Patent Publication Number: US-2023148756-A1

Title: Quick Release Connector

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application Serial No. 16/569,794, filed Sep. 13, 2019, entitled “Quick Release Connector” (Attorney Docket No. AA049), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure pertains to connectors, and more particularly to quick release connectors. 
     Devices that are advantageously operably coupled semi-permanently and robustly with other devices can pose a problem when it is required to separate the devices. Devices such as joysticks and toggle switches can include sensitive technology that may not survive, for example, baggage handling when attached to a host device. Devices such as cell phones may require a robust coupling that can withstand bumps and knocks, but also may require frequent disconnecting from a host device. 
     For example, a user controller attached to the arm of a wheelchair may protrude from the arm of the wheelchair. When the wheelchair is folded for transport, for example in an airplane luggage compartment or in the trunk of a car, the protruding user controller could become damaged simply because it does not align with the general contours of the folded wheelchair. Replacing the damaged user controller could be expensive and possibly unrealistic, depending upon the travel destination, and could at least cause inconvenience for the traveling user. One solution is to remove the user controller from the wheelchair before stowing the wheelchair. In another example, a cell phone mounted within a vehicle may be an easy target for theft if left mounted in the vehicle when the occupants are elsewhere. 
     In both of these cases, the removable device should be robustly attached to the host to insure that the removable device does not become compromised when knocked or bumped. A robust connection often involves tools for removal, for example, when screws are used to make the coupling, a screwdriver is necessary to decouple the device from the host. Non-tool decoupling can be accomplished by threaded connectors, magnets, pushbutton release features, and other connection options. Each of these possibilities can present either a lack of a robust connection or a slow disconnect, or both. What is needed is a coupling that requires little coordination on the part of the user to decouple a mounted device from its mounting surface and allows a quick removal of the removable device, at the same time providing a robust connection while the removable device is coupled to the mounting surface. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with some configurations, a quick release connector is disclosed. 
     The aspects of the present teachings presented herein are not meant to be exclusive, and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present teachings will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the appended claims and accompanying drawings. 
     In accordance with one configuration of the present teachings, a quick release connector is disclosed. The quick release connector can include, but is not limited to including coupling means for coupling the connector to a mounting surface and to a removable device, and a release means between the coupling means. In some configurations, the quick release connector of the present teachings for coupling a connected device with a mounting surface can include, but is not limited to including, a mount plate with coupling means for operably coupling the mount plate with the mounting surface. The mount plate can include at least one first alignment notch, a first end whose geometry can accommodate the mounting surface, and a second end whose geometry can accommodate the removable device. The mount plate can include at least one alignment feature that can enable quick and accurate alignment with a latch cog. The quick release connector can include the latch cog that can include a plurality of mount tabs surrounding a circular feature. At least one of the mount tabs can include a cog pin cavity that can receive and retain a cog pin that can discontinue rotational movement of the quick release connector and the removable device. At least one of the mount tabs can optionally be keyed. The keyed feature can enable the removable device to be mounted at a pre-selected orientation with respect to the mounting surface. The latch cog can be removably coupled to the second end at the circular feature. The latch cog can optionally include alignment features that can mate with the alignment features of the mount plate. 
     The quick release connector can include a latch plate that can include a plurality of recesses sized to accommodate the mount tabs. At least one of the plurality of recesses can include a plate pin depression that can allow a pin to pass through the latch plate and seat in the notch in the cog pin cavity. At least one of the plurality of recesses can optionally be keyed to accommodate easy placement of the removable device at a correct orientation, coupled with the at least one keyed mount tab. The latch plate can include floors and roofs associated with the recesses that can secure the mount tabs vertically. The latch plate can include walls associated with the recesses that can secure the mount tabs horizontally on one side. The pin can serve to disable rotation of the removable device when it is seated in the notch in the latch cog tab. 
