MXPA99011390A - Tamper resistant rotational locking mechanism for an enclosure - Google Patents

Abstract

A simple and low cost locking mechanism (20) that is unlocked by a simply configured key (55) while protecting against tampering through limited access and unique geometry. Access is limited by a spin bushing (50) that guards access to a cam twister (30) having a keyhole (36) with a unique star geometry.

Description

MECHANISM DB ROTATIONAL CLOSURE RESISTANT TO BE FORCED FOR ENCLOSURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to closing mechanisms that are simple and inexpensive and more particularly such closing mechanisms that also resist being forced open without the required key.

In simple form, low-cost closing mechanisms such as are used to close the jets of a fourth bath, for example, can be opened by means of a cam movement induced by the rotation of a key inside of the cam twist component. Such cam twist components may have a surface that is exposed to the public may contain a square-shaped recess that coincides with a square-shaped cross-section of the key. Even though this key design proves to be cost effective and easy to use, this lock design can be opened by forcing it without the key. The lock mechanism can be activated with the key by using the finger of a person on the publicly exposed surface of the cam twister by inserting an object, such as a pen, pencil or screwdriver into the square-shaped recess and rotating. The friction between the surface of the cam roller and the finger (or the object) often prove to be sufficient to allow the application of sufficient torsional force to rotate the cam twister and thereby open the mechanism without the key.

OBJECTS AND SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a lock mechanism that is simple and low cost but that resists being opened by means of a forced intent without the required key.

It is another main object of the present invention to provide a rigid enclosure with an access door which is secured by a lock mechanism which is simple and low cost but which resists being forced open without the required key.

The additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention can be realized and achieved by means of the instruments and combinations particularly designated in the appended claims.

To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as encompassed and broadly described herein, the closure mechanism of the present invention is contained within a portion of a rigid enclosure and ensures access to the interior of this enclosure. The access to the interior of the enclosure can be provided by a door defining part of the enclosure and having an interior surface facing the interior space of the enclosure when closed. At least one hook member may extend from the inner surface of the door.

The locking mechanism includes a rotating sleeve, a star cam torcer, and a bolt member. The latch member can be configured and is positioned so that axial movement of the latch member opens the mechanism.d < 3 - The latch can include at least one configured hook member positioned to engage a corresponding hook member on the door to secure the door and close the access space inside the enclosure.

The star cam twist provides a rotational member configured with an axial recess that receives a key. The star cam roller is rotatably positioned relative to the rigid enclosure and held against axial movement in relation thereto.

The turning sleeve is rotatably positioned in relation to the rigid enclosure and is maintained against axial movement relative thereto. The turning sleeve is spaced apart from the star cam twist so that rotation of the turning sleeve can not rotate the star cam twister. However, the gi sleeve has an axially extending continuous hole that is aligned with the axial recess of the star cam torsion.

The geometry of the recess of the star cam roller and the geometry of the continuous orifice in the rotating sleeve are complementary so that any wrench which conforms to the geometry of the continuous orifice of the rotating sleeve, can be inserted into the recess of the torsion roller. d star cam in a way that allows the key to rotate the star cam rocker. "One end of the de-pestill member is configured to hook one end of the star lev twister so that the rotation of the cam rocker d star causes the axial movement of the latch member However, means are provided for axially pressing the latch member in the closed position.The latch member may be configured and positioned so that the axial movement of the latch member against the latch member in the closed position. of the pressing means, open the closing mechanism.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated and constitute a part of this description, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and together with a description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front plan view of a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, a mode of a wall-mounted paper product dispenser with portions shown on a dotted chain line to indicate the arrangement behind a solid member in the wall; vis shown; Figure 2 is a side plan view parci and cross-section taken from the perspective vi n in the direction of the arrows numbered 2-2 in Figure 1, c parts shown in dotted line of string to indicate open layout of the door component; Figure 3 is a side plan view partially and in partial cross section taken from the perspective in the direction of the numbered arrows 3-3 of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a partial side plan view in partial cross section taken from the perspective similar to that shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is an elevated perspective view of the components and parts thereof of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and Figure 6 is a partial side plan view of the components shown in Figure 4 taken from the perspective view in the direction of the numbered arrows 6-of Figure 4, with the position shown in dashed line d chain and the open position shown in solid line.

