GB2297793A - Rolling element locking system - Google Patents

Rolling element locking system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2297793A
GB2297793A GB9502577A GB9502577A GB2297793A GB 2297793 A GB2297793 A GB 2297793A GB 9502577 A GB9502577 A GB 9502577A GB 9502577 A GB9502577 A GB 9502577A GB 2297793 A GB2297793 A GB 2297793A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
rolling element
tab
rebate
locking
locking system
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB9502577A
Other versions
GB9502577D0 (en
Inventor
Ronald Edward Hurman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB9502577A priority Critical patent/GB2297793A/en
Publication of GB9502577D0 publication Critical patent/GB9502577D0/en
Publication of GB2297793A publication Critical patent/GB2297793A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
    • E05C19/00—Other devices specially designed for securing wings, e.g. with suction cups
    • E05C19/02—Automatic catches, i.e. released by pull or pressure on the wing
    • E05C19/028—Automatic catches, i.e. released by pull or pressure on the wing with sliding bolt(s)
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42F—SHEETS TEMPORARILY ATTACHED TOGETHER; FILING APPLIANCES; FILE CARDS; INDEXING
    • B42F15/00—Suspended filing appliances
    • B42F15/06—Suspended filing appliances for hanging large drawings or the like
    • B42F15/066—Suspended filing appliances for hanging large drawings or the like for hanging a single drawing, e.g. with self-locking means
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
    • E05C19/00—Other devices specially designed for securing wings, e.g. with suction cups
    • E05C19/007—Latches with wedging action
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B21/00—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
    • F16B21/10—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings by separate parts
    • F16B21/16—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings by separate parts with grooves or notches in the pin or shaft
    • F16B21/165—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings by separate parts with grooves or notches in the pin or shaft with balls or rollers
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B15/00—Other details of locks; Parts for engagement by bolts of fastening devices
    • E05B15/0093—Weight arrangements in locks; gravity activated lock parts

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Package Frames And Binding Bands (AREA)

Abstract

A rolling element locking system to lock a tab in which, the tab fitted to or integral with the object to be locked, slides between the Body 1 and Cover 3 over a rolling element e.g. Ball 8, preferred, which rolls within a substantially accurate concave Rebate 2. The accuracy is essential for a good locking action when the Ball 8 locks the said tab between the rolling element and the body or cover when tab is withdrawn. To withdraw, the said tab is pushed in and simply horizontal to the rebate pulled out. Alternatively, a biasing (e.g. a spring) may be used to hold the ball when locking the said tab, and a lever is provided through the body for quick release of the tab. The locking system can employ numerous uses and when fitted horizontally a further ramp maybe provided in the side of the body adjacent to the rebate.

