Patent Publication Number: US-2016223004-A1

Title: Unit locking system and method

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a locking system. More particularly, the invention relates to a locking system configured for securely fastening one or more components or units to a mountable surface using dual fastening members provided on the surface and a cooperating aperture formed on the unit. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional desktop units, home appliances and general public units are designed to have a modern, clean appearance when used for commercial purposes, as well as when used in a home. It is important that these devices are capable of being securely fastened to a surface, and at the same time have an aesthetically pleasing design. Conventionally, the aforementioned devices are mounted to a desired surface, typically using unitary fixed fastener on the surface and an aperture such as a keyhole provided on the device. The keyhole is typically configured to receive the fastener, and is provided in a hidden location on the bottom or backside of the device. 
     Typically, the fixed fastener has a body portion and a head portion, with the head portion having a dimension or diameter generally greater than that of the body. Wall or surface mounting is facilitated by first affixing the fastener to the surface and then aligning and inserting the device&#39;s keyhole larger portion over a head portion of the fastener. As such the unit is placed in a position such that the keyhole captures the head of the fastener in the narrow part of the keyhole slot. 
     For a vertically mounted unit, gravity provides a force holding the unit in place on the surface. While the aforementioned fixed fastener and aperture configuration may temporarily connect the unit to a surface, this arrangement is deficient in providing a secure locking connection. The aforementioned configuration is incapable of sustaining a vibration test typically required by industry standards. Furthermore, in this configuration, the unit maybe accidentally removed, as it is possible to accidentally lift the unit out of the slot upon impact. As most units perform critical functions in a system, accidental removal and/or unit failure during vibration, could be catastrophic to the overall functioning of a connected system. 
     SUMMARY 
     In light of the present need for a unit locking, a brief summary of various exemplary embodiments is presented. Some simplifications and omissions may be made in the following summary, which is intended to highlight and introduce some aspects of the various exemplary embodiments, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Detailed descriptions of a preferred exemplary embodiment adequate to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventive concepts will follow in later sections. 
     The unit locking system includes a unit having an aperture configured to receive a first fastening member and second fastening member therein. The unit locking system includes a first fastening member having a proximal end having a first head portion and a distal end connected to a first mountable surface. The unit locking system also includes a second fastening member having a proximal end having a second head portion and a distal end connected to a second surface. 
     The unit is locked to the mounting surface when the first head portion and second head portion are inserted into the aperture such that first fastening member engages the first end portion and the second fastening member is moved into engagement with the second end portion. 
     In an embodiment of the unit locking system, the first fastening member is fixed, and the second fastening member is connected to a second surface having a slidable locking arm member. The slidable locking member is configured to facilitate movement of the second fastening member relative to the first fastening member. 
     In an embodiment of the unit locking system, a biasing member is connected to the locking arm member. 
     In an embodiment of the unit locking system, the biasing member includes a spring configured to bias the locking arm member and connected second fastening member in a direction opposing the first fastening member. 
     In another embodiment of the unit locking system, the biasing member is the locking arm member having a flexible member configured to apply a locking biasing force on the second fastening member. 
     In yet another embodiment of the unit locking system, the locking arm member is configured for rotation about the mounting surface. 
     In another embodiment of the unit locking system, the first mountable surface is vertically orientated to receive vertical mounting of the unit thereon. 
     The method of fastening a unit to a surface includes providing a unit including an aperture having an insertable portion and a slot portion. Thereafter, providing a mountable surface having a first fastening member extending generally outward therefrom, the first fastening member having a first head portion. The method further includes providing a second surface having a slidable locking member and a second fastening member connected to the locking member. 
     The second fastening member is configured to engage the first fastening member, and further including a second head portion and placing the second fastening member in proximate engagement with the first fastening member forming a retention member. The method further includes inserting the retention member into the insertable portion of the aperture and moving one of the first fastening member or the second fastening member such that one of the members engages a first end portion of the aperture and the other member engages a second end portion of the aperture. 
