Patent Publication Number: US-2023151648-A1

Title: Storage device with rotatable latching mechanism

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Hangers, shelfs, racks, and other like devices are used to hold or otherwise secure objects. Such devices, for example, may secure objects to walls or other surfaces. In some instances, the objects may hang or rest from or on the devices. Moreover, the devices may include clips, members, or other mechanism(s) that engage with the object. Such mechanism(s) may assist in securing the object within the device. However, the mechanism(s) are often crude, fragile, and are prone to failure. Moreover, such mechanism(s) may damage (e.g., wear, abrase, etc.) the object. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical components or features. The systems depicted in the accompanying figures are not to scale and components within the figures may be depicted not to scale with each other. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an example storage device having a latching mechanism, showing the storage device in an unlocked state for receiving an object, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates the storage device of  FIG.  1   , showing the storage device in a locked state for securing the object, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 A  illustrates a first end view of the storage device of  FIG.  1   , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 B  illustrates a second end view of the storage device of  FIG.  1   , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an exploded view of the storage device of  FIG.  1   , showing example components of the storage device, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates an example housing of the storage device of  FIG.  1   , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates an example rotatable member of the storage device of  FIG.  1   , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 A  illustrates the storage device of  FIG.  1    in the unlocked state, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 B  illustrates the storage device of  FIG.  1    in the locked state, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a storage device having multiple latching mechanism, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates multiple storage devices being used to secure an object, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a storage device having a locking mechanism configured to hold, secure, or otherwise store an object. In some instances, the storage device includes a housing and a rotatable member that rotationally engages within the housing. The housing defines a channel within which the object is secured, and the rotatable member is configured to rotate to secure the object within the channel. The rotatable member transitions between a first position and a second position. The first position may correspond to an unlocked state of the storage device, while the second position may correspond to a locked state of the storage device. In the first position, the rotatable member is configured to accept the object for storage, such as a pool cue. Application of a first force (e.g., push) on the rotatable member causes the rotatable member to transition from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the object is secured within the storage device. Conversely, application of an opposite second force (e.g., pull) causes the rotatable member to transition from the second position to the first position. In the first position, the object is removable from the storage device. As such, the rotatable member may toggle between the first position and the second position to provide a convenient way to secure the object. Additionally, the toggling nature of the rotatable member permits the object to be quickly secured and retrievable from the storage device. 
     The housing includes a socket, cutout, or other receptacle within which the rotatable member engages. The rotatable member is rotationally coupled to the housing and is configured to rotate about a rotational axis for transitioning between the first position and the second position. The rotatable member, or a portion thereof, is at least partially disposed within the channel such that the rotatable member is capable of receiving the object and moving between the first position and the second position. 
     In some instances, the rotatable member includes a cutout, indentation, or other notch that receives and engages with the object. For example, continuing with the above example, the notch may receive at least a portion of the pool cue, such as a handle or portion of a shaft of the pool cue. In some instances, the rotatable member is circular, ovular, square, and/or any other shape capable of being rotatably mounted to the housing. The receptacle of the housing is complimentary to receive the rotatable member. 
     In some instances, magnetic elements are used to secure the object within the storage device and hold the rotational member in the first position and the second position, respectively. The magnetic elements may be disposed on, in, and/or within the housing and the rotatable disc. For example, the housing may include a first magnetic element that engages (e.g., attracts) with a second magnetic element and a third magnetic element of the rotatable member. In some instances, the rotatable member rotates in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) from the first position to the second position, and rotates in a second direction (e.g., clockwise) from the second position to the first position. Given the positioning of the magnetic elements, the first magnetic element remains stationary during rotation of the rotating member, while the second magnetic element and the third magnetic element are movable with the rotating member. 
