Patent Publication Number: US-11643843-B2

Title: Redundant actuation lock decoupling system and methods of use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The present application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 16/555,373, filed Aug. 29, 2019, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/413,664, filed on Jan. 24, 2017, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to provisional application Ser. No. 62/286,776 filed on Jan. 25, 2016, and provisional application Ser. No. 62/295,780, filed on Feb. 16, 2016. Each of the above-mentioned applications is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     [Not Applicable] 
     MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE 
     [Not Applicable] 
     FIELD 
     Certain embodiments are related to a redundant actuation lock decoupling system and method of use. More specifically, various embodiments provide a redundant actuation lock apparatus having mechanisms for decoupling an interface that moves one or more lock bars between locked and unlocked positions from a manual key lock mechanism if operating in an electronic lock actuation mode and from an electronic lock mechanism if operating in a manual key lock actuation mode. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic locking devices provide several advantages over conventional mechanical key locking systems. For example, electronic locking devices may allow remote control of a lock, proximity-based control of the lock, the addition or removal of keys without re-keying a lock cylinder, key access activity recording, and the like. Electronic locking devices may rely, however, on a power source and a wireless connection, among other things. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to retain a redundant manual operation capability to bypass the electronic control in the event of a failure of one or more components of the electronic locking device. 
     Existing electronic locking devices with redundant manual operation capability suffer from various problems. For example, typical electronic actuated mechanisms do not function independent of the manual key mechanism. Moreover, even in systems having mechanisms for disengaging components of one or both of the electronic locking device when operating the manual key mechanism or vice versa, the disengagement does not occur at the interface that moves the lock bar(s) between locked and unlocked positions. Instead, the interface continues interacting with components of the electronic locking device when operating the manual key mechanism or vice versa, which increases the wear and tear on some of the components of the system and may increase the power drive force or manual drive force needed to operate the system. 
     Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present disclosure as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A redundant actuation lock apparatus is configured to decouple a lock bar interface from a manual key lock mechanism in an electronic lock actuation mode and configured to decouple the lock bar interface from an electronic lock mechanism in a manual key lock actuation mode, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims. 
     These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present disclosure, as well as details of illustrated embodiments, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an exemplary lock bar interface, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    is a front view of an exemplary key input, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an exemplary manual key lock mechanism, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus having an actuator engaged with the lock bar interface, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    is a flow diagram that illustrates exemplary steps for moving lock bar(s) to locked or unlocked positions via an electronic lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    is partial cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus transitioning from an unlocked position to a locked position via an electronic lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    is partial cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus transitioning from a locked position to an unlocked position via an electronic lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    is a top view of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus having an actuator disengaged from the lock bar interface, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  10    is a flow diagram that illustrates exemplary steps for moving lock bar(s) to locked or unlocked positions via a manual key lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  11    is partial cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus having a first interlock geometry transitioning from an unlocked position to a locked position via a manual key lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  12    is partial cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus having a first interlock geometry transitioning from a locked position to an unlocked position via a manual key lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  13    is partial cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus having a second interlock geometry transitioning from an unlocked position to a locked position via a manual key lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  14    is partial cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus having a second interlock geometry transitioning from a locked position to an unlocked position via a manual key lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus in a locked position, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of an exemplary ramp and stop of an exemplary lock bar interface of the alternative exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus in an unlocked position, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  18    is a side view of an alternative exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus in an unlocked position, in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain embodiments may be found in a redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  and methods  200 ,  300  of using the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100 . More specifically, certain embodiments provide a redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  configured to decouple a lock bar interface  110  from a manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  if the redundant lock apparatus  100  is operating in an electronic lock actuation mode, and configured to decouple the lock bar interface  110  from an electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  if the redundant lock apparatus  100  is operating in a manual key lock actuation mode. In this way, the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  provides mutually independent electronic lock and manual key lock mechanisms. In various embodiments, the manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  comprises a lock cylinder output  150  having an internal interlock  152  configured to disengageably couple with the lock bar interface  110 . In certain embodiments, the manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  comprises a lock cylinder output  150  having an external cam  154  configured to disengage and/or reengage the actuator  130  of the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  to the lock bar interface  110 . 
     As used herein, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding the plural of the elements, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “a representative embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property. 
