US3578273A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reusable holdback release device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-01-22
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Granted: 1971-05-11
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Expires: 1989-01-22
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to novel and improved apparatus for restraining an aircraft from a catapult assisted takeoff until a predetermined required launch force is developed. The improved aircraft restraining or holdback apparatus includes a pair of coupling elements, one of which is secured to the aircraft and the other of which is secured to the aircraft takeoff surface. In their intercoupled condition, flexible fingers of the one element engage an annular groove in a piston operated component of the other element. A sleeve on the said other element normally prevents disengagement of the fingers from the groove until a preset axial load on the piston develops a pressure that permits movement of the piston to a position beyond the sleeve. When this occurs, the fingers of the one coupling element disengage themselves from the groove of the other coupling element, the holdback device is released and the aircraft begins its takeoff run.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas P Mulgrave
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 16:15
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64F; B64F1/00; B64F1/04; B64F1/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
179 words
Apparatus for preliminarily restraining an aircraft on a launching surface from its launch, said apparatus comprising: a. a first coupling element secured to the aircraft, said first coupling element including a plurality of flexible fingers circumferentially dispoSed about the longitudinal axis of the element and extending substantially parallel thereto, each finger having an inwardly extending projection adjacent its outer extremity which with the inwardly extending projections of the other fingers defines a reduced diameter inner peripheral surface; b. a second coupling clement secured to the aircraft launching surface, said second coupling element including a tapered locking head which moves on the longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position, said locking head having an annular groove into which the flexible fingers of the first element snap when the tapered head is inserted in the reduced diameter surface of the first element; c. means for locking the flexible fingers in the groove in the tapered head when it occupies its retracted position; d. and means for controlling movement of the locking head between its retracted and extended positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
179 words
Apparatus for preliminarily restraining an aircraft on a launching surface from its launch, said apparatus comprising: a. a first coupling element secured to the aircraft, said first coupling element including a plurality of flexible fingers circumferentially dispoSed about the longitudinal axis of the element and extending substantially parallel thereto, each finger having an inwardly extending projection adjacent its outer extremity which with the inwardly extending projections of the other fingers defines a reduced diameter inner peripheral surface; b. a second coupling clement secured to the aircraft launching surface, said second coupling element including a tapered locking head which moves on the longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position, said locking head having an annular groove into which the flexible fingers of the first element snap when the tapered head is inserted in the reduced diameter surface of the first element; c. means for locking the flexible fingers in the groove in the tapered head when it occupies its retracted position; d. and means for controlling movement of the locking head between its retracted and extended positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus substantially as described in claim 1 wherein the means for locking the flexible fingers in the groove of the tapered locking head includes a sleeve that normally overlies the outer extremity of the flexible fingers and prevents their disengagement from the groove in the locking head when the locking head occupies retracted position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus substantially as described in claim 2 wherein the sleeve is manually operable to a position where it allows movement of the fingers into engagement with the groove in the locking head when the locking head occupies its retracted position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus substantially as described in claim 1 and further including a fluid system that controls movement of the locking head from its normally retracted position to its extended position when a predetermined tension between the coupling elements is exceeded.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus substantially as described in claim 4 wherein the fluid system includes means for controlling the tension between the coupling elements where the locking head moves to its extended position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus substantially as described in claim 4 wherein the fluid system includes manually operable means for moving the locking head to its extended position at any time.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus substantially as described in claim 1 and further including means for controlling the relative rotational dispositions of the coupling elements in their coupled condition.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-10 | 1974-11-09 | 1975-05-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-10 | 1978-11-09 | 1979-05-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-10 | 1982-11-09 | 1983-05-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |