Patent GB-727593-A (GB)
Abstract: 727,593. Strap fastenings. QUILTER, Sir, J. R. C. June 12, 1953 [June 13, 1952], No. 14953/52. Class 44. In a quick release device for parachute harness comprising a box or casing having slots in its peripheral wall for entry of strap lugs or the like, spring-loaded engagement means, a part-rotatable central member and a member slideable axially within the box or casing for release of the engagement means, the latter comprise a number of rockers mounted in radial recesses in a cover integral with or secured inside the box or casing, the outer ends of the rockers being provided with hooks or bevelled studs for engagement of the strap lugs inserted through the slots in the wall of the box. In the arrangement shown, in which a cylindrical casing 11 is provided with a substantially squareshaped base 12 having a slotted projection 13 at one side by which the casing is secured to a waist belt 14, an annular core member 16 is secured to a back plate 15 within the casing and is provided with four recesses 17 aligned with corresponding slots 18 on the wall of the casing for receiving lugs 19 of four harness straps. The lugs are engaged by rockers 20, loaded by springs 23 and mounted in the recesses 17 on pins 22. The spring 23 is secured centrally by a ring nut 30 upon a sleeve 31 surrounding an axially slideable tubular member 32 on which is mounted a control member 33 having a skirt portion 34 closely surrounding the casing 11. The member 33 is provided with a quick-pitch multi-start thread engaging a threaded portion 36 of the member 32 which is prevented from turning by wings thereon engaging notches in the sleeve 31. Inner ends 28 of the rockers 20 are engageable by the member 32 such that as the control member 33 is turned through 180 degrees to screw it out of the casing and is then forced or pressed back to unlock the fastener, the member 32 is pressed back and pivots the rockers 20 to disengage stud portions 24 thereof from the lugs 19. At the same time the spring 23 moves the sleeve 31 forward to latch the rockers into the disengaged position. To permit re-engagement of the lugs 19, the member 33 is rotated through 180 degrees in the opposite direction, causing sleeve 31 to be pushed back, thereby releasing the rockers, and the member 32 to be drawn forwards. Entry of the lugs 19 while the member 33 is in the unlocked position, is prevented by a spring-loaded plate 41 moveable within an annular groove 42 in the casing and having tongues 44 extending through part-circular slots 45 in the casing adjacent to the slots for the lugs 19. When the member 33 is rotated during the locking movement thereof, the plate 41 is forced back by rods 46 to expose the slots for the lugs 19. The member 33 is steaded by a pin 48 secured to the base of the casing and includes stop arms to limit its rotation. A spring-loaded ball and plunger 51 within a tubular pillar 54 co-operates with diametrically opposite recesses 59 on the main face of the member 33 such that one arm 53 engages the pillar 54 when the ball 57 engages one of the recesses 59 and the other arm engages the other side of the pillar when the ball engages the other recess 59. The position of the member 33 is identifiable by oppositely located bosses containing plugs of red and green material respectively. An additional webbing may be connected, provided with a plate 63 having two eyes on parallel lugs spaced apart at the same distance as that between adjacent rocker ends 24, the eyes being engaged with the ends 24 after the main lugs have been engaged, by slipping the eyes behind the lugs 19.