Abstract:
This invention relates to a canopy locking and releasing apparatus for mounting a canopy to the fuselage of a vehicle. The canopy locking and releasing apparatus is comprised of several mechanisms. These include internal canopy locking and releasing mechanism, the external (Type A, B, or C) canopy locking and releasing mechanisms, a hinge plate and base mechanism, a hinge retaining pin, and a fuselage locking and releasing device for the hinge base. The apparatus is mounted on the sides of a canopy and attached to the cockpit of a vehicle. This apparatus allows for quick and easy opening of the canopy for routine or emergent access and driver entry or egress. An unique advantage of the canopy side mount locking and releasing hinge mechanism for vehicles is that the cockpit is easily accessible from either side of the vehicle, from the inside and outside of the vehicle, or if necessary, from both sides of the vehicle at once. Additionally, there is shown an alternative use for the internal locking and releasing mechanism and the retaining pin.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to an apparatus for a side mount canopy locking and release hinge mechanism for vehicles. More specifically, the apparatus includes a mechanism of clamping the canopy to a hinge mechanism, and then connecting these parts to a fuselage. The canopy clamping mechanism is comprised of an internal canopy locking and releasing mechanism, a canopy retaining pin, and an external (Type A, B, or C) canopy locking and releasing mechanism. The hinge mechanism is comprised of the hinge plate, a hinge retaining pin, and a hinge base. The aforementioned hinge plate is clamped to the canopy via the above mentioned internal and external locking and releasing devices, and then, via the hinge mechanism, is connected to the fuselage by the fuselage locking and releasing mechanism. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Open cockpit racing has long been the standard. However, within the last few years, there have been several injuries to driver&#39;s heads and several deaths from these injuries. It is felt that soon, polycarbonate or Lexan or similar type canopies will be required or utilized. The present invention relates to a unique canopy side mount apparatus with up to five quick release mechanisms (2 from inside the cockpit and 3 from outside the cockpit). While preferably the canopy locking and release apparatus of the present invention is employed on the sides of a vehicle, it also can be employed on the front or back portion of the vehicle canopy, or any combination thereof. In case of emergency, it may be imperative that the driver is able to exit the vehicle as soon as possible. There is clearly a need for a simple and easy to use canopy release mechanism. This unique canopy side mount hinge release mechanism allows for canopy release from either side of the vehicle both internally and externally. This canopy side mount hinge release mechanism has multiple redundant release systems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There are a multitude of factors in the construction of the vehicle&#39;s fuselage sides. The simplicity of this apparatus&#39;s fuselage locking device for the hinge base is that it can be easily adapted to many different types of fuselages. 
         [0004]    Additionally, due to the small profile of the components of this apparatus for canopy side mount locking and releasing hinge mechanism for vehicles, the impact on aerodynamics and driver field of vision are low. 
         [0005]    Release mechanisms of this apparatus include:
       1) When the internal locking and releasing mechanism strap is pulled releasing the canopy retaining pin, the hinge plate is forced outward by a spring at the hinge pin, thereby releasing the canopy from the hinge and allowing the canopy to be raised.   2) The external locking and releasing mechanism Type A can be released by unlocking the thumb lock and pulling on a ‘leverage’ arm. This releases canopy retaining pin from the outside lock allowing the canopy retaining pin to pass through the hinge plate and canopy, thereby releasing the canopy from the hinge mechanism and allowing the canopy to be raised.   3) The external locking and release mechanism Type C can be released by pressing the thumb lock and rotating the external locking and releasing cover. This releases canopy retaining pin from the outside lock allowing the canopy retaining pin to pass through the hinge plate and canopy, thereby releasing the canopy from the hinge mechanism and allowing the canopy to be raised   4) The hinge can be released by removing the main hinge retaining pin, separating the hinge flange from the hinge base mount, and allowing the canopy to be raised.   5) The hinge base mount can be released from the fuselage by utilizing the fuselage locking and releasing mechanism from inside the cockpit by pulling on the fuselage locking and releasing mechanism release strap.   6) The hinge base mount can be released from the fuselage by utilizing the fuselage locking and releasing mechanism from outside the cockpit by pushing on the fuselage locking and releasing mechanism release button.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a lateral and frontal view of the assembled canopy side mount locking and releasing hinge mechanisms type A, with a section of the canopy and fuselage, for purposes of overview of the apparatus. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an overview of the components of the internal canopy side mount locking and releasing hinge mechanism for vehicles with additional side views of assembled type A, B, and C outside locking and releasing mechanisms. