Abstract:
Module components are packaged individually and delivered in a non-integrated state. These separate modules may be assembled readily without the use of specialized tools. A preferred configuration is a solid ink printer base module and a second module mounted to the base module through a quick coupling, quick release mechanism. The coupling mechanism may include a hinge and a self-actuating catch. A module coupling system with complementary parts on each module comprises: a first module having a coupling housing and a catch engagement surface, and a second module having a physical, three-dimensional guide surface, a biased retractable catch, a catch decoupling device, and a catch reset mechanism.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The invention relates to a quick coupling/decoupling mechanism for units that may be assembled by unskilled users. The coupling mechanism may or may not include a hinge function. As a hinging motion is easily incorporated and provides additional functionality, the invention will be described chiefly in that context. The hinge assembly is particularly suited for releasably coupling a first pivoting module to a base module. The hinge assembly may include a self-actuating catch that locks the hinge in a closed position when the upper module is detached from the base module. 
     Larger systems with modules that cannot be assembled as shipped from the factory place a burden on customers to do assembly steps they may not typically be qualified to perform. This is especially problematic if the operation of or safety of the system or modules being assembled could be compromised as a consequence of incorrect or incomplete assembly. 
     Printers, copiers, facsimiles and other reprographic products typically have a cover or structural housing that has to be pivoted open to gain access to internal components, such as for ink or toner replenishment, media jams, etc. Copiers and multifunctional printers and devices with printing, scanning and/or copying functions have additional requirements for pivoting covers. Such multifunction devices besides having printing mechanisms may also include scanning mechanisms and may have a feed unit with automatic document feeding mechanisms. The feed unit is normally oriented in a nearly horizontal position. Such feed units must be pivoted open to access a scanner platen glass for document copying or media jam recovery. 
     Thus, in a reprographic device in which a cover module must be hinged for rotation during normal usage, improper or incomplete assembly of the cover module by a customer may result in serious damage to the various module components, and could pose serious safety concerns to the users of the device should the device not be properly and positively assembled. This is particularly true of devices that move through an extended access pivot range, up to and beyond 90° and are large and/or massive. 
     Another concern over a product that requires more than nominal assembly by a customer is the customer&#39;s response to the actions necessary to place the product in use. Many customers are not tolerant of inappropriate burdens or complex assembly steps. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a hinged multi-module product with easier assembly steps. Moreover, in light of safety and operation concerns, it would be advantageous to provide a product having not only simple assembly, but an assembly that can ensure reliable, positive latching, even with inexperienced users. 
     In accordance with various aspects, hinged module components are packaged individually and delivered in a non-integrated state. In various exemplary embodiments, such separate modules may be assembled readily without the use of specialized tools. In various embodiments, the separate modules may be a base module, such as a reprographic device, and a hinged pivoting module, such as a cover module or a more complex scanning or document feeding assembly mounted to the base module through a detachable hinge assembly. 
     Orientation and placement of various interrelated but separate modules for assembly can be a difficult task for customers unfamiliar with a product. Thus, common assembly solutions such as a thumbscrew or keyslot can be very unreliable, particularly with large and/or bulky modules where visibility to points of concern is less than optimal. Moreover, thumbscrews and similar “latch after placement” retention structures are often all too easy to improperly or incompletely engage or tighten. Accordingly, there is also a need for a reliable assembly method and structure that can result in simple, positive, reliable retention of module assemblies by a customer or technician. 
     In accordance with various aspects, a quick coupling mechanism having mount and locate features is provided on separate module components to allow for easy alignment and assembly of the module components in the field. 
     In accordance with various aspects, a quick coupling mechanism provides a base module with a “set down” landing pad and shoe for receiving a mating “foot print” structure of a corresponding module to be integrated with the base module. In exemplary embodiments, the set down landing pad may accommodate support and initial positioning functions for the corresponding module to encourage correct module orientation and alignment. The set down landing pad can then assist in guiding the corresponding module into a secure positive engagement of the corresponding module within the shoe of the base module. 
     In preferred exemplary embodiments, the “set down” landing pad provides a support mechanism for the assembler that supports a majority of the weight of the upper module during slide coupling. This allows for the assembly of even heavy module components because the assembly does not need to be supported by the customer during the entire assembly process. Moreover, because the weight is supported, it may become easier for the customer to make any necessary relative position corrections to the module prior to full locking assembly of the module components. Thus, in various embodiments, assembly can be achieved with a set down and slide movement that does not require lifting or supporting of the module during the slide alignment. This provides a higher reliability of alignment and positive coupling. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the modules may be provided with a securely coupled catch that can automatically lock one module against removal from the other module. In a preferred embodiment, the catch is near a point where sliding engagement reaches a hard stop. 
