Patent Publication Number: US-2023134210-A1

Title: Adaptive pinscreen transoprt case for calssified articles

Description:
GOVERNMENT INTERESTS 
     This invention was made with Government support under Contract No.: DE-NA-0002839 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Securable transport cases are often used to transport a classified article. Molding or shaped inserts may also be used to fully support a fragile or sensitive classified article. Unfortunately, molding and shaped inserts may provide information about the classified article such as its shape and size when the transport case is opened. Molding and shaped inserts also can only be used with specific articles. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a distinct advance in the art of secure transport cases. More particularly, the present invention provides a transport case (hereinafter “case”) that completely obscures an article when closed and is completely devoid of information that could be used to identify any aspect of the article when open. The case can also be used with various articles. 
     An embodiment of the invention is a case broadly comprising an outer shell, first and second inner brackets, first and second pinscreen assemblies, and first and second securement mechanisms. The case may be used to securely transport classified or sensitive articles without having to classify the case itself. 
     The outer shell includes opposing first and second clamshell sections configured to be opened and closed. The outer shell may also include a handle for carrying the case. The outer shell forms an inner chamber for securing and transporting an article. 
     The first and second sections are substantially similar so only the first section will be described. The first section has a bottom wall, sidewalls, and an open top, and includes an anchor pin, a guide, and a shell aperture, with the guide and shell aperture being on an opposite side of the first section relative to the anchor pin. The shell aperture may include threading for receiving a threaded fastener. 
     The first inner bracket is nestled in an inner chamber portion formed by the first section of the outer shell. The first inner bracket is shiftable between a released configuration and a braced configuration, the purpose of which will be described in more detail below. 
     The second inner bracket is nestled in an inner chamber portion formed by the second section of the outer shell. The second inner bracket is shiftable between a released configuration and a braced configuration, the purpose of which will be described in more detail below. 
     The first and second pinscreen assemblies are substantially similar so only the first pinscreen assembly will be described in detail. The first pinscreen assembly is positioned in the inner chamber portion formed by the first section of the outer shell and includes a frame, a securement plate, and a number of pins. The first pinscreen assembly can be positioned in one of a number of positions and orientations relative to the first inner bracket and the outer shell. 
     The frame includes a backplate, a midplate, a foreplate, and a number of spacers. The frame supports the pins and the securement plate. The backplate is spaced from the midplate and positioned near a bottom wall of the first section of the outer shell. The backplate prevents the pins from backing out of the pinholes (described below) of the midplate, foreplate, and securement plate. The midplate is positioned between the backplate and the foreplate and includes a number of pinholes aligned with pinholes of the foreplate. The midplate and the foreplate sandwich the securement plate. The foreplate is spaced in front of the midplate and includes a number of pinholes aligned with the pinholes of the midplate. The spacers retain spacing between the backplate, midplate, and foreplate. 
     The securement plate is positioned between the midplate and the foreplate and includes a number of pinholes. The securement plate is configured to translate laterally relative to the pins between an unsecured position and a secured position. The pinholes of the securement plate are configured to be aligned with the pinholes of the midplate and foreplate when the securement plate is in the unsecured position and slightly offset therefrom when the securement plate is in the secured position. Furthermore, an end of the securement plate may extend laterally outward relative to ends of the backplate, midplate, and foreplate when the securement plate is in the unsecured position. 
     The first securement mechanism includes a first link and a first fastener. The first securement mechanism is positioned on an opposite side of the outer shell relative to the second securement mechanism. 
     The first link is pivotably attached near its first end to the first section of the outer shell via the anchor pin of the first section and includes a link aperture near its second end. The first link is configured to be positioned in the guide of the second section for the link aperture to align with the shell aperture of the second section. 
     The first fastener is configured to be inserted into and extend through the link aperture and the shell aperture of the second section and to engage the second inner bracket. The first fastener may be a threaded bolt or screw, a pin, a latch (e.g., case latch, bracket latch, or pin latch), a plug, or the like. The first fastener may also be magnetic. 
     The second securement mechanism includes a second link and a second fastener. The second securement mechanism is positioned on the opposite side of the outer shell relative to the first securement mechanism. 
     The second link is pivotably attached near its first end to the second section via the anchor pin of the second section and includes a link aperture near its second end. The second link is configured to be positioned in the guide of the first section for the link aperture to align with the shell aperture of the first section. 
     The second fastener is configured to be inserted into and extend through the link aperture and the shell aperture of the first section and to engage the first inner bracket. The second fastener may be a threaded bolt or screw, a pin, a latch, a plug, or the like. 