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a detail view of the internal canopy locking and releasing mechanism as well as a single side view of the internal apparatus completely assembled. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a detail view of the canopy retaining pin and grooved barrel mechanism as well as a single side view of a completely assembled canopy retaining pin and grooved barrel mechanism. Additionally, there is a side view of a portion of the canopy with reinforcing plates. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a lateral and frontal view of the canopy side mount locking and releasing outside (external) mechanism type A. The drawing also shows hinge plate and hinge base mechanism, and fuselage locking and releasing mechanism. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a detail view of the canopy outside (external) locking and release mechanism type A with round clamp and thumb release lock and leverage arm. Additionally shown is the hinge plate. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a lateral and frontal view of the canopy hinge lock and release mechanism with outside (external) locking mechanism Type B. The drawing also shows hinge plate mechanism and fuselage locking and releasing device. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a detail view of the canopy outside (external) locking mechanism Type B with canopy retaining pin. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a lateral and frontal view of canopy hinge lock and release mechanism with outside (external) locking mechanism Type C. Drawing also shows hinge mechanism and fuselage locking and releasing device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a detail view of the canopy outside (external) locking mechanism Type C. Additionally shown is the hinge plate, and grooved and threaded barrel. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a view of the overall hinge mechanism. Additionally, there are detailed frontal and lateral views of the hinge mechanism with hinge retaining pin and hinge detail. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a frontal and lateral view of the fuselage locking and releasing mechanism with the hinge base. Additionally, there is a detail view of the fuselage locking and releasing mechanism. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a detailed view of alternative uses for the Pin Locking and releasing mechanism. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Throughout the following description and claims, terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “lateral,” “inferior,” “frontal,” and the like may be used to describe various parts of the apparatus according to the invention. These terms of reference are used for convenience only, and are generally consistent with the orientation of the apparatus as it is shown in the drawings. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for canopy side, or front, or rear mount locking and releasing hinge mechanism for vehicles, as in the case of an emergency, or for standard cockpit access. A canopy may be defined but not limited to a structure which by its application defines one environment form another. The canopy may be a clear or opaque structure made of metal or glass or plastic. As it relates to the primary function of this apparatus, the canopy is a structure defining the ‘inside’ of a vehicle from the ‘outside’ of a vehicle.  FIG. 1  provides an overview of the apparatus in a side mount configuration on a racing vehicle with a clear type canopy as well as a representation of the apparatus as it is attached to the fuselage of said vehicle. This apparatus comprises an internal locking and releasing mechanism,  FIG. 3 , a canopy retaining pin  FIG. 4 , and an external locking and releasing mechanism (Types A and C,  FIGS. 2, 5, 6, 9, and 10 ), or non-quick external locking mechanism (Type B,  FIGS. 2, 7 , and  8 ). These internal and external locking and releasing mechanisms combine to clamp a canopy  1  and a hinge plate  33  ( FIGS. 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 ) in place via a canopy retaining pin  21 . The hinge plate  33  is connected to a hinge base  65  ( FIGS. 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12 ) via a hinge retaining pin  70  ( FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 11 ). The hinge base  65  is fixed to the fuselage  2  by a fuselage locking and releasing mechanism  80  ( FIGS. 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12 ). The canopy hinge assembly is denoted  66   FIG. 11 . Level of top of fuselage side is described as  84 . 
         [0028]    The internal locking and release mechanism can be easily released by pulling on a release strap  4  or on the outside retaining sleeve  8  of the mechanism itself, thereby releasing the canopy retaining pin  21 . The external locking mechanism, Type A or C, can be released from the outside by a thumb release mechanism  32  or  64  respectively, thereby releasing the grooved barrel of the canopy retaining pin. The non-quick release external locking device (Type B) cannot be released quickly from the outside, but allows for improved aerodynamics and simplicity. 
         [0029]    The importance of the internal locking and releasing mechanism, the canopy retaining pin and grooved barrel mechanism, and the external locking and release mechanism is to form a strong clamping device onto the canopy. Additionally, there is a thin layer of compressible sealant, such as rubber, on the clamping flanges of both the internal and external locking mechanisms and hinge plate thereby maintaining a good canopy weather seal, allowing for mild shock absorption, and increasing friction of the internal and external locking and releasing mechanism&#39;s clamping flanges at the canopy  1  and/or canopy reinforcing plates  27 . 
