MEL LEROY HITCHCOCK
Pilots at Mendoza Dr, Costa Mesa, CA
License number
California A2370741
Category
Airmen
Type
Authorized Aircraft Instructor
Address
Address
2795 Mendoza Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Professional information
Ball Latch Mechanism
US Patent:
5428873, Jul 4, 1995
Filed:
Apr 29, 1993
Appl. No.:
8/054618
Inventors:
Mel L. Hitchcock - Costa Mesa CA
Coleman W. Conrad - Whitter CA
Charles H. Pearson - Riverside CA
Coleman W. Conrad - Whitter CA
Charles H. Pearson - Riverside CA
Assignee:
BW/IP International, Inc. - Long Beach CA
International Classification:
A44B 104
US Classification:
24303
Abstract:
A ball latch mechanism including an annular cage concentrically located between a bearing member and a trigger. The cage includes a slot and a latch ball located in the slot in contacting relation with the trigger. The latch ball is radially movable between a first position in which the ball protrudes from the slot to interfere with movement of the bearing member and a second position wherein the ball is retracted into the trigger. Each slot is circumferentially elongated in relation to the ball such that, upon rotation of the trigger from a latch position to an unlatched position, the ball rolls circumferentially along the cylindrical surface within the slot. A biasing means may be used to urge the ball toward a preferred starting location.