Abstract:
A decompression vent latching apparatus, includes a flap placed on a door opening to a first area from a second area, a housing fastened to the flap on the door, a plunger mounted within the housing, having rotational and lateral movement within the housing, a stop block connected to the plunger, a pair of tip blocks having movement restricted by the stop block connected to the plunger when contacting the stop block, the tip blocks being controlled to be a predetermined distance away from the stop block, and a locking unit connected to the pair of tip blocks providing a closed or open position.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/984,618 filed Nov. 1, 2007, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to access apparatus e.g., aperture openers, door or window openers, and more specifically, to access apparatus that opens an access device, e.g., a door or window or flap or the like, upon a pressure difference between opposite sides of the access device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    Passenger aircraft are generally equipped with cockpit doors. The cockpit door provides security and privacy for the pilot, copilot or flight crew. It is noted that the term cockpit refers to the portion of the aircraft where the pilot, copilot or flight crew sit, this is also known as the flight deck. This is distinguished from the cabin which refers to the portion of the aircraft where passengers sit. 
         [0004]    In many aircraft, it is required that the ambient air pressure in the cockpit be generally the same as the ambient air pressure in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. A dangerous situation may arise if there is a sufficiently great pressure difference between opposite sides of the cockpit door or any compartments separated by a partition within the aircraft. A pressure difference can cause structural deformation and lead to the loss of the aircraft. 
         [0005]    As such, there is a need to provide an apparatus and method of decompression vent latching mechanism that is efficient to implement and use and easy to manufacture. Further, there is a need to have an apparatus that can open an access device upon a pressure difference efficiently since the current apparatus require extensive effort to implement or do not provide adequate operation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0006]    The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein in one aspect an apparatus is provided that in some embodiments, the present invention provides an access apparatus that opens an access device upon a pressure difference between opposite sides of an access device or partition. 
         [0007]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is at least one access device or partition that includes an openable aperture element in the form of a door, or window, or flap or the like and an access apparatus which is functional to and adapted to open the openable element in the presence of a pressure difference of a predefined magnitude between opposite sides of the access device or partition. 
         [0008]    In one aspect of the disclosure, a decompression vent latching apparatus, includes a flap placed on a door opening to a first area from a second area, a housing fastened to the flap on the door, a plunger mounted within the housing, having rotational and lateral movement within the housing, a stop block connected to the plunger, a pair of tip blocks having movement restricted by the stop block connected to the plunger, the tip blocks being controlled to be a predetermined distance away from the stop block, and a locking unit connected to the pair of tip blocks providing a closed or open position. 
         [0009]    The tip blocks can each include a rounded surface at the end facing the stop block. The stop block can include a rounded surface at the end facing the tip blocks. The tapered surface can also be on both the end facing the tip blocks and the end away from the tip blocks. A cover plate can be disposed on the bottom of the housing facing the flap, extending over the flap to provide a vent channel in the cover plate. A resilient member can be disposed between the armor plate and the flap. The plunger can move in at least two directions to move the stop block away from the tip blocks to provide a second open position. There can be resilient members connected to the tip blocks and being compressed when there is movement in the latch or when the tip block is in contact with the stop block. The cover plate can include a material resistant to ballistic penetration of at least NIJ level IIIA. The plunger can be loaded with a resilient member providing only mechanical operation. The status indicator can be connected to the housing and indicating whether the apparatus is in an open or closed position and viewable from outside of the apparatus. 
         [0010]    In another aspect of the disclosure, a method of a decompression vent latching mechanism, includes disposing a flap on a door that closes a first area from a second area, setting cam hooks by moving an arm roller slot and pushing the cam hooks in a locked position, moving a plunger toward the first area, opening a path for at least two tip blocks adjacent to the plunger, and pushing the flap towards the first area by pressure on a second area when force on the flap is greater than the holding force of both latches of the tip blocks, opening the flap to the first area. The mechanism can include controlling the distance between the top block and stop block to be a predetermined controlled distance preventing collision of the stop block with the tip blocks during decompression of the first area. 
         [0011]    In another aspect of the disclosure, a decompression vent latching apparatus includes a flap means placed on a door, a housing means fastened to the flap means on the door, a piston means mounted within the housing means having rotation and lateral movement within the housing means, a stop block connected to the piston means, and a tip block means having movement restricted the stop block connected to the piston means, the tip block means being controlled to be a predetermined distance away from the stop block. 
