping or locking means between the free state and the gripping or locked state, the control means comprising: comprising relatively slidable components having mutually engageable latching means actuated by relative movement thereof, the latching means being such that the components are movable relative to each other in a first direction; automatically enters a latching state when the latching state moves by a predetermined amount, thereby restricting subsequent relative movement in the same direction or the opposite direction, and furthermore, from the latching state to the opposite direction or the first direction. automatically becomes unlatched upon movement of a predetermined amount relative to said grip or lock to permit subsequent free relative movement of said element in a first or opposite direction, respectively; A releasable grip or locking device, wherein the free state and the grip or lock state of the means correspond to the latched and unlatched or latched and latched states of the control means. (2) A locking mechanism for a releasable lock, coupling, or support device having a relatively slidable member to be releasably locked against relative movement in one direction, the mechanism being comprising a pair of cooperating, relatively slidable elements having mutually engageable latching means and locking means, said means actuated by relative movement of said elements; The latching means automatically becomes latched when said element moves a predetermined amount relative to the first direction, and is configured to limit subsequent relative movement in the same or opposite direction, respectively; When the element is moved by a predetermined amount relative to the opposite direction or the first direction from the latched state, it automatically enters the unlatched state and the subsequent free relative movement of said element in the first direction or the opposite direction. relative sliding between the locked and unlocked states of said element, in which a respective movement is allowed and said locking means coincides with the latched and unlatched states or the latched and latched states of said latching means; A locking mechanism that is movable substantially transversely to the direction of motion. (3) The latching means is attached to an abutment provided on one of the components and to another of the components and cooperates with the abutment by relative movement of the component. a rotating pawl for rotating between cooperating or non-cooperating positions; and positioning means for positioning the pawl in a set of angular positions during a latching or release sequence of said latching means, said pawl being capable of complete rotation. and said positioning means are provided on said other component and engage a peripheral edge of said pawl or a member associated with said pawl to temporarily place said pawl in said angular position during said latching or release sequence. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising resilient means for positioning. (4) said periphery is substantially parallelogram-shaped, such that as said pawl rotates through engagement and disengagement with said abutment portion, said resilient means extend around the parallelogram-shaped periphery associated with said pawl; a pair of opposed edges having a recess or notch thereinto successively engage each side of the pawl to rotate and position the pawl in the required angular position for the next step in the locking or release sequence; 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a portion for receiving a corner portion of said abutment portion in the latched state of the latching means. (5) The gripping means includes a cam member pivotably supported by the main body member and having a gripping curved surface formed to cooperate with an opposing portion of the main body member, and the grip means includes a cam member that is pivotably supported by the main body member and has a grip curved surface formed to cooperate with an opposing portion of the main body member. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein rotation of the device narrows the gap therebetween to grip the elongated member extending therebetween in use. (6) for the purpose of facilitating the passage of elongate members through the device and accommodating elongate members having different cross-sectional dimensions;
Pivot support means for a cam member slidably attached to the body member for bringing it closer to or away from the opposing portion of the body member, and provided for pressing the pivot support means against the opposing portion of the body member. 6. A device according to claim 5, comprising elastic means. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said cam member acts on an elongated member that is engaged in use through a pressure bar that links therewith and acts on said gripping curve. 8. The gripping means includes a pressure bar movable toward or away from an opposing portion of the body member in a generally parallel relationship by means of a pivoting linkage with the body member. The device described. (9) the pressure rod is movable toward or away from the opposing portion of the body member to facilitate passage of the elongate member through the device and to accommodate elongate members having different cross-sectional dimensions; 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the device is attached to a device and wherein the pressure bar is resiliently pressed against the opposing portion of the body member. (10) the relatively slidable component of the control means is pivotably supported on the body member at one end and attached to the cam member or linkage at the other end for controlling pivot movement; 9. A device according to claim 5 or 8, in the form of a mold strut. 11. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said latching means of said control means acts directly between said cam member and said body member. (12) By rotating the pair of cam members to the grip position, the distance between the grip surfaces of the cam members gradually narrows, thereby creating a long and narrow elongated shape extending between the grip surfaces of the two cam members during use. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said body members are pivotally supported opposite each other to provide a secure grip of the members. (13) The locking means includes a locking member slidably mounted in a casing attached to the housing, together with a control means acting between the locking member and the casing, and the main body member is a shuttle member. the locking member is in the form of a tubular housing slidably accommodating the locking member, the locking member projecting into the housing for engaging the outer periphery of the shuttle member, the shuttle member being in the locked state of the locking means. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a peripheral recess formed to receive and to place said locking means in a free and locked condition according to sliding movement of the shuttle member within the housing. (14) The main body member includes a tubular housing having an engaging portion and accommodating a slidably disposed shuttle member, and the locking means has a cross piece and is pivotally supported with respect to the housing. a toggle member, one end of the crosspiece being extendable into the housing through an opening in the wall of the housing upon rotation of the toggle member in one direction; having a leg with an end capable of extending into the housing through an opening provided in the wall of the housing by rotation in the other direction, and a slidable component of said control means at one end; The housing is in the form of telescoping struts each pivotally supported at the other end of the crosspiece of the toggle member to permit engagement of the shuttle member by sequential sliding movement of the shuttle member in opposite directions within the housing. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising engaging said crosspiece and leg of a toggle member at opposite ends of said joint to sequentially effect sequential free and locked conditions under the control of said control means. . (15) The locking means includes at least one locking member provided on one component and provided on the other component against movement in a direction substantially transverse to the relative sliding direction of the components. act on the locking member and move the locking member into the locked position in response to relative sliding movement of the components between the latched or unlatched state or the unlatched or latched position. 3. A device according to claim 2, further comprising cam means for retaining the locking member in the unlocked position and for allowing the locking member to move to the unlocked position. (16) An insertable attachment device with a locking mechanism for a releasable lock, coupling or support device having a relatively slidable member to be releasably locked against relative movement in one direction. an attachment device comprising: a pair of cooperating, relatively slidable components having mutually engageable latching means and locking means; The latching means is automatically latched when the element moves a predetermined amount relative to the first direction, and the latching means automatically becomes latched when the element moves a predetermined amount relative to the first direction. Subsequent relative movements are respectively restricted, and when the latching means moves by a predetermined amount relative to the opposite direction or the first direction, the latching means automatically enters the unlatching state. said elements in which subsequent free relative movement of said elements in opposite directions is respectively allowed and said locking means correspond to the latched and unlatched states or the latched and latched states of said latching means; a locking mechanism that is movable substantially transversely to the direction of relative sliding movement between a locked state and an unlocked state, and that is embedded in a wall structure and that can be released when using the insertable attachment device; An attachment device comprising a receiving socket member for securing to. (17) An insertable attachment device comprising a locking mechanism for a releasable lock, coupling or support device having a relatively slidable member to be releasably locked against relative movement in one direction. A safety harness or safety belt attachment system comprising an attachment device having a pair of cooperating, relatively slidable components having mutually engageable latching means and locking means. and the means is actuated by relative movement of the elements, and the latching means is automatically latched when the elements move a predetermined amount relative to each other in a first direction. subsequent relative movement in the same or opposite direction is restricted, respectively;
Further, when the element moves by a predetermined amount relative to the latched state in the opposite direction or in the first direction, the element automatically enters the unlatched state and the subsequent freedom of the element in the first direction or the opposite direction. a relative movement between the locked and unlocked states of said element, in which said locking means corresponds to the latched and unlatched states or the latched and latched states of said latching means; a locking mechanism movable substantially transversely to the direction of the target sliding movement, the locking mechanism also comprising a receiving socket member embedded in the wall structure for connectably securing the insertable attachment device in use; A safety harness or safety belt attachment system further comprising a safety line or lanyard connected to the safety harness or safety belt and having a terminal connector for attachment to a plug-in attachment device. (18) Claim 1 comprising a plurality of receiving sockets for being spaced apart in the wall structure.
The system described in 7. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the safety line or lanyard has a terminal connector at each opposite end for attachment to a respective plug-in attachment device. (20) Claim 19, wherein the safety line or lanyard is passed through an eyelet that does not allow passage of each terminal connector provided on the safety harness or belt.
system described in.