     In the first position, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element engage. This engagement secures the rotatable member in the first position such that the rotatable member is held open to receive the object. However, application of the first force may overcome the engagement between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element such that the rotatable member is capable of transitioning to the second position. For example, while holding the object, such as a handle of the pool cue, a user may press the pool cue into the notch of the rotatable member. This pressing nature causes the rotatable member to rotate and transition to the second position. In the second position, the first magnetic element engages with the third magnetic element to secure the rotatable member in the second position. Application of the second force, such as pulling on the handle of the pool cue, imparts a force to the rotatable member. When the force overcomes the engagement between the first magnetic element and the third magnetic element, the rotatable member transitions to the first position. In turn, the object may be removed from the storage device. 
     The magnetic elements provide a snap-like, toggle, or clasping feel when securing the object within the storage device. For example, as the rotatable member rotates towards the second position and the first magnetic element disengages with the second magnetic element, further rotation causes an attraction between the first magnetic element and the third magnetic element. Therein, the attraction between the first magnetic element and the third magnetic element causes the rotatable member to snap to the second position and secure the object within the storage device. Contrarily, when transitioning to the first position, an attraction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element causes the rotatable member to snap to the first position and unlock the object from the storage device. 
     in some instances, more than one storage device may be utilized for securing an object. For example, a first storage device may couple to a wall, counter, cabinet, or other surface using fasteners, brackets, and so forth. A second storage device, spaced vertically below the first storage device, may also couple to the wall. Both of the storage devices may act to secure the object. For example, the first storage device may receive and secure a first end of the pool cue, while the second storage device may receive and secure a second end of the pool cue. The first storage device and the second storage device may respectively lock and unlock to enable the pool cue to be secured and removed. Additionally, in some instances, the storage device may be configured to horizontally hold the object or hold the object at angle. In some instances, a single storage device may include more than one rotatable member and a corresponding channel that are placed end to end. As such, a storage device may be configured to hold an number of objects. 
     Although the discussion herein relates to securing a pool cue within the storage device, the storage device is not limited to such applications and/or objects. For example, the storage device may secure objects with handles (e.g., broom, shovel, utensil, etc.), objects with shafts (e.g., piping, conduit, etc.), or other objects with members that are capable of being engaged (e.g., flanges, lever, arms, etc.). In such instances, the notch may be correspondingly sized to receive the object or a portion of the object being grasped. 
     In some instances, a lock may secure the latching mechanism in the closed position to prevent removal of the object from the storage device. The lock, for example, may be disposed through the rotatable member and/or the housing to prevent rotation of the rotatable member (e.g., from the second position to the first position). Other locks, however, may be used to secure the object within the storage device and prevent removal of the object. For example, a bar or strut may be secured, and locked, over the channel of the storage device to prevent removal of the object. 
     Additionally, in some instances, a biasing member (e.g., a spring) may assist in providing rotational movement of the rotatable member. For example, the biasing member may provide passive actuation to the rotatable member between the unlocked state and/or the locked state. 
     The present disclosure provides an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, device, and system disclosed herein. One or more examples of the present disclosure are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the devices and/or the systems specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting examples. The features illustrated or described in connection with one example may be combined with the features of other examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an example storage device  100  including a latching mechanism  102  that is used to secure an object within the storage device  100 . As shown, the storage device  100  may generally include a square-shaped structure, however, other shapes are envisioned (e.g., circular, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.). The storage device  100  is shown including a channel  104  that is formed at least in part by a housing  106 . The latching mechanism  102  may include or represent a rotatable member  108  that couples to the housing  106  and is rotatable (e.g., about the Y-axis) to transition the latching mechanism  102  between a first position (e.g., unlocked state) and a second position (e.g., locked state). As shown in  FIG.  1   , the latching mechanism  102  is in the first position. 
     The rotatable member  108  includes a notch  110  that is configured to receive a portion of an object. For example, a shaft, handle, or other portion of the object may be placed through an opening  112  of the channel  104  (formed by the housing  106 ) and within the notch  110 . Pushing on the object (e.g., Z-direction) pushes the object against a first sidewall  114  of the notch  110  and causes the rotatable member  108  to rotate (e.g., counterclockwise about the Y-axis). In doing so, the object is advanced is a direction towards an end  116  of the channel  104  as the rotatable member  108  rotates. At this position, in the locked state, the object is secured within the storage device  100 . 