     The quick release connector can include a release lever that can include the pin discussed herein that can, when seated, disable rotation of the removable device. The release lever can include a spring that can be seated in a depression in the release lever. The release lever can include a release lever body and coupling feet. The release lever body can provide surfaces for both the spring recess and attachment of the pin. The coupling feet can enable rotation of the release lever. 
     The quick release connector can include a top mount that can include a third pin depression. The top mount can include a geometry that can accommodate the release lever body and the coupling feet. The coupling feet can be rotatably coupled to the top mount, and the top mount can include a first attachment means that can removably couple the removable device to the top mount. The quick release connector can include a spring cap that can include a second attachment means. The second attachment means can couple the spring cap, the removable device, and the top mount. The spring cap can provide a recess into which the depressed spring can reside when the removable device is seated atop the top mount and spring cap. 
     The mount plate and the top mount can both optionally include a wire channels that can constrain the movement of a wire that might be providing a conduit for power and data between the removable device and a processor. The mounting surface can optionally include a seat arm or any part of a seating device. The mounting surface can optionally include a wheelchair component, for example, a wheelchair arm. 
     The method of the present teachings for coupling a removable device and a mounting surface using a quick release connector can include, but is not limited to including, setting the removable device upon a spring cap and a top mount. The spring cap can cover a spring attached to a release lever, and the release lever can include a pin. The spring can be compressed by the removable device. The release lever can be operably coupled with the top mount, the top mount can be operably coupled with a latch plate, the latch plate can be operably coupled with a mount plate, and the mount plate can be operably coupled with the mounting surface. The method can include aligning a first alignment notch on the latch plate with a second alignment notch on the mount plate, setting the latch plate atop a latch cog and the mount plate when the first alignment notch and the second alignment notch are aligned, and rotating the removable device until the pin drops into a pin notch. The pin notch can be found on the latch cog. The method can optionally include rotating the removable device by about 30°. 
     The method of the present teachings for decoupling a removable device from a mounting surface using a quick release connector can include, but is not limited to including, moving a release lever towards the removable device that is mounted upon a spring cap and a top mount. The release lever can compress a spring against a spring cap. The method can include rotating the removable device so that a first alignment notch on a latch plate aligns with a second alignment notch on a mount plate. The latch plate can be operably coupled with the top mount and the removable device. The method can include lifting the removable device from the mount plate. The method can optionally include rotating the removable device about 30°. 
     The method of the present teachings for building a quick release connector for coupling and decoupling a removable device from a mounting surface can include, but is not limited to including, manufacturing a mount plate with coupling means for operably coupling the mount plate with the mounting surface. The mount plate can include a first alignment notch, a first end that can include a geometry that can accommodate the mounting surface, and a second end that can include a geometry that can accommodate the removable device. The method can include manufacturing a latch cog that can include a plurality of mount tabs that can surround a circular feature. At least one of the mount tabs can include a cog pin depression. At least one of the mount tabs can optionally be keyed to enable a pre-selected orientation of the removable device with respect to the mounting surface. The method can include removably coupling the latch cog to the second end, and manufacturing a latch plate that can include a plurality of recesses sized to accommodate the mount tabs. At least one of the plurality of recesses can include a plate pin depression, and at least one of the plurality of recesses can optionally be keyed to accommodate the at least one optional keyed mount tab. The method can include manufacturing a release lever that can include a pin. The release lever can include a spring that can be seated in a depression in the release lever. The release lever can include a release lever body and coupling feet. The method can include manufacturing a top mount that can include a third pin depression. The top mount can include a geometry that can accommodate the release lever body and the coupling feet. The coupling feet can be rotatably coupled to the top mount, and the top mount can include a first attachment means that can removably couple the removable device to the top mount. The method can include manufacturing a spring cap that can include a second attachment means that can couple the spring cap with the removable device. The spring cap can depress the spring when the removable device is seated atop the top mount and the spring cap. The mount plate and the top mount can optionally each include wire channels. The mounting surface can optionally include a wheelchair surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing features of the disclosure will be more readily understood by reference to the following description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1 A- 1  through  1 B- 2    are perspective diagrams of quick release connector of the present teachings in use; 