     In another embodiment, the method of fastening a unit to a surface of further includes orientating the mountable surface vertically such that the first fastening member is positioned above the second fastening member and placing the second fastening member in proximate engagement with the first fastening member forming a retention member. 
     The method further includes aligning the unit such that the insertable portion of the aperture is aligned with the retention member. The method further includes positioning the slot portion above the insertable portion and inserting the retention member into the insertable portion of the aperture and then releasing the unit such that the first fastening member engages the first end portion of the slot portion and the second fastening member engages the second end portion of the aperture. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to better understand various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the unit locking system illustrating a split fastener arrangement in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the locking system of  FIG. 1  with the unit mounted thereon, illustrating split fasteners extending through an aperture provided on the unit; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the unit locking system of  FIG. 1 , illustrating one of the split fasteners positioned in a locking position without the unit mounted thereon; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the unit locking system of  FIG. 1  with a unit mounted on the mountable surface, in a locked position; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the unit locking system of  FIG. 1 , illustrating installation of the unit positioned on the mountable surface and split fasteners; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the unit locking system of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the unit positioned on the mountable surface with a fixed first fastening member positioned at one end of the aperture; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the unit locking system of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the unit positioned on the mountable surface with the second fastening member positioned at another end of the aperture, thereby locking the unit to the mountable surface; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a latch in locking engagement with a catch for securing the locking arm; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view illustrating the unit locking system with a biasing member for moving the locking arm; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the unit locking system of  FIG. 9 , with the unit mounted to the mountable surface, in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the unit locking system of  FIG. 9 , with the unit mounted to the mountable surface, biased in a locked position; 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration of a method of locking a unit or device to a surface using a split fastener and keyhole configuration; 
         FIG. 13  is another illustration of a method of vertically locking a unit to a vertically mounted surface using a split fastener and keyhole configuration; 
         FIG. 14  is perspective view of an embodiment of the unit locking system, illustrating a flexible locking arm member for biasing one of the split fastening members in a locking position; 
         FIG. 15  is a frontal view of the unit locking system embodiment of  FIG. 14 , in a locked position with a mounted unit; 
         FIG. 16  is perspective view of an embodiment of the unit locking system, illustrating dual flexible locking arm members for biasing one of the split fastening members in a locking position; 
         FIG. 17  is a frontal view of the unit locking system embodiment of  FIG. 16 , in an unlocked position with a vertically mounted unit; 
         FIG. 18  is a frontal view of the unit locking system embodiment of  FIG. 16 , in an locked position with a vertically mounted unit; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the unit locking system using a rotational member to control movement of one of the split fastening members between a locked and unlocked position; 
         FIG. 20  is an illustration of another embodiment of the unit locking system using dual rotating members to control movement of two split fasteners, in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 21  is an illustration of another embodiment of the unit locking system using dual rotating members to control movement of two split fasteners, in a locked position; 
         FIG. 22  is an illustration of another embodiment of the unit locking system using a snap lock, in an unlocked position; and, 
         FIG. 23  is an illustration of the unit locking system of  FIG. 22  showing the snap lock in a locked position. 
     
    
    
     To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used to designate elements having substantially the same or similar structure and/or substantially the same or similar function. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is important to provide a system that allows a unit to be fastened to a mountable surface in a manner that prevents accidental removal, and is sustainable in an environment that may experience vibration, such as an earthquake. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a unit locking system that includes a mountable surface that incorporates multiple fasteners configured to provide two or more points of engagement within an aperture formed in the unit. It is further desirable that at least one of the fasteners, when inserted in the aperture of the unit, is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position. 
     The foregoing advantages of the invention are illustrative of those that can be achieved by the various exemplary embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages which can be realized. Thus, these and other advantages of the various exemplary embodiments will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practicing the various exemplary embodiments, both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variation that may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention resides in the novel methods, arrangements, combinations, and improvements herein shown and described in various exemplary embodiments. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein the illustrations are for purposes of describing one or more embodiments and not for the purposes of limiting the same,  FIGS. 1-4  illustrate an embodiment of the unit locking system  100  configured for securely mounting one or more components or units  102  to a mountable surface  104 . The mountable surface  104  may be comprised of a material such as, sheet metal or plastic, for example. As illustrated, the locking system  100  generally includes a fastening assembly  106 , provided in conjunction with the surface  104 , and one or more apertures or keyholes  108  disposed on the unit  102 . 
