NEW LOCKING MECHANISM FOR GATES AND HATCHES

Abstract: Shortcomings have manifested themselves in the locking mechanisms of large hatches and visors and of bow and stern gates. In the new locking mechanism, one or more hard-surface locking parts (1) of unequal dimensions and bevelled on both sides move, simultaneously selfcentring themselves, inside a hard-surface guide section (2) bevelled on both sides in a similar manner as part 1. The combination, together with locking pin or pins (4) passing through it crosswise, forms a rigid construction in every direction. The construction can be dismantled by undoing the pin or pins (4), and unlocking can be facilitated by means of an opener pin (3). The main fields of application of the invention are visors, deck, bow and stern gates.

Description: NEW LOCKING MECHANISM FOR GATES AND HATCHES The locking or opening of large gates and hatches located on the side, deck, bow or stern of the vessel frequently presents difficulties on account of freezing, deformation of gate or hatch and external stresses and impacts. Tightening of the gates constitutes a further problem. The gates are usually fitted with various kinds of hook mechanisms tightened with screws, or hydraulically, or using other forced measures and also levers to add to the force. Generally, the gates are large in size, and to make them settle in a correct position therefore involves difficulties. The new mechanism makes it easier to guide the gates in the position designed for them, and locking is consequently more secure. The requirement for force is at its maximum at the initial stage of opening, and the new mechanism contributes decisively in solving the problem. The characterizing features of the invention related to the locking mechanism for gates and hatches are defined in the claim. When locking the system, the locking arm part 1 and the guide section part 2 move inside each other. Parts 1 and 2 may be located alternatively in hatches or in gates or in the frame of the vessel. Part 1 may be a pin, cone, wedge-shaped, long profiled piece or a combination of all these that fits in part 2. Parts 1 and 2 form a tight fit and may feature individual sealing surfaces. On locking, part or parts 4 which may consist of a pin, wedge, cone, slotted bar or shoulder, are moved in the slot located in part 1 or in shoulder part 6 so that the part or parts 4 tighten parts 1 and 2 into a rigid construction. On unlocking, part 4 is detached from part 1. Parts 1 and 2 are unlocked from each other by an opening device part 3, of which there may be more than one. Depending on the application, more than one locking and unlocking mechanisms may be used for one gate or hatch. SUBSTITUTE SHEET ENCLOSURE Regarding the characterizing features of the invention on page 1 , reference is made to the claim for a new mechanism which may consist of one or several locking and unlocking systems of unequal length or of the same dimension as the gate sides. SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claims: CLAIM The locking mechanism for large gates and hatches, such as visors, deck, bow and stern gates located on the sides of vessels, contributes highly to eliminating problems arising from deformation of large gates and from the stress they are subjected to and to diminishing stresses and the number of already existing locking system sealing devices. The locking mechanism is k n o w n for the following design: One or more hard-surface locking parts (1), bevelled on both sides, of unequal length or of the same dimension as the gates or hatches, moves inside a hard-surface guide section (2), simultaneously self-centering itself. The locking part (1) and the guide section (2) bevelled on both sides in a similar manner as part 1 , form a tight fit. The pin or pins (4) passing crosswise through the slots in parts 1 and 2 make the locking mechanism into a rigid construction in every direction. The construction can be dismantled by undoing the pin or pins (4), and unlocking can be facilitated by means of an opener pin (3). SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Inventors: HOELTTAE PAAVO JUHANI, LAHTINEN MAUNO URPO OLAVI, HOELTTAE, PAAVO, JUHANI, LAHTINEN, MAUNO, URPO, OLAVI
Applicants: HOELTTAE PAAVO JUHANI, LAHTINEN MAUNO URPO OLAVI, HOELTTAE, PAAVO, JUHANI, LAHTINEN, MAUNO, URPO, OLAVI
Application year: 1995
Main classification: B63B19
IPC codes: B63B19, E05B65, E05C1