Patent ID: 6783095
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: F42B

Abstract:
Apparatus comprisinga support member, a plurality of petals each hinged at an end thereof to the support member, the petals being arrayed in a first position around a central axis of the apparatus in a first, undeployed configuration of the apparatus, and actuating means operable to swine each of the petals around its hinged end to a second position in a second, deployed configuration of the apparatus, and means attached to the support member for locking the petals in said second position, wherein the actuating means includes a slide ring that is displaced from an original position to a displaced position responsive to the operation of the actuating means and wherein the locking means includes at least a first detent finger that rests on a protrusion on the outside of the slide ring when the slide ring is in said original position, the protrusion being pulled out from under the detent when the slide ring is displaced to said displaced position, the detent being biased inwardly so as to slip into a position behind the protrusion, thereby preventing the slide ring from returning to its original position, and thereby maintaining the petals in their outwardly swung position.