         [0012]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0013]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosure. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the decompression latching mechanism (DVLM). 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of the internal parts of the DVLM. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the DVLM in relation to the cabin and cockpit area. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of the DVLM in relation to the flap. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates the relation between the tip block and stop block of the DVLM. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of the tip block. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of the vent provided by the cover plate. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of dampening unit of the DVLM. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  illustrates an emergency exit of the DVLM. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the interaction of the tip blocks and the stop block. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    The decompression latching mechanism (DVLM) of the present disclosure is a pressure control latching device access apparatus which is designed to rapidly (e.g., time&lt;200 msec) open a flap (panel located in the cockpit door or other aircraft partition) in an event of a sudden cabin decompression (e.g., ΔP of 30 to 40 mbar) in an Aircraft or other moving type vehicle. It is also designed to open the flap for emergency evacuation of the cockpit crew. When the flap is located in the cockpit door, it allows a secondary exit for the cockpit crew. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a view of the decompression latching mechanism (DVLM)  100  is shown attached to a door  10  and flap  50 . The DVLM  100  can be attached to any other type of moveable object or moveable partition means that provides entry from one area to another, and is not limited to being attached to a door  10 . For example, the DVLM  100  can be attached also to a window and control access accordingly. 
         [0026]    Access to the internal parts can be quickly obtained through an access panel  70  that is moveable. The opening in the DVLM  100  can expose parts such as a plunger  16  and a stop bar  20  attached to the plunger  16 . A user can therefore manipulate the plunger  16  in a manner such as pressing or rotating. Other parts of the DVLM may also be accessible or closed for access, depending on the parts that are allowed to be accessed and manipulated manually. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , after the flap  50  has been placed in the door  10 , the cam  12  hooks are set by placing a flat blade screwdriver in the arm roller  14  slot and pushing cam hooks  12  in the locked position. Set screws (not shown) may be used in the cam hook  12  to control the flap  50  preload. A strike plate  32  is positioned adjacent with the cam hook  12  in order to accommodate the open and locked position. 
         [0028]    In an event of sudden cabin decompression, the plunger (or piston)  16  is pulled towards the cabin  110 , which opens the path for the tip blocks  18 . Higher pressure in the cockpit  120  pushes the flap  50  towards the cabin  110  and when the force on the flap  50  is greater than the holding force of both latches  40 , the flap  50  opens to the cabin  110 . 
         [0029]    The spring loaded plunger  16  may be required to be pushed towards the cabin  110  (by pressure gradient force or hand force from cockpit  120  side) so that the flap  50  can open. This feature prevents any unauthorized person to open the flap  50  from the cabin  110  side regardless of force applied (e.g., intrusion impact or ballistic penetration). 
         [0030]    The spring  30  loaded latches  40  help reduce the friction force between the tip block  18  and the stop block  20  so that the plunger  16  has less moving restriction. In case the tip block  18  comes in contact with the stop block  20 , the contact surface of the stop block  20  has been tapered. This tapered surface  20   a  causes a push down force on the stop block  20  by tip block  18 . 
         [0031]    For example, for an emergency exit, the cockpit crew can push the stop block  20  and rotate to lock it in place. Then the flap  50  can be kicked from the cockpit  120  side to open to the cabin  110 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , various configurations of the parts of the DVLM  100  can be made, but an exemplary construction is shown. The plunger  16  can be connected and surrounded by a cylinder  65 , accommodating motion in the transverse and rotational direction. The stop block  20  can be connected to the cylinder  65  and plunger  16 . 
         [0033]    The rotational and transverse movement of the plunger  16  can be limited by the interaction of the tip block positioned adjacent to but not touching the stop block  20 . If there is a touching of the tip blocks  18  and the stop block  20 , the friction can be reduced by a resilient member, such as a spring  30 . The latches  40  can lock the DVLM  100  as shown above. All the above components can be mounted on the housing  80 . The housing can include an upper portion  84  to cover the DVLM  100  and a lower portion  82  to accommodate the mounting of the components of the DVLM  100 . Various fasteners can be used to mount the components within the DVLM or any one or more components can be integral to the housing  80 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , another optional method of opening the flap  50  is to make the lower hinge  400  removable so that by releasing a pin (not shown), the hinge  400  is detached and the flap  50  can be kicked open. If the plunger  16  is pushed in and rotated by mistake, the status indicator  22  provides visual warning to the pilots or other users in the cockpit side  120 . 