     In use, the case is opened by separating or parting the first and second sections. The article is then positioned on the pins of the first pinscreen assembly. The second pinscreen assembly is then placed on top of the article so that the of pins of the second pinscreen assembly fall via gravity toward the article in at least a portion of an article conforming arrangement. The second section is then positioned on top of the first section so that the article is completely obscured. 
     The first link (of the first securement mechanism) is also pivoted until it is in the corresponding guide of the second section of the outer shell so that the corresponding link aperture aligns with the shell aperture of the second section and the second link (of the second securement mechanism) is also pivoted until it is in the corresponding guide of the first section of the outer shell so that the corresponding link aperture aligns with the shell aperture of the first section as the first and second sections are brought together. The first fastener is then inserted into the corresponding link aperture and shell aperture so that it presses against the second inner bracket and shifts the second inner bracket from the released configuration to the braced configuration, with the second inner bracket in turn shifting the securement plate from its unsecured position to its secured position. In doing so, the securement plate of the second pinscreen assembly presses against the corresponding pins and restrains them against the article in the article conforming arrangement. The first securement mechanism, now in a secured configuration, also serves to retain the first and second sections in a closed configuration. Alternatively, magnetism of the first fastener, securement plate, midplate, or pins may be used to lock the pins of the second pinscreen in place. 
     The case is then overturned so that the pins of the first pinscreen assembly fall via gravity toward the article, in furtherance of the article conforming arrangement. The second fastener is then inserted into the corresponding link aperture and shell aperture so that it presses against the first inner bracket and shifts the first inner bracket from the released configuration to the braced configuration, with the first inner bracket in turn shifting the securement plate from its unsecured position to its secured position. In doing so, the securement plate of the first pinscreen assembly presses against the corresponding pins and restrains them against the article in the article conforming arrangement. The second securement mechanism, now in a secured configuration, also serves to retain the first and second sections in the closed configuration. Alternatively, magnetism of the first fastener, securement plate, midplate, or pins may be used to lock the pins of the first pinscreen in place. 
     The case may now be carried with the article supported in the article conforming arrangement and secured in the inner chamber with complete obscurity. Additional security such as a lock or a disguise (e.g., to make the case appear to be designed for an inconsequential article) may be added. 
     To remove the article from the case, the first and second securement mechanisms must be reverted to an unsecured configuration. Specifically, the first fastener (of the first securement mechanism) is withdrawn from the shell aperture of the second section of the outer shell. This releases pressure from the second inner bracket and hence the securement plate of the second pinscreen assembly, which frees the pins of the second pinscreen assembly to translate longitudinally. Similarly, the second fastener of the second securement mechanism is withdrawn from the shell aperture of the first section of the outer shell. This releases pressure from the first inner bracket and hence the securement plate of the first pinscreen assembly, which frees the pins of the first pinscreen assembly to translate longitudinally. This ensures the pins of the first pinscreen assembly and the pins of the second pinscreen assembly are not restrained in the article conforming arrangement when the case is in the open configuration. 
     The first and second sections and the first and second pinscreen assemblies are then separated to provide access to the article. The article may then be removed from the case, which also resets the pins. The pinscreen assemblies may also be removed from the first and second sections. In these ways, the pinscreen assemblies and the case by itself are completely devoid of information that could be used to identify any aspect of the article. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the current invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a case constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of select components of the case of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is an elevation view of the select components of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective cutaway view of select components of the case of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a securement mechanism constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a rear perspective exploded view of the securement mechanism of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a securement mechanism constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  8    is another perspective view of the securement mechanism of  FIG.  7   ; and 
         FIG.  8    is another perspective view of the securement mechanism of  FIG.  8    with the securement mechanism being in an inverted orientation. 
     
    
    
     The drawing figures do not limit the current invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description of the invention references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the current invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the current invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the current technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. 
     Turning to the drawing figures, a transport case  10  (hereinafter “case  10 ”) constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The case  10  broadly comprises an outer shell  12 , first and second inner brackets  14 A,B, first and second pinscreen assemblies  16 A,B, and first and second securement mechanisms  18 A, B. 
     The outer shell  12  includes opposing first and second sections  20 A,B and is configured to be in an open configuration and a closed configuration. The outer shell  12  may also include a handle for carrying the case  10 . The outer shell  12  forms an inner chamber  22  when in the closed configuration. The outer shell  12  may be opaque to completely obscure the contents in the inner chamber  22 . 