     Although certain embodiments in the foregoing description may be described as operating to lock and/or unlock a tool box, for example, unless so claimed, the scope of various aspects of the present disclosure should not be limited to tool boxes and may additionally and/or alternatively be applicable to any suitable apparatus utilizing a locking mechanism. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  100 , in accordance with various embodiments. Referring to  FIG.  1   , the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  may comprise a lock bar interface  110 , an electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138 , and a manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154 . The lock bar interface  110  is configured to move lock bar(s)  102  between locked and unlocked positions. The lock bar interface  110  may be engaged with the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  and disengaged from the manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  if operating in an electronic lock actuation mode to lock and/or unlock the lock bar(s)  102 . The lock bar interface  110  may be engaged with the manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  and disengaged from the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  if operating in a manual key lock actuation mode to lock and/or unlock the lock bar(s)  102 .  FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an exemplary lock bar interface  110 , in accordance with various embodiments. Referring to  FIG.  2   , the lock bar interface  110  may comprise gear teeth  112  and a gear head  114 . The lock bar gear teeth  112  may be configured to disengageably couple with an actuator  130  of the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  to lock and/or unlock the lock bar(s)  102  in the electronic lock actuation mode. The lock bar gear teeth  112  may, for example, mesh with actuator gear teeth  132  if engaged such that the actuator  130  may drive the lock bar interface  110 . The lock bar gear head  114  may be configured to disengageably couple with a lock cylinder output  150  of the manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  to lock and/or unlock the lock bar(s)  102  in the manual key lock actuation mode. The lock bar gear head  114  may be, for example, a shaft having at least two flat edges that may be engaged and driven by a lock cylinder interlock  152  of the lock cylinder output  150  as described below. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  1   , the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  may comprise a power drive  120  and an actuator  130 . The primary power drive  120  may be an electric motor, such as a DC motor, or any suitable motor. The primary power drive  120  may be configured to receive a control signal and in response, may be operable to drive the actuator  130  in one of a first direction to interact with the lock bar interface  110  to lock the lock bar(s)  102  or in a second direction to interact with the lock bar interface  110  to unlock the lock bar(s)  102 . For example, the primary power drive  120  may comprise a power drive gear  122  having gear teeth configured to mate with gear teeth  134  of the actuator  130 . The power drive gear  122  may be rotated by the power drive  120  in one of a first direction to drive the actuator  130  in a first direction or a second direction to drive the actuator  130  in a second direction. The control signal may correspond with a detected proximity of a mobile device or an activation of a button or switch on the mobile device, such as a smartphone, remote control, or any suitable mobile device. The detected proximity and/or activation of the button or switch on the mobile device may correspond with an instruction for moving the lock bar(s)  102  to a locked position or an unlocked position. 
     The actuator  130  may comprise an interface  132  to the lock bar interface  110 , an interface  134  to the power drive  120 , a decoupling device  136 , and a flexible biasing member  138 . The interface  132  to the lock bar interface  110  may be, for example, gear teeth for meshing with the lock bar gear teeth  112 . The interface  134  to the power drive  120  may be, for example, gear teeth meshing with the gear teeth of the power drive gear  122 . The decoupling device  136  may be, for example, a protrusion extending from a head of the actuator  130 . In various embodiments, the protrusion  136  may be pushed to move the actuator  130  away from the lock bar interface  110 , thereby disengaging the actuator  130  and the lock bar interface  110 . For example, as described in more detail below, the lock cylinder output  150  may include a cam  154  that can rotate with the rotation of a mechanical key to push the protrusion  136  and disengage the actuator gear teeth  132  from the lock bar gear teeth  112  to set the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  in a manual key lock actuation mode. The flexible biasing member  138  may be operable to allow the actuator  130  to disengage from the lock bar interface  110  if the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  is set to a manual key lock actuation mode. The flexible biasing member  138  may be configured to bias the actuator  130  in engagement with the lock bar interface  110  if the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  is not set to a manual key lock actuation mode. For example, the flexible biasing member  138  may be a spring or any suitable mechanism for biasing the actuator  130  to an engaged position and providing the flexibility to move to a disengaged position in response to a force exceeding a bias threshold. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  1   , the manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  may comprise a key input  140 , a lock cylinder  146 , and a lock cylinder output  150 . The key input  140  may be a plug having a slot for accepting a mechanical key. The plug may pivot with rotation of an inserted key. The lock cylinder  146  may be a hollow cylindrical body having a radially projecting chamber, extending along the length of the body for containing pins and bolts. The pins may be employed to prevent pivoting of the plug without the correct mechanical key. The bolts may be coupled at one end to the plug and at an opposite end to a lock cylinder output  150 . The bolts may pivot with the plug based on the rotation of the mechanical key, the pivoting of the bolts rotating the lock cylinder output  150  at the opposite end of the lock cylinder  146  in a first direction to lock the lock bar(s)  102  and a second direction to unlock the lock bar(s)  102 . The key input  140  and lock cylinder  146  may be mounted to a device, such as a toolbox or any suitable apparatus utilizing a locking mechanism, by a mounting plate  142 . In various embodiments, the mounting plate  142  may include markings  144  identifying an unlocked position, a locked position, or any suitable position.  FIG.  3    is a front view of an exemplary key input  140 , in accordance with various embodiments. Referring to  FIG.  3   , the key input  140  may comprise a slot in a plug for receiving a mechanical key. The key input may be mounted to the toolbox or any suitable apparatus by the mounting plate  142 . The mounting plate  142  may comprise markings  144  illustrating the lock position, unlock position, and/or a central position, for example. In certain embodiments, the central position may correspond with an electronic lock actuation mode. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  1   , the rotatable lock cylinder output  150  at the end of the stationary lock cylinder  146  may be disengageably coupled to the lock bar interface  110 . The lock cylinder output  150  may be configured to engage and drive the lock bar interface  110  in a first direction to cause the lock bar interface  110  to lock the lock bar(s)  102  or in a second direction to cause the lock bar interface  110  to unlock the lock bar(s)  102  if the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  is set to a manual key lock actuation mode. In various embodiments, the lock cylinder output  150  may be configured to simultaneously or sequentially disengage the actuator  130  from the lock bar interface  110  and engage the lock cylinder output  150  with the lock bar interface  110  to set the redundant actuation lock apparatus to a manual key lock actuation mode. 
       FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an exemplary manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154 , in accordance with various embodiments. Referring to  FIG.  4   , the manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  may comprise a lock cylinder  146  coupled to a mounting plate  142  and having a lock cylinder output  150 . The lock cylinder output  150  may be a rotatable sleeve, for example, at the end of the lock cylinder  146 . The lock cylinder output  150  may comprise an internal interlock portion  152  and an exterior cam portion  154 . The internal interlock portion  152  may comprise a shape having a plurality of edges for driving the flat edges of the lock bar gear head  114  shaft such that the lock bar interface  110  rotates to lock or unlock the lock bar(s)  102 . For example, one or more of the plurality of edges of the internal interlock portion  152  of the lock cylinder output  150  may engage and drive the lock bar gear head  114  in a first direction if the lock cylinder output  150  is rotated by a mechanical key in the first direction to lock the lock bar(s)  102 . As another example, a different one or more of the plurality of edges of the internal interlock portion  152  of the lock cylinder output  150  may engage and drive the lock bar gear head  114  in a second direction if the lock cylinder output  150  is rotated by the mechanical key in the second direction to unlock the lock bar(s)  102 .  FIGS.  4 ,  7 ,  8 ,  11 , and  12    show a first exemplary embodiment of an exemplary shape of the internal interlock portion  152 .  FIGS.  13  and  14    illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of an exemplary shape of the internal interlock portion  152 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  4   , the exterior cam portion  154  of the lock cylinder output  150  may comprise a projected or bulged shape configured to disengage the actuator  130  of the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  from the lock bar interface  110 . For example, as a mechanical key inserted in the key input  140  is turned to rotate the lock cylinder output  150 , the projection or bulged shape of the exterior cam portion  154  may pivot and push the protrusion  136  extending from the head of the actuator  130  to move the gear teeth  132  of the actuator  130  away from the lock bar gear teeth  112  of the lock bar interface  110 . The separation of the actuator gear teeth  132  from the lock bar gear teeth  112  disengages the actuator  130  and the lock bar interface  110 . In operation, simultaneously with (see  FIGS.  11 - 12   ) or subsequent to (see  FIGS.  13 - 14   ) the exterior cam portion  154  disengaging the actuator  130  of the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  from the lock bar interface  110 , the internal interlock portion  152  of the lock cylinder output  150  engages the lock bar interface  110  via the lock bar gear head  114  to manually lock or unlock the lock bar(s)  102  with the rotation of the mechanical key. 
       FIG.  5    is a top view of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  having an actuator  130  engaged with the lock bar interface  110 , in accordance with various embodiments. Referring to  FIG.  5   , the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  comprises an electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  engaged with the lock bar interface  110  and a manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  disengaged with the lock bar interface  110  in an electronic lock actuation mode. The electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  comprises a power drive  120  and an actuator  130 . The power drive  120  may be wirelessly controlled to drive the actuator  130 , which drives the lock bar interface  110  to lock or unlock the lock bar(s)  102 . The power drive  120  may comprise a power drive gear  122  that may be rotated by the power drive  120  in a first direction to lock the lock bar(s)  102  and in a second direction to unlock the lock bar(s)  102 . The actuator  130  may comprise gear teeth  134  for meshing with the power drive gear  122 . The actuator  130  may comprise gear teeth  132  that mesh with gear teeth  112  of the lock bar interface  110  to drive the lock bar interface  110 . The actuator  130  may comprise a flexible biasing member  138  for biasing the actuator  130  to engagement with the lock bar interface  110 . The actuator  130  may comprise a decoupling device  136  used to disengage the actuator  130  from the lock bar interface  110 . For example, a force received at the decoupling device  136  that exceeds a bias threshold of the flexible biasing member  138  may push the actuator  130  away from the lock bar interface  110  to disengage the actuator gear teeth  132  and the lock bar interface gear teeth  112 . 
     The manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  may comprise a key input  140  at one end of a lock cylinder  146  and a lock cylinder output  150  at an opposite end of the lock cylinder  146 . The key input  140  and lock cylinder  146  may be coupled to an apparatus having the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  by a key input mounting plate  142 . The lock cylinder output  150  may be disengageably coupled to the lock bar interface  110 . 
     The exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG.  5    shares various characteristics with the exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 4    as described above. 
       FIG.  6    is a flow diagram that illustrates exemplary steps  202 - 210  for moving lock bar(s)  102  to locked or unlocked positions via an electronic lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments. Referring to  FIG.  6   , there is shown a flow chart  200  comprising exemplary steps  202  through  210 . Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may omit one or more of the steps, and/or perform the steps in a different order than the order listed, and/or combine certain of the steps discussed below. For example, some steps may not be performed in certain embodiments. As a further example, certain steps may be performed in a different temporal order than listed below, including but not limited to simultaneously. Although the method is described with reference to the exemplary elements of the systems described above, it should be understood that other implementations are possible. 
