FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to various mechanisms in cargo transporting that are
used for loading and unloading cargo. This invention is related to cargo containers,
doors of cargo containers and especially to additional strengthening improvements
of containers, container locking mechanism and control mechanisms that are used in
cargo containers for opening and closing doors and for protection against deformation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Metal cargo container is one of the most commonly used tools, which can be used for
compact and comfortable placing and accumulation of industrial waste and resources
and which later can be comfortably and safely transported by ships, planes or cargo
trucks.
[0003] The related Japanese patent No.
JP2004017926 has been published on 22 January, 2004. This patent provides a container fastening
mechanism in a container cargo work vehicle in which a container can be stably held
on a vehicle body even in the container cargo work vehicle not sliding the container
when loading and unloading the container. The fastening mechanism includes a fastening
member, an operating lever and a connecting member. The operating lever performs loading
and unloading function. The fastening member fastens the container to the vehicle
body. The operating lever connected to the fastening member via connecting mechanism
ensures fastening of the container and its release in respect to the vehicle's body.
However, this solution does not analyse problemacy of opening and closing container
doors and it does not analyse possibilities of strengthening the container.
[0004] The related American patent No.
US2006290147 was published on 28 December, 2006. This patent provides a cargo seal assembly of
a cargo container, which is designed to protect the container from unwanted breakage
or theft. This closing construction comprises an elongated flexible material segment
having a distal end, a proximal end and an intermediate portion extending therebetween,
as well as a lock body attached to the flexible material at two separate, spaced apart
locations. The flexible material is in surrounding relation to the standard lock rods,
when tightened and locked it prevents opening of a cargo container door. However,
this patent does not deal with possibilities of strengthening doors of cargo container.
It also does not deal with locking constructions of containers, which are designed
to close and to strengthen a container door.
[0005] One more related American patent No.
US3796397 was published on March 12, 1974, which deals with a retractable cargo container latch
assembly for securing cargo containers or pallets to the seat-tracks in the floor
of an aircraft compartment. The latch mechanism comprises a pair of rotatable latch
arms, each having a vertical restraint lip integral therewith in combination with
a spring-loaded pawl for securing the latch-head assembly in the upright extended
cargo engaging position. Even though this invention uses the latch mechanism, however
the technical solution only deals with securing a container to the external stable
base.
[0006] Another related American patent No.
US2005126235 was published on June 16, 2005. This patent provides a construction and a method for strengthening and protection
of container doors against unauthorised opening, when a container is moving vertically
(lifted up or lowered down). This construction comprises a hook-form and key-form
elements. One part of a hook form element is attached to the door of a container,
while the other to the base of a container. One part of a key-form element is attached
to the door of a container, while the other to the fixed catching element, which is
mounted on the surface of the door and the ending of the key-form element is being
inserted into the space, which is formed by the fixed catching element. This technical
solution strengthens and protects cargo container doors against unplanned or unwanted
openings due to the pressure of the cargo to the doors from the inside. However, this
locking construction is uncomfortable and complicated, as it is difficult to release
or lift the hook when the surface of the door is bent due to the high pressure from
the inside.
[0007] The closest European patent for this technological level is
EP 1460218, which was published on September 22, 2004. The patent provides a container fastening construction that is designed to secure
a container on the vehicle body. Besides, this construction does not allow unwanted
opening of a cargo container door. For this purpose, a mobile bolting construction
is integrated at the side of the vehicle. The base of this mobile bolting construction
comprises a latch, a spring and a dead point linkage to the cab of a truck. Therefore,
during the bad weather (or just for the comfort of a driver), a driver can release
a container from the platform of a vehicle, in order to allow lifting a container
by the help of outside tools (e.g. crane), without stepping out of the cabin. A driver
can do it by using the above mentioned dead point linkage mechanism, thus initiating
the release of a container from a latch. This technical solution is oriented toward
the comfortable operation, but it does not solve problematic cases connected to the
locking systems of a container door and to the deformation of a container door.
[0008] One of the main problems that arise when working with cargo containers is a container
door deformation. Even small deformations of a container door may pose serious problems,
as it becomes more difficult to open and especially to close a container door. Deformations
of a container door are caused by the inner movement of cargo inside the container
(due to the inertion), especially when the cargo consists of loose material (sand,
coal, waste and similar). Presently used locks and latch systems for locking and fastening
a container door do not prevent from door deformation. Usage of existing constructions
requires from drivers to be very attentive and to strictly apply appropriate procedures.
