Release mechanism for a cylindrical object recovery device

摘要

A release mechanism is provided for a structural member, such as a cylindrical object recovery device, wherein the structural member has top and bottom sides. The release mechanism includes a block which is attachable to the structural member so as to extend thereabove. A piston is mounted in the block and is moveable vertically between up and down positions. At least one rod is connected to the piston and extends vertically downwardly beyond the bottom side of the structural member so as to be capable of moving the piston to the upward position when forcibly engaged by the object. A U-shaped holder is fitted over the block with each leg of the holder having a recess. A pair of pistons is laterally mounted in the U-shaped block in an opposing relationship, and each piston is moveable between inward and outward positions. Each lateral piston is engageable with the holder within the holder recess in the outward position so as to retain the U-shaped holder to the block, and each lateral piston clears the respective holder recess in the inward position so as to release the U-shaped holder from the block. A rod is connected to each lateral piston and extends inwardly within the block for engagement and disengagement with the vertical piston as the vertical piston moves from its down position to its up position. A spring arrangement is provided for biasing each lateral piston toward the inward position. Each rod maintains the respective lateral piston in its outward holder engaging position when the lateral piston rod is in engagement with the vertical piston. Further, each rod allows the respective lateral piston to be spring biased to its inward disengaged position with respect to the holder when the lateral piston rod is disengaged from the vertical piston. With this arrangement forcible engagement of the bottom of the vertical rod with the cylindrical object will cause the vertical piston to move upwardly and allow the lateral pistons to move inwardly to release the U-shaped holder from the block and the structural member.