         [0030]    When assembled, the hinge plate  33  and the internal and external locking and releasing mechanisms and thereby, the canopy, act as one unit and are attached to the hinge base  65  by a hinge retaining pin  70 . One end of the hinge retaining pin  70  is held in place with two spring ball locks  72 . On the opposite end of the hinge retaining pin is a ring-shaped ‘pull’ handle  73 . 
         [0031]    The hinge plate  33  of the hinge mechanism falls outward away from the canopy when the internal locking and releasing mechanisms or external locking and releasing mechanisms Type A and C are unlocked and the canopy retaining pin is released. The outward swinging motion of the hinge plate  33  is enhanced by a wound spring  83 . The wound spring  83  is held in place by the hinge retaining pin  70  and wound spring  83  side arms about the hinge plate  33  and the hinge base  65 . When the hinge plate  33  is in the vertical orientation and clamped to the canopy, and the hinge base  65  is attached to the fuselage, the hinge retaining spring  83  is held in compression. 
         [0032]    A portion of the vehicle fuselage  2  forms the lateral margins (left and right sides) of the cockpit. The canopy side mount locking and releasing hinge mechanism via its hinge base  65  is fixed to the fuselage at the top of the lateral margins of the cockpit by means of a simple fuselage locking and release mechanism  80 . The hinge base  65  on its inferior aspect has a protruding locking tab  67  which is inserted in a vertical direction into the fuselage locking mechanism  80 . A portion of the hinge base  65 , up to the inferior margin of the hinge base barrels  69 , is recessed into the top of the fuselage increasing torsional rigidity. This fuselage hinge locking mechanism,  FIGS. 11 and 12 , can be released by a pull cord  90  on the inside of the cockpit or by a pushbutton  92  on the outside of the fuselage. 
         [0033]    The importance of the hinge mechanism of this apparatus is to form a mechanical connection between the hinge base  65  at the fuselage and the hinge plate  33  at the canopy. When bilateral hinge locking and releasing mechanisms (two hinge mechanisms, one mounted at each side of the cockpit) are utilized, this allows the canopy to be opened for standard access by hinge action utilizing the fuselage hinge locking and releasing mechanism of the apparatus. 
         [0034]    Utilizing the Type A or C external locking and releasing mechanism and with the apparatus mounted to both sides of the fuselage (and the canopy), there are available multiple canopy release points. These release mechanisms are the canopy retaining pin internal locking and release mechanism pull strap  4 ,  FIG. 3 , the external locking and releasing mechanisms (Type A or C), the base hinge retaining pin  70   FIG. 11 , the fuselage lock internal release pull cord  90 ,  FIG. 12 , and the fuselage lock external push button  92 ,  FIG. 12 . 
         [0035]    In summary, the apparatus for canopy side, front, and/or rear mount locking and releasing hinge mechanism for an open cockpit vehicle with placement on both sides of the cockpit allows for up to four internal release mechanisms and six external release mechanisms for a total of up to 10 release mechanisms. 
         [0036]    Referring to the Drawings: 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is an apparatus overview for a canopy side mount locking and releasing hinge mechanism for preferably open cockpit vehicles with addition of canopy, although it can also be used for closed cockpit vehicles.  FIG. 1  includes a portion of the cockpit canopy  1  and a portion of the cockpit fuselage side wall  2  for general reference as it relates to installation of apparatus for canopy side, front, and/or rear mount locking and releasing hinge mechanism I for vehicles. The canopy hinge assembly is denoted  66   FIG. 11 . Level of top of fuselage side is described as  84  for reference to depth of hinge base  65  installation. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is provided for an overview of the parts of the apparatus and can be used as an overall reference. 