     The first section  20 A may be a clamshell, a box portion, a partial housing, or the like. In one embodiment, the first section  20 A is a bottom part of the outer shell  12 . For example, the first section  20 A may include a bottom wall, sidewalls, and an open top. The first section may include an anchor pin  24 , a guide  26 , and a shell aperture  28 , with the guide  26  and shell aperture  28  being on an opposite side of the first section  20 A relative to the anchor pin  24 . The shell aperture  28  may include threading for receiving a threaded fastener. 
     The second section  20 B may be a clamshell, a box portion, a partial housing, or the like. In one embodiment, the second section  20 B is a top part of the outer shell  12 . For example, the second section  20 B may include a top wall, sidewalls, and an open bottom. The second section  20 B may include an anchor pin  30 , a guide  32 , and a shell aperture  34 , with the guide  32  and shell aperture  34  being on an opposite side of the second section  20 B relative to the anchor pin  30 . The shell aperture  34  may include threading for receiving a threaded fastener. 
     The first inner bracket  14 A may be nestled in an inner chamber portion formed by the first section  20 A of the outer shell  12  and may include first and second sections  36 A,B configured to sandwich the first pinscreen assembly  16 A. Alternatively, only one bracket section may be used. The first inner bracket  14 A, and at least one of the first and second sections  36 A,B in particular, may be shiftable between a released configuration and a braced configuration, the purpose of which will be described in more detail below. The first inner bracket  14 A may include geometry to retain the first inner bracket  14 A in the first section  20 A of the outer shell  12 . 
     The second inner bracket  14 B may be nestled an inner chamber portion formed by the second section  20 B of the outer shell  12  and may include first and second sections  38 A,B configured to sandwich the second pinscreen assembly  16 B. 
     Alternatively, only one bracket section may be used. The second inner bracket  14 B, and at least one of the first and second sections  38 A,B in particular, may be shiftable between a released configuration and a braced configuration, the purpose of which will be described in more detail below. The second inner bracket  14 B may include geometry to retain the second inner bracket  14 B in the second section  20 B of the outer shell  12 . 
     The first pinscreen assembly  16 A may be positioned in the inner chamber portion formed by the first section  20 A of the outer shell  12  and may include a frame  40 , a securement plate  42 , and a plurality of pins  44 . The first pinscreen assembly  16 A may be positioned in one of a plurality of positions and orientations relative to the first inner bracket  14 A and the outer shell  12 . The first pinscreen assembly  16 A may also include geometry to retain it in the first section  20 A of the outer shell  12 . 
     The first pinscreen assembly  16 A could even be positioned in one of a plurality of positions and orientations within the inner chamber portion formed by the second section  20 B, which may be useful for small articles. In other words, the pinscreen assemblies  16 A,B are not limited to being positioned in particular inner chamber portions. In one embodiment, the first pinscreen assembly  16 A may be slid along rods and locked in place when the rods are shifted laterally. 
     The frame  40  may include a backplate  46 , a midplate  48 , a foreplate  50 , and a plurality of spacers  52 . The frame  40  supports the plurality of pins  44  and the securement plate  42 . 
     The backplate  46  may be spaced from the midplate  48  and positioned near a bottom wall of the first section  20 A of the outer shell  12 . The backplate  46  prevents the plurality of pins  44  from backing out of the pinholes (described below) of the midplate  48 , foreplate  50 , and securement plate  42 . 
     The midplate  48  may be positioned between the backplate  46  and the foreplate  50  and may include a plurality of pinholes  54  aligned with pinholes of the foreplate  50 . The midplate  48  and the foreplate  50  sandwich the securement plate  42 . The midplate  48  may also or alternatively have magnetic features that can be utilized for pin securement. 
     The foreplate  50  may be spaced in front of the midplate  48  and may include a plurality of pinholes  56  aligned with the pinholes  54  of the midplate  48 . The foreplate  50  and the midplate  48  sandwich the securement plate  42 . 
     The plurality of spacers  52  retain spacing between the backplate  46 , midplate  48 , and foreplate  50 . The plurality of spacers  52  may be rods, screws, pins, or the like. 