     The storage device  100  is further shown including a cover  118  that is at least partially disposed over the housing  106  and/or the rotatable member  108 . In some instances, the cover  118  assists in securing the rotatable member  108  to the housing  106 . For example, as will be explained in detail herein, the housing  106  may include a receptacle configured to receive the rotatable member  108 . The cover  118  at least partially encloses the rotatable member  108  to prevent the rotatable member  108  disengaging from the housing  106 . Additionally, the cover  118  may include a corresponding channel to align with the channel  104  of the housing  106 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates the storage device  100  and the latching mechanism  102  in the second position. As shown, in comparison to  FIG.  1   , the latching mechanism  102  is rotated in the counterclockwise direction to secure the object. At this position, the object may be secured within the storage device  100  via the notch  110  and sidewalls (or surfaces) of the channel  104 . 
     To move the latching mechanism  102  to the first position, such the object may be removed, the object within the storage device  100  may be pulled. Pulling on the object (e.g., in an opposite Z-direction) pulls the object against a second sidewall  200  of the notch  110  and causes the rotatable member  108  to rotate (e.g., clockwise about the Y-axis). In doing so, the object is advanced a direction towards the opening  112  of the channel  104 . At this position, in the unlocked state, the object is capable of being removed from the storage device  100  and out of the channel  104 . 
       FIG.  3 A  illustrates an end view of the storage device  100 . In some instances the view shown in  FIG.  3 A  represents a front view of the storage device  100 . The rotatable member  108  is shown at least partially residing within the channel  104  for receiving the object and securing the object within the storage device  100 . For example, being as the notch  110  of the rotatable member  108  extends into the channel  104 , the object may be pushed and pulled against the first sidewall  114  and the second sidewall  200  of the notch  110 , respectively, to move the rotatable member  108 . The cover  118  is shown coupled to a top of the housing  106 , for example, to secure the rotatable member  108  to the housing  106 . 
       FIG.  3 B  illustrates an end view of the storage device  100 . In some instances, the view shown in  FIG.  3 B  represents a top view of the storage device  100 . The storage device  100  in  FIG.  3 B  is shown in the second position. In the second position, the object is secured within the storage device  100 , via an engagement of the object within the notch  110  and against one or more sides of the channel  104 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an exploded view of the storage device  100 , showing the housing  106 , the rotatable member  108 , the cover  118 , and a pin  400  about which the rotatable member  108  is configured to rotate. 
     The housing  106  includes a receptacle  402  for receiving at least a portion of the rotatable member  108  and within which the rotatable member  108  rotates. The receptacle  402  is shown being semi-circular in shape for receiving a corresponding shape of the rotatable member  108 . In some instances, the receptacle  402  is formed in a top surface  404  of the housing  106 . Additionally, the receptacle  402  is defined, at least in part, by a sidewall  406 . When the rotatable member  108  is engaged within the receptacle  402 , an outer periphery  408  of the rotatable member  108  resides adjacent to the sidewall  406  (e.g., within the sidewall  406 ). The receptacle  402  is also shown being open to the channel  104  such that the notch  110  (or other portions of the rotatable member  108 ) is capable of extending into the channel  104  for engaging the object within the channel  104 . A depth of the receptacle  402 , in some instances, extends through less than an entirety of a thickness of the housing  106  (Y-direction). 
     The housing  106  is shown including a socket  410  for receiving the pin  400 . The pin  400  additionally couples or engages with the rotatable member  108 . The rotatable member  108  rotates about a rotational axis  412  that extends through the socket  410  and a passage  414  of the rotatable member  108 . As such, the rotatable member  108  may rotate about the pin  400 . For example, the pin  400  may be placed within the socket  410  and the rotatable member  108  (e.g., the passage  414 ) may be placed over the pin  400 , such that the rotatable member  108  rotates about the pin  400  and within the receptacle  402 . In some instances, the pin  400  remains stationary within the socket  410  as the rotatable member  108  rotates, or the pin  400  may rotate with the rotatable member  108 . 