         [0039]    The internal canopy retaining pin locking and release mechanism I is set forth in  FIG. 3 . The internal locking and retaining mechanism is demonstrated in locked position  3  and unlocked position  13 . The internal locking and retaining mechanism  3  comprises a retaining spring  7  holding an outside slide  8  against an inside sleeve  10  and flange  11 . The retaining spring  7  is held in place by a retaining collar  6 , which is fastened by threading it onto the threaded end of the inside sleeve  10 . The inside sleeve  10  comprises the internal canopy compression flange  11 , a cavity or plurality of cavities  14  seating a ball or a plurality of locking balls, e.g. (4 balls)  9 , seat for spring  7 , limits the travel of the outside slide  8 , contains a centering flange  12  for fitting to canopy  1 , and also limits the travel of the canopy retaining pin  21  ( FIG. 4 ) when the mechanism is in the locked position. When the outside slide  8  is placed in a locked position (a position located at limit of travel of outside slide  8  on inside sleeve  10 ), outside sleeve  8  is slidably directed towards the inside of the canopy abutting compression flange  11 , and the four balls  9  move inward in race  14  and lock and hold the grooved canopy retaining pin  21  in a fixed or connected position. A clearly visible strap  4  is connected to the outside slide  8  via a semicircular ring  5 . Pulling strap  4  allows for single pull release (pulling strap towards the driver) of the outside slide  8 . This unlocks the four ball locks  9  when the outside slide  8  is moved slidably towards the retaining collar  6 . Releasing the  4  ball locks  9  releases the canopy retaining pin  21 . This then allows the canopy  1  to be opened. 
         [0040]    The canopy retaining pin assembly  20  is set forth in  FIG. 4 . Canopy retaining pin  21  is grooved  22  at one end and has a fastener such as threads  23  at the other. The grooved end  22  passes or extends into the internal pin locking and releasing mechanism  3  and is retained by a plurality such as four locking balls  9  described above. The canopy retaining pin  21  threaded end  23  is threaded into grooved and threaded barrel  24  and is described as assembly  20 . This complete canopy retaining pin assembly  20  can be passed through the canopy from either the inside (inside cockpit) or outside (external to the canopy), and connected to the inside  3  or outside locking and releasing mechanisms Type A, B, or C. The canopy retaining pin  21  threaded end  22  passes or extends through the canopy  1  (with or without the canopy reinforcing plates  27 ), the hinge plate  33  (located against the outside of the canopy), and into a threaded and grooved barrel  24 . The threaded and grooved barrel  24  contains an internal plastic locking ring  25  to hold the threaded end of the canopy retaining pin  21  in position so it does not rotate and loosen in respect to the threaded and grooved barrel  24 . The internal plastic locking ring  25  is swaged into place in threaded and grooved barrel  24  so it does not move. The plastic locking ring  25  creates a lock effect on the threaded portion  23  of the canopy retaining pin  21  once the threaded portion  23  is inserted to the appropriate depth forming assembly  20 . The threaded and grooved barrel  24  is retained in appropriate position on the outside of the canopy by the external locking and releasing device Type A or C. The threaded and grooved barrel  24  has a semicircular groove  26  on one side. Flange  44  of Type A external locking and releasing mechanism will fit into the semicircular groove  26  locking the threaded and grooved barrel  24 , and thereby assembly  20 , into place  FIG. 6 . 
         [0041]    Alternatively, Type B external locking mechanism, see  FIG. 8 , can be utilized which does not require threaded and grooved barrel  24 . Canopy retaining pin  21  threaded portion  23  is threaded into the Type B external locking mechanism and canopy retaining pin  21  is set to appropriate depth. 
         [0042]    Alternatively, Type C external locking and releasing mechanism will lock the semicircular groove  26  of the threaded and grooved barrel  24 , and thereby canopy retaining pin assembly  20 , into place via flange  59   FIG. 10 . 
         [0043]    The canopy retaining pin  21  can be tensioned, causing the appropriate compression of the canopy  1  and hinge plate  33  via the operative engagement of the internal and external canopy retaining pin locking or engaging and releasing mechanisms (Type A, B, or C), as by inserting the appropriate tool (such as an Allen type wrench) at either end of the canopy retaining pin  21  and turning in the correct direction. This will, by a fastener engagement such as by a screw, with force amplification, maintain compression or a force on the internal locking device  3  compression flange  11 , canopy  1 , hinge plate  33 , and external locking device (Type A, B, or C), thereby maintaining a mechanical connection or engagement to the canopy by mechanical or operatively engaging connection to the canopy material  1  directly, or by compressing operatively or engaging canopy reinforcing plates  27  which act on the canopy material  1 . The size and/or requirement of the canopy reinforcing plates  27  will be based on the canopy  1  material and is beyond the scope of this design. 