     In accordance with various aspects, when the module “foot” is inserted into the complementary “shoe” support of the other module, the guided module may have its movement severely constrained. For example, a “heel” catch may be provided that engages with a rear portion of the guided module, which prevents rearward movement of the module. Moreover, by providing a front stop that limits forward movement and optionally, lateral movement, the two modules can be quickly guided into a positive locking and secure configuration through simple slide and latch movements. Accordingly, assembly can be reliably performed by customers without the need for tools or complex assembly procedures. 
     Visual indicators may be provided at each of two widely separated parallel coupling assemblies to provide positive feedback that a desired locked condition has been attained. These visual indicators are preferably a component of the pivoting catch so that the visual indication of a locked state cannot occur unless the module being coupled is fully in place. Failure to attain the visual lock indication requires that a further nudge of the module is needed on the side not visibly locked. Adequately applied, this further motion will result in full engagement with visual lock verification. Additionally, visual indicators can be used for initial placement on the landing pad with a correct orientation and alignment. 
     In exemplary embodiments, removing the coupled module is accomplished by simply sliding a catch latch to a release position, such as with any small object like a screwdriver, Allen wrench, pen, paper clip or the like to unlock the coupling. The catch release may be designed to latch in the unlocked position so that the user does not have to hold it. As the module is slid out of the constraining features of the catch, the lock enabled state of the catch is automatically returned so that it is ready to relock the module when reassembled. 
     In exemplary embodiments, a module coupling system with complementary parts on each module comprises: visual and physical guide features to align the modules for assembly; position constraining guides to facilitate convenient sliding insertion into a locking position; a module locking catch with integral visual lock position indicator; a decouple catch release mechanism that allows any small cylindrical or pointed object to be used to slide the catch release to a latch position where the modules can be removed without holding the catch release; and a latch release trigger that enables the coupling catch to automatically return to a module receiving and catch enabled state as the module is removed. 
     In exemplary embodiments, a module coupling system for separately provided module components comprises: a module coupling system for coupling two separate modules, comprising: a first module having a coupling housing with projecting arms that extend beyond the housing; a latch engagement feature such as a receiving pocket for a retractable catch; and a second module having a physical three-dimensional guide surface oriented along a longitudinal axis, the guide surface defining a support landing pad for the coupling housing of the first module on one end and a shoe housing on the other end that at least partially receives the coupling housing; a retractable catch movable between a released position and a latched position; and a visual indicator that indicates movement of the retractable catch to the latched position, wherein the first module is positively coupled to the second module by positioning of the first module relative to the second module so that the coupling housing is lowered into contact with the support landing pad and the coupling housing is then slid along the longitudinal axis until the retractable catch is received within the retractable catch receiving pocket of the first module to lock the first module in place relative to the second module, the visual indicator indicating movement to the latched position. The term pocket is used for convenience but the catch engagement feature could be a tab, pin, rib or other configuration that provides the ability to prevent sliding motion when acted upon by the catch. 
     In exemplary embodiments, a field-assembled component reprographic device is provided that includes: a first component module forming a reprographic device cover having at least one hinged coupling housing with projecting arms that extend beyond the housing, the hinged coupling having an upper housing pivotally connected to a lower housing by a pivot shaft, a catch feature, such as a pin provided on one of the upper and lower housings and a pivoting catch provided on the other of the upper and lower housings, the pivoting catch being biased to latch around the catch pin and lock the upper housing to the lower housing; and a pocket for receiving a retractable catch; and a second, separate component module forming a reprographic device base module having at least one physical three-dimensional guide surface oriented along a longitudinal axis, the guide surface defining a support landing pad for a corresponding coupling housing of the first module on one end and a shoe housing on the other end that at least partially receives the coupling housing; a retractable catch provided on the guide surface and movable between a released position and a latched position; and a visual indicator that indicates movement of the retractable catch to the latched position, wherein the first module may be positively coupled to the second module by positioning of the first module relative to the second module so that the coupling housing is lowered into contact with the support landing pad and the coupling housing is then slid along the longitudinal axis until the retractable catch is received within the pocket for receiving a retractable catch of the first module to lock the first module in place relative to the second module, the visual indicator indicating movement to the latched position, further wherein when the first module is coupled to the second module, the lower housing is at least partially received within the shoe housing and the upper housing is located above the shoe housing and the shoe housing and catch are arranged such that the shoe housing engages the catch to release engagement from the catch pin, allowing free rotation of the upper housing relative to the lower housing. 
