PRESSURE ACTIVATED LINEAR LOCKING MECHANISMS AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

Pressure activated linear locking mechanisms and related methods. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including: a first and second cover defining an inner and outer surface, a length, and a locking portion, respectively; a first and second hollow defined in the locking portion of the first and second cover member, respectively, the hollows extending along the length of the first and second cover members, respectively; a locking member defining first and second appendages extending along a first and second side, respectively, each appendage defines a cross-section and an internal volume; said first and second appendages disposed within the first and second hollows, respectively, and when the releasable cover is exposed to atmospheric pressure, the first and second appendages in an inflated condition; and the first and second appendages are configured to transition to a deflated condition in response to a predetermined pressure greater than the initial pressure.

主权项

1. A releasable cover comprising:
a first cover member that defines an inner surface, an outer surface, a length, and a first locking portion extending along the length of the first cover member; a first hollow defined in the locking portion of the first cover member, the first hollow extending along the length of the first cover member; a second cover member that defines an inner surface, an outer surface, a length, and a second locking portion extending along the length of the second cover member; a second hollow defined in the second locking portion of the second cover member, the second locking portion extending along the length of the second cover member; a locking member that defines a first appendage extending along a first side, and a second appendage extending along a second side opposite the first side, each appendage defines a cross-sectional shape, and each appendage defines an internal volume; said first appendage disposed within the first hollow, and when the releasable cover is exposed to an initial pressure, the first appendage in an inflated condition; said second appendage disposed within the second hollow, and when the releasable cover is exposed to the initial pressure, the second appendage in an inflated condition; and wherein the first and second appendages are configured to transition to a deflated condition in response to a predetermined pressure greater than the initial pressure.