         [0044]    The external canopy retaining pin locking and releasing mechanism Type A set forth in  FIGS. 1,2, 5, and 6  is denoted as assembly  28  and is comprised primarily of semicircular clamp halves  30  and  31 , a leverage arm  35 , and a thumb lock  32 . Round clamp halves  30  and  31  (comprising the round clamp) are bored in the center to receive the grooved barrel  24  of the canopy retaining pin assembly  20 . The round clamp  30  and  31  is hinged at its inferior aspect locking screw  38  and locking screw hinge pin base  39  allowing one half of the clamp,  31 , to hinge away from the canopy grooved retaining pin barrel  24  grooved side  26 . The moveable half  31  of the round clamp  30  and  31  has a locking flange  44  that fits into the groove  26  of grooved barrel  24  which acts, when the round clamp halves  30  and  31  are closed and locked, to hold the barrel  24  of the canopy retaining pin assembly  20  from turning while tightening the screw portion  23  of pin  21 . The moveable half  31  of round clamp  30  and  31  when in the closed and locked position, also maintains the canopy retaining pin assembly  20  in position axially inside the external canopy retaining pin locking and releasing mechanism Type A. The other half of the round clamp  30  and  31  is the non-mobile half  30  which is fixed into position in relation to the hinge plate  33  by the inferiorly positioned locking screw  38  and locking screw hinge pin base  39 . Additionally, the non-mobile round clamp half  30  is fixed into position in relation to the hinge plate  33  by a second more superior pin  34  placed into the hinge plate  33  and the back side of non-mobile clamp half  30 . There is a semicircular ‘leverage’ arm  35 , extending from the moveable half of the round clamp  31  to the other fixed half of the round clamp  30 , and which lies in the closed/locked position within a groove across the top of the round clamp halves  30  and  31 . This semicircular ‘leverage’ arm  35  in conjunction with thumb release  32  and thumb lock tab  37  forms the locking mechanism of round clamp halves  30  and  31 . On the movable half of the round clamp  31 , the ‘leverage’ arm  35  is held in place at one end by a hinge pin  36 . When closed, the ‘leverage’ arm  35  fits flush into a groove at the top of the round clamp halves  30  and  31  and held in place to the fixed half of the round clamp  30  by a thumb release  32  via thumb lock tab  37 . Thumb lock tab  37  fits into angular lock  19  on fixed half  30  of round clamp. In one motion, the thumb release lock  32  can be depressed thereby releasing the locking tab  37 , releasing the ‘leverage’ arm  35 , and allowing extension of arm  35 . By forcing the ‘leverage’ arm  35  away from the round clamp halves  30  and  31 , the moveable half of the round clamp  31  and the locking flange  44 , is pulled free from the grooved barrel  24 . This allows the canopy retaining pin assembly  20  to pass through the hinge plate  33  and canopy  1  thereby allowing the canopy  1  to be opened. Centering of the Type A external locking and releasing mechanism is by means of a centering flange  41  which fits into canopy  1 . 
         [0045]    The external canopy retaining pin locking and releasing mechanism, Type B, as set forth in  FIGS. 2, 7 and 8 , is a simple screw on an aerodynamic clamp that does not include a quick release mechanism. It is comprised of two parts: the threaded round plate  45  and the retaining locking ring/washer  25 . The threaded round plate  45  contains an internal plastic locking washer  25  to lock the threaded end  23  of the canopy retaining pin  21  in position so it does not rotate and loosen. Hinge plate  33  is mounted against said canopy  1 . The internal plastic locking ring  25  is swaged into place in the threaded round plate  45  so it does not move. The internal plastic locking ring  25  creates a lock effect on the threaded portion  23  of the canopy retaining pin  21  when canopy retaining pin  21  is inserted to the appropriate depth. Threaded round plate  45  has a centering flange  47  which maintains a centered position on hinge plate  33 . The grooved barrel  24  is not required in the Type B external canopy retaining pin locking mechanism. 