     The fastening assembly  106 , provided on the surface  104 , and the aperture  108 , provided on the unit  102 , are configured to provide locking engagement therebetween. As shown, the fastening assembly  106  generally includes a first fastening member  110  and a second fastening member  112 , which in cooperative engagement, form a retention member  114 . The jointly formed retention member  114  is configured for insertion into the aperture  108  of the unit  102 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first fastening member  110  is provided on the first mounting surface  104  of the unit  102 , and includes a first body  116  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ), which includes a proximal end  118 , and a distal end  120 . The distal end of the first fastening member  110  is connected to the surface  104  and extends generally outwardly therefrom. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first fastening member  110  may have a generally semi-cylindrical shape configured for engagement with a portion of the aperture  108 . It is also contemplated that the first fastening member  110  may have a T-shaped cross-section configuration, in which the proximal end  118  includes a first head portion  122  configured for retention inside of the aperture  108 . In general, the first head portion  122  has a diameter or width, larger than that of the body  116 . Notably, other configurations for the first head portion  122  are contemplated, such as square shaped, or triangular shape, for example. As shown for the purposes of this embodiment, the first fastening member  110  may be fixed to the mounting surface  104 . However, it is contemplated that the first fastening member  110  may also be provided for sliding movement relative to the aperture  108 , if desired. 
     The second fastening member  112  includes a body  126  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) having a distal end  128  and a proximal end  130  configured for insertion into the aperture  108 . As previously stated, the second fastening member  112  is configured for cooperative engagement with the first fastening member  110 , thereby forming the two-part retention member  114  when in an engaged position. The distal end  128  is connected to a second surface  105  or a locking arm member  105 , extending generally outwardly therefrom. The proximal end  130  includes a second head portion  132  configured for retention in the aperture  108 , when placed in an inserted position therein. Accordingly, the second head portion  132  has a diameter or configuration generally larger in width or diameter than that of the body  126 . As shown in this embodiment, the body  126  may have a semi-cylindrical shape and the second head portion  132  may have a semi-circular shape. 
     The second fastening member  112  is configured for slidable movement within the aperture  108 , to securely lock the second fastening member  112  and the first fastening member  110  to unit  102 . As shown, the second fastening member  112  is insertable into the aperture  108  or keyhole. The first fastening member  110  is fixed and the second fastening member  112  is movable relative to the first fastening member  110 . While in the disclosed embodiment the first fastening member  110  is fixed, it is contemplated that the locking member  100  may be configured such that the first fastening member  110  is a slidable member capable of sliding within the aperture  108  as well. 
     In the embodiment disclosed in  FIGS. 1-4 , the aperture  108  or keyhole may be located generally on the bottom surface  136  of the unit  102 . Notably, it is also contemplated that the aperture  108  may be provided at any desired mounting location on the unit  102 , including the side portion or top portion of the unit  102 , if desired. Additionally, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the mountable surface  104  may be configured in a generally horizontal orientation, such that the unit  102  may be placed on top of the mountable surface  104 . Notably, it is further contemplated that the mountable surface  104  may have a virtually any orientation, including a vertical or inclined orientation, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The locking arm member  105  is configured to move in a desired direction, to actuate movement of the second fastening member  112 . The locking arm member  105  may be accessed generally from the edges of the unit  102 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the locking arm member  105  may be locked in place by locking features such as a cam, screw, hook or catch  109 , for example. By using various linkages and pivot points, the locking arm member  105  may be easily adaptable to be configured in a wide variety of shapes and therefore may function in cooperation with a wide range of features. Similar to that of the mounting surface  104 , it is contemplated that the locking arm member  105  may be formed using sheet metal, or cast in another material formable through die-casting. 