DESCRIPTION- DETAILED OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, the illustrated features described as part of one embodiment may be used over another incorporation to give even a further embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The same numbers are assigned to the same components through the drawings and the description.

The locking mechanism of the present invention is desirably used to secure access to the interior of a rigid enclosure and has its closure components housed within said enclosure. The present invention desirably functions in a closing mechanism in which the axial movement of the latch member selectively produces the transformation of the operational mode of the closing mechanism d closed to open and vice versa. Furthermore, in the locking mechanism according to the present invention, the rotational movement d the key produces the desired opening movement of the latch member by means of a configuration of cams interacting between the latch member and a rotational member receiving the latch member. key. Furthermore, the closing mechanism is capable of functioning regardless of the orientation relative to the direction of the gravity force.

A presently preferred embodiment of the closure mechanism according to the present invention is shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 and in dotted lines in FIG. 1 and is generally represented by the number 20 This closing mechanism is contained within a part of a rigid enclosure, which takes the form of a paper towel dispenser 22 in the manner shown in Figure 1. The dispenser 2 is formed of a rigid plastic material and has a transparent plastic door 23 which is hinged by the door 23 opposite the mechanism 20. The door 23 is closed with latch near the mechanism 20. As shown in the dotted line in figure 2, the door 23 opens out of the plane of figure 1 and towards who observes by pivoting around the hinge (not visible) in the view shown in figures 1 and 2). As shown in Figure 2 the door 23 has at least one hook member 26, desirably three hook members 26 are positioned symmetrically along the height of the surface of the door 23 that faces the inside of the spout 22 adjacent to the closure mechanism 20. Apart from the components that most particularly deal with the closure mechanism 20 which will be described more fully below, the remaining components of the spout 22 are configured, placed functioning as described in the patent application. series No. 08 / 534,179, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The closing mechanism of the present invention includes a star camming torsioner providing a rotational member configured with an axial recess that receives a key. As shown in Figure 5, for example, a star camming torced 30 defines a longitudinal axis 31. Star camming 30 is desirably formed with a cylindrically symmetrical shaped component positioned about the central longitudinal axis 28. both, star cam twister 30 defines a first axially extending member having a first end 31 and a second end 32 positioned opposite the first end. A circumferentially extending groove 33 is formed in the outer surface of the star cam rocker 30 and is oriented around the middle between the first end 31 and the end 32. As shown in Figure 5, the slot 33 is configured to rotatably receive a retained fastener 34.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, for example, star cam roller 30 is rotatably held in the interior of the rigid enclosure formed by spout 2. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, the first end 31 of the roller 30 a circular cross-section formed in a flange 24 which is part of the interior of the spout 22 is passed through an opening c. The star cam roller 30 is rotatably supported by retainer 34 and by a shoulder 35 .. As shown in the figure for example, the shoulder 35 is integrally formed as a pair of the outer surface of the torcer 30 and extends circumferentially around it. The retainer 34 and the shoulder 35 prevent axial movement of the star cam roller 30 in relation to the jet 22 but allow the rotational movement relative thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a first axially extending opening 36 is defined as a recess in the first end 31 of the star cam tumbler 30. The cross-sectional shape of the first opening 3 is in the configuration of a star having vertex squares 37, for example, vertices 37 form a straight angle. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a second end 32 of the star camming roller 30 is configured with a first axially extending cam member 38 surrounded by a cylindrical wall 39. The first cam member 38 is configured for engaging a cam receiver member 4 (described below) whereby the rotation of the receiver member cam by a first cam member 38 performs the closing mechanism opening. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first cam member 38 has a profile generally triangulated in an axial cross section.

