Automatic quick open/close locking mechanism
US5160180A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/14
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A automatic locking and unlocking device for effecting the locking engagement of a lock stud within a stud receiving fixture. The lock device of the present invention is adapted for locking a movable closure member relative to a stationary member, such as a vending machine door to a cabinet, and provides a quick open and quick close locking feature. The locking device includes a lock stud fitted with a t-handle at its outer end, and a nose portion inner end, the nose portion having a pair of opposed pin engagement ledges formed therein adjacent the nose portion, and provided with male threads positioned adjacent to and forwardly of the pin engagement ledges. The stationary member is provided with a stud receiving lock housing which contains a stationary cam sleeve, a rotatable cam sleeve which reciprocates relative to the stationary cam sleeve, and a coupling which is positioned anteriorly of the rotatable cam sleeve. The coupling includes a plurality of ball bearings which operate to grasp the stud in the locking position by engaging male threads of the stud during the locking procedure. The coupling further includes at least one spring loaded pin which operate to engage the pin e…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.