     Moreover, the cover  118  is secured to the housing  106  for enclosing the rotatable member  108  and coupling the rotatable member  108  to the housing  106 . In doing so, the cover  118  secures the rotatable member  108  within the housing  106  and prevents separation of the rotatable member  108  from the housing  106  (e.g., in the Y-direction). As shown, the cover  118  includes a cutout  418  that at least partially defines the channel  104 . In some instances, the housing  106  and the cover  118  include a similar shape, profile, or perimeter such that the cover  118  may extend over the top surface  404  of the housing  106 . However, the cover  118  may include a different shape compared to the housing  106 , or may be disposed over less than an entirety of the top surface  404  of the housing  106 . Additionally, in some instances, the cover  118  may be omitted from the storage device  100 . In such instances, the pin  400  may be secured within the socket  410  (e.g., press-fit, snap-fit, adhesives, fasteners, etc.) and the rotatable member  108  may be secured to the pin  400  (e.g., press fit). 
     In some instances, magnetic elements  416  are configured to secure the latching mechanism  102  in the first position and the second position. The magnetic elements  416  may be disposed on, in, and/or within the housing  106  and the rotatable member  108 . For example, the housing  106  is shown including a first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) residing within the receptacle  402  (e.g., internal to the sidewall  406 ). The first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) may reside or be embedded within a receptacle formed in the housing  106 . For example, a passage may be formed in the housing  106 , and the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) may reside within the passage. 
     The rotatable member  108  includes corresponding magnetic elements that engage with the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ). For example, the rotatable member  108  may include a second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) and a third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) that engage, respectively, within the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ). The second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) engages with the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) in the first position, and the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) engages with the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) in the second position. The second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) and the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) may respectively reside within passages that extend at least partially through a thickness of the rotatable member  108 . 
     In the first position, the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) and the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) engage with one another to hold the rotatable member  108  in the first position. However, as noted above, the object may press against the first sidewall  114  of the notch  110  to transition the rotatable member  108  to the second position. The rotatable member  108  therefore rotates about the rotational axis  412  in a counterclockwise direction to transition to the second position. In the second position, the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) engages with the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) to hold the rotatable member  108  in the second position. To remove the object, the object may pull against the second sidewall  200  of the notch  110  to transition the rotatable member  108  to the first position. In doing so, the rotatable member  108  rotates about the rotational axis  412  in a clockwise direction to transition to the first position. As such, the rotatable member  108  rotates such that the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) engages with the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) and the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) in the first position and the second position, respectively. 
     Although the magnetic elements  416  are shown being disposed on certain portions of the housing  106  and the rotatable member  108 , respectively, the magnetic elements  416  may be disposed elsewhere. For example, the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) may be disposed on the cover  118 , elsewhere within the receptacle  402 , external to the receptacle  402 , on the sidewall  406 , and so forth. The second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) and/or the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) may additionally or alternatively be disposed elsewhere on the rotatable member  108 , such as on the outer periphery  408  of the rotatable member  108 . Additionally, the storage device  100  may include more magnetic elements  416  than shown. As illustrated, the magnetic elements  416  may be circular in shape, however, other shapes are envisioned. For example, the magnetic elements  416  may be square shaped. 
     In some instances, a lock may be attached to the storage device  100  to secure the object therein. By way of example, the housing  106 , the rotatable member  108 , and/or the cover  118  may include passages that align in the locked state. In the locked state, a lock, such as a bar of the lock, may be placed through the passages and therein locked. As a result, the rotatable member  108  may be restricted from opening to prevent release of the object. In other instances, a bar may be secured over the opening  112  of the channel  104  to prevent the object being removed. Other locks, however, are envisioned to further secure the object within the storage device  100 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates an end view of the housing  106  which, in some instances, represents a top of the housing  106 . The housing includes the top surface  404  that at least partially defines the receptacle  402 . As introduced above, the receptacle  402  may be at semi-circular in shape for receiving a circular shape of the rotatable member  108 . However, the receptacle  402  and/or the rotatable member  108  may be differently shaped than shown. In some instances, the receptacle  402  and the rotatable member  108  may include different shapes than one another. For example, the receptacle  402  may be square shaped and the rotatable member  108  may be circular shaped. 