         FIGS.  1 C- 1 D  are perspective exploded diagrams of the quick release connector of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  2    is a group of perspective diagrams of the top mount of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  3    is a group of perspective diagrams of the release lever of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  4    is a group of perspective diagrams of the latch plate of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  5    is a group of perspective diagrams of the latch cog of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  6    is a group of perspective diagrams of the mount plate of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  7    is a group of perspective diagrams of the spring cap of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-section diagram of the components of the quick release connector of the present teachings attached to a removable device; 
         FIG.  9    is a flowchart of the method for coupling the quick release connector of the present teachings with a removable device; 
         FIG.  10    is a flowchart of the method for decoupling the quick release connector of the present teachings with a removable device; 
         FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  are flowcharts of the method for building the quick release connector of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective front side view of the quick release connector of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  13    is a right side view of the quick release connector of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  14    is a left side view of the quick release connector of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  15    is a bottom plan view of the quick release connector of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  16    is a top plan view of the quick release connector of the present teachings; 
         FIG.  17    is a rear view of the quick release connector of the present teachings; and 
         FIG.  18    is a front view of the quick release connector of the present teachings; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Any headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not affect the scope or meaning of the present disclosure. A vehicle, as used throughout, unless otherwise specified, includes, but is not limited to, a personal vehicle, such as a wheelchair. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 D  and  FIGS.  12 - 18   , quick release connector  100  for providing a robust connection and quick decoupling between removable device  10080  and a mounting surface can include, but is not limited to including, spring cap  30376 , release lever  30371 , top mount  30370 , latch plate  30372 , latch cog  30373  ( FIG.  1 B- 2   ), and mount plate  30374 . Removable device  10080  can include, but is not limited to including, a user control device. The user control device can be electronically coupled with a processor that can convert user commands received by the user control device into commands to, for example, enable movement of a device such as, for example, but not limited to, a mobile transporter. The mounting surface can include, but is not limited to including, a surface associated with the device being moved, such as, for example, but not limited to, a surface of the mobility device. In some configurations, the mobility device can include an electric wheelchair, and the mounting surface can include an arm of the seat of the wheelchair. Mount plate  30374  can include coupling means  117  ( FIGS.  1 C,  1 D ) for operably coupling mount plate  30374  with the mounting surface, and coupling means  225  for operably coupling mount plate  30374  with removable device  10080 . Mount plate  30374  can include second alignment notch  118 , first end  221 , and second end  223 . First end  221  can include a geometry accommodating the shape of the mounting surface, while second end  223  can include a geometry accommodating the shape of removable device  10080 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 D  and  FIGS.  12 - 18   , latch cog  30373  can include a plurality of mount tabs  227  that can surround circular feature  229 . At least one of mount tabs  227  can include cog pin cavity  101  that can admit cog pin  231  ( FIG.  1 C ) when removable device  10080  is in a seated position. At least one of mount tabs  227  can be keyed mount tab  227 A that can enable removable device  10080  to be seated at a pre-selected orientation with respect to the mounting surface. Mount plate  30374  can include attachment cavity  119  that can enable removable fastening of circular feature  