     The securement plate  42  may be positioned between the midplate  48  and the foreplate  50  and may include a plurality of pinholes  58 . The securement plate  42  may be configured to translate laterally relative to the plurality of pins  44  between an unsecured position and a secured position. The pinholes  58  of the securement plate  42  may be configured to be aligned with the pinholes  54 ,  56  of the midplate  48  and foreplate  50  when the securement plate  42  is in the unsecured position and slightly offset therefrom when the securement plate  42  is in the secured position. Furthermore, an end of the securement plate  42  may extend laterally outward relative to ends of the backplate  46 , midplate  48 , and foreplate  50  when the securement plate  42  is in the unsecured position. The securement plate  42  may also or alternatively have magnetic features that may be utilized for pin securement. 
     The securement plate  42  may be configured to be pulled instead of pushed and/or could be made out of a relatively soft material to ensure contact with each pin. This may alleviate pins not locking due to slight misalignment. 
     The second pinscreen assembly  16 B may be positioned in the inner chamber portion formed by the second section  20 B of the outer shell  12  and may include a frame  60 , a securement plate  62 , and a plurality of pins  64 . The second pinscreen assembly  16 B may be positioned in one of a plurality of positions and orientations relative to the second inner bracket  14 B and the outer shell  12 . The second pinscreen assembly  16 B may also include geometry to retain it in the second section  20 B of the outer shell  12 . 
     The second pinscreen assembly  16 B could even be positioned in one of a plurality of positions and orientations within the inner chamber portion formed by the first section  20 A, which may be useful for small articles. In other words, the pinscreen assemblies  16 A, B are not limited to being positioned in particular inner chamber portions. In one embodiment, the second pinscreen assembly  16 B may be slid along rods and locked in place when the rods are shifted laterally. 
     The frame  60  may include a backplate  66 , a midplate  68 , a foreplate  70 , and a plurality of spacers  72 . The frame  60  supports the plurality of pins  64  and the securement plate  62 . 
     The backplate  66  may be spaced from the midplate  68  and positioned near a bottom wall of the second section  20 B of the outer shell  12 . The backplate  66  prevents the plurality of pins  64  from backing out of the pinholes (described below) of the midplate  68 , foreplate  70 , and securement plate  62 . 
     The midplate  68  may be positioned between the backplate  66  and the foreplate  70  and may include a plurality of pinholes  74  aligned with pinholes of the foreplate  70 . The midplate  68  and the foreplate  70  sandwich the securement plate  62 . The midplate  68  may also or alternatively have magnetic features that can be utilized for pin securement. 
     The foreplate  70  may be spaced in front of the midplate  68  and may include a plurality of pinholes  76  aligned with the pinholes  74  of the midplate  68 . The foreplate  70  and the midplate  68  sandwich the securement plate  62 . 
     The plurality of spacers  72  retain spacing between the backplate  66 , midplate  68 , and foreplate  70 . The plurality of spacers may be rods, screws, pins, or the like. 
     The securement plate  62  may be positioned between the midplate  68  and the foreplate  70  and may include a plurality of pinholes  78 . The securement plate  62  may be configured to translate laterally relative to the plurality of pins  64  between an unsecured position and a secured position. The pinholes  78  of the securement plate  62  may be configured to be aligned with the pinholes  74 ,  76  of the midplate  68  and foreplate  70  when the securement plate  62  is in the unsecured position and slightly offset therefrom when the securement plate  62  is in the secured position. Furthermore, an end of the securement plate  62  may extend laterally outward relative to ends of the backplate  66 , midplate  68 , and foreplate  70  when the securement plate  62  is in the unsecured position. The securement plate  62  may also or alternatively have magnetic features that can be utilized for pin securement. 
     The securement plate  62  may be configured to be pulled instead of pushed and/or could be made out of a relatively soft material to ensure contact with each pin. This may alleviate pins not locking due to slight misalignment. 
     The first securement mechanism  18 A may include a link  80  and a fastener  82 . The first securement mechanism  18 A may be positioned on an opposite side of the outer shell  12  relative to the second securement mechanism  18 B. 
     The link  80  may be pivotably attached near its first end to the first section  20 A of the outer shell  12  via the anchor pin  24  and may include a link aperture  84  near its second end. The link  80  may be configured to be positioned in the guide  32  of the second section  20 B of the outer shell  12  for the link aperture  84  to align with the shell aperture  34  of the second section  20 B of the outer shell  12 . 
     The fastener  82  may be configured to be inserted into and extend through the link aperture  84  and the shell aperture  34  of the second section  20 B of the outer shell  12  and to engage the second inner bracket  14 B. The fastener  82  may be a threaded bolt or screw, a pin, a latch, a plug, a magnetic fastener, or the like. The fastener  82  may include a grip or knurling for aiding in securement. 
