Oil control ring spacer-expander with improved slip latch

Abstract From the Canadian patent

In a parted spacer expander for a piston oil control ring of the type which includes an array of alternating inner and outer crowns connected by generally diverging spring legs and a support pad extending radially from each inner crown and connected thereto by a pad leg, an improved slip latch comprising a curved rod having a substantially D-shaped cross section and having a radius of curvature equal to or less than the free-state radius of curvature of the spacerexpander. One end of the latch extends through at least one leg opening formed between the spring legs and pads adjacent the expander-ends and is formed with a stop having an axial dimension which prevents passage through the leg …