         [0046]    The external canopy retaining pin locking and releasing mechanism Type C, is set forth in  FIGS. 2, 9, and 10 . This embodiment is similar to the Type A locking and releasing mechanism but contains an internal locking mechanism under a rotating cover. The Type C mechanism is comprised of an outside rotating cover  79  containing an extension arm  55 , locking arm  58 , fixing pin  53 , a thumb release lock assembly  60 , base plate  51 , and locking screw  38  and locking screw base  39 . One end of locking arm  58  is connected to extension arm  55 , and the other end is attached to locking screw  38  and locking screw base  39  upon which locking arm  58  hinges. Depressing the thumb release lock  64  allows rotation of the cover  79 , thereby forcing the connected extension arm  55  against locking arm  58 , and forcing locking flange  59  away from groove  26  of the threaded and grooved barrel  24 . This releases canopy pin assembly  20  allowing it to pass through the hinge plate  33  and canopy  1 , thereby allowing the canopy to be opened. The Type C external locking and releasing mechanism assembly  50  is attached to the hinge plate  33  by locking screw  38  and locking screw hinge pin base  39 . The locking screw hinge pin base  39  passes through hinge plate  33 , Type C base plate  51 , and locking arm  58 , and then capped by locking screw  38 . Additionally, there is a fixing pin  34  maintaining position of Type C base plate  51  in relation to hinge plate  33 , and against the rotational forces of turning and unlocking the Type C cover  79 . Type C cover  79  is shown by side assembly view  52  with internal components. The extension arm  55  is fixed to round cover  79  by fixing pin  53 . The Type C base plate  51  is also the mount for round cover assembly  52 . Locking ring  54  holds the round cover assembly  52  in place on the base plate  51 . Locking ring  54  locks into groove  57  of base plate  51 . The thumb lock assembly  60  keeps the round cover  79  from rotating. The thumb lock barrel and catch  64  is held in place when in the locked position  76  by the thumb lock retaining pin  63 . When the thumb barrel catch  64  is depressed, the cover  79  can be rotated from the locked position  76  to the unlocked position  77 . Rotating cover  79  acts on extension arm  55 , which acts on locking arm  58  releasing locking arm flange  59  from semicircular groove  26  of the canopy retain pin assembly  20 . Locking arm  58  is fixed inferiorly by locking screw  38  and locking screw base  39 . There is an access hole  78  in the round cover  79  to allow access to locking screw  38 , thereby allowing the external locking mechanism assembly  50  to mounted to base plate  33 . Finger grips  75 , of round cover  79  are to assist grip when turning. The Type C thumb lock assembly  60  is comprised of the thumb lock barrel with catch  64 , the thumb lock spring  61 , and the thumb lock retaining screw  62 . The thumb lock barrel with catch  64  locks onto the thumb lock retaining pin  63  in the locked position  76 . When in unlocked position  77 , the thumb lock retaining screw  62  maintains position of the thumb lock barrel with catch  64 . When in the locked position  76 , the thumb lock spring  61  maintains the locked position of the thumb lock barrel catch  64  onto thumb lock retaining pin  63 . Type C mechanism assembly  50  with hinge plate  33  and grooved barrel  2  in side view  49 . 
         [0047]    The hinge locking and releasing mechanism assembly  66   FIG. 11  is set forth in detail in  FIG. 11  and also shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 11  and is composed of three main components, the hinge plate  33  and the hinge base  65  that are operatively connected via a hinge retaining pin  70 , and described as assembly  66 . The hinge plate  33  is held against the outside (but could be placed on the inside) of the canopy  1  by the compression of the external and internal canopy retaining pin locking and releasing mechanisms via the canopy retaining pin assembly  20  for Types A and C external locking and releasing mechanisms or via the canopy pin  21  for the Type B external mechanism. The hinge plate  33  has a lower barrel  40  which parallels the direction of the side of the canopy  1  and is connected to the fuselage mounted hinge base  65  barrels  69  by a hinge retaining pin  70 . The hinge retaining pin  70  has a pull handle  73  and travel stop  74  on one end and dual spring  71  and ball locks  72  on the other end. The hinge retaining pin  70  ball locks are comprised of springs  71  and balls  72  swaged into the hinge retaining pin  70  end. The hinge base  65  is the support for two hinge barrels  69  which in effect sandwich the hinge plate barrel  40  at either end, and the hinge pin  70  is passed through barrels  69  and  40  forming the hinge mechanism assembly  66 . At the hinge base  65  inferior edge, there is an inferiorly projecting tab  67 . The inferiorly projecting tab  67  has a locking recess  68 . The inferiorly projecting tab  67  is inserted in a vertical direction into the fuselage locking and releasing mechanism  80  shown in  FIG. 12 , and retained in position by the fuselage locking and releasing mechanism  80 , thereby fixating the hinge mechanism and its above-described components to the fuselage. 