     The second securement mechanism  18 B may include a link  86  and a fastener  88 . The second securement mechanism  18 B may be positioned on the opposite side of the outer shell  12  relative to the first securement mechanism  18 A. 
     The link  86  may be pivotably attached near its first end to the second section  20 B of the outer shell  12  via the anchor pin  30  and may include a link aperture  90  near its second end. The link  86  may be configured to be positioned in the guide  26  of the first section  20 A of the outer shell  12  for the link aperture  90  to align with the shell aperture  28  of the first section  20 A of the outer shell  12 . 
     The fastener  88  may be configured to be inserted into and extend through the link aperture  90  and the shell aperture  28  of the first section  20 A of the outer shell  12  and to engage the first inner bracket  14 A. The fastener  88  may be a threaded bolt or screw, a pin, a latch, a plug, a magnetic fastener, or the like. The fastener  88  may include a grip or knurling for aiding in securement. 
     Use of the case  10  will now be described. First, the first and second sections  20 A,B of the outer shell  12  may be separated. The article  100  may then be positioned on the plurality of pins  44  of the first pinscreen assembly  16 A. The second pinscreen assembly  16 B may then be placed on top of the article  100  so that the plurality of pins  64  fall via gravity toward the article in at least a portion of an article conforming arrangement. The second section  20 B of the outer shell  12  may then be positioned on top of the first section  20 A of the outer shell  12  so that the article  100  is completely obscured. 
     The link  80  of the first securement mechanism  18 A may then be pivoted until it is in the guide  32  so that the link aperture  84  aligns with the shell aperture  34  of the second section  20 B. The fastener  82  may then be inserted into the link aperture  84  and the shell aperture  34  so that it presses against the second inner bracket  14 B and shifts the second inner bracket  14 B from the released configuration to the braced configuration, with the second inner bracket  14 B in turn shifting the securement plate  62  from its unsecured position to its secured position. In doing so, the securement plate  62  presses against the plurality of pins  64  of the second pinscreen assembly  16 B and restrains them against the article  100  in the article conforming arrangement. The first securement mechanism  18 A, now in a secured configuration, also serves to retain the first and second sections  20 A, B in a closed configuration. 
     The case  10  may then be overturned so that the plurality of pins  44  of the first pinscreen assembly  16 A fall via gravity toward the article, in furtherance of the article conforming arrangement. The link  86  of the second securement mechanism  18 B may then be pivoted until it is in the guide  26  of the first section  20 A of the outer shell  12  so that the link aperture  90  aligns with the shell aperture  28  of the first section  20 A. The fastener  88  may then be inserted into the link aperture  90  and the shell aperture  28  so that it presses against the first inner bracket  14 A and shifts the first inner bracket  14 A from the released configuration to the braced configuration, with the first inner bracket  14 A in turn shifting the securement plate  42  from its unsecured position to its secured position. In doing so, the securement plate  42  presses against the plurality of pins  44  and restrains them against the article  100  in the article conforming arrangement. The second securement mechanism  18 B, now in a secured configuration, also serves to retain the first and second sections  20 A,B in the closed configuration. 
     The article  100 , now supported in the article conforming arrangement and secured in the inner chamber  22  may then be transported with complete obscurity via the case  10 . Additional security such as a lock or a disguise (e.g., to make the case appear to be designed for an inconsequential article) may be added. 
     To remove the article  100  from the case  10 , the first and second securement mechanisms  18 A,B must be reverted to an unsecured configuration. Specifically, the fastener  82  of the first securement mechanism  18 A may be withdrawn from the shell aperture  34  of the second section  20 B of the outer shell  12 . This releases pressure from the second inner bracket  14 B and hence the securement plate  62  of the second pinscreen assembly  16 B, which frees the plurality of pins  64  of the second pinscreen assembly  16 B to translate longitudinally. Similarly, the fastener  88  of the second securement mechanism  18 B may be withdrawn from the shell aperture  28  of the first section  20 A of the outer shell  12 . This releases pressure from the first inner bracket  14 A and hence the securement plate  42  of the first pinscreen assembly  16 A, which frees the plurality of pins  44  of the first pinscreen assembly  16 A to translate longitudinally. This ensures the plurality of pins  44  of the first pinscreen assembly  16 A and the plurality of pins  64  of the second pinscreen assembly  16 B are not restrained in the article conforming arrangement when the case  10  is in the open configuration. 