     At step  202 , a control signal for activating a power drive  120  of a redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  operating in an electronic lock actuation mode is received. For example, a power drive  120 , which may be an electric motor, such as a DC motor, or any suitable motor, can receive a signal for turning on the motor. In various embodiments, the signal may be a wireless signal corresponding with a detected proximity of a mobile device or an activation of a button or switch on the mobile device, such as a smartphone, remote control, or any suitable mobile device. The detected proximity and/or activation of the button or switch on the mobile device may correspond with an instruction for moving the lock bar(s)  102  to a locked position or an unlocked position. The electronic lock actuation mode may correspond with the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  having an actuator engaged with a lock bar interface  110  as illustrated, for example, in  FIG.  5   . In various embodiments, the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  may be in the electronic lock actuation mode by default. For example, a flexible biasing member  138  of the actuator  130  may bias the actuator  130  to engage the lock bar interface  110 . The redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  may be switched to a manual key lock actuation mode, as described below with reference to  FIGS.  9 - 14   , by rotating a mechanical key in the key input  140  to disengage the actuator  130  from the lock bar interface  110 . 
       FIG.  7    is partial cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  transitioning from an unlocked position to a locked position via an electronic lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG.  8    is partial cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  transitioning from a locked position to an unlocked position via an electronic lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments. Referring to  FIGS.  5 - 8   , if a mechanical key has not been inserted into the key input  140  and/or if the key input  140  is in a position corresponding with the electronic lock actuation mode, such as a central position, the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  may be in a start position corresponding with an electronic lock actuation mode where the actuator  130  is engaged with the lock bar interface  110  and the lock cylinder interlock  152  of the lock cylinder output  140  is disengagedly coupled to the lock bar interface  110 . From this start position, the power drive  120  may be wirelessly controlled to lock or unlock the lock bar(s)  102 . Although  FIGS.  7  and  8    refer to a Bluetooth connection, any suitable wireless control signal is contemplated. 
     At step  204 , the activated power drive  120  may rotate power drive gears  122 . For example, the power drive  120  may rotate the gears  122  in a first direction to move the lock bar(s)  102  via the actuator  130  and the lock bar interface  110  to a locked position or rotate the gears  122  in a second direction to move the lock bar(s)  102  via the actuator  130  and the lock bar interface  110  to an unlocked position. 
     At step  206 , the rotating power drive gears  122  may impart rotation to an actuator  130 . For example, the actuator  130  may comprise gear teeth  134  that mesh with the power drive gears  122 . The power drive gears  122  may rotate the actuator  130  in a first direction to move the lock bar(s)  102  via the lock bar interface  110  to a locked position or rotate the actuator  130  in a second direction to move the lock bar(s)  102  via the lock bar interface  110  to an unlocked position. 
     At step  208 , the rotation of the actuator  130  drives the lock bar interface  110  as the lock bar interface  110  remains disengaged from the manual key mechanism  140 - 154 . For example, the actuator  130  may comprise actuator gears  132  that mesh with gear teeth  112  of the lock bar interface  110 . The actuator  130  may rotate the lock bar interface  110  in a first direction to move the lock bar(s)  102  to a locked position or rotate the lock bar interface  110  in a second direction to move the lock bar(s)  102  to an unlocked position. The rotation of the lock bar interface  110  may pivot a lock bar gear head  114  that is disengagedly coupled to an interlock  152  of the lock cylinder output  150  of the manual key mechanism  140 - 154 . The actuator  130  is free to turn the lock bar interface  110  without the lock bar gear head  114  engaging the interlock  152  based on the shape of the interlock  152 . In various embodiments, the lock bar gear head  114  of the lock bar interface  110  may pivot approximately 90 degrees, for example, from lock to unlock or vice versa without engaging the manual key mechanism  140 - 154 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , for example, the lock bar gear head  114  may start in a horizontal position corresponding with an unlocked state of the lock bar  102 . In response to a wireless control signal corresponding with a “lock” action, the actuator  130  may drive the lock bar interface  100 , pivoting the lock bar gear head  114  in a first direction from the horizontal position corresponding with the unlocked state of the lock bar  102  to a vertical position corresponding with a locked state of the lock bar  102  without moving the lock cylinder output  150 . Accordingly, the action to “lock” the lock bar(s)  102  in the electronic lock actuation mode occurs while the manual key mechanism  140 - 154  is disengaged from the lock bar interface  110  such that the locking action in the electronic lock actuation mode is independent of the manual key mechanism  140 - 154 . 
     As another example, referring to  FIG.  8   , the lock bar gear head  114  may start in a vertical position corresponding with a locked state of the lock bar  102 . In response to a wireless control signal corresponding with an “unlock” action, the actuator  130  may drive the lock bar interface  100 , pivoting the lock bar gear head  114  in a second direction from the vertical position corresponding with the locked state of the lock bar  102  to a horizontal position corresponding with an unlocked state of the lock bar  102  without moving the lock cylinder output  150 . Accordingly, the action to “unlock” the lock bar(s)  102  in the electronic lock actuation mode occurs while the manual key mechanism  140 - 154  is disengaged from the lock bar interface  110  such that the unlocking action in the electronic lock actuation mode is independent of the manual key mechanism  140 - 154 . 
     Although  FIGS.  7  and  8    illustrate the locked position corresponding with the lock bar gear head  114  being in a vertical orientation and the unlocked position corresponding with the lock bar gear head  114  being in a horizontal orientation, the scope of the various embodiments are not so limited. Instead, any suitable orientation may be associated with each of the locked and unlocked positions. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  6   , at step  210 , the lock bar(s)  102  are moved by the lock bar interface  110  to a locked or unlocked position. For example, the power drive  120  may operate in a first direction to lock the lock bar(s)  102  and in a second direction to unlock the lock bar(s)  102  based on the received control signal. 