Quite frequently due to a human factor, drivers forget to perform one or other important
operation and thus quite frequently a door of a container needs to be repaired. Clearly,
this is not desirable, it is expensive and uncomfortable, especially on the way during
the execution of an order.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Presently four constructions are used for locking up container doors:
- upper standard locking mechanism, designed to fix and fasten a door to the upper part
of a container;
- lower standard locking mechanism, designed to fix and fasten a door to the lower part
of a container;
- middle standard lock, designed to fasten a rod, to which the above mentioned upper
and lower standard locks are attached; and
- lower additional lock mechanism, designed additionally to fasten a container door
to a container's lower part (base).
[0010] The innovative nature of this invention is that a construction is designed to strengthen
and protect a container door against deformations and to ease the work of drivers.
It is offered:
- Instead of lower additional locking mechanism to use other construction (further this
construction will be called lower automatic locking mechanism); and (additionally)
- Instead of upper standard locking mechanism to use other construction (further this
construction will be call upper improved locking mechanism).
[0011] The essence of the lower automatic locking mechanism is a special construction (detailed
description is given in the implementation part), which automatically locks up when
container doors are pushed to close. The usage of the lower automatic locking mechanism
allows to achieve essentially new quality: it is easier and more comfortable for a
driver to lock a container door, it is easier and more comfortable for a driver to
close all other remaining locking mechanisms, and it allows a driver to cross out
one operation from a list of safety procedures (starting a mechanism on a container's
side wall), which is done by the new locking system automatically, and thus the human
factor problem is resolved.
[0012] The essence of the upper improved locking mechanism is a special construction (detailed
description is given in the implementation part), which in the locked up state, when
the pressure from the inner space of a container is periodically changing, adopts
to the pressure differences and not only performs the function of the lock, but also
protects container doors and container sides against deformation.
[0013] The goal of this invention is improved and safe locking mechanisms, i.e. (constructions)
which much better (in comparison with the current technological level) protects a
cargo container's (metal) side walls and doors (especially doors) from deformation,
that may occur during the transportation of different cargo types (especially loose
material). The other goal of this invention is the usage of improved mechanisms, in
order to simplify and to make the work easier for drivers, who work with cargo containers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
Fig. 1 depicts a schematic side view of a cargo container,
Fig. 2 depicts a schematic front view of a cargo container as viewed from the doors
(doors are usually opened from inside to outside and typically they are installed
at a container's end;
Fig. 3 depicts a detailed view of the lower automatic locking mechanism (construction),
where geometry of the lower automatic locking mechanism can be seen. The mechanism
allows container doors to lock up automatically and make a driver's work easier.
Fig. 4a depicts the operating principle of the lower automatic locking mechanism,
when doors are closed (start of the closing process).
Fig 4b depicts the operating principle of the lower automatic locking mechanism, when
doors are closed (the doors have almost locked up, but they still have a possibility
to return back).
Fig 4c depicts the operating principle of the lower automatic locking mechanism, when
doors are closed (the doors have completely locked up).
Fig. 5 depicts the upper improved locking mechanism (construction).
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERED EMBODIMENT
[0015] Transportation of cargo is one of the most important and oldest of human activities.
Even though many new technologies have been developed, however the essential principles
of cargo transportation have not changed a lot. Presently, one of the main ways of
cargo transportation is the usage of cargo vehicles, which deliver metal containers
(or containers made from other materials) with the loaded cargo to the endpoints of
delivery. The transportation of the containers is related with many operations: placing
of the container onto the vehicle, removing of the container from the vehicle, transportation
of the container from one place to the other, loading and unloading the container
etc. Practice has shown that the most vulnerable construction is the one that comprises
moving or rotating parts, also the one that is affected repeatedly by external or
innertive forces. The vulnerable point of this construction is the door, which is
needed for loading and discharge of the cargo. Due to the cargo's innertion, the doors
are repeatedly affected by pressure. Therefore, it has been noticed that it is not
sufficient to have only standard upper and lower locks for closing a container's door.