         [0048]    The fuselage locking and releasing mechanism  80  is set forth in  FIG. 12  for engagement with hinge mechanism  66   FIG. 11 , and is composed of a locking tab  91  held into locking recess  68  on the inferiorly projecting tab  67  by a spring  82 . The cockpit internal pull strap  90 , the locking tab  91 , the spring  82 , and the cockpit external push button  92 , and the structure they are mounted to is described as one assembly  81 . Assembly  81  comprises the moveable parts of the fuselage locking and releasing mechanism and fits into the fuselage locking and releasing housing/mount  85  and is operatively connected to said hinge base locking and releasing mechanism. The fuselage locking and releasing mechanism housing/mount  85  has fasteners such as side tabs  86  to allow for installation into the fuselage. The fuselage locking and releasing mechanism housing/mount  85  has a spring  87  which assists in ejecting the inferiorly projecting tab  67  when the fuselage locking and releasing mechanism is unlocked via the pull strap  90  or the push button  92 . The locking tab  91  is released from the inferiorly projecting tab  67  locking recess  68  by two methods. One method is by pulling on strap  90  while inside the cockpit or pushing the release button  92  from outside the cockpit. This will unlock the hinge assembly  66  from the fuselage locking and releasing mechanism  80 , generally located below fuselage level  84 , allowing for the canopy to be opened and accessed from either side. This would be the standard method of locking and releasing the canopy. 
         [0049]    The present invention can be utilized whenever any type of canopy or shield or cover with access to cockpit or drivers chair, and/or a passenger&#39;s chair, is utilized. While a preferred embodiment relates to a racing car, for example an Indy or Formula one style race car, mechanisms of the present invention can be utilized for other vehicles that have either open, or closed cockpits, and utilized for access via but not limited to panels or canopies, or shields, the described locking and releasing canopy mechanisms of the present invention can be utilized. Thus, other uses include canopies for tractors, trains, trains, automobiles, truck cabs, moving vehicles, mobile and non-mobile equipment shields, and wherever such canopies or shields can be installed or utilized. The canopies can generally be made of any type of transparent material such as polyurethanes, polyacrylates, and polycarbonates, or any combination thereof when transparency is desired. If opaque canopies are utilized, they can generally be made out of any type of plastic including polyesters, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, phenolic resins, polyacrylonitriles, polyamides, various rubbers, polyimides, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyvinyl chloride. When panels or shields are utilized, they can be made out of plastics or any conventional type of wood, or metals such as aluminum, steel, copper, and the like as well as various composite laminates. 
         [0050]    Set forth in  FIG. 13  is an alternative use/uses for the locking and releasing mechanism  3  with the retaining pin  70  (as by example shown in assembly  103 ,  FIG. 13 ) and may be applied to retain other soft  101  or hard  100  items (such as containers, fire extinguishers, and/or other equipment or components) and placed inside or outside of a vehicle or other mobile or non-mobile machines or structures. Locking and releasing mechanism  3  is shown in unlocked position  13 , and the functionality of this mechanism has been described in detail in earlier sections and in  FIG. 3 . The retaining pin  70  or  95  may be varied in length such as a long length retaining pin  95  or a short length retaining pin  96  or other sizes as needed. Additional grooves, for example a plurality of grooves  22 , may machined into pin  95  or other sized retaining pins as needed. Locking and releasing mechanism  3  placed by slidable fitment onto retaining pin  95  forms assembly  102 . The remaining end of pin  95  contains a fastener such as threads. Assembly  102  may be placed into a bulkhead  97 , or other such fixed structure forming assembly  103 . The retaining pin may be fixed to the bulkhead by screw force attachment, or by addition of retaining nut  98 . Objects  100  and  102 , as noted above, as well as canopies, shields, panels, etc., can be secured between said internal locking and releasing mechanism  3  and said bulkhead  97 . Strap  99  provides a means of pulling on the locking and releasing mechanism  3  of assembly  103 . Additionally, strap  99  prevents loss of the locking and releasing assembly  3 . 