       FIG.  9    is a top view of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  having an actuator  130  disengaged from the lock bar interface  110 , in accordance with various embodiments. Referring to  FIG.  9   , the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  comprises a manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  engaged with the lock bar interface  110  and an electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  disengaged from the lock bar interface  110  in an manual key lock actuation mode. The manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  may comprise a key input  140  at one end of a lock cylinder  146  and a lock cylinder output  150  at an opposite end of the lock cylinder  146 . The key input  140  and lock cylinder  146  may be coupled to an apparatus having the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  by a key input mounting plate  142 . The key input  140  may be coupled to the lock cylinder output  150  by one or more bolts extending through a hollow center of the lock cylinder  146 . The key input  140  may comprise a plug having a key slot, the plug rotatable by a key inserted in the key slot to pivot the lock cylinder output  150 . The lock cylinder output  150  may be disengageably coupled to the lock bar interface  110 . For example, the lock cylinder output  150  may comprise an interior interlock  152  and an exterior cam  154 . The interior interlock  152  may comprise a shape configured to disengageably mate with a lock bar gear head  114  of the lock bar interface  110 . The exterior cam  154  may comprise a shape configured to disengage the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  from the lock bar interface  110 . 
     For example, rotation of a mechanical key at the key slot  140  may rotate the lock cylinder output  150 . As the lock cylinder output  150  rotates, the exterior cam  154  may push a decoupling device  136  of an actuator  130  of the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138 . The force exerted by the exterior cam  154  on the decoupling device  136  may cause actuator gear teeth  132  to decouple from lock bar interface gear teeth  112  such that the lock bar interface  110  becomes disengaged from the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138 . Subsequently to and/or concurrently and/or simultaneously with the disengagement of the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  from the lock bar interface  110 , the interior interlock  152  of the lock cylinder output  150  engages the lock bar gear head  114  and drives the lock bar interface  110  in a first direction to lock the lock bar(s)  102  or in a second direction to unlock the lock bar(s)  102 , depending on the direction the mechanical key is turned at the key input  140 . 
     In various embodiments, the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  may be in the electronic lock actuation mode, as shown in  FIG.  5   , by default. For example, the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  may be in electronic lock actuation mode if the actuator  130  is engaged with the lock bar interface  110 . The rotation of a mechanical key in the key input  140  may set the redundant lock apparatus to a manual key lock actuation mode by disengaging the actuator  130  from the lock bar interface  110  as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . 
     The electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  comprises a power drive  120  and an actuator  130 . The power drive  120  may be wirelessly controlled to drive the actuator  130 , which drives the lock bar interface  110  to lock or unlock the lock bar(s)  102  if the actuator  130  is engaged with the lock bar interface. The power drive  120  may comprise a power drive gear  122  that may be rotated by the power drive  120  in first and second directions. The actuator  130  may comprise gear teeth  134  for meshing with the power drive gear  122 . The actuator  130  may comprise gear teeth  132  that may mesh with gear teeth  112  of the lock bar interface  110  to drive the lock bar interface  110  if the actuator  130  is engaged with the lock bar interface. The actuator  130  may comprise a flexible biasing member  138  for biasing the actuator  130  to engagement with the lock bar interface  110 . The actuator  130  may comprise a decoupling device  136  used to disengage the actuator  130  from the lock bar interface  110 . For example, a force received at the decoupling device  136  that exceeds a bias threshold of the flexible biasing member  138  may push the actuator  130  away from the lock bar interface  110  to disengage the actuator gear teeth  132  and the lock bar interface gear teeth  112  as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . 
     The exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG.  9    shares various characteristics with the exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 5 ,  7 , and  8    as described above. 
       FIG.  10    is a flow diagram  300  that illustrates exemplary steps  302 - 312  for moving lock bar(s)  102  to locked or unlocked positions via a manual key lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments. Referring to  FIG.  10   , there is shown a flow chart  300  comprising exemplary steps  302  through  312 . Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may omit one or more of the steps, and/or perform the steps in a different order than the order listed, and/or combine certain of the steps discussed below. For example, some steps may not be performed in certain embodiments. As a further example, certain steps may be performed in a different temporal order than listed below, including but not limited to simultaneously. Although the method is described with reference to the exemplary elements of the systems described above, it should be understood that other implementations are possible. 
     At step  302 , a manual key rotation of a mechanical key inserted into a key input  140  of a redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  is received. For example, the key input  140  may comprise a plug having a slot for receiving a mechanical key. The key input  140  may extend into a lock cylinder  146  at a first end of the lock cylinder  146 . The rotation of the mechanical key at the key input  140  may rotate a lock cylinder output  150  pivotally coupled to a second end of the lock cylinder  146 . For example, the key input  140  and lock cylinder output  150  may be coupled by one or more bolts extending through the lock cylinder  146  such that rotational motion of the key input  140  is translated to rotational motion of the lock cylinder output  150 . 
