HOLD DOWN LATCH ASSEMBLY FOR HATCH COVERS

摘要

Case 611 In accordance with the present invention a hatch cover hold down arrangement is provided including a handle which pivots about a first mounting pin. The handle includes an elongated locking slot. A locking member includes an extension which in one position is located over and holds in place a hatch cover. A locking pin extends from the locking member into the elongated slot in the handle and a mounting pin slot is provided in the locking member which receives the mounting pin upon which the handle is pivotably mounted. Preferably the mounting pin is supported by a flange located adjacent to the locking member which includes a vertical surface which guides the locking member during vertical movement between open and closed positions. The locking member includes a surface which engages the flange vertical surface as the locking member is lifted by the handle and locking pin from the closed position toward open position and prevents initial rotation of the locking member. However, when the handle pivot pin bottoms out in the bottom of the slot in the locking member, the pressure within the car has been relieved and the locking member moves with the handle to a position which no longer obstructs the cover.