     In various embodiments, methods of assembly and disassembly of module components are provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary hinged module assembly in which two separate pivoting modules are tandemly coupled and rotatable about a base module, such as a reprographic device, at least the lowermost pivoting module being coupled to the base module by a quick coupling mechanism; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the reprographic device of  FIG. 1  when the lowermost pivotable module has been fully raised to a substantially vertical position; 
         FIGS. 3–4  illustrate a simple assembly process for assembling separate module assemblies using a quick coupling mechanism preferably built-in to a hinge assembly; 
         FIGS. 5–6  illustrate a simple removal process for releasing the upper module assemblies from the base module using a quick coupling mechanism; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary hinge assembly; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of the hinge assembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective underside view of an exemplary upper hinged module assembly showing a pair of hinge assemblies; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a plan view of an exemplary base module, such as a reprographic device, having a quick coupling mechanism that mates with the hinge assemblies shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a partial perspective view of an exemplary hinge assembly and corresponding landing support pad and shoe on the base module forming an exemplary quick coupling mechanism; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of the base module showing a landing pad support with the hinge assembly of an upper module initially placed on the landing pad support; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of the base module showing a landing pad support with the hinge assembly of an upper module slid into locking engagement with a shoe assembly of the quick coupling mechanism; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the base module showing a landing pad support and a simple removal process for removal of the hinge assembly of an upper module from the shoe assembly of the quick coupling mechanism; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary catch release device; and 
         FIGS. 16–19  illustrate side views of the catch release device of  FIG. 15  in various operating positions. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1–6  illustrate an exemplary multi-module device having tandem pivoting modules, useable with various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods described. In an exemplary form, an upper module may be tandemly coupled in piggyback fashion to a lower module, which also pivots. An example of this is shown in simplistic form in  FIGS. 1–2 . In an exemplary embodiment, a functional device  200  may be a reprographic device, such as a copier, printer, facsimile, or other similar device, and is preferably a multifunction device capable of scanning, as well as providing copying, printing, and/or facsimile transmission functionality. However, the device can take other forms, so long as its module components can be coupled by embodiments of the quick coupling mechanisms described. Exemplary reprographic device  200  is a solid ink printer that includes an upper pivoting module  210 , a lower pivoting module  220 , a first coupling hinge assembly  300  that pivotally couples the upper pivoting module  210  to the lower pivoting module  220 , and a second coupling hinge assembly  400  that pivotally couples the lower module  220  relative to the base module  230  of the device. 
     The upper pivoting unit  210  may form a simple platen cover or an upper feeder unit having an auto feeding module that advances a recording media, such as paper, past a scanning head or scan platen. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower pivoting unit  220  forms a lower scan unit that contains the scanner platen. The scanned images can be reproduced by a marking engine provided in, for example, base  230 . 
     First coupling hinge assembly  300  can take any conventional or subsequently developed form and allows rotational movement of upper pivot module  210  between a substantially horizontal closed position and a substantially vertical fully open position. However, module  210  may also be positioned at one or more intermediate positions. The functions and advantage of the coupling assembly  400  is applicable for quick secure coupling of two modules in the absence of an upper pivoting unit  210  and independent of the need for relative pivoting motion between units. 