     In various embodiments, the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  may be in the electronic lock actuation mode by default. For example, a flexible biasing member  138  of the actuator  130  may bias the actuator  130  to engage the lock bar interface  110 . The redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  may be switched to a manual key lock actuation mode by rotating the mechanical key in the key input  140  to disengage the actuator  130  from the lock bar interface  110 . The manual key lock actuation mode may correspond with the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  having the actuator  130  disengaged from the lock bar interface  110  as illustrated, for example, in  FIG.  9   . 
       FIG.  11    is partial cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  having a first interlock geometry transitioning from an unlocked position to a locked position via a manual key lock actuation mode, in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG.  12    is partial cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  having a first interlock geometry transitioning from a locked position to an unlocked position via a manual key lock actuation mode.  FIG.  13    is partial cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  having a second interlock geometry transitioning from an unlocked position to a locked position via a manual key lock actuation mode.  FIG.  14    is partial cross-sectional views of a portion of an exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus having a second interlock geometry transitioning from a locked position to an unlocked position via a manual key lock actuation mode. Referring to  FIGS.  9 - 14   , if a mechanical key has not been inserted into the key input  140  and/or if the key input  140  is in a position corresponding with the electronic lock actuation mode, such as a central position, the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  may be in a start position corresponding with an electronic lock actuation mode where the actuator  130  is engaged with the lock bar interface  110  and the lock cylinder interlock  152  of the lock cylinder output  140  is disengagedly coupled to the lock bar interface  110 . From this start position illustrated, for example, as the first image in each series of images shown in  FIGS.  11 - 14   , a mechanical key may be inserted into the key input  140  of the redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  and rotated to transition into the manual key lock actuation mode. 
     At step  304 , the actuator  130  used to drive the lock bar interface  110  in the electronic lock actuation mode is disengaged from the lock bar interface  110  based on the rotation of the mechanical key at the key input  140 . For example, the rotation of the mechanical key at the key input  140  at a first end of a lock cylinder  146  may rotate a lock cylinder output  150  pivotally coupled to a second end of the lock cylinder  146 . The lock cylinder output  150  may include an external cam  154  operable to apply a force to an actuator decoupling device  136  to push the actuator  130  away from and disengage the actuator  130  from the lock bar interface  110  as the lock cylinder output  150  is rotated by the mechanical key. 
     At step  306 , the lock cylinder output  150  is rotated with the rotation of the mechanical key at the key input  140  from a centered location between lock and unlock positions to engage an interlock  152  of the lock cylinder output  150  with a lock bar gear head  114  of the lock bar interface  110 . For example, the lock bar gear head  114  of the lock bar interface  110  may be a shaft having at least two flat edges that may be engaged and driven by a lock cylinder interlock  152  of the lock cylinder output  150 . The interlock  152  may comprise a shape having a plurality of edges for engaging and driving the flat edges of the lock bar gear head  114  shaft such that the lock bar interface  110  rotates to lock or unlock the lock bar(s)  102 . In various embodiments, as the mechanical key is turned, the interlock  152  rotates with the lock cylinder output  150  such that one or more of the plurality of edges of the interlock  152  engages the lock bar gear head  114  shaft of the lock bar interface  110 . 
     At step  308 , the rotation of the lock cylinder output  150  drives the lock bar interface  110  as the lock bar interface  110  remains disengaged from the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138 . For example, one or more of the plurality of edges of the interlock  152  of the lock cylinder output  150  may drive the lock bar gear head  114  in a first direction if the lock cylinder output  150  is rotated by a mechanical key in the first direction to lock the lock bar(s)  102 . As another example, a different one or more of the plurality of edges of the interlock  152  of the lock cylinder output  150  may engage and drive the lock bar gear head  114  in a second direction if the lock cylinder output  150  is rotated by the mechanical key in the second direction to unlock the lock bar(s)  102 .  FIGS.  11  and  12    show a first exemplary embodiment of an exemplary shape of the interlock  152  and  FIGS.  13  and  14    illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of an exemplary shape of the interlock  152 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  11  and  12   , the interlock  152  may rotate approximately 90 degrees to at least substantially concurrently or simultaneously disengage the actuator  130  from the lock bar interface (step  304 ), engage the interlock  152  with the lock bar gear head  114  (step  306 ), and rotate the lock bar interface (step  308 ). Referring to  FIGS.  13  and  14   , the interlock  152  may rotate approximately 110 degrees. For example, the first approximately 20 degrees of rotation may disengage the actuator  130  from the lock bar interface (step  304 ). The vertical reference line shows the actuator  130  being pushed away and disengaged from the lock bar interface  110  as the cam  154  rotates and pushes the actuator decoupling device  136 . After the disengagement of the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  from the lock bar interface  110 , the next approximately 90 degrees of rotation of the interlock  152  may engage the interlock  152  with the lock bar gear head  114  (step  306 ) and rotate the lock bar interface (step  308 ). In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  11 - 14   , the lock bar gear head  114  of the lock bar interface  110  may pivot approximately 90 degrees, for example, from lock to unlock or vice versa. The interlock  152  of the lock cylinder output  150  is free to turn the lock bar interface  110  without the actuator  130  of the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  engaging the lock bar interface  110 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  10   , at step  310 , the lock bar(s)  102  are moved by the lock bar interface  110  to a locked or unlocked position. For example, the mechanical key may be rotated in a first direction to move the interlock  152  of the lock cylinder output  150  and the lock bar gear head  114  of the lock bar interface  110  in a first direction, as illustrated in  FIGS.  11  and  13   , to lock the lock bar(s)  102 . As another example, the mechanical key may be rotated in a second direction to move the interlock  152  of the lock cylinder output  150  and the lock bar gear head  114  of the lock bar interface  110  in a second direction, as illustrated in  FIGS.  12  and  14   , to unlock the lock bar(s)  102 . 