Description

ROLLING ELEMENT LOCKING SYSTEM Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rolling element locking system. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a rolling ball locking system.
Background to the Invention Rolling ball locking systems are used for a variety of applications and exist in a variety of forms. Such locking systems generally, however, involve Co- operative engagement of a ball in a corresponding socket. An example rolling ball locking system is that used in locking together components of an oil well tubing string known as a "J-slot" lock. Known locking systems generally require accurate tolerancing of ball and socket and are commonly complex in to install and/or operate.
It is amongst the general objectives of the present invention to provide a locking system which is versatile and yet simple in construction economical to manufacture and simple to operate.
Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a rolling element locking system which system comprises: a locking body which is securely mounted, in use, to an article or fixed surface, the body having a rebate which loosely accommodates a rolling element, the rolling element being trapped, in use, within the rebate by a rigid cover robustly connected to or integral with the locking body, the floor of the rebate or the cover having a ramp to direct the rolling element into contact with the other of the floor and cover toward one end of the body; and and a tab integral with or fitted to the article or another article or fixed surface, which tab may be inserted into said one end of the locking body
between the coveThraA1n the rolling element and held against withdrawal by movement of the rolling element up the ramp to wedge the tab against the floor or cover and thereby securely interlock said article, surface or said another article to said first article or surface.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a component of a locking system which component is a device which comprises: a locking body which is securely mounted, in use, to an article or fixed surface, the body having a rebate which loosely accommodates a rolling element, the rolling element being trapped, in use, within the rebate by a rigid cover robustly connected to or integral with the locking body, the floor of the rebate or the cover having a ramp to direct the rolling element into contact with the other of the floor and cover toward one end of the body.
Advantageously the locking body is provided with resilient biasing means, such as, for example, a spring, located within the rebate to hold the ball lightly at or near the raised end of the ramp. This is especially of use where the locking body is not orientated in use to bias the rolling element toward the raised end of the ramp under gravity.
Advantageously the ramp is longitudinally concavely curved at least for that portion of its length over which the rolling element travels, in use, to become wedged or dislodged. Such curvature serves a very important roll in facilitating dislodgement of the rolling element when required. The curvature is suitably substantially arcuate and preferably has a radius of curvature of between approximately four times the length of the ramp and approximately five times the length of the ramp.
Preferably the internal face of the cover against which the rolling element wedges, in use, has a roughened surface. The surface may be corrugated, serrated or provided with other protrusions to increase frictional resistance for gripping a said tab which is inserted into the locking body in use.
Where the locking body is provided with resilient biasing means to bias the rolling element toward the raised end of the ramp, a lever may be provided for enabling retraction of the ball to enable release. This facility is particularly of value where the cover is joined to the locking body on each side of the rebate and the tab inserted and locked within the locking body cannot be displaced laterally relative to the ramp to release it.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for clamping a belt to be tightened and locked, the clamping device comprising: a locking body having a rebate which loosely accommodates a rolling element, the rolling element being trapped, in use, within the rebate by a rigid cover, robustly connected to or integral with the locking body the floor of the rebate or the cover having a ramp to direct the rolling element into contact with the other of the floor and cover toward one end of the body, opposing ends of the body being opened to allow a belt to be drawn therethrough between the cover and rolling element, the belt being held against withdrawal by movement of the rolling element up the ramp to wedge the belt against the floor or cover.
According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a door or window lock which comprises a locking system of the first aspect of the present invention in which the locking body is fixed, in use, to a window or door or corresponding frame and the tab is fixed to the other of the window, door or corresponding frame.
Advantageously a second ramp is provided in a side wall of the rebate to direct the rolling element toward said one end of the body.
Brief Description of the Drawings Three preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a locking device embodying the second aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view along the line 11-11 in figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device for belting or strapping down goods; Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of two embodiments of the device for locking a window and Figure 6 is longitudinal sectional view of one of the devices in Figure 5 taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 5; and Figure 6 is plan view of an alternative embodiment of locking body of the present invention, minus cover.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments The locking device shown in Figure 1 comprises a locking body 1 having a rebate 2 formed in one face thereof, with a covering plate 3 covering the rebated face of the body 1 and spaced therefrom by a spacer bar 4. Each of the locking body 1, the cover 3 and the spacer bar 4 are formed of a rigid, robust material which may be a suitable plastics material, wood or metal.
The cover 3 bar 4 and body 1 are, as illustrated, assembled to form a structure of high integrity which is held together by screws 5 extending therethrough and serving also to mount the device to a surface. In alternative arrangements the body 1, cover 3 and bar 4 may be integrally formed or integrally assembled by welding together.
The rebate 2 in the locking body 1 is a longitudinally extending groove, the floor of which is formed as a ramp 7 which is arcuate in longitudinal section (see Figure 2).
Sufficient clearance is provided between the lower region of the ramp 7 and the inner face of the cover 3 to allow a ball of the type used in ball bearings to roll freely therebetween. The radius of the ball 8 is, however, such that as it rolls up the ramp 7 it will lodge against the cover 3. In the arrangement shown the ball 8 will roll up the ramp 7 under gravity.
A sufficiently thin edge of an article to be locked by the locking device may be inserted into the device by pushing against the weight of the ball 8 and sliding the edge between the ball and the inner face of the cover 3. Any attempt to then retract the article from the device then draws the ball 8 to cause the edge of the article to be wedged more firmly against the cover 3.
To release the article it may simply be drawn out laterally from the device, causing the ball 8 to roll and releasing the frictional engagement. It will be appreciated that insertion, locking and removal of an article from the device is an extremely simple and convenient procedure.
Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown a second embodiment of the invention which is adapted for locking of a belt suitable for strapping down a load in the rear of a goods vehicle. The locking device is provided with a aperture 9, 10 at each end to enable a belt 11 to drawn therethrough.
The body of the device is strengthened by provided side walls 14a, 14b along each side of the rebate 2'.
The locking device is arranged in a vertical orientation with the ramp 7' ascending vertically upwardly in order that the belt may be tightened by pulling downwardly for maximum convenience in use. With this arrangement the ball 8 is not biased by gravity up the ramp 7' and a spring 13 is provided to so-bias the ball 8. The spring 13 is suitably sufficiently strong to maintain the ball 8 in position against gravity but not so strong as to impede insertion of the free end of the belt 11 between the ball 8 and inner face of the cover 3'.
The spring 13 abuts a rear wall 16 and is provided at its other end with a saddle-shaped scoop 15 which contacts the ball 8 to urge it up the ramp 7'.
A lever 17 is provided extending through a longitudinal aperture 18 in the side wall 14a of the device and is connected to the scoop 15 to enable the scoop 15 to be retracted against the spring 13 to allow the ball 8 to drop and release the belt 11 from locking engagement.
The locking device of the second embodiment is extremely versatile and may be adapted for use as a clothing belt fastener, for example. For such use the device need not necessarily have side walls 14a, 14b or a spring 13 biasing the rolling element 8. An alternative means for biasing the ball 8 when the ramp 7, 7' is not orientated vertically downwardly is illustrated in Figure 6.
The locking device of the Figure 6 embodiment has a rebate 20 which, in common with the other embodiments has a ramped floor 21. One side wall 22 of the rebate 20 is, however, also slopped. When the locking device is arranged to lie along one side with the ramp 21 lying in a vertical plane but extending horizontally, the slopped side wall 22 directs the ball 8 toward the inlet of the device and up the ramp 21.
The Figure 6 embodiment may also be used for a wide variety of applications. One such application is illustrated in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the locking device may be deployed on the cill of a window frame, for example, to receive and lockingly engage a tab 23 mounted to the free edge of the window as the window closes. As illustrated, the tab 23 is slidably vertically to enable release of the window by slipping the tab 23 laterally out of the locking device. Alternatively, the locking device may be provided with a lever to dislodge the ball for release. A second locking body is illustrated in Figure 5 mounted to the top beam of the window frame to engage a tab 24 provided along the top edge of the window.This locking device is arranged with the ramp 7 lying in a horizontal plane and, therefore, needs to be provided with a spring or other means for biasing the ball 8 toward the top end of the ramp 7.
To accommodate for the marginal arcuate movement of the tabs 23, 24 as the window/door closes, the inlet and internal surfaces of the locking device may be appropriately shaped. The inner face of the cill-mounted device may be provided with a slight longitudinal arcuate curvature. Such adaptation is not necessary for use with sliding windows and doors.
Although the present invention has been described above with respect to specific preferred embodiments numerous alternative embodiments are conceivable and within the scope of the invention. For example, the locking device need not have a body which is machined to provide a rebate, it may be of such material and thickness that the rebate may be pressed out. The shape of the rebate may be varied. The side walls of the rebate may be curved at their juncture with the floor of the rebate. The floor of the rebate need not be provided with a ramp. In such case the cover may be sloped toward the floor of the rebate to provide the locking effect. This may be of particular value when the locking device lies substantially horizontally, in use, and both the cover and the floor of the rebate slope downwardly wiAithe cover converging on the floor of the rebate toward the inlet end. In this case the cover may be sloped arcuately instead of the ramp of the rebate.
The versatile system and device of the present invention may be used for locking in place items ranging from small table place mats to doors, and may be used to interlock items such as packaging crates, for example. The present invention may have use wherever a simple sliding action lock is required.