For this purpose an additional lower locking mechanism has been constructed, which
gives additional support for the doors and strengthens them. Thus, as it has been
mentioned earlier, presently four constructions are used for locking a container's
door: upper standard locking mechanism, designed to fix and fasten a door to the upper
part of a container; lower standard locking mechanism, designed to fix and fasten
a door to the lower part of a container; middle standard lock, designed to fasten
a rod, to which the above mentioned upper and lower standard locks are attached; and
lower additional lock mechanism, designed additionally to fasten a container door
to a container's lower part (base). However, the usage of the additional lower locking
mechanism is not very comfortable, as this mechanism during the procedure of closing
the door needs to be separately activated from the side of a container after the fixation
of standard upper and lower locking mechanisms. That is an extra important action,
which sometime is disregarded by drivers. Besides, drivers often simply forget activating
this additional lower locking mechanism due to a human factor. This mistake may cause
serious container door deformations, as well as deformations of locking mechanism
that are hard (or impossible) to repair, when a container is unloaded from the transport
vehicle and put on the hard surface, e.g. on the asphalt (in this case, the "sharp"
weight damages the surface).
[0016] When using these existing locking mechanisms, the order of opening the doors of a
container is the following:
- middle standard lock is being opened;
- by using a handle that is connected to a rod, and turning this rod around its axis
towards himself, the standard upper and lower locks are being unlocked (released);
- by using the starting mechanism for the lower additional lock, which is typically
mounted on the side wall of a container, the lower additional lock is being put down;
- by pulling the handle of a rod towards himself, one part of the doors (most frequently
the left) is being opened;
- the second part of the door remains free, thus it can be opened with a hand.
[0017] When using the existing locking mechanisms, the order of closing the doors of a container
is the following:
- by using a physical force one part of the door (which is without a handle) is pushed
towards a container until it presses up to the frame of a container;
- by using a physical force and pushing the handle of the rod from himself towards a
container, the other part of the door is also being pushed until it presses up to
the frame of a container;
- by using a handle that is connected to the rod and turning the rod from himself to
the right, standard upper and lower locking mechanism are being locked up;
- by using the starting mechanism for the lower additional lock, which is typically
mounted on the side wall of a container, the lower additional lock is being lifted
up.
[0018] The practice shows, that even the small deformation of the door makes it harder to
close the door of a container, i.e. more and more physical force is needed for the
action. When it is difficult to close the door during the travel, often hammers and
metal sticks are being used to solve the difficult situation. During the execution
of a commercial order, such unplanned circumstances and situations are very undesirable.
In order to solve these problems, this invention present improved locking mechanisms
(X1 and X2): lower automatic locking mechanism (X1) and upper improved locking mechanism
(X2). The innovation of this mechanism is its ability to strengthen and protect the
doors of a container against deformations and to make a driver's work easier:
- instead of the lower additional locking mechanism to use the lower automatic locking
mechanism (X1); and
- instead of the upper standard locking mechanism to use the upper improved locking
mechanism (X2).
[0019] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 depict the construction of a cargo container (1), where the new
technical solution is being implemented. Fig. 1 depicts a schematic side view of the
cargo container (1), while Fig. 2 depicts a schematic front view of the cargo container
(1) from the side of the doors (7). A (metal) cargo container (1) is comprised of:
a door (7), hinges (21), a lower automatic locking mechanism (X1), an upper improved
locking mechanism (X2), a lower standard locking mechanism (X3), a middle standard
locking mechanism (X4), a rod of locking mechanisms (X2,3 and X3,4), the base of the
container (19). The lower automatic mechanism (X1) is comprised of: a lock (2), an
ending of the lock (14), a spring (13), a rod (9), a side handle (8), and a chain
(15). The middle standard locking mechanism (X4) comprises of: a rod (18), a handle
of the rod (5), and a fixer (6). Typically container doors (7) are opened from inside
to outside and comprise of two parts: the right (7b) and the left (7a). Each part
of the doors (7), appropriately the left (7a) and the right (7b) is mounted to the
appropriately the left and the right side walls of the container (1) by the help of
hinges. The hinge (21) also is used in the construction of the middle standard locking
mechanism (X4), as it fixes the mentioned mechanism (X4) to the surface of the container
door. The upper (3) and lower (4) locks are designed for mechanical locking and unlocking
the doors of the container. The upper improved mechanism (3) and the lower standard
lock (4) are connected therebetween via the locking rod (18), which can be rotated
around its own axis by using the handle of the rod (5). When in the closing position
the mentioned handle of the rod (5) is fixed by the fixer (6).