     At step  312 , the lock cylinder output  150  may be returned to its centered location between the lock and unlock positions or otherwise original location. For example, the manual lock mechanism  140 - 154  may be spring loaded to return the lock cylinder output  150 , including the internal interlock  152  and external cam  154 , to its original position. Accordingly, as shown for example in the last image of each series in  FIGS.  11  and  12   , the actuator  130  returns to a default engaged state with the lock bar interface  110  corresponding with the electronic lock actuation mode. Furthermore, the cam  154  and interlock  152  are in position to respectively disengage the actuator  130  from the lock bar interface  110  and transition from the locked state to the unlocked state, or vice versa, in response to the rotation of the mechanical key. Although not specifically shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14   , once the box is locked or unlocked, respectively, the lock cylinder output  150  may similarly return to the original position as shown in the first image of both of the series of images of  FIGS.  13  and  14   . 
       FIG.  15    is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  400  in a locked position, in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG.  16    is a perspective view of an exemplary ramp  162  and stop  160  of an exemplary lock bar interface  110  of the alternative exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  400 .  FIG.  17    is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  400  in an unlocked position.  FIG.  18    is a side view of an alternate exemplary redundant actuation lock apparatus  400  in an unlocked position. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  15 - 18   , the alternative redundant actuation lock apparatus  400  may comprise a lock bar interface  110 , an electronic lock mechanism  120 - 132 , and a manual key lock mechanism  140 - 146 . The lock bar interface  110  is configured to move one or more lock bars  102  between locked and unlocked positions. The lock bar interface  110  may be engaged with the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 132  and disengaged from the manual key lock mechanism  140 - 146  if operating in an electronic lock actuation mode to lock and/or unlock the lock bar(s)  102 . The lock bar interface  110  may be engaged with the manual key lock mechanism  140 - 146  and disengaged from the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 132  if operating in a manual key lock actuation mode to lock and/or unlock the lock bar(s)  102 . 
       FIG.  16    is a perspective view of an exemplary lock bar interface  110 . Referring to  FIG.  16   , the lock bar interface  110  may comprise gear teeth  112 , a ramp  162 , and a stop  160 . The lock bar gear teeth  112  may be configured to disengageably couple with an actuator  130  of the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 132  to lock and/or unlock the lock bar(s)  102  in the electronic lock actuation mode. The lock bar gear teeth  112  may, for example, mesh with actuator gear teeth  132  if engaged such that the actuator  130  may drive the lock bar interface  110 . The ramp  162  and stop  160  may be configured to disengageably couple with a lock cylinder  146  of the manual key lock mechanism  140 - 146  to lock and/or unlock the lock bar(s)  102  in the manual key lock actuation mode. The ramp  162  may be configured to disengage the lock bar interface  110  from the actuator  130  by pushing the lock bar interface  110  away from the actuator  130 . For example, as a mechanical key rotates a key input  140  and a lock cylinder  146  coupled to the key input  140 , the lock cylinder  146  may slide across the ramp  162  to push the lock bar interface  110 . The stop  160  may be configured to engage the lock cylinder  146  such that the lock cylinder  146  may drive the lock bar interface  110  to, for example, move the lock bar(s)  102  from a locked position as illustrated in  FIG.  15    to an unlocked position as illustrated in  FIGS.  17  and  18   . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  15 - 18   , the electronic lock mechanism  120 - 132  may comprise a power drive  120  and an actuator  130 . The primary power drive  120  may be an electric motor, such as a DC motor, or any suitable motor. The primary power drive  120  may be configured to receive a control signal and in response, may be operable to drive the actuator  130  in one of a first direction to interact with the lock bar interface  110  to lock the lock bar(s)  102  or in a second direction to interact with the lock bar interface  110  to unlock the lock bar(s)  102 . The actuator  130  may comprise an interface  132  to the lock bar interface  110 . The interface  132  to the lock bar interface  110  may be, for example, gear teeth for meshing with the lock bar gear teeth  112 . 
     The manual key lock mechanism  140 - 146  may comprise a key input  140  and a lock cylinder  146 . The key input  140  may be a plug having a slot for accepting a mechanical key. The plug may pivot with rotation of an inserted key and drive the lock cylinder  146 . The lock cylinder  146  may have a first end coupled to the key input  140  and a second end operable to drive the lock bar interface  110 . The key input  140  and lock cylinder  146  may be pivotably mounted to a device, such as a toolbox or any suitable apparatus utilizing a locking mechanism, by a mounting plate  142 . 