     The pin  400  is shown coupled to the housing  106 , at a location within the receptacle  402  (within the socket  410 ). Additionally, the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) is shown coupled to the housing  106 , at a location within the receptacle  402 . In some instances, the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) may be located closer to the sidewall  406  of the receptacle  402 , shaped apart from the pin  400 , in a direction away from the channel  104 . However, the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) may be located elsewhere, whether at another annular location disposed around the pin  400 , on the sidewall  406 , on the cover  118 , and so forth. The location of the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) may be complimentary to engage with a corresponding location of the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) and the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ). 
     In some instances, the housing  106  (or a body thereof) is formed at least in part by a first portion  500 , a second portion  502 , and/or a third portion  504 . The first portion  500  may include the receptacle  402  and define a first side of the channel  104 . The second portion  502  may extend between the first portion  500  and the third portion  504 , and defines a second side of the channel  104 . The third portion  504  extends from the second portion  502  and defines a third side of the channel  104 . The cover  118 , although not described, may include a corresponding shape and features for mating with and adjoining to the housing  106  (or the portions thereof). 
     Although the receptacle  402  is shown at a particular location on or within the housing  106 , the receptacle  402  may be positioned elsewhere (e.g., spaced upward or downward in the Z-direction, spaced sideways in the X direction, etc.). Additionally, although the first portion  500 , the second portion  502 , and the third portion  504  are shown including certain sizes and/or shapes, the first portion  500 , the second portion  502 , and/or the third portion  504  may include different shapes and/or sizes compared to one another. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates the rotatable member  108 . As shown, the rotatable member  108  may include a circular shape for being received within the receptacle  402 . The passage  414  is disposed through the rotatable member  108  such that the pin  400  may reside at least partially within the passage  414  to provide rotational movement to the rotatable member  108 . 
     The second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) and the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) are shown embedded within or coupled to the rotatable member  108 . In some instances, the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) and the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) are embedded within passages that extend at least partially through the rotatable member  108 . As illustrated, the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) and the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) may be located more proximal to the outer periphery  408  of the rotatable member  108  than the passage  414 . 
     In some instances, the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) and the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) are oriented at substantially 90 degrees from one another (relative to the rotational axis  412 ). Between the first position and the second position, the rotatable member  108  may rotated by substantially 90 degrees. However, the rotatable member  108  may rotated by more than or less than 90 degrees between the first position and the second position. For example, the rotatable member  108  may rotate 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 100 degrees, and so forth. Additionally, the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) and the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) may be spaced apart from the rotational axis  412  by the same or different amount. The second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) and the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ), in other words, may be disposed on the same or different arcs from the rotational axis  412 . 
     The rotatable member  108  is further shown including the notch  110  having the first sidewall  114  and the second sidewall  200 . The first sidewall  114  and the second sidewall  200  may represent a portion of the outer periphery  408 . In some instances, the first sidewall  114  and the second sidewall  200  are oriented at substantially 90 degrees relative to one another. However, the first sidewall  114  and the second sidewall  200  may be oriented differently (e.g., 100 degrees). In some instances, edges or surfaces of the first sidewall  114  and/or the second sidewall  200  are tapered or chamfered to reduce damage (e.g., scrapping) to the object. 
     Additionally, as shown, the second sidewall  200  may include a flare, projection, or other lip  600 . The lip  600  curls in a direction towards the outer periphery  408  of the rotatable member  108 . In some instances, the lip  600  may include a radius R. The radius R may correspond to a radius of a shaft, bar, strut, or other member in which the storage device  100  is capable of receiving. When the object engages with the second sidewall  200  to transition the rotatable member  108  to the second position, the lip  600  (or the radius R) may serve to transfer the motion to the rotatable member  108 . In some instances, the radius R is sized to accommodate the object. 
       FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  respectively illustrate the first position and the second position of the rotatable member  108 . In  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , the cover  118  is removed to illustrate the operation of the rotatable member  108 . 
     In  FIG.  7 A , the notch  110  is shown oriented in a direction towards the opening  112  of the channel  104  to receive the object. In this position, the storage device  100  is in an open or unlocked state. Additionally, the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) engages with the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ). As shown, at least a portion of the notch  110  resides within the receptacle  402 , while another portion of the notch  110  resides within the channel  104 . Here, the notch  110  is capable of receiving or otherwise engaging with the object. 
     As also shown in  FIG.  7 A , the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) is shown in dashed lines to indicate a position of the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) vertically beneath the rotatable member  108 . To transition to the second position, the object may press against the first sidewall  114  of the rotatable member  108 , causing the rotatable member  108  to rotate about the rotational axis  412  in a counterclockwise direction (about the Y-axis). When sufficient force is applied, the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) disengages from the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) and rotates in the counterclockwise direction as well. In some instances, the attraction between the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) and the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) maintains the rotatable member  108  in the first position. Moreover, in the first position, the rotatable member  108  may be capable of rotating in the clockwise direction when no object resides within the notch  110 . 
     In  FIG.  7 B , the notch  110  is shown oriented in a direction away from the opening  112 , such as towards the second side or the third side of the channel  104 . In this position, the storage device  100  is in a closed or locked state. Additionally, the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) engages with the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ). The first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) is in dashed lines to indicate a position of the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) vertically beneath the rotatable member  108  (Y-direction into page). To transition to the first position, the object may press against the second sidewall  200  of the rotatable member  108 , causing the rotatable member  108  to rotate about the rotational axis  412  in a clockwise direction (about the Y-axis). When sufficient force is applied, the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) disengages from the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) and rotates in the clockwise direction as well. The attraction between the first magnetic element  416 ( 1 ) and the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) maintains the rotatable member  108  in the first position. 
     In some instances, the housing  106  may include additional magnetic element(s) that engage with the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) and/or the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ). For example, the housing  106  may include a fourth magnetic element that engages with the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) in the first position. This may increase a force required to transition the rotatable member  108  from the first position to the second position (e.g., by separate sets of magnetic elements). Additionally, or alternatively, the housing  106  may include a fifth magnetic element that engages with the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 ) in the second position. This may increase a force required to transition the rotatable member  108  from the second position to the first position (e.g., by separate two sets of magnetic elements). 
     As shown, in the first position, the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) may be at least partially disposed within the channel  104 . However, the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) (as well as the second magnetic element  416 ( 2 )) may be located differently than shown such that the third magnetic element  416 ( 3 ) is not visible (once the cover  118  couples to the housing  106 ). Additionally, and as shown, a first portion of the rotatable member  108  may be disposed within the receptacle  402 , while a second portion of the rotatable member  108  may be disposed within the channel  104  (or external to the receptacle  402 ). In some instances, the first portion may be larger than the second portion. As such, in some instances, a majority, for example, of the rotatable member  108  may reside within the receptacle  402 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates an example storage device  800  having multiple latching mechanisms  802  for storing, holding, or otherwise securing an object, respectively. The storage device  800  may be similar to the storage device  100  discussed above, however, as shown, the storage device  800  includes respective channels  804  for securing objects therein. The latching mechanisms  802  may be similar to the latching mechanisms  102  as discussed above. 
     For example, the storage device  800  may include a first latching mechanism  802 ( 1 ) for securing a first object within a first channel  804 ( 1 ), a second latching mechanism  802 ( 2 ) for securing a second object within a second channel  804 ( 2 ), and a third latching mechanism  802 ( 3 ) for securing a third object within a third channel  804 ( 3 ). In some instances, the latching mechanisms  802  may be embodied within a single unibody housing or structure. However, the latching mechanisms  802  may operate independently of one another to securing objects therein. In other aspects, the storage device  800  may be similar to the storage device  100 . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a first storage device  900  and a second storage device  902  securing an object  904 , such as a pool cue. The first storage device  900  and the second storage device  902  may be similar to the storage device  100  and/or the storage device  800  as discussed above. 