[0020] Fig. 3 depicts the detailed view of the lower automatic locking mechanism (X1), comprising
of: a lock (2), a spring (13), a connecting element (10), a rod (9), a side handle
(8), a lock ending (hook) (14), a chain (15), a rotating axis of a lock (11) and a
rotation rod axis (12). The exclusive element of the lower automatic locking mechanism
(X1) is the hook (14), which construction is special in the way, that when pushing
the door (7) towards the inside of the container (1) the spring (13) is activated,
and the door (7) locks up and fixes up automatically. The operation principle of the
lower automatic locking mechanism (X1) is such: the lock (2) together with the connecting
element (10) are tightly connected with the rotating axis of the lock (11), which
is fixed to the base of a container (19). The rotating axis of the lock (11) is rotating
together with the connecting element (1).
[0021] The connecting element (10) is also connected to the rod (9) via the rotating axis
of the rod (12), which is activated by moving (down) the side handle (8), which is
fixated by the chain (15). The side handle (8) is located near the side of the container
and it is distanced at minimum of 1.5 m (15,000 mm) from the surface of the door (7)
of the container (1) (this distance to be measured from the surface of the door in
the closed position). Such location of the handle (8) is necessary, in order to protect
a driver from an accident due to the sudden opening of the door (7), when the handle
(8) is pressed down and the lower automatic locking mechanism (X1) is released. The
door (7) may unexpectedly and widely (even up to 270 degrees) open due to the high
pressure from the inside of the cargo to the door (7) of the container (1). The spring
(13) connects the connecting element (10) with the frame of the container (1). The
spring (13) performs the return function and all the time tries to keep the lock (2)
in the closed (locked up) position. The connecting element (10) connects the rod (9)
and the lock (2) via the rotating axis of the lock (11) and the rotating axis of the
rod (12) and transfers the moment of rotation from the rod (9) to the lock (2). The
rotating axis of the lock (11) connects the connecting element (1) with the lock (2).
The rod (9), one ending of which is connected to the connecting element (10) via the
rotating axis of the rod (12) and the other ending is connected with the side handle
(8), performs the release function of the lock (2). The rotating axis of the rod (12)
connects the connecting element (10) with the rod (9). The side handle (8), which
is connected to the rod (9), allows transferring the motion of pulling and pushing
to the rod (9). The chain (15) protects the side handle (8) from the self-contained
moving down.
[0022] Fig. 4a depicts the principle of operation of the lower automatic locking mechanism
(X1), when the door (7) is being closed (starting phase of the door (7) closing).
During the starting phase of closing of the door (7) the lower part of the door presses
down the lock (2) on the point (A). When the door (7) is further moved towards the
(N) direction, the mentioned lock (2) moves further down towards the (K) direction.
[0023] Fig. 4b depicts the principle of operation of the lower automatic locking mechanism
(X1), when the door (7) is being closed (the door (7) is almost locked up, but there
is still a possibility to move back). This position depicts a situation, when pushing
the door (7) further towards the (N) direction, the lower part of the door (7) reaches
the end point of its movement at the point (B). In this case, the lock (2) is in its
lowest vertical position.
[0024] Fig. 4c depicts the principle of operation of the lower automatic locking mechanism
(X1), when the door (7) has been closed (the door (7) is locked up). This position
depicts a situation, when pushing the door (7) further towards the (N) direction,
the lower part of the door (7) is passing the point (B) and reaches the point (C).
In this case the lock (2) is being released because of the force of the spring (13),
and it is lifted up towards the (K) direction. This moment is the automatic locking
up of the doors.
[0025] When using the invention of the lower automatic locking mechanism (X1), the order
of opening the doors of the container (1) is almost identical to the earlier mentioned
order of the lower standard additional locking mechanism:
- by using the start mechanism of the lower additional lock (X1), which is typically
mounted on the side wall of the container, the lock (2) is being put down;
- the middle standard lock is being opened (6);
- by using the handle (5) that is connected to the rod (18), and turning this rod (18)
around its axis towards himself, the upper improved (3) lock and the lower standard
lock (4) are being unlocked (released);
- by pulling the handle (5) of the rod (18) towards himself, one part of the doors (most
frequently the left) is being opened;
- the second part of the door (7) remains free, thus it can be opened with a hand.