     Second coupling hinge assembly  400  likewise allows rotation of lower pivoting module  220  between a closed substantially horizontal position ( FIG. 1 ) and an open position ( FIG. 2 ), which could be a fully open substantially vertical position, but preferably is a position less than vertical but sufficient to enable access to lower base device  230 . Module  220  may also be opened to one or more intermediate positions. Although second coupling hinge assembly  400  can operate independent of operation of the first coupling hinge assembly  300 , first coupling hinge assembly  300  preferably has movement operations that are at least partially dependent on the orientation or operation of the lower pivoting unit  220 . Details of this can be found in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/018,531, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     As illustrated in the simplified representations of  FIGS. 3–6 , the reprographic device  200  may come in a partially unassembled state consisting of two or more separate module assemblies. Although this exemplary embodiment shows three modules (feed module  210 , scanner module  220 , and base module  230 ), it is only necessary to have two separate modules. For example, there may only be a single upper or cover module and the base reprographic device module. Alternatively, as shown, the upper two modules (feed module  210  and scanner module  220 ) may remain attached as a unit. This separation of modules may be necessitated for shipping, manufacturing, replacement of module components, or other design or operation constraints. Thus, there is a need for a coupling mechanism that can readily attach and lock the modules together with a simple, yet precise movement. Similarly, the coupling mechanism should allow simple removal of the modules. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the upper module (combination of scanner module  220  and feeder module  210 , and will hereto be referred as the upper module  220 ) is initially separate from the base module  230 . However, it can be simply coupled by placement of the upper module over the base module as shown, lowered by application of force F 1  onto a landing support surface of the base module  230 , and slid across the support surface with a force F 2  until the upper module is lockingly engaged to the lower module ( FIG. 4 ). Similarly, as shown in  FIGS. 5–6 , the two modules can be released from each other by a reverse operation involving release of a lock mechanism, sliding of the upper module relative to the lower module by application of force F 3 , and lifting the upper module upward by applying force F 4  ( FIG. 5 ). The method of bringing the two units or modules together is described as a two direction process of vertical and sliding motion, which is envisioned as the most user friendly and efficient means of attaching and releasing the upper and lower units. It should be noted that the connection can be accomplished by a longitudinal motion alone, so far as the present coupling hinge assembly is concerned. 
       FIGS. 7–8  illustrate an exemplary hinge assembly  400  that forms part of a quick coupling mechanism. Hinge assembly  400  includes a lower housing  410  and an upper housing  420  pivotally connected for relative rotation about pivot shaft  430 , which is provided within pivot apertures  412 . Pivot shaft  430  can be releasably retained within apertures  412  by, for example, C-clips  432 . Lower housing  410  also includes at least one and preferably two projecting coupling arms  414  that protrude downward from the lower housing  410 . Coupling arms  414  provide a guide feature that assists in alignment with corresponding structure on the base module as will be described later. Coupling arms  414  can also serve as a “heel” catch to prevent forward and/or vertical movement as will be described later. 
     Movement of the hinge assembly is controlled by cam  440  having a cam profile  442 . Upper housing  420  includes a spring  424  and may, as necessary based on module mass and geometry, include a second spring  422  that bias a cam follower/plunger  426  against the cam profile  442  to control movement of the upper housing  420  between a closed position, in which the upper housing  420  is substantially parallel with the lower housing  410 , and an open position, in which the upper housing  420  is at substantially a right angle to lower housing  410 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the hinge assembly  400  is provided with a biased lock that releasably locks the hinge assembly  400  in the closed position. This is particularly useful to prevent activation of the hinge assembly when the upper module is detached from the lower module. This also ensures a consistent orientation of the hinge and associated module for assembly or disassembly. The biased lock in an exemplary embodiment includes a pivoting latch  450  that engages a latch pin  460 , which could also be a formed sheet metal protrusion or similar feature, to retain the upper and lower housings  420 ,  410  in fixed relationship. Pivoting latch  450  can be biased to the latched position by a suitable biasing element, such as a spring  470  coupled between the hinge latch  450  and lower housing  410 . In this embodiment, spring  470  is attached to a suitably shaped protrusion  452  on the hinge latch and connected to housing  410  by a similar feature on housing  410 . A spring screw  490  may be provided to hold the cam in place during assembly. A catch mating or engagement surface  480  may be formed on housing  410 , such as an upward fold that provides a vertical engagement surface for mating with corresponding catches on the base module  230 . Additionally, lower housing  410  can include a protrusion forming a coupling catch reset  485 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Details of an exemplary guide coupling mechanism will be better described with reference to  FIGS. 9–14 .  FIG. 9  shows the upper module  220  detached and separate from base module  230  and having a pair of hinge assemblies  400  mounted to the bottom side thereof by suitable attachment, such as screws  495 , which mount through apertures  428  ( FIG. 8 ). As shown, when the upper module  220  is “detached” from base module  230 , the hinge assemblies  400  are locked in a closed position by latch hinges  450  encircling latch pins  460 . As also shown in  FIG. 9 , the bottom of hinge assembly  400  includes one or more suitable vertical catch mating surfaces  480 , either provided by a folded portion on lower housing  410  provided within recesses or pockets  482  of the cam, or provided by a surface of the recessed cam underside itself, serve as coupling stops that engage with corresponding structure on the base module, as will be described in more detail later. 
