Patent · US Active

Locking mechanism with one and two-stage locking verification

US10238184B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
17References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 9, 2016
Grant dateMar 26, 2019
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 15, 2036

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2022/4816
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

Apparatus and method of locking two devices to each other through a receiver base, a pair of pivoting locking tabs, each having first and second arms extending out from a pivot point, and an insert that is partially engaged within a cavity formed by the receiver base and locking tabs. The receiver base is configured to be engageable with a first device. The insert is configured to be engageable with a second device. An optional push button assembly that has a retractable lip is engageable with the receiver base to block rotational movement of the locking tabs unless the lip of the push button is retracted. The apparatus may also include magnetic actuators and corresponding electronic switches that provide two stage locking and, optionally, provide contact state signaling to an external controller and computer to verify locked/unlocked status of the insert relative to the receiver base cavity and locking tabs.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.