     The first storage device  900  is shown disposed vertically above the second storage device  902  (Y-direction). The first storage device  900 , or a first latching mechanism therein, is configured to receive and secure a first end  906  of the object  904 . The second storage device  902 , or a second latching mechanism therein, is configured to receive and secure an opposite second end  908  of the object  904 . Each of the first storage device  900  and the second storage device  902  may operate independently, between a locked state and an unlocked state, to secure the first end  906  and the second end  908  of the object, respectively. As such, and as shown, the object  904  may be disposed vertically on a wall, for example. 
     In some instances, the first storage device  900  and the second storage device  902  include mechanisms for securing to a wall or other mountable surface. For example, the first storage device  900  may include one or more first flanges  910  having passages extending therethrough, and through which fasteners are disposed. Likewise, the second storage device  902  may include one or more second flanges  912  having passages extending therethrough and through which fasteners are disposed. The fasteners, for example, may be secured into wood, metal, drywall, plastic, and/or other materials. Additionally, or alternatively, the first storage device  900  and/or the second storage device  902  may be secured using adhesives (e.g., double sided tape), hangers, and so forth. Moreover, the first storage device  900  and/or the second storage device  902  may include additional structures for securing the first storage device  900  and/or the second storage device  902  to surfaces. 
     Although  FIG.  9    illustrates the first storage device  900  and the second storage device  902  oriented in a particular manner, the first storage device  900  and/or the second storage device  902  may be oriented differently. For example, the first storage device  900  and the second storage device  902  may be oriented to dispose the object  904  horizontally on the wall or at another angle along the wall. More than two storage devices, such as the first storage device  900  and the second storage device  902  may be used to secure the object  904 . For example, a third storage device may also be disposed between the first storage device  900  and the second storage device  902 , so as to secure a middle portion of the object  904 . However, it is to be understood that the amount of storage devices utilized to secure the object  904  (or other objects) may be based at least in part on a size of the object  904 , a weight of the object  904 , a shape of the object  904 , dimensions of the object  904 , and so forth. Moreover, components of the first storage device  900  and the second storage device  902  may be sized or include corresponding sizes for securing the object  904 . For example, the first end  906  of the object  904  may include a smaller cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter) than the second end  908  of the object  904 . Here, a rotatable member within a first latching mechanism of the first storage device  900  may include a smaller notch as compared to a notch within a rotatable member of a second latching mechanism of the second storage device  902 . In some instances, a size, and therefore a strength of the magnetic elements, may be based at least in part on the object  904  secure. 
     In some instances, other members, mechanism, supports, and the like may be used for securing (or holding) the object  904  within the first storage device  900  and the second storage device  902 . For example, a shelf  914  may support a butt of the second end  908 . The shelf  914  may carry or support a portion of a weight of the object  904 . However, in some instances, the object  904  may be suspended (e.g., hang) within the first storage device  900  and/or the second storage device  902 , or may rest against other surfaces within an environment (e.g., floor). 
     Although the object  904  is shown and described as a pool cue, the object  904  may include other items capable of being stored. For example, cleaning utensils (e.g., broom, mop, etc.), yard tools (e.g., rake, shovel, etc.), tools (e.g., hammer, screwdriver etc.), piping, and the like may be secured within the first storage device  900  and/or the second storage device  902  (or other storage devices). 
     In some instances, and as noted above, the first storage device  900  and/or the second storage device  902  may include locks that prevent rotation of the latching mechanism(s) within the first storage device  900  and/or the second storage device  902 . Such locks may further secure the object  904  within the first storage device  900  and/or the second storage device  902 . Moreover, other mechanisms (e.g., bars, cables, codes, etc.) may be used to lock the first storage device  900  and/or the second storage device  902 . 
     While the foregoing invention is described with respect to the specific examples, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to these specific examples. Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
     Although the application describes embodiments having specific structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are merely illustrative some embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims of the application.