Patent ID: 11873669
Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
Field: Civil engineering (Other fields)
Classification: CPC E  B | IPC E

Claim 17:
18. A latching system for latching a first structure to a second structure, the latching system comprising:
a guide body configured to be secured to the second structure;
a latch rod slidably retained by the guide body;
multiple latch assemblies fixed to the latch rod, spaced apart from one another, and independently biased to a latched position;
a first rod-biasing spring coaxial with the latch rod and disposed between the guide body and a first of the latch assemblies;
multiple catches securable to the first structure and spaced apart from one another at a spacing equal to a spacing of the multiple latch assemblies such that the latch assemblies latch to the catches independently of one another;
wherein a force on the latch rod along a longitudinal axis of the latch rod in a direction against the first rod-biasing spring moves the latch rod along the longitudinal axis of the latch rod from a rest position to an actuated position and unlatches the multiple latch assemblies simultaneously;
wherein the latch rod is configured with a pair of circumferential grooves spaced apart from one another along the latch rod, the first of the latch assemblies is disposed along the latch rod between the pair of circumferential grooves, and the latching system further comprising:
a pair of split rings engaged in the pair of circumferential grooves to retain a latch body of the first of the latch assemblies to the latch rod between the circumferential grooves on to the latch rod; and
a screw extending through the latch body against the latch rod to further retain the latch body to the latch rod.