     As shown, the keyhole or aperture  108  may have a variety of configurations suited to facilitate locking engagement with the first fastening member  110  and second fastening member  112 . The overall configuration of the aperture  108  is generally dependent on the desired locking movement of the fastening members  112  and  110 . As shown, the aperture  108  may have a cross-shaped configuration or a generally keyhole shaped configuration, for example. In one example, the aperture  108  has a generally insertable portion  140  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ), having a generally circular configuration, and an extended slot portion  142 . The insertable portion  140  has a dimension sufficient to receive simultaneous insertion of the first fastening member  110  and the second fastening member  112 , when the fastening members  110  and  112  are in an engaged joined position. 
     As shown, the slot portion  142  of the aperture  108  may have a width that is less than the width or diameter of the head portions  122  and  132 , formed on each of the respective first fastening member  110  and second fastening member  112 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , for example, once the respective head portions  122  and  132  are inserted in the insertable portion  140 , the unit  102  maybe secured by sliding the unit and/or one or both of the fastening members  110 ,  112  into the slot portion  142 . As such, the head portion  132  of the second fastening member  112  having a size larger than that of the slot  142  is retained at the end portion  144  of the slot  142 , providing a first connection, and the first fastening member  110  is retained at the opposing end  146  of the aperture  108 , providing a second connection. As shown, the generally straight slot configuration, facilitates longitudinal movement of the second fastening member  112  and locking arm  105  relative to the first fastening member  110 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , in operation the first fastening member  110  and second member  112  are placed in an engagement with each other, forming the retention member  114 . The unit  102  is positioned, such that the aperture  108 , formed on the engaging surface, is aligned with the retention member  114 . The respective first head portion  122  of the first fastening member  110  and second head portion  132  of the second fastening member  112  are inserted through the aperture  108 . The movable member, which in this case is the second fastening member  112 , is moved within the aperture  108 , which in this case is the slot portion  142 , such that the second fastening member  112  engages the end portion  144  of the aperture  108 . The respective larger dimensioned head portion  132  secures the second fastening member  112  within the slot  142 , and the first fastening member  110  is secured in the aperture  108  thus locking the unit  102  to the mountable surface  104 . 
     It is contemplated that the first fastening member  110 , second fastening member  112  or both members, maybe biased in the locked position or unlocked by a biased member such as a spring  148  or connected flexible member. As shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , the second fastening member  112  is connected to a slidable locking arm  105  The locking arm  105  is positioned in generally the same plane as the mounting surface  104 , and as such, the second fastening member  112  is movable within the slot portion  142  formed in the mounting surface  104 . The second fastening member  112  and locking arm  105  are biased by the spring  148 . As such, the spring  148  provides a biasing forcing, forcing the second fastening member  112  and locking arm  105  in the direction of a locking position. Dual abutments  150   a  and  150   b  are provided on the mountable surface  104  to limit movement the locking arm  105  to longitudinal movement. As such, in operation, once the aperture  108  of the unit  102  is placed over the retention member  114 , the second fastening member  112  is released, and the spring  148  forces the second fastening member  112  to slide into a locked position, engaging the end portion  144  of the aperture  108 . 
     In an embodiment shown in  FIG. 14-15 , the unit locking system  200  may be used in conjunction with a surface orientated in a vertical or horizontal orientation. As shown, the unit locking system  200  includes a fastening member assembly  206  which may be biased into a locked position using one or more pre-loaded flexible locking arms  205 . As shown, the first fastening member  210  may be fixed to the mountable surface  204  and the second fastening member  212  may be connected to one more flexible arm members  205 , configured to bias the second fastening member  212  in a locked position. As shown in the figures, the locking system  200  may be vertically orientated such that unit  102  and aperture  108  may be vertically mounted to the mountable surface  204 . 