Claims (8)

1. A rolling element locking system is a device when an object incorporating a suitable tab or strap is inserted into the device and locked between the rolling element and the opposing body or surface or cover. The device being adapted for numerous uses, of which the device requires different angles of fixture and the rolling element, means of rolling, biasing and locking and releasing any tab or strap there inserted.
2. Rolling element locking system as claimed in Claim 1 An accurate concave curvature is supplied to the rebate or body or surface or cover.
3. Rolling element locking system as claimed in Claim 1-2 A roughend face to assist grip.
4. Rolling element locking system as claimed in Claim 1-3 A second ramp to assist rolling element.
5. Rolling element locking system as claimed in Claim 1-4 Access at opposing ends to assist strap insertion.
6. Rolling element locking system as claimed in Claim 1-5 Biasing means for rolling element.
7. Rolling element locking system as claimed in Claim 1-6 Release means for rolling element.
8. Rolling element locking system as claimed in Claim 1-7 Slidable tab for simple release.
GB9502577A 1995-02-10 1995-02-10 Rolling element locking system Withdrawn GB2297793A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9502577A GB2297793A (en) 1995-02-10 1995-02-10 Rolling element locking system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9502577A GB2297793A (en) 1995-02-10 1995-02-10 Rolling element locking system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9502577D0 GB9502577D0 (en) 1995-03-29
GB2297793A true GB2297793A (en) 1996-08-14