       FIGS. 10–11  show a plan view and partial perspective view of the top of base module  230 , respectively. For purposes of illustration, the upper module  220  is not shown. In this exemplary embodiment in which the base module is a reprographic device, base module  230  may include various internal components, such as a load or staging device for solid ink  240 , and a print engine or other components that may need to be accessed for service by pivoting of the upper module to an open position (as in  FIG. 2 ). Base module  230  forming a reprographic device includes a support  232  on which additional quick coupling mechanism components  500  are mounted. Quick coupling mechanism  500  includes a substantially flat but preferably raised guide surface  510  that enables sliding movement of hinge assembly  400  thereon. A far end of guide surface  510  includes a shoe housing  520  sized and shaped to matably receive at least a portion of lower housing  410 , while not restraining pivotal movement of upper housing  420 . Biased retractable catches  530  may be provided within openings  540 . Catches  530  mate with engagement mating surfaces  480  and may partially extend within pockets  482  formed in the bottom of the cam ( FIG. 9 ). One or more full or partial length guide rails  550  may be provided on the guide surface  510  to assist in maintaining proper orientation of the coupling components during guiding movement of the assembly process. This also reduces drag of the assembly to allow more efficient sliding. In the illustrated embodiment, lower housing  410  is sufficiently retained within shoe housing  520  such that the shoe housing engages latch  450  and disengages it from latch pin  460 , allowing upper housing  420  to pivot relative to lower housing  410  (as better shown in  FIG. 13 ). 
     Raised guide support surfaces  510  serve as a convenient “set down” landing pad on which the hinge assemblies  400  may be individually supported prior to installation. In accordance with various aspects, the set down landing may accommodate support and initial positioning functions for the corresponding upper module to encourage correct module orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the protruding arms  414  are spaced to fit closely on each side of guide surface  510  to support and constrain movement of hinge assembly  400  substantially in line with guide surface  510 . 
     In preferred exemplary embodiments, the “set down” landing pad surface  510  provides a support mechanism for a component assembler that supports a majority of the weight of the upper module  220  during slide coupling. This allows for the assembly of even heavy module components because the assembly does not need to be supported by the customer during the entire assembly process. Moreover, because the weight is supported, it may become easier for the customer to make any necessary relative position corrections to the module prior to full locking assembly of the module components. 
     In accordance with various aspects, when the module “foot” (hinge assembly  400 ) is inserted into the complementary quick coupling mechanism  500  of the other module, the guided module ( 220 ) may have its movement severely constrained. For example, guide surface  510  and arms  414  restrict lateral movement and allow primarily axial movement along guide surfaces  510 . Upon full insertion of the hinge assembly  400  into the coupling mechanism  500 , the protruding arms  414  engage features  560  and restrict vertical movement. Additionally, biased catches  530  engage with engagement surfaces  480 . This constrains rearward movement in the direction of the guide to positively lock the hinge assembly  400  to the lower module  230 . Thus, the two modules ( 220 ,  230 ) can be quickly guided into a positive locking and secure configuration through simple slide and latch movements. 
     In exemplary embodiments, one or more structures may act as a front stop. For example, protruding arms  414  can serve as a “heel” catch that engages with a heel catch engagement point  560  on the quick coupling mechanism  500  near the front of the shoe housing  520 . Alternatively, housing  520  may have a back wall that abuts a front wall of lower hinge housing  410  to provide a front stop that limits forward movement. Similarly, lateral movement may be constrained by the side walls of housing  520  and/or arms  414  mating with guide surface  510 . Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the two separate modules ( 220 ,  230 ) may be provided with a secure catch and positioning structure that can automatically lock one module against removal from the other module. In a preferred embodiment, the catch is near a point where sliding engagement reaches a hard stop. 