As shown in Figure 1 for example, an axially extending latch member 40 is mounted for axial movement relative to the interior of the rigid recint formed by the spout 22. As shown in Figure 2 for example, each of the plurality of spaced-apart and spaced ribs 43 formed in the spout 22 is slidably received in a corresponding C-rail 44, the cu is integrally formed along the length of the latch member 40. As shown in Figure 2, the latch member 40 has at least one hook member 4 configured at a first end 41 for selectively engaging and uncoupling a matching hook member 26 for opening and closing respectively the closing mechanism. Three hook members 45 are provided in the embodiment shown and are spaced at equal intervals along the length of latch member 40.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5 for example the latch member 40- has a second end, 42 ^ which is configured with a cam receiving member 46 for engaging the first cam member 38 of a camming torsion cam. star 30 The cam receiving member 46 is configured such that the rotation of the cam member 38 results in an axia movement of the latch member 40 as the cam member 38 traverses the undulating surface of the cam receiver member 46.

Means are provided for pressing the latch member against axial movement, which axial movement is produced by the rotation of the first cam member 38 to travel on the cam receiver member 46. C is indicated here and is shown in the figure 2 for example, u means for pressing the latch member 40 against axial movement caused by the rotation of the first cam member 38, may include a compression spring 47. As shown in Figure 3, at least a part of the spring 47, this case a first end 48 of the spring 47, is fixed against axial movement in relation to the rigid enclosure. C is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, another spring part 47, in this case a second end 49 of the spring whose second end 49 is placed in the position at the first end 48 of the spring 47, abuts against a retainer connected to latch member 40. Thus configured and positioned spring 47 pushes latch member 40 as p to remain in the closed position, which is effected by engaging each hook member 45 ~ of latch member-closure member. corresponding match 26.

The locking mechanism of the present invention further includes a rotation sleeve. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, a rotation sleeve 50 defines a second cylindrically shaped member extending axially having a first end 51 and a second end 52 located opposite the first end. As shown in figures 3 and the rotation sleeve 50 is rotatably supported by retainer 27 in the interior space of the rigid enclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the second end 52 of the rotation sleeve 50 is nested in a countersunk portion of an aperture 29 through the outer wall of the jet 22. The stop 27 is fixed to a slot 53 (FIG. 5) around circumference of the rotation sleeve 50 and abut against the inner side of the outer wall of the spout 22, which is inside the rigid enclosure, and allows the rotation sleeve 50 to freely rotate within the opening in the outer wall of the spout 22.

As shown in Figure 3, the first end 51 of the rotation sleeve 50 is disposed spaced apart from the first end 31 of a star cam rocker 30. An axial clearance, which at a minimum must be 1 / 16 of an inch, it must be maintained between the rotation sleeve 50 and the cam twister. from. star 3 -.- * _ - - As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the first end 51 of the rotation sleeve defines a second axially extending opening 54 forming a second recess therein. As shown in Figure 3 for example the second opening 54 is aligned with the first opening 36 Also as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the cross-sectional shape of the second opening 54 is configured such that it can be received non-rotatably within the star-shaped cross-sectional shape of the first opening 36 of the star camming screw. In other words, a key 55 is configured with the same cross-sectional shape as the second opening 54, it has a way that it can be inserted into the first opening 36 and rotatably maintained within the first opening 36 of the star cam roller 30. In the embodiment shown, a star geometry of square vertices has been chosen for the first aperture 36, and a complementary square geometry has been used for the second aperture 54 and for the key 55. However, other complementary geometries can be used to achieve the same effect . For example, a star geometry of equilateral triangle vertices can be used for the first aperture 36, and a complementary equilateral triangle geometry can be used for the second aperture 54 and for the key 55.

In operation, the axial movement of the latch member 40 selectively produces T. ^ ~ transformation of the operational mo of the closing mechanism from closed to open vice versa. The star cam rocker 30, the retainers 25, 27, 34, the bolt member 40, the compression spring 47, the rotation sleeve 50 and the key 55, are shown as a whole in figure 5. Except for by the key 5 all these components are enclosed within the rigid structure 22, which in this case happens to be a paper towel dispenser. The only exposed surface of the mechanism is a second circularly-shaped end 52 of the rotation sleeve 50, which has a square continuous hole 54. The rotation sleeve 50 is securely held in place by retainer 27 within the opening 29 in the enclosure 22, however, the spin sleeve 50 is able to freely rotate through 360 degrees in any direction from left to right or from left to right. A star cam rocker 30 is located axially in line but spaced apart from the first end 51 of the rotation sleeve 50. First opening 36 of the star cam rocker 30 is positioned so that the star geometry (figure 5) is face to the square continuous hole 54 and aligns axially therewith of the rotating sleeve 50. The second end 32 of this star camming screw 30 contains cam member 38, which engages the receiving member 46 of the latch member 40.