     The first and second sections  20 A,B and the first and second pinscreen assemblies  16 A,B may then be separated to provide access to the article  100 . The article  100  may then be removed from the case  10 , which also resets the plurality of pins  44 ,  64 . In this way, the case  10  by itself is completely devoid of information that could be used to identify any aspect of the article  100 . 
     The case  10  has heretofore been described with first and second sections  20 A,B, first and second pinscreen assemblies  16 A,B, and first and second securing mechanisms  18 A,B, but aspects of the invention may be achieved via a single-piece or multi-piece outer shell, one or several pinscreen assemblies, and one or several securing mechanisms. 
     The above-described case  10  provides several advantages. For example, the first and second securement mechanisms  18 A,B ensure the plurality of pins  44  of the first pinscreen assembly  16 A and the plurality of pins  64  of the second pinscreen assembly  16 B are not restrained in the article conforming arrangement when the case  10  is in the open configuration. This allows the case  10  by itself to be completely devoid of information that could be used to identify any aspect of articles it contained. The first and second pinscreen assemblies  16 A,B allow articles of different sizes and shapes to be support and secured. The first and second pinscreen assemblies  16 A,B and the first and second brackets  14 A,B may be positioned in one of a plurality of positions, and the plurality of pins  44 ,  64  can be positioned in different pinholes. These features provide the case  10  more versatility in securing articles of different shapes and further obfuscates the nature of the article being secured. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , a securement mechanism  200  constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The securement mechanism  200  broadly comprises opposing first and second members  202 ,  204 , an intermediate link  206 , and first and second fasteners  208 ,  210 . The securement mechanism  200  may be used instead of previously described securement mechanisms with a transport case as otherwise described herein (e.g., transport case  10 ). 
     The first member  202  includes opposing flanks  212  each having apertures  214 A,B. The flanks  212  form a space therebetween. The apertures  214 A,B may be aligned with each other. 
     The second member  204  includes opposing flanks  216  each having apertures  218 A, B. The flanks  212  form a space therebetween. The apertures  218 A, B may be aligned with each other. 
     The intermediate link  206  includes threaded apertures  220 ,  222  and may be configured to be positioned in the spaces between the flanks  212 ,  216 . The threaded aperture  220  is configured to be aligned with the apertures  214 A,B, and the threaded aperture  222  is configured to be aligned with the apertures  218 A,B when the transport case is closed and ready to be secured. 
     The fasteners  208 ,  210  may be threaded knobs, bolts, screws, or other similar threaded fasteners. Fastener  208  is configured to be inserted through aperture  214 A, threaded aperture  220 , and aperture  214 B. Fastener  208  must be turned so that its threads engage the threads of threaded aperture  220 . Similarly, fastener  210  is configured to be inserted through aperture  218 A, threaded aperture  222 , and aperture  218 B. Fastener  210  must be turned so that its threads engage the threads of threaded aperture  222 . 
     The securement mechanism  200  provides additional security to its transport case. Specifically, the intermediate link  206  must be in place for either of the fasteners  208 ,  210  to be secured (and hence for the fasteners  208 ,  210  to engage securement plates of the transport case. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  7 - 9   , a securement mechanism  300  constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The securement mechanism  300  broadly comprises a first member  302 , an intermediate link  304 , and a fastener  306 . The securement mechanism  300  may be used instead of previously described securement mechanisms with a transport case as otherwise described herein (e.g., transport case  10 ). 
     The first member  302  includes opposing flanks  308  each having apertures  310 . The flanks  308  form a space therebetween. The apertures  310  may be aligned with each other. 
     The intermediate link  304  includes an aperture  312  and may be configured to be positioned in the space between the flanks  308 . The aperture  312  is configured to be aligned with the apertures  310  when the transport case is closed and ready to be secured. 
     The fastener  306  may be a threaded knob, bolt, screw, or other similar threaded fastener. Fastener  306  is configured to be inserted through apertures  310  and aperture  312 . 
     In use, the intermediate link  304  is not in position for insertion of fastener  306  unless the transport case is closed, as seen when comparing  FIGS.  7  and  8   . That is, when the transport case is open, the intermediate link  304  may slide out of position, as shown in  FIG.  7   . When the transport case is closed, the opposing section of the transport case pushes the intermediate link  304  into the correct position, as shown in  FIG.  8   . Furthermore, the intermediate link  304  may slide out of position, deeper into the space between flanks  308 , when the securement mechanism  300  is inverted, as shown in  FIG.  9   . As such, the securement mechanism  300  can only be engaged when the transport case is closed and the securement mechanism  300  (and hence a corresponding section of the transport case) is not inverted. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.