     A better understanding of the sliding action of the exemplary quick coupling mechanism can be seen in  FIGS. 12–14 , which show the simple movements needed to couple and/or decouple the two modules.  FIG. 12  shows a close-up partial cross-sectional view of the quick coupling mechanism including landing pad  510  and hinge assembly  400 . For clarity in understanding, the upper module  220  is omitted, but would be rigidly mounted to hinge assembly  400  as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Positive coupling can be achieved with two simple movements. First, the upper module having hinge assemblies  400  thereon is positioned above base module  230  and lowered onto the landing pad guide surface  510  by application of downward force F 1 , resulting in the position shown in  FIG. 12 . Then, the upper module  220  is laterally slid along landing pad  510  and against a hard stop by horizontal force F 2  as seen in  FIG. 13  to precisely position and lock the hinge assemblies  400  in place on base module  230  of the reprographic device. In particular, sliding continues across catches  530 , which can be biased to yield to the weight of the upper module  220 . Once engagement surfaces  480  pass catches  530 , catches  530  are urged into engagement surfaces  480  by a spring  575  ( FIG. 15 ) and the biased catches  530  lock into place to form a rear stop that limits rearward movement. Also, as shown in  FIG. 13 , hinge assembly  400  is sufficiently slid into shoe housing  520  that a front wall thereof acts on catch  450  to pivot it against its biasing force out of locking arrangement with catch pin  460 . This enables free rotation of the upper module relative to the lower module by rotation of hinge housing  420  relative to hinge housing  410 . Thus, the hinge can be automatically locked when the upper module  220  is uncoupled but can also be automatically released upon coupling with base module  230 . Additionally, “heel” catches formed by protruding arms  414  can be abutted against “heel” catch engagement points  560  near the front of shoe housing  520  to serve as stops that can limit forward movement and does prevent vertical lifting at that point. It is this interlocked condition that imparts a solid connection between the two units so the primary sense of possible relative motion between them is the intended pivot motion of the mounted module. 
     Visual indicators may be provided at each of two widely separated parallel coupling assemblies to provide positive feedback that a desired locked condition has been attained. These visual indicators, such as indicators  600 , are preferably a component of the pivoting catches  530  so that the visual indication of a locked state cannot occur unless the module being coupled is fully in place (i.e., catches  530  is fully received and locked within pockets  480 ). That is, upon full locking of pivoting catches  530  against engagement surfaces  480 , visual indicators  600  will be moved to a position above the guide surface  510 , as shown, by suitable linkage. Failure to attain the visual lock indication signals that a further nudge of the module is needed on the side not visibly locked. Adequately applied, this further motion will result in full engagement with visual lock verification. Thus, a reliable positive coupling can be simply achieved and verified without assembly tools and without the need for an experienced installer. 
     Removal of the upper module from the base module  230  is just as simple. First, as shown in  FIG. 14 , a suitable catch decoupling device is depressed. A more thorough description of the functionality of the decoupling device will be explained in detail with regard to  FIGS. 16–19  in a following paragraph. In exemplary embodiments, this may be accomplished by simply sliding at least a portion of catch decoupling device  700  associated with biased catches  530  backward, such as with any small object like a screwdriver, Allen wrench, pen, paper clip or the like inserted through catch decoupling device  700  to unlock the coupling of the catch  530  from the hinge assembly  400 . The catch decoupling device  700  may be designed to latch in the decoupled position so that the user does not have to hold it. As the module is slid out of the constraining features of the catch, the lock or catch enabled state of the catch is automatically returned so that it is ready to relock the module when reassembled. Additionally, it may be possible to use visual indicator  600  as a decoupling mechanism, when it is suitably coupled to the catches  530 . For example, pressing down of indicator  600  may cause decoupling of catches  530  from within pockets  482  containing engagement surfaces  480 . Catches  530  and visual indicator  600  can be elements of an integrated part that pivots near the front of coupling  500 , for example, under shoe housing  520 . Thus, when catches  530  rise, the visual indicator  600  rises and when the catch is lowered the indicator is lowered. Actuating the catch decoupling device  700 , which in the present embodiment is a sliding action, can cause an incline plane feature which is part of the catch decoupling device  700  to push downward on a pivoting part, which incorporates catches  530  and indicator  600 , to release the catch from engagement with surfaces  480  of the hinge assembly  400 . This same action can be made to automatically hold the catches  530  in the decoupled condition by allowing a portion of the upwardly biased catch part to block the device  700  so the catch temporarily remains in this state. In this decoupled condition, the upper portions of catches  530  remain slightly above the guide surface  510  but the profile of the engaging portions of catches  530  and catch engagement surfaces  480  allow the hinge assembly to slide beyond the catch. As the hinge assembly is slid past the catches  530  in this position, it is forced by the underside of the lower housing  410 , such as by protrusion  485  in  FIGS. 9 and 14  to move the rest of the way down out of the way where it disengages from the catch decoupling device  700 . This series of actions serves as a reset trigger and causes the catch enabled condition to be automatically restored once the hinge assembly  400  is moved beyond the catches  530 . 