         [0035]    Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the DVLM  100  housing  80  is preferably mounted from the cockpit side  120  so that mounting screw threads  310   a,    320   a  of the mounting screws  310  and  320  are not accessible from the cabin side  110 . This prevents any individual from trying to remove the mounting screws  310  and entering the cockpit  120  area. Ballistic plates  312  may be used to prevent any ballistic penetration to the cockpit  120  area through the plunger  16  vent channel (not shown). 
         [0036]    The functional preferences of the DVLM  100  can be, for example, the following properties. First, the DVLM  100 , operates 100% mechanically under pressure gradient (e.g., 30 to 40 Mbar). Secondly, one can keep the flap  50  closed under minor pressure variations (e.g., pressure less than 10 mbar). Thirdly, the mechanism provides one to be unable to open from cabin side  110 . Fourth, one has to withstand and keep the flap  50  closed during intrusion impact of, for example, 300 joules. Fifth, the mechanism provides a resistance to ballistic penetration at, for example, at least NIJ level IIIA (National Institute of Justice standard level IIIA) or better. The mechanism should also be tamper proof, easy to reset, not openable by any unintentional object bumping (e.g., pilot&#39;s suitcases, umbrellas, . . . ) in the cockpit  120 , and provide visual indication, such as the status indicator  22 , to pilots incase the device is unlatched. 
         [0037]    The design parameters to satisfy above preferences are the following. A spring  180  loaded plunger (piston or bellows)  16  is used to provide 100% mechanical operation. The plunger  16  is preloaded by a spring to prevent premature triggering. A metallic latch and hinge  400  are used to prevent opening from cabin side  110 . 
         [0038]    Stop blocks  20  are used to resist any intrusion impact. Ballistic plates  312  are used to prevent any ballistic penetration. Critical screw threads (e.g.,  310 ,  320 ) are not accessible from cabin side. The knob is easily rotated and blow out latches can be reset with a flat screw driver, for example. At least two operations are required to open the flap  50  (e.g., push/rotate knob and push flap). There is also included a status indicator  22 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is a controlled distance “A” between the tip block  18  and the stop block  20 . This controlled distance “A” allows the stop block to move out of the way of tip block without colliding with each other during a rapid cabin decompression. This controlled distance “A” can be sustained under operation of the DVLM  100 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is also a tapered feature  20   a  in the stop block  20 . The tapered feature  20   a  for symmetry and ease of manufacture, can be located on both side of the stop block  20 . In the case that the tip block  18  comes into contact with the stop block  20 , this tapered feature  20   a  allows the tip block  18  to push the stop block out of the way so that the latch continues to open during the decompression event. Additionally, the tip blocks  18  can also have a rounded surface facing the stop block  18  so that when there is contact with the stop block  18 , the contact would be a point contact only. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is a vent feature in the armor plate cover  314 . The armor plate cover  314  is extended to above the flap  50  opening as seen by extended portion  314 a of armor plate cover  314 . This feature creates a vent in the armor plate cover  314 , so that if an individual puts a suction cup or the like, on the armor plate cover  314  to try to pull the plunger  16  and gain access to the cockpit  120 , air will vent out of the door  10  and a flap  50  opening seam and vacuum cannot be formed. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , there is a damping feature between armor plate  312  and flap  50 . In case of intrusion or ballistic impact to the armor plate  312 , compression or conical springs  322  are used to dissipate the energy and hence reducing the “g” loads on the plunger  16 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the DVLM  100  can also include an emergency exit. In case of the cockpit door  10  not being able to open during a crash landing, DVLM  100  can be mechanically over-ridden from the cockpit side and open to exit the cockpit  120 . This is done by pushing the plunger  16  and rotating it so that the stop block  20  is out of the way of tip blocks  18 . Then the flap  50  can be kicked towards the cabin  110  to open. Other types of overrides and emergency exit mechanism can also be incorporated in addition to or as an alternative to the pushing and rotating of the plunger  16 . 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 2 , the interaction of the components of the DVLM  100  is described further in the following. When the latches  40  open, the shaft  1002  moves the distance “A”, for example 1/200 th  of an inch, then the latch  40  is open, so that stop block  20  cannot go to the 1/200 th  of an inch, and so the door  10  does not open. Once the stop block  20  is in the way, the door  10  does not open. However, if the plunger  16  is pushed in and rotated in locked position, the plunger  16 , when kicking the flap  50 , the tip block will move the 1/200 th  of an inch and the cam hooks  12  will pass over the arm roller  14  and latches  40  will open up. 