Family

ID=10769361

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9502577A Withdrawn GB2297793A (en) 1995-02-10 1995-02-10 Rolling element locking system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2297793A (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2337288A (en) * 1998-05-11 1999-11-17 Paul Steven Collins Surface mounted or suspended multi-purpose holder
NL1021850C2 (en) * 2002-11-06 2004-05-07 Johannes Norbertus Mol Friction grip releasable clamp for e.g. viewing X=ray photographs, has specially oriented groove in holder body
DE202005006791U1 (en) * 2005-04-25 2006-09-07 Schunk Gmbh & Co. Kg Fabrik Für Spann- Und Greifwerkzeuge Holding device for flexible drive belt, comprising clamping unit assembled of two connected parts
WO2007045715A1 (en) * 2005-08-26 2007-04-26 Taimo Tapio Stenman Fastening device to fasten cables or packages or sheets of paper inside files
ITVI20120071A1 (en) * 2012-03-28 2013-09-29 Giancarlo Brun QUICK CONNECTION AND / OR FIXING SYSTEM.
WO2015118441A1 (en) 2014-02-07 2015-08-13 Mgt Industries S.R.L. Quick connection and/or fastening system

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB421090A (en) * 1934-01-29 1934-12-13 George Morgan Garro Jones Improvements in golf bags
GB849667A (en) * 1956-12-01 1960-09-28 Swish Prod Improvements relating to clothes pegs
GB1012541A (en) * 1963-05-29 1965-12-08 Foster Bros Rainford Ltd A new or improved holder device for articles or materials in sheet form
GB2103269A (en) * 1981-07-09 1983-02-16 Thomas Mcgurk Clamps
WO1984001847A1 (en) * 1982-10-28 1984-05-10 Microscan Ltd Fastening clip
WO1989001746A1 (en) * 1987-08-25 1989-03-09 Weeks & Taylor Limited Strap fastener
GB2210927A (en) * 1987-12-11 1989-06-21 Charles Caulder Bree Jam cleat

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB421090A (en) * 1934-01-29 1934-12-13 George Morgan Garro Jones Improvements in golf bags
GB849667A (en) * 1956-12-01 1960-09-28 Swish Prod Improvements relating to clothes pegs
GB1012541A (en) * 1963-05-29 1965-12-08 Foster Bros Rainford Ltd A new or improved holder device for articles or materials in sheet form
GB2103269A (en) * 1981-07-09 1983-02-16 Thomas Mcgurk Clamps
WO1984001847A1 (en) * 1982-10-28 1984-05-10 Microscan Ltd Fastening clip
WO1989001746A1 (en) * 1987-08-25 1989-03-09 Weeks & Taylor Limited Strap fastener
GB2210927A (en) * 1987-12-11 1989-06-21 Charles Caulder Bree Jam cleat

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2337288A (en) * 1998-05-11 1999-11-17 Paul Steven Collins Surface mounted or suspended multi-purpose holder
NL1021850C2 (en) * 2002-11-06 2004-05-07 Johannes Norbertus Mol Friction grip releasable clamp for e.g. viewing X=ray photographs, has specially oriented groove in holder body
DE202005006791U1 (en) * 2005-04-25 2006-09-07 Schunk Gmbh & Co. Kg Fabrik Für Spann- Und Greifwerkzeuge Holding device for flexible drive belt, comprising clamping unit assembled of two connected parts
WO2007045715A1 (en) * 2005-08-26 2007-04-26 Taimo Tapio Stenman Fastening device to fasten cables or packages or sheets of paper inside files
ITVI20120071A1 (en) * 2012-03-28 2013-09-29 Giancarlo Brun QUICK CONNECTION AND / OR FIXING SYSTEM.
WO2013144675A1 (en) * 2012-03-28 2013-10-03 Giancarlo Brun Quick fastening and/or connection system
CN104321541A (en) * 2012-03-28 2015-01-28 贾恩卡洛·布伦 Quick fastening and/or connection system
JP2015516548A (en) * 2012-03-28 2015-06-11 ブルン ジャンカルロ System for quick fastening and / or connection
CN104321541B (en) * 2012-03-28 2016-04-06 贾恩卡洛·布伦 Quick fastening and/or connected system
US11300148B2 (en) 2012-03-28 2022-04-12 Giancarlo Brun Quick fastening and/or connection system
WO2015118441A1 (en) 2014-02-07 2015-08-13 Mgt Industries S.R.L. Quick connection and/or fastening system
US20170167520A1 (en) * 2014-02-07 2017-06-15 Giancarlo Brun Quick connection and/or fastening system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9502577D0 (en) 1995-03-29

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