     After catch decoupling device  700  is actuated, the hinge assembly  400  is free to be removed by application of force F 3  as shown in  FIG. 14 , at which time the hinge assembly is slid backwards on the guide surface  510  and force F 4  is applied to lift and remove the upper module. 
     An exemplary catch decoupling device  700  will be described with reference to  FIG. 15 .  FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of various components. Exemplary catches  530  are shown pivotally connected to pivot shaft  570 . Catches  530  are biased by a spring  575  provided on shaft  575 . The catches  530  are retained by c-clips  580  and contain at least one and preferably two guide tabs  590  and in a preferred embodiment are attached, in the same part, with visual indicators  600 . 
     Catches  530  are pivotally mounted within catch decoupling device  700 . Catch decoupling device  700  is preferably formed from a base  710  having a U-shaped channel. Opening  715  selectively receives visual indicator  600  therethrough while openings  720  allow catches  530  to extend therethrough. Pivot shaft  570  is fixedly mounted to a frame of base module  230  (unshown) through elongated slots  725  of the device  700 . This allows for sliding movement of the base  710  of device  700  relative to the pivot shaft  570  and biased catches  530 . Base  710  is preferably biased to a first position by a suitable biasing force, such as by spring  730 . Base  710  also includes an inclined plane ramp structure provided on the side profile of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the ramp structure includes a main ramp profile  735  and a much smaller secondary ramp profile  740 . However, the second ramp profile could be formed by a notch. Lateral movement of device  700  can be achieved, for example, by inserting a small object such as an Allen wrench or pen into pull feature  750 . Alternatively, a release handle or external tab could be provided as a pull feature for manual manipulation of the device  700 . 
     Specific details of an exemplary implementation of the catch decoupling device  700  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 16–19 . A lock enabled or catch enabled state is shown in  FIG. 16 . This is an initial position prior to coupling of the upper module onto the base module. In this state, tab  590  is located near the end of ramp profile  735 . This allows biased catches  530  to extend through openings  720  as well as openings  540  ( FIG. 11 ). During the sliding of the hinge assembly  400  across the catches, the catches  530  are urged against the force of spring  575  until the engagement features  480  pass catches  530 . At this time, biased catches  530  are urged upwards by spring  575  into mating engagement with the engagement features  480  to couple the hinge assembly ( FIG. 13 ). 
     When it is desired to decouple the hinge assembly, pull feature  750  is manipulated to slide catch decoupling device  700  in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 17 . For example, a screwdriver may be inserted into opening  750  and pulled in the direction of the arrow to move the base  710 . This forces tab  590  to follow the contour of the ramp profile  735 , which lowers catches  530  as shown so they are substantially recessed from the top surface of base  710 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , sliding of base  710  continues until tab  590  engages with and is received within the smaller secondary ramp profile  740 . This temporarily locks the catch decoupling device  700  in a seconds decoupled position in which the biased catches are slightly raised from surface  710 . At this time, the hinge assembly  400  can be slid in the direction F 3  as shown in  FIG. 14  and removed. During this removal of hinge assembly  400 , it is possible to reset the catch decoupling device  700  to its initial position (i.e. return of the catches  530  to the catch enabled state) using a catch reset mechanism. This can be achieved by applying slight downward pressure on biased catches  530  as shown in  FIG. 18 . This lowers tab  590  sufficiently that it disengages from ramp profile  540 . Preferably, this reset is performed automatically. One way in which this automatic reset can be achieved is by contact of protrusions  485  ( FIGS. 9 and 14 ) with the biased catches  530  during removal of the hinge assembly  400 . The protrusions  485  serve as a catch reset trigger that initiates the reset. Due to the bias of spring  730 , and the ramp profile  735  as shown, slide catch decoupling device  700  is returned to its catch enabled state ( FIG. 19 ). 
     The exemplary embodiments as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although preferred embodiments show use of a hinge assembly  400 , the upper module  220  does not need to have hinging features. Rather, the coupling mechanism may just provide quick coupling and release of the two independent module components. Therefore, the claimed systems and methods are intended to embrace all known, or later-developed, alternatives, modifications, variations, and/or improvements.