Locks – Portable – Padlocks
Patent
1997-09-25
1999-03-02
Barrett, Suzanne Dino
Locks
Portable
Padlocks
292302, 70104, E05B 6736
Patent
active
058756582
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for large gates and hatches, such as visors, deck, bow and stern gates located on the side of vessels, and more particularly to a locking mechanism having elongated parts that are tightly fitted to each other and secured in this tight fitting relationship by a locking pin.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Numerous factors can be the source of difficulty for a worker attempting to lock or unlock large gates and hatches located on the side, deck, bow or stern of a vessel. These factors include the deformation of the gates or hatches, the effects of applied external stresses and impacts and the freezing of the locks that secure the gates or hatches closed. Any one of these factors or a combination thereof can make it difficult for a worker to properly operate the locks and thus the gates and hatches. The tightening of closed gates constitutes a further problem because the gates are generally large in size and difficult to settle in a correct position. These gates are usually fitted with various kinds of hook mechanisms tightened with screws. Tightening can also be accomplished hydraulically, or by using other forced measures and levers to add to the force. Problems also exist with conventional locking mechanisms because they are unable to withstand the forces applied to them when the gates are guided into their properly closed position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for large gates and hatches, such as visor, deck, bow and stern gates located on the side of a vessel. The locking mechanism according to the present invention assists in eliminating problems arising from the deformation of large gates and from the stresses to which they are subjected. The present invention also diminishes the stresses and number of lock system sealing devices needed to secure the gates or hatches. The present invention includes an elongated guide slot part and an elongated locking part for securing within the guide slot part. The locking part and the guide slot part each include two long sides that are beveled in a similar manner for forming a tight fit between the two parts when they are locked together. At least one locking pin is passed through a respective slot in each of the parts to lock the two parts together. The locking mechanism according to the present invention makes it easier to guide the gates or hatches into their intended position. The locking mechanism also makes locking of the gates or hatches more secure as a result of gates or hatches being properly positioned. Moreover, the locking mechanism reduces the amount of force needed to initially open a gate or hatch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE
The FIGURE is an exploded view of the locking mechanism according to the present invention with the locking part and guide slot part being shown partially in cross-section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for large gates and hatches, such as visor, deck, bow and stern gates located on the side of a vessel. The present invention includes one or more hard-surface locking arm parts 1 having beveled sides. The locking arm part(s) 1 can be of unequal length or of the same dimension as the gates or hatches. The locking mechanism also includes a hard-surface guide slot part 2 having beveled inner sides for receiving the locking part(s) 1. As can be seen in the FIGURE, the beveled sides of locking part 1 and guide slot part 2 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of each part 1, 2. When the locking part(s) 1 are inserted within the guide slot part 2, part(s) 1 simultaneously self-center themselves within the groove formed by the beveled sidewalls of the guide slot part 2. Parts 1 and 2 form a tight fit with each other and may feature individual sealing surfaces. Each elongated locking part 1 may be pin, cone or wedge shaped, a long profiled piece or a combination of all of these that is capable of fitting within the slot in part 2.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 1192733 (1916-07-01), Bennett
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patent: 3951443 (1976-04-01), Barnaby
patent: 4013311 (1977-03-01), Prezioso
patent: 5255542 (1993-10-01), Fortin
patent: 5544506 (1996-08-01), Nakano
Holtta Paavo Juhani
Lahtinen Mauno Urpo Olavi
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