     Various embodiments provide a redundant actuation lock apparatus  100  comprising a lock bar interface  110 , an electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138 , and a manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154 . The lock bar interface  110  may be configured to manipulate one or more lock bars  102  into one of a locked position and an unlocked position. The electronic lock mechanism  120 - 138  may comprise an actuator  130  and a power drive  120 . The actuator  130  may be disengageably coupled to the lock bar interface  110 . The actuator  130  may be configured to drive the lock bar interface  110  to manipulate the one or more lock bars  102 . The actuator may be engaged to the lock bar interface  110  in an electronic lock actuation mode. The actuator  130  may be disengaged from the lock bar interface  110  in a manual key lock actuation mode. The power drive  120  may be coupled to the actuator  130  and configured to drive the actuator  130  to drive the lock bar interface  110  in response to a control signal. The manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  may comprise a key input  140 , a lock cylinder  146 , and a lock cylinder output  150 . The key input  140  may be configured to receive a mechanical key. The key input  140  may be rotatable with rotation of the mechanical key. The rotation of the mechanical key may disengage the actuator  130  from the lock bar interface  110  to transition from the electronic lock actuation mode to the manual key lock actuation mode. The lock cylinder  146  may include a first end and a second end. The key input  140  may be provided at the first end of the lock cylinder  146 . The lock cylinder output  150  may be provided at the second end of the lock cylinder  146  and may be disengageably coupled to the lock bar interface  110 . The lock cylinder output  150  may be rotatable with the rotation of the mechanical key at the key input  140 . The lock cylinder output  150  may be configured to engage and drive the lock bar interface  110  to manipulate the one or more lock bars  102 . The lock cylinder output  150  may be engaged to the lock bar interface  110  in the manual key lock actuation mode. The lock cylinder output  150  may be disengaged from the lock bar interface  110  in the electronic lock actuation mode. 
     In certain embodiments, the actuator  130  comprises gear teeth  132  configured to mesh with gear teeth  112  of the lock bar interface  110  to drive the lock bar interface  110 . In a representative embodiment, the control signal is generated in response to a wireless signal transmitted by a mobile device. In various embodiments, the power drive  120  comprises a power drive gear  122 . The power drive gear  122  may be rotatable by the power drive  120  to drive the actuator  130 . The actuator  130  may comprise a gear  134  configured to mesh with the power drive gear  122 . In certain embodiments, the power drive  120  rotates the power drive gear  122  in a first direction to drive the actuator  130  to drive the lock bar interface  110  to manipulate one or more lock bars  102  into the locked position. In a representative embodiment, the power drive  120  rotates the power drive gear  122  in a second direction to drive the actuator  130  to drive the lock bar interface  110  to manipulate one or more lock bars  102  into the unlocked position. In various embodiments, the power drive  120  is an electric motor. In certain embodiments, the electric motor is a DC motor. 
     In a representative embodiment, the actuator  130  comprises a flexible biasing member  138  configured to bias the gear teeth  132  of the actuator  130  into engagement with the gear teeth  112  of the lock bar interface  110 . In various embodiments, the flexible biasing member  138  is a spring. In certain embodiments, the actuator  130  comprises a decoupling device  136 . A force applied to the decoupling device  136  that exceeds a bias force applied by the spring  138  may disengage the gear teeth  132  of the actuator  130  from the gear teeth  112  of the lock bar interface  110 . In a representative embodiment, the lock cylinder output  150  is a sleeve comprising an interior and an exterior. The exterior of the sleeve comprises a cam  154  configured to provide the force to the decoupling device  136  that exceed the bias force applied by the spring  138  if the lock cylinder output  150  is rotated based on the rotation of the mechanical key at the key input  140 . 
     In various embodiments, the lock bar interface  110  comprises a shaft  114  having a plurality of flat edges configured for engagement by the lock cylinder output  150 . In certain embodiments, the lock cylinder output  150  is a sleeve comprising an interior and an exterior. The interior of the sleeve comprises an interlock  152  having a shape comprising a plurality of edges configured to engage and drive the plurality of flat edges of the shaft  114 . In a representative embodiment, a first portion of the plurality of edges  152  engages and drives the plurality of flat edges of the shaft  114  to manipulate the one or more lock bars  102  into the locked position. In various embodiments, a second portion of the plurality of edges  152  engages and drives the plurality of flat edges of the shaft  114  to manipulate the one or more lock bars  102  into the unlocked position. In certain embodiments, the interlock  152  is rotated with the lock cylinder output  150  a first angular distance prior to and a second angular distance after one of the first portion and the second portion of the plurality of edges  152  engages the plurality of flat edges of the shaft  114 . In a representative embodiment, the first angular distance is approximately 20 degrees and the second angular distance is approximately 90 degrees. 
     In various embodiments, the shaft  114  is rotatable approximately 90 degrees in a first direction to manipulate the one or more lock bars  102  into the locked position. The shaft  114  is rotatable approximately 90 degrees in a second direction to manipulate the one or more lock bars  102  into the unlocked position. In certain embodiments, the manual key lock mechanism  140 - 154  is spring loaded to return the lock cylinder output  150  to a default position after the mechanical key is rotated to rotate the lock cylinder output  150 . 
     As utilized herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. As another example, “x, y, and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. As utilized herein, the term “exemplary” means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As utilized herein, the terms “e.g.” and “for example” set off lists of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. As utilized herein, a structure that is “configured” to or “operable” to perform a function requires that the structure is more than just capable of performing the function, but is actually made to perform the function, regardless of whether the function is actually performed, disabled or not enabled. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.