[0026] However, when using the invention of the lower automatic locking mechanism (X1),
the order of closing the doors of the container (1) has essentially changed. It becomes
simpler and more comfortable:
- by using a physical force one part of the door (which is without a handle) is pushed
towards the container until it presses up to the frame of the container;
- by using a physical force and pushing the handle (5) of the rod (18) from himself
towards the container (1), the other part of the door (7) is also being pushed towards
the frame of the container (1) until it locks up with the lock (2);
- by using a handle (5), which is connected to the rod (18), and turning the rod (18)
from himself to the right, the upper improved locking mechanism (3) and the lower
standard locking mechanism (4) are being locked up;
[0027] Fig. 5 depicts the upper improved locking mechanism (X2), which construction is special
in the way, that in the closed state (position) when affected by the changing intensity
of pressure from the inside of the container (1) due to the cargo's "rocking", it
(the mechanism) adopts to the pressure differences and it does not only perform the
function of the lock but also protects the door (7) and the sides of the container
(1) from deformations. It has been observed, that when transporting a cargo, especially
if the cargo is loose material (sand, coal, loose waste and etc.), the cargo is acting
similarly as the water, i.e. it is "rocking". Such cargo's behaviour is very negatively
affecting the doors (7) of the container (1) and often deforms them. In order to neutralize
this negative effect, this invention provides the upper improved locking mechanism
(X2), which is comprised of the following parts of construction: a rod (18), a rounded
"7" form hook (22), the left side of the door (7(a)), the right side of the door (7(b)),
a finger (16) and a striker (17). As it was mentioned earlier, the upper improved
locking mechanism is being closed and opened by using the handle (5) that has a stable
connection to the rod (18), to which are connected the upper improved locking mechanism
and the lower standard locking mechanism. The door (7) is mechanically fixated by
using the rod (18), while turning it around its own axis with the handle (5). The
central part of the rod (18) is connected to the handle (5), and its upper end with
the rounded "7" form hook (22), in order to rotate the mentioned hook (22) around
its own axis. The hook (22) is connected to the rod (18), where during the closing
phase of the door (7) the mentioned hook (22) is put (is hooked) on the finger (16).
The finger (16) is firmly connected to the striker (17), and the finger (16), when
the cargo exerts the pressure to the door (7), is being pushed towards the (y) direction,
however it does not move due to the "L," form bend in the surface of the mentioned
hook (22). Also the mentioned finger (16) is pushed towards the (x) direction, however
it does not move due to the striker (17), which is firmly connected to the door (7).
The striker (17) is firmly connected to the door and does not allow the finger (16)
to move towards the (x) direction. In this way, the invention of the upper improved
mechanism (X2) not only performs the function of the lock, but it also protects the
doors (7) and the side walls of the container (1) from deformations.
[0028] In order, to present this invention, descriptions of the most appropriate methods
of implementation are presented above. However, this is not complete or limiting invention,
which tries to define the exact form or the method of implementation. The above presented
description should only be viewed as an illustration, but not as limitation. Clearly,
many modifications and variations may be obvious to field specialists. The methods
of implementation are selected and described with the purpose to present them to field
specialists, who can in the best possible way to explain the principles of this invention
and to choose the best possible way of usage for different ways of implementation
with different modifications, that are suitable for certain usage or for the adaptation
of the implementation, whereas in specific situations quantitative measurements of
this mechanism may differ. It should be noted, that the scope of the invention is
defined with the added definition and its equivalents, where all the mentioned terms
are meaningful in the broad sense unless specifically noted. It must be admitted,
that changes can be presented within the scope of this invention in the variants of
this implementation described by the field specialist, so as it defined in the following
definition.
1. A cargo container that is designed for the storage and transport of various type of
cargo, comprising
- the upper standard locking mechanism that is designed to fix and attach the doors
to the header of the container;
- the lower standard locking mechanism that is designed to fix and attach the doors
to the base of the container;
- the middle standard locking mechanism that is designed to fix the rod, to which
the upper and the lower standard locking mechanisms are attached;
and
- the lower additional locking mechanism that is designed additionally to fix the
doors to the base of the container;
characterized in that
instead of the lower additional mechanism is used the lower automatic locking mechanism
(X1),
comprising:
the lock (2), the ending (14) of which has a special geometry, such that when pushing
the door (7) towards the inside of the container (1) the spring (13) is activated,
and the door (7) locks up and fixes up automatically,
where
- during the starting phase of closing of the door (7) the lower part of the door
presses down the lock (2) on the point (A), when the door (7) is further moved towards
the (N) direction, the mentioned lock (2) further moves down towards the (K) direction;
- when further pushing the door (7) towards the (N) direction, the lower part of the
door (7) reaches the end point of its movement at the point (B); in this case, the
lock (2) is in its lowest vertical position;
- when further pushing the door (7) towards the (N) direction, the lower part of the
door (7) is passing the point (B) and reaches the point (C), then the lock (2) is
being released because of the force of the spring (13), and it is lifted up towards
the (K) direction; this moment is the automatic locking up of the doors;
the spring (13), which is connected to the connecting element (10) and to the frame
of the container (1), which is constantly affecting (lifting) the ending (14) of the
lock towards the (K) direction; the connecting element (10) connected to the rod (9)
and the lock (2) via the rotating axis of the lock (11) and the rotating axis of the
rod (12), which transfers the sliding motion from the rod (9) to the lock (2);
the rotating axis of the lock (11) connecting the connecting element (10) with the
lock (2);
the rod (9), one ending of which is connected to the connecting element (10) via the
rotating axis of the rod (12) and the other ending is connected with the side handle
(8), where by pulling the rod (9) the release function of the lock (2) is performed;
the rotating axis of the rod (12), which connects the connecting element (10) with
the rod (9);
the side handle (8), which is connected to the rod (9), and which allows to transfer
the motion of pulling and pushing to the rod (9) with the help of the hand; and
the chain (15), which protects the side handle (8) from the self-contained moving
down;
enabling:
the release of the container door by using the handle (8) and / or locking up the
door (7) of the container (1) by pushing the door (7) towards the (N) direction.
2. The cargo container according to claim 1,
characterized in that instead of the upper standard locking mechanism is used the upper improved locking
mechanism,
comprising:
the door (7), which is mechanically closed by using the rod (18),
while turning it around its own axis with the handle (5);
the rod (18), the central part of which is connected to the handle (5), and its upper
end with the rounded "7" form hook (22), in order to rotate the hook (22) around its
own axis;
the hook (22), which is connected to the rod (18), where during the closing phase
of the door (7) this hook (22) is put on the finger (16);
the finger (16), which is firmly connected to the striker (17), and
when the cargo exerts the pressure to the door (7),
the finger (16) is being pushed towards the (y) direction, however it does not move
due to the "L" form bend in the surface of the mentioned hook (22);
also this finger (16) is pushed towards the (x) direction, however it does not move
due to the striker (17), which is firmly connected to the door (7);
the striker (17), which is firmly connected to the door and which
does not allow the finger (16) to move towards the (x) direction;
which performs not only the function of the lock of the doors (7), but it also protects
the doors (7) and the side walls of the container (1) from deformations.
3. The cargo container according to claim 1, characterized in that above mentioned side handle (8), which is located near the side of the container
and it is distanced minimum 1,5 m (15000 mm) from the surface of the door (7) of the
container (1) (this distance to be measured from the surface of the door in the closed
position),
in order to protect a driver from an accident due to the sudden opening of the door
(7), when the handle (8) is pressed down and the lower automatic locking mechanism
(X1) is released.
4. The closing method according to claims 1-3,
characterized in that it comprises the following stages:
- by using a physical force one part of the door (7) (which is typically without a
handle) is pushed towards the container (1) until it presses up to the frame of the
container;
- by using a physical force and pushing the handle (5) of the rod (18) from himself
towards the container (1), the other part of the door (7) is also being pushed towards
the frame of the container (1) until it locks up with the lock (2);
- by using a handle (5), which is connected to the rod (18), and turning the rod (18)
from himself to the right, the upper improved locking mechanism (3) and the lower
standard locking mechanism (4) are being locked up.