229  to second end  223 . The removable fastener can include, but is not limited to including, one or more bolts, magnets, glue, hook-and-eye strips, tape, screws, and nails. Latch plate  30372  can include a plurality of recesses  235  sized to accommodate mount tabs  227 . At least one of plurality of recesses  235  can include plate pin cavity  237 , and at least one of the plurality of recesses  235  can be keyed recess  239  that can accommodate at least one keyed mount tab  227 A. Recesses  235  and keyed recess  239  can enable the placement and robust coupling of the combination of latch plate  30372 , top mount  30370 , and removable device  10080  with mount plate  30374  and latch cog  30373 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 D  and  FIGS.  12 - 18   , release lever  30371  can include pin  231  ( FIG.  1 C ) that can seat in plate pin cavity  237  and cog pin cavity  101 . Pin  231  ( FIG.  1 C ) can retain the position of removable device  10080  after latch plate  30372  has been rotated. Release lever  30371  can include spring  241  ( FIG.  1 D ) seated in spring depression  243  near release lever handle  245 . Spring  241  ( FIG.  1 D ) can exert pressure against removable device  10080  to increase the stability of the coupling of removable device  10080  to the mounting surface. Release lever  30371  can include release lever handle  245  and coupling feet  247 . Release lever handle  245  can enable a user to remove removable device  10080  by disengaging pin  231  ( FIG.  1 D ) from latch cog  30373  with a displacement of release lever handle  245  from a seated position to a release position. Displacing release lever handle  245  can enable spring  241  to place pressure on spring cap  30376 , thereby preparing removable device  10080  to be rotated and ejected from mount plate  30374 . Top mount  30370  can include third pin depression  132  ( FIG.  1 C ) for accommodating pin  231  ( FIG.  1 D ) when removable device  10080  is seated. Top mount  30370  can include a geometry that can accommodate release lever handle  245  and coupling feet  247 . Release lever handle  245  can rest on shelf  126  ( FIG.  2   ), and coupling feet  247  can rotate into and out of slits  251  ( FIG.  2   ). Coupling feet  247  can be rotatably coupled to top mount  30370  at recesses  124 A/B ( FIG.  1 D ). The rotatable coupling can enable pin  231  ( FIG.  1 D ) to be seated and removed when release lever handle  245  is displaced. Top mount  30370  can include attachment cavity  253  ( FIG.  1 D ) that can removably couple removable device  10080  to top mount  30370 . Spring cap  30376  can include second attachment cavities  257  that can removably couple spring cap  30376  with removable device  10080 . The coupling can be fixed as well. Spring cap  30376  can depress spring  241  ( FIG.  1 D ) when removable device  10080  is seated atop top mount  30370  and spring cap  30376 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 A- 1  through  1 B- 2   , in operation, removable device  10080  can be decoupled from a mounting surface by displacing release lever  30371  (seen  FIGS.  1 A- 1  and  1 A- 2   ) towards removable device  10080 , where removable device  10080  is mounted upon spring cap  30376  and top mount  30370 , and where release lever  30371  is compressing spring  241  ( FIG.  1 D ) against spring cap  30376 . After release lever  30371  is displaced, decoupling removable device  10080  can include rotating removable device  10080  (See  FIG.  1 B- 1   ) so that first alignment notch  261  on latch plate  30372  can align with second alignment notch  118  on mount plate  30374 , where latch plate  30372  can be operably coupled with top mount  30370  and removable device  10080 . After rotating removable device  10080 , removable device  10080  can be lifted (See  FIG.  1 B- 2   ) from mount plate  30374 . When removable device  10080  is decoupled from mount plate  30374 , removable device  10080  can be stored in a container that can protect it from travel-related mishaps, for example. During travel, for example, airline or bus travel, if removable device  10080  enables user control of a mobility device, for example, removable device  10080  can be removed from the mobility device and placed in carry-on luggage while the mobility device can be folded and stored with checked luggage. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , top mount  30370  can optionally include wire cavity  123  for use when removable device  10080  includes a wired connection to, for example, a processor. Top mount  30370  can include a plurality of shelves  126 / 128 / 130  that can accommodate the seating of a variety of sizes and shapes of release level handles  245  and coupling feet  247 . The surface that faces an underside of removable device  10080  and is formed by top mount  30370  and release lever  30371  can include a shape that can result in flush coupling of top mount  30370  and release lever  30371  with removable device  10080  and spring cap  30376 . Therefore, the geometry of top mount  30370  coupled with release lever  30371  can depend upon the geometry of removable device  10080  coupled with spring cap  30376 . Recesses  134  can enable coupling between top mount  30370  and latch plate  30372 . Recesses  136  can enable coupling between the removable device and mount plate  30370 . Top mount  30370  can be shaped to accommodate the removable device. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , release lever  30371  can include handle  245 , body  246 , and coupling arms  247 . Handle  245  can include angled sides  249 A/B that can enable a simple nudge to begin rotation of release lever  30371 , and ultimately the decoupling of removable device  10080  from the mounting surface. In some configurations, handle  245  can include protrusion  248  forming the apex of a triangle whose sides  249 A/B form angle  275  with the vertical. The larger angle  275 , the more release lever  30371  protrudes into space away from release connector  100  and removable device  10080 . The selection of angle  275  can be based on a desired footprint of the removable device with respect to the mounting surface, and a desired strike plate geometry formed by angles sides  249 A/B. In some configurations, a relatively large strike plate might be desired, such as when the removable device will be removed by a person with certain physical disabilities. In some configurations, a relatively smooth surface between removable device  10080  and the mounting surface might be desired, such as when removable device  10080  might be routinely subjected to certain kinds of forces. In some configurations, a balance among the described needs and possibly other considerations can result in an angle in the range of about 25-30°. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG.  3   , body  246  can include edge depression  243  on a first side. Edge depression  243  can house spring  241  that can enable a pressured connection between release lever  30371  and spring cap  30376 . Edge depression  243  can optionally include a chamfered recess. Edge depression  243  can be sized according to a desired spring physical size based on desired spring characteristics. The position of edge depression  243  on body  246  with respect to coupling arms  247  can depend on the force that body  246  is expected to withstand and the positioning of spring cap  30376 . The larger the force, the more a centered positioning of edge depression  243  might be desired. Other considerations could include the positioning of pin  231  on a second side of body  246 . The second side of body  246 , being the reverse side of the first side, can include pin  231 . Pin  231  can extend from body  246  to a distance about equal to the distance reached by side  249 B, or a distance long enough to extend through top mount  30370 , latch plate  30372 , and latch cog notch  101 . The size of pin  231  can depend upon the expected lateral and normal forces on pin  231  as removable device  10080  is coupled and decoupled with the mounting surface, and as removable device  10080  is subjected to the forces of daily use. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG.  3   , coupling arms  247  can be operably coupled with body  246 , and can provide rotation of release lever  30371 . Operably coupling between body  246  and coupling arms  247  can be the result of single component manufacturing, or fastening multiple components together. Coupling arms  247  can each include coupling cavities  124 B that can enable fastening of coupling arms  247  to top mount  30370 . Fastening means can include screws, bolts, nails, and any device or geometry that can enable rotation. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , latch plate  30372  can enable secure coupling of removable device  10080  onto mount plate  30374 . Latch plate  30372  can include at least one tab recess  235  and at least one tab seat  238 . At least one tab recess  235  can be large enough to accept tab  227 , and can include a passage to at least one tab seat  238 . Tab seat  238  can include a tab rest area, a tab wall, and a tab roof, and can be sized to accept tab  227  onto the tab rest area and under the roof. When tab  227  is positioned in tab recess  235 , a rotation of removable device  10080  can move tab  227  into tab seat  238 , and tab  227  can be held in place from vertical movement between the tab rest area and the tab roof. Tab  227  can be inhibited from lateral movement, at least in one direction, by a tab wall. When pin  231  falls into place in notch  101 , tab  227  can be inhibited from lateral movement in another direction. Latch plate  30372  can optionally include keyed tab recess  239  that can be sized differently from tab recesses  235 . The size difference can enable removable device  10080  to be positioned in a specific orientation. In some configurations, tab recesses  235  and, optionally, keyed tab recess  239  can be positioned at specific angular distances from horizontal line  253 A through the center of latch plate  30372  that can, for example, distribute the force on the tab walls in a desired way, and to enable a specific amount of rotation required for pin  231  to be properly seated. In some configurations, if the desired rotation is approximately angle  241 , then edge  247  of keyed recess  239  can be positioned at approximately angle  241  from diameter line  243 A, edge  248  of tab  235 A can be positioned at approximately angle  242  from diameter line  243 A, and edges  251  and  249  of tabs  235 C and  235 B can be positioned at approximately ±angle  243 A from diameter line  243 A, respectively. For example, if the desired rotation is approximately 30°, then edge  247  of keyed recess  239  can be positioned at approximately 30° from diameter line  243 A, edge  248  of tab  235 A can be positioned at approximately 60° from diameter line  243 A, and edges  251  and  249  of tabs  235 C and  235 B can be positioned at approximately +120° and -120°, respectively, from diameter line  243 A. Latch plate  30372  can optionally include inserts  252  that can protrude from latch plate  30372 , and can provide friction between latch plate  30372  and mount plate  30374 . The friction can reduce rattle that can be generated as the mounting surface and the removable device move due to differing forces. Inserts  252  can be any length and thickness, depending on the desired rattle reduction. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , latch cog  30373  can provide the tabs to seat in latch plate  30372 . Latch cog  30373  can be removably attached to mount plate  30374  at central recess  281 . Alignment features  287  can provide alignment assistance when mating latch cog  30373  with alignment features  115  ( FIG.  6   ) on mount plate  30374 . Alignment features  287  can be positioned on latch cog  30373  based on the location of mount plate alignment features. Alignment features  287  can include recesses or protrusions. Latch cog  30373  can include tabs  227  that can be positioned according to the desired rotation angle to seat removable device  10080 , as discussed herein with respect to latch plate  30372 . In particular, to accomplish a seating rotation of angle  285 , tab edge  291 A can be positioned at about +angle  285  from diameter line  254 , and tab edge  291 B can be positioned at about -angle  285  from diameter line  254 . If optional keyed tab  227 A is present, keyed tab edge  291 C can be positioned at +angle  285  from diameter line  254 . Keyed tab  227 A can include notch  101  that can receive pin  231  as removable device  10080  is seated with respect to mount plate  30374 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6   , mount plate  30374  can provide the coupling between the mounting surface and the attachment means described herein to couple removable device  10080  with the mounting surface. Mount plate  30374  can include first end  221  and second end  223 . First end  221  can be shaped to accommodate the mounting surface, and second end  223  can be shaped to accommodate removable device  10080 , as referred to herein. First end  221  can optionally include wire recess  295  that can accommodate when removable device  10080  has a wired connection. Wire recess  295  can be any shape and size, such as, for example, but not limited to, wider and stretching across first end  221  side to side to accommodate a particular size of cabling, and longer or shorter, stretching or shrinking across first end  221  towards second end  223 . The depth of wire recess  295  can vary depending on the size of the wire and the thickness of mount plate  30374 . Wire recess  295  can optionally include a wire mount (not shown) that can be externally shaped to be mounted inside wire recess  295 , and can be internally shaped to accommodate and tension-retain a wire of any size. Mount plate  30374  can include at least one mounting surface cavity  117 / 225  that can enable an operable coupling between the mounting surface and mount plate  30374 . Mount plate  30374  can include at least one attachment cavity  119  that can enable an operable coupling between mount plate  30374  and latch cog  30373 . Mount plate  30374  can include second alignment notch  118  described herein. Mount plate  30374  can optionally include mounting stabilization features such as, for example, but not limited to, setscrews frictionally coupled with mounting surface attachment means. The setscrews can be mounted, for example, in recesses  758 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , spring cap  30376  can couple top mount  30370  with removable device  10080 , provide recess  735  against which spring  241  can apply pressure to removable device  10080 , and provide surface interface  731  to which removable device  10080  can be removably attached. Recesses  733  can accommodate attachment of spring cap  30376  to top mount  30370 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8   , quick release connector  100  coupled with removable device  10080  is shown in cross section. Bolt  276  can couple latch cog  30373  with mount plate  30374 . Alignment feature  287  can enable correct placement of latch cog  30373  on mount plate  30374 , as discussed herein. Pin  231  can be seated in notch  101  through latch plate  30372  and top mount  30370 . Spring cap  30376  can provide an interface between spring  241  and removable device  10080 . Wire recess  295  can provide a conduit for wire  273 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , method  4150  of the present teachings for coupling a removable device and a mounting surface using a quick release connector can include, but is not limited to including, setting  4151  the removable device upon a spring cap and a top mount. The spring cap can cover a spring attached to a release lever, and the release lever can include a pin. The spring can be compressed by the removable device, and the release lever can be operably coupled with the top mount. The top mount can be operably coupled with a latch plate, and the latch plate can be operably coupled with a mount plate. The mount plate can be operably coupled with the mounting surface. Method  4150  can include aligning  4153  a first alignment notch on the latch plate with a second alignment notch on the mount plate, and setting  4155  the latch plate atop a latch cog and the mount plate when the first alignment notch and the second alignment notch are aligned. The latch cog can include a pin notch. Method  4150  can include rotating  4157  the removable device until the pin drops into the pin notch. The rotating can optionally include about a 30° rotation. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10   , method  4250  for decoupling a removable device from a mounting surface using a quick release connector can include, but is not limited to including, moving  4251  a release lever towards the removable device. The removable device can be mounted upon a spring cap and a top mount, and the release lever can compress a spring against the spring cap. Method  4250  can include rotating  4253  the removable device so that a first alignment notch on a latch plate aligns with a second alignment notch on a mount plate. The latch plate can be operably coupled with the top mount and the removable device. Method  4250  can include lifting  4255  the removable device from the mount plate. The rotating can optionally include about a 30° rotation 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  11 A- 11 B , method  4350  for building a quick release connector for coupling and decoupling a removable device from a mounting surface can include, but is not limited to including, manufacturing  4351  a mount plate with coupling means for operably coupling the mount plate with the mounting surface. The mount plate can include a first alignment notch, and can include a first end that can geometrically accommodate the mounting surface, and a second end that can geometrically accommodate the removable device. Method  4350  can include manufacturing  4353  a latch cog having a plurality of mount tabs surrounding a circular feature. At least one of the plurality of mount tabs can include a cog pin depression, and at least one of the plurality of mount tabs can be keyed to enable a pre-selected orientation of the removable device with respect to the mounting surface. Method  4350  can include removably coupling  4355  the latch cog to the second end, and manufacturing  4357  a latch plate having a plurality of recesses sized to accommodate the plurality of mount tabs. At least one of the plurality of recesses can include a plate pin depression, and at least one of the plurality of recesses can be keyed to accommodate the at least one keyed mount tab. Method  4350  can include manufacturing  4359  a release lever having a pin. The release lever can include a spring seated in a depression in the release lever, and the release lever can include a release lever body and coupling feet. Method  4350  can include manufacturing  4361  a top mount having a third pin depression. The top mount can geometrically accommodate the release lever body and the coupling feet. The coupling feet can be rotatably coupled to the top mount, and the top mount can include a first attachment means removably coupling the removable device to the top mount. Method  4350  can include manufacturing  4363  a spring cap having a second attachment means coupling the spring cap with the removable device. The spring cap can depress the spring when the removable device is seated atop the top mount and the spring cap. 
     Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. Additionally, while several example configurations of the present disclosure have been shown in the drawings and/or discussed herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular configurations. Moreover, those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. Other elements, steps, methods and techniques that are insubstantially different from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. 
     The drawings are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Moreover, the drawings described are only illustrative and are non-limiting. In the drawings, for illustrative purposes, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to a particular scale. Additionally, elements shown within the drawings that have the same numbers may be identical elements or may be similar elements, depending on the context. 
     Where the term “comprising” is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g. “a” “an” or “the”, this includes a plural of that noun unless something otherwise is specifically stated. Hence, the term “comprising” should not be interpreted as being restricted to the items listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps, and so the scope of the expression “a device comprising items A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. 
     Furthermore, the terms “first”, “second”, “third,” and the like, whether used in the description or in the claims, are provided for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances (unless clearly disclosed otherwise) and that the example configurations of the disclosure described herein are capable of operation in other sequences and/or arrangements than are described or illustrated herein.