         [0045]    The stop block  20  is connected to the plunger  16  with a couple of fasteners that hold the stop block  20 . The tip blocks  18  are each attached to a shaft  1002 , and jam nuts  1004  lock the tip blocks  18  in place. The shaft  1002  has, for example, helical windings to set the distance between the tip blocks  18  and the stop blocks  20 . The jam nut  1004  is behind the tip block  18 , and once the distance is selected, the distance is locked with the jam nut  1004  for the tip block  18  as gap “A”. The shaft  1002  is basically threaded into the tip block to control the distance “A”. The shaft  1002  itself is spring  30  loaded, which creates the spring force on the cam hooks  12 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the DVLM  100  is in the open or unlocked position, where the pilot pushed the plunger  16  in and rotated it so that the flap  50  can be kicked, and the stop block  20  is out of the way of tip blocks  16 . The cam hook  12  works with the arm roller  14 , which has a roller integrated within. When the cam hook  12  is rotated clockwise as seen in  FIG. 10 , the cam hook  12  will push on the arm roller  14 . The bottom of arm roller  14  is moved, as the cam hook  12  is rotated clockwise, when the flap  50  is opened. When the hook  50  rotates clockwise, the top part  1008  connected to shaft  1002  makes the springs  30  compress, and when the stop block  20  out of the way, and cam hooks  12  rotate enough and passes its climax, the latches  40  open. Once the stop block  20  is in the way, the gap is not enough allow to cam hooks  12  to pass, so latches  40  will not open. 
         [0047]    There are two spring forces within the DVLM  100 . There is the spring  180  in plunger  18  pushed by pressure, and spring  30  on shaft  1002  of the tip blocks  18 , compressed by the cam hooks  12 , from the pressure on the flap  50 . Two different motions are being accommodated by the DVLM  100 . When the plunger  16  moves slower than the tip block  18 , then tip block  18  collides with the stop block  20  and not open. Therefore, one must make sure to have the right spring in the plunger  16  and shaft  1002  so that two forces are accommodated and where the motion of the plunger  16  fast enough to get out of the way of the tip blocks  18 . The spring  30  on the tip blocks  18  provides time for the plunger  16  to move out of the way fast enough. If there are no springs on shafts  1002 , then the flap  50  moves so fast, that the tip blocks would collide with stop block and the door  10  would not open up. The springs  30  and  180  get time for plunger  16  to move out of the way. 
         [0048]    Additionally, as seen in  FIGS. 5 and 10 , the height “B” of the stop block can be controlled as related to the tip block  18 . The height can be set by, for example, the fasteners  1006  to raise or lower the height on the stop blocks  20  in relation to the tip block  18  axis. The height “B” should set within a certain range. For example, one needs to avoid the circumstance of the position being too high, where the tip block would collide with the stop block during decompression. If the height “B” is too low, then if an intrusion attempt is made to the flap  50 , the collision between the stop block  20  and tip block  18  may not occur. Therefore, the circumstances of the height “B” being too high or too low needs to be avoided. The same factors are taken into account for the distance “A” if it is too little or too much. The height “B” can be, for example, from the axis of the tip block  18  to the top of the stop block  20  as seen in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0049]    Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the indicator  22  can be connected to the housing  80 . For example, when the plunger  16  is pushed down and rotated, the stop block  20  can be in contact with the cam of the indicator  22 , around, for example, the pivot of the indicator  22 , to where it pushes the cam of the indicator  22  and changes the indicator  22  by rotating from green to red as indicating through color the state of the locking position. 
         [0050]    Other alternative variations of the DVLM  100  can be constructed, including having the components shown in  FIG. 2  in different positions or have components in addition to the components shown. Further, certain components can even be removed or replaced with a different part. For example, the plunger  16  can be located in another area with respect to the housing  80 . The stop block  20  can be of a different construction in relation to the tip blocks  20 . Instead of the stop block  20  and tip blocks  16 , other types of devices can be used in order to provide similar function as shown above. 
         [0051]    Additionally, the DVLM  100  can be mounted in a different configuration than that shown in the above example. The DVLM  100  can be mounted, for example, on a different surface in addition to the surfaces shown and can be located in a different position on the door  10 . 
         [0052]    The many features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the disclosure which fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure.