Patent ID: 6486550
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A locking mechanism capable of being detachably secured to a housing comprising:a cam ring comprising a plurality of cam slots each having an angular inner surface; a plurality of locking elements movably disposed within the cam slots adjacent the angular inner surface; a retention ring slidably coupled to the cam ring, the retention ring having a plurality of apertures adapted to retain the locking elements within the cam slots, wherein the retention ring is concentric with the cam ring such that the apertures are operatively positioned adjacent the cam slots and the locking elements are operatively movable between a first position wherein a portion of the locking elements only protrude from the retention ring in a first direction and a second position wherein the locking elements also protrude from the retention ring in an opposite direction; and an engagement mechanism on the housing for engagement with the locking elements when the housing is positioned concentrically with respect to the retention ring such that the engagement mechanism is adjacent the apertures.