The retainer 34 holds the star cam rocker 30 securely within the closure 22 and precludes star cam rocker 30 from axial movement relative to the closure and the star sleeve 50. However, retainer 34 allows the camming torsioner star 30 rotates around its central axis by 360 degrees, either the direction from right to left or from left to right when subjected to a force of at least inches-pounds. The amount of torsional force required to effect rotation of the star cam rocker 30 is a function of the strength of the compression spring 47, which applies the axially directed force which governs how much torsional force must be applied to axially displace latch member. 40 To operate the rotational locking mechanism of the present invention, the key 55 is inserted into the rotary sleeve 50, which has a continuous hole that matches the shape and cross-sectional size of the key 55. With the key inserted only inside of the second opening 54 of the rotation sleeve 50, the rotation of the ring 55 at this point will not open the mechanism, because only the rotation sleeve 50 will rotate. The key 55 must also be inserted axially until the key strikes the star geometry of the first opening 36 of the star cam roller 30. At this point, the rotation of the key 55 will cause the cross section of the "key" 55 align itself to one of the eight possible square coincident dent positions of the star cam rocker 30. At this point, the key will be held non-rotatably with respect to the star torcerator 30, and a minimum torsional force of about inch-pounds will rotate the star cam rocker 30 thereby enabling the rotational closing mechanism to open and open the enclosure of the illustrated embodiment accordingly.

In order to understand the resistance characteristics to be forced of the invention, the following should be considered: Once a possible forcer determines that the rotation sleeve 50 is the access point for the closing mechanism, and the forcing device may try to open the mechanism by applying a force directed axially inside the second opening 5 of the rotation sleeve 50. However, the action of the force will not achieve the desired opening effect. Rotation of the rotation sleeve 50 with one's finger will simply rotate the rotation sleeve 50. The axial separation between the rotation sleeve 50 and the star cam rocker 3 will prevent the transmission of rotational movement through frictional engagement between the two components.

If the forcer forces a tapered object such as a pen, a pencil or a screwdriver blade inside the square-shaped opening 54 of the rotation sleeve 50 rotates the rotation sleeve, the same useless effect occurs. The rotation of the sleeve Rotation 50 does not cause rotation of the star cam rocker 30. This same effective result occurs by forcing any object longer than the opening 54 into the rotation sleeve 50.

Any object which is smaller than the opening 54 in the rotation sleeve 50, regardless of shape, will move succelly through the rotation sleeve 50 and, if the movement directed axially towards the rotation sleeve is continued, will make contact with the star-shaped cam roller 30. However, since the object is small that the second opening 54 in the rotation sleeve, the rotation of said object will not allow the latter to engage any of the closing positions in the first aperture 36. of the star cam rocker 30. The star cam rocker requires an object of the exact shape and size to the key 55. Therefore, the forcing object simply rotates inside the first opening 36 of the star cam rocker 30 without making rotate the star cam rocker Any frictional forces that may develop will be sufficiently essential to overcome the rotational resistance provided by the spring e compression 47.

The same will happen with an object that is smaller and of a cross section different to the opening 54 in rotation sleeve -50 but that "has a border of the same tam of the aperture 54. An example will be a knife, or screwdriver. straight blade or, although it was very difficult a triangular tool.

By incorporating the rotating sleeve together with the configured star cam rocker 30 uniquely positioned with its first opening 36 having geometry compatible with the second opening 54 of the sleeve the closing mechanism of the present invention will resist opening by any means different than with the proposed proposal 55 having the corresponding geometry.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, the description is for illustrative purposes only, it should be understood that changes and variations may be made from the spirit or scope of the following claims. In the illustrative embodiment shown the drawings, the rotation sleeve and the star cam twister are shown operating with a rotational locking mechanism, which is described in more detail in serial application No. 08 / 534,179, which is incorporated herein by reference. reference. However, the novelty of these components can be applied to other closing mechanisms of the rotation type as well. These new components prevent the activation of the rotational closing mechanism, except through the use of an approved key (figure 5), as explained above, for example.