     As shown, the flexible locking arm member  205  may be provided in opening  211 , facilitating rotational movement of the locking arm  205  and connected second fastening member  212 . In operation, the biased second fastening member  212  is forced into engagement with the first fastening member  210 . As previously described, the unit  102  (not shown) having an aperture  208  formed therein is mounted to the surface  204 . In the embodiment shown, the aperture  208  has a keyhole configuration, and the retaining assembly  114  (comprised of the second head portion and first head portion) is inserted in the keyhole  208 . The second fastening member  212  is released from engagement with the first fastening member  210 , and slides along the keyhole, locking the unit  102  to the surface  204 . 
     In a vertical arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the key hole  208  on the mounting surface is positioned such that the slot portion  242  is positioned above the insertable circular portion  240 . In operation, the circular portion  240  engages the second fastening member  212  and the unit  102  is moved up to also engage the fixed first fastening member  210 . Thereafter, the unit  102  is released down such that the first fastening member  210  remains positioned in the slot portion  242  of the keyhole  208 , and the second fastening member  212  flexes into position engaging the end portion  240 . 
     In an embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16-18 , the unit locking system  300  and fastening member assembly  306  may include dual locking arm members  305   a  and  305   b . As shown the first fastening member  312  is provided central to the first biasing arm  305   a  and, and the second fastening member is provided central to the second biasing arm  305   b . The second fastening member  312  is pressed against the first fastening member  310 , forming a retaining member  314 . In accordance with the keyhole and/or apertures illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 and 12 , the unit  102  having an aperture  208  formed therein is mounted to the surface  304  such that the head portions of fastening members  310  and  312  are inserted in the insertable portion of the aperture or keyhole  208 . Thereafter, second fastening member  312  biased in an opposing direction, is released from engagement with the first fastening member  310 , and is free to slide along the slot portion  342  of the keyhole  208 , locking the unit  102  to the mountable surface  304 . In an alternate method, the insertable portion  340  engages the second fastening member  312  and the unit  302  is moved in an upward direction to permit engagement with the fixed first fastening member  310 . Thereafter, the unit  102  is released in a downward direction such that the first fastening member  310  remains positioned in the slot portion  242  of the keyhole  208 , and the second fastening member  312  and locking arms  305   a  and  305   b  forces the second fastening member  312  into a position engaging the insertable portion  240 . 
     In an embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 , the locking system  400  may use a rotational locking arm member  405  to lock and unlock the unit to the mountable surface  404 . In this configuration, the first fastening member  410  is fixed to the mountable surface  404  and the second fastening member  412  is provided on a rotatable surface, such the rotatable locking arm member  405 . In a mounting position, the first fastening member  410  and second fastening member  412  are placed in engagement forming the retaining member  414 . 
     Thereafter, a unit  102  and aperture  108  (as previously shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ) may be placed in alignment with the retention member  414 , which is inserted therein. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that the aperture  108  may have a curved slot portion that accommodates rotational movement of the second fastening member  412  therein. The unit  102  and aperture  108  are secured to the surface  104  by rotating the rotatable locking arm  405  such that the second fastening member  412 , in an inserted position, travel long the slot, into a locked position. 
     In an embodiment shown in  FIGS. 20-21 , a dual rotational unit locking system  500  operates similarly to the aforementioned rotational locking system  400 . As shown the rotational arms  505   a  and  505   b  are connected at a hinge  550 . Force applied proximate to the hinge  550  actuates both rotating locking arms  505   a  and  505   b  to rotate, pressing the inserted second fastening members  512   a  and  512   b  into locking engagement with an aperture, while the first fastening members  510   a  and  510   b  remain fixed. 
     As shown in an embodiment disclosed in  FIGS. 22-23 , the unit locking system  600 , in conjunction with a mountable surface  604 , may use a snap locking assembly  650  to actuate movement of the second locking arm  605  and connected the second fastening member  612  relative to the first fastening member  610 . As shown, plural abutment  660  controls longitudinal movement of the second fastening member  612  relative to the first fastening member  610 , from an unlocked to locked position. 
     Although the various exemplary embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to certain exemplary aspects thereof, it should be understood that the invention is capable of other embodiments and its details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects. As is readily apparent to those skilled in the art, variations and modifications can be affected while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure, description, and figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not in any way limit the invention, which is defined only by the claims.