         [0051]    While in accordance with the Patent Statutes, the best mode and preferred embodiments have been set forth, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather, by the scope of the attached claims. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 
       [0000]    
       
           1  Portion of canopy 
           2  Portion of fuselage 
           3  Internal locking and releasing mechanism assembly ‘Locked position’ 
           4  Pull strap 
           5  Pull strap ring 
           6  Threaded retaining collar 
           7  Spring 
           8  Outside slide 
           9  retaining ball or balls 
           10  Inside sleeve 
           11  Inside sleeve compression flange 
           12  Inside sleeve centering flange 
           13  Internal locking and releasing mechanism assembly ‘Released position’ 
           14  Inside sleeve cavity or cavities for retaining ball or balls 
           19  Angular lock for lock tab  37   
           20  Canopy retaining pin with grooved and threaded barrel assembled 
           21  Canopy retaining pin 
           22  Grooved end of canopy retaining pin 
           23  Threaded end of canopy retaining pin 
           24  grooved and threaded barrel 
           25  nylon lock washer 
           26  semicircular groove in grooved and threaded barrel 
           27  Canopy reinforcing plate 
           28  Type A round clamp assembly 
           29  Type A round clamp mechanism assembled 
           30  Fixed half of round clamp 
           31  Moveable half of round clamp 
           32  Thumb lock for Type A external locking and releasing mechanism 
           33  Hinge plate 
           34  Locking pin 
           35  Leverage arm 
           36  Leverage arm pin 
           37  Thumb lock locking tab 
           38  Locking screw 
           39  Locking screw hinge pin base 
           40  Hinge barrel of hinge flange 
           41  Centering flange of hinge plate ( 33 ) 
           42  Type A round clamp mechanism assembled ‘Locked position’ 
           43  Type A round clamp mechanism assembled ‘Released position’ 
           44  Locking flange of ( 31 ) that fits into groove ( 26 ) of grooved and threaded barrel ( 24 ) 
           45  Type B Threaded and round plate 
           46  Type B with Canopy retaining pin 
           47  Type B Threaded and round plate centering flange. 
           48  Type B external locking mechanism with canopy retaining pin 
           49  Type C external locking and releasing mechanism assembled with hinge plate 
           50  Type C external locking and releasing mechanism assembled 
           51  Type C base plate for cover ( 79 ) 
           52  Round cover containing thumb locking mechanism and locking arm 
           53  Extension arm fixing pin 
           54  Locking ring 
           55  Extension arm 
           56  Extension arm to locking arm connecting pin 
           57  Groove for locking ring ( 54 ) 
           58  Locking arm 
           59  Locking arm flange that fits into groove ( 26 ) of grooved and threaded barrel ( 24 ) 
           60  Thumb lock push button mechanism assembled 
           61  Thumb lock spring 
           62  Thumb lock retaining screw 
           63  Thumb lock retaining pin 
           64  Thumb lock barrel with catch 
           65  Hinge base 
           66  Hinge base locking and releasing assembly 
           67  Locking tab of hinge base 
           68  Locking tab recess 
           69  Hinge barrel of hinge base 
           70  Hinge retaining pin 
           71  Hinge retaining pin ball lock spring 
           72  Hinge retaining pin ball lock 
           73  Hinge retaining pin Pull handle 
           74  Hinge retaining pin travel stop 
           75  Type C cover finger grips 
           76  Type C external locking and releasing mechanism ‘Locked position’ 
           77  Type C external locking and releasing mechanism ‘released position’ 
           78  Type C cover access hole for locking screw ( 38 ) 
           79  Type C cover 
           80  Fuselage locking and releasing mechanism assembled 
           81  Locking tab and button mount 
           82  Locking tab and button mount retaining spring 
           83  Hinge plate spring 
           84  Level of fuselage 
           85  Fuselage locking and releasing mechanism mounting base 
           86  Fuselage locking and releasing mechanism mounting fastener 
           87  Fuselage locking and releasing mechanism ejecting spring 
           90  Internal pull strap 
           91  locking tab 
           92  External push button 
           95  Long length retaining pin 
           96  Short length retaining pin 
           97  Bulkhead 
           98  Nut 
           99  Strap 
           100  Hard object 
           101  Soft object 
           102  Complete pin locking and releasing assembly