Claims (10)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A locking mechanism resistant to being forced to restrict access to the interior space of a rigid enclosure, comprising: A star camming torsion defining a longitudinal ej, said star camming torsion defines a first axially extending member having a first end a second end positioned opposite the first end, said first end of said star cam configured with a first axially extending aperture having a star-shaped cross-sectional shape said second end of said star cam-shaped torcerator is configured with a first axially extending cam member, said star-shaped camper held rotatably in the interior space of the rigid enclosure, said cam member being configured to engage a cam receiver member whereby rotation of the first cam member effects opening of the closure mechanism; Y a rotating sleeve, said rotating sleeve being rotatably held in the interior space of rigid enclosure, said rotary sleeve defines a second axially extending member having a first end and the second end positioned opposite the first end, dich rotating sleeve defines a second axially extending opening having a cross-sectional shape that can be received non-rotatably within the star-shaped cross-sectional shape of said first opening said star cam-type torcer, said first end d-turn sleeve being positioned and separated and facing the first end of said star cam torcer.

2. A mechanism as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises: a latch member axially extending a first end configured to selectively engage and disengage a hook member for closing and respectively opening the closure mechanism, said latch member having a second end being configured with a cam receiving member for receiving said latch member. first member of cam.

3. A mechanism as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said cam member and said cam receiving member are configured so that rotation of the first cam member effects axi movement of said latch member.

. 4. A mechanism as claimed in clause 3, further characterized in that it comprises: means for pushing said latch member against axial movement with the rotation of the first cam member.

5. A mechanism as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that said means for pushing the latch member against axial movement, include spring having at least one fixed part against axial movement relative to the rigid enclosure.

6. A rigid enclosure with a locking mechanism resistant to the forced attempt to restrict access to the interior space of the enclosure, comprising: a wall that defines the rigid enclosure and surrounds the interior space thereof; - - a star camming torsion defining a longitudinal ej, said star camming torsion defines a first axially extending member having a first end a second end positioned opposite said first end, said first end of said torx star cam configured with a first axially extending opening having a star-shaped cross-sectional shape said second end of said star cam-shaped torcerer being configured with a first axially extending cam member, said cam-shaped torcer star being rotatably supported in the interior space surrounded by said wall d rigid enclosure, said cam member is configured to engage a cam receiving member so that the rotation d first cam member effects the opening of the closing mechanism; Y a rotating sleeve, said gi sleeve being rotatably supported in the inner space surrounds by said wall of the rigid enclosure, said rotary sleeve of i a second axially extending member having a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first extremity said turning sleeve defines a second axially extending opening having a cross-sectional shape q may be received non-rotatably within said star-shaped cross-sectional shape of said first opening of said star camming torsion, said first end of said Turning sleeve is positioned and spaced from facing said first end of said star cam twister.

7. A mechanism as claimed in clause 6, further characterized because it comprises: a door defined in said wall and having an interior surface facing the interior space when closed, said door defines at least one ganc member extending from said interior surface; a latching member extending axially having a first end configured to engage selectively disengage said hook member to close and open respectively the closing mechanism, said latching member has a second end configured with a cam receiving member to receive said first member of cam.

8. A mechanism as claimed in clause 7, characterized in that said cam member and cam member member cam are configured so that the rotation of the first cam member effects axia movement of said latch member.

9. A mechanism as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that it comprises: means for pushing said latch member against axial movement with the rotation of the first cam member.

10. A mechanism as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that said means for pushing a latch member against axial movement include a spring having at least one fixed part against axial movement relative to the rigid enclosure. EXTRACT OF THE DESCRIPTION A low cost and simple locking mechanism that is opened by a key simply configured while protecting against being forced through a unique geometry and limited access. Access is limited by a turning sleeve that holds access to a cam loader that has a key hole with a unique star geometry.