US20140150350A1 - Lock mechanism for securing a lockable volume - Google Patents
Lock mechanism for securing a lockable volume Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140150350A1 US20140150350A1 US14/095,794 US201314095794A US2014150350A1 US 20140150350 A1 US20140150350 A1 US 20140150350A1 US 201314095794 A US201314095794 A US 201314095794A US 2014150350 A1 US2014150350 A1 US 2014150350A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- post
- cam
- opening
- door
- rotation
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B65/00—Locks or fastenings for special use
- E05B65/52—Other locks for chests, boxes, trunks, baskets, travelling bags, or the like
-
- 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
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
- E05B47/02—Movement of the bolt by electromagnetic means; Adaptation of locks, latches, or parts thereof, for movement of the bolt by electromagnetic means
- E05B47/023—Movement of the bolt by electromagnetic means; Adaptation of locks, latches, or parts thereof, for movement of the bolt by electromagnetic means the bolt moving pivotally or rotatively
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
- E05B17/0025—Devices for forcing the wing firmly against its seat or to initiate the opening of the wing
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
- E05B17/0025—Devices for forcing the wing firmly against its seat or to initiate the opening of the wing
- E05B17/0029—Devices for forcing the wing firmly against its seat or to initiate the opening of the wing motor-operated
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B63/00—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics
- E05B63/12—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics with means carried by the bolt for interlocking with the keeper
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
- E05C3/00—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively
- E05C3/02—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively without latching action
-
- 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
- E05B15/02—Striking-plates; Keepers; Bolt staples; Escutcheons
- E05B15/0205—Striking-plates, keepers, staples
- E05B2015/023—Keeper shape
- E05B2015/0235—Stud-like
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B65/00—Locks or fastenings for special use
- E05B65/02—Locks or fastenings for special use for thin, hollow, or thin-metal wings
- E05B65/025—Locks or fastenings for special use for thin, hollow, or thin-metal wings for lockers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T292/00—Closure fasteners
- Y10T292/08—Bolts
- Y10T292/096—Sliding
- Y10T292/1014—Operating means
- Y10T292/1021—Motor
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T292/00—Closure fasteners
- Y10T292/08—Bolts
- Y10T292/1043—Swinging
- Y10T292/1075—Operating means
- Y10T292/1082—Motor
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T292/00—Closure fasteners
- Y10T292/28—Extension link
- Y10T292/2935—Slotted or notched keeper
- Y10T292/294—Sliding catch
Definitions
- This application relates to the field of locks. Specifically, it relates to locks on doors to control access therethrough, such as access to lockers which are configured to contain and enclose an item.
- a lock is a mechanical or electronic fastening device that is used to secure an item. Locks are frequently used to secure an openable component such as, for example, a door or a gate.
- a lock used to secure a door or a gate frequently includes a feature configured to connect the door and/or gate with the door frame so as to prevent the door and/or gate from moving to an open position. This feature frequently includes a shaft that penetrates from the door into the doorjamb. In some embodiments, however, this component penetrates from the doorjamb into the door.
- Some embodiments described herein include a lock comprising a post, which comprises a shaft; a neck connected to the shaft, the neck having a first diameter; and a head, connected to the neck, the head having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter; and a rolling cam having an opening formed in a first surface, wherein the first surface comprises an opening configured to receive the neck and the head of the post, and a securing portion configured to secure the neck and head of the post; wherein the rolling cam rotates about an axis of rotation to selectively secure the post.
- the first surface of the rolling cam is perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
- the first surface of the rolling cam is parallel to the axis of rotation.
- the post extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam when the neck and head of the post are received in the opening of the rolling cam.
- the post extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam when the neck and head of the post are received in the opening of the rolling cam.
- the opening of the rolling cam extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam.
- the opening of the rolling cam extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam.
- the opening of the rolling cam extends non-perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam.
- a locking system comprising a door comprising a post, the post comprising: a shaft; a neck connected to the shaft, the neck having a first diameter; and a head, connected to the neck, the head having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, and wherein the post extends from the door; and a lockable volume having a wall, the door being moveably attached to the lockable volume; a rolling cam attached to the wall of the lockable volume, the rolling cam having an opening formed in a first surface, wherein the first surface comprises an opening configured to receive the neck and the head of the post, and a securing portion configured to secure the neck and head of the post; and wherein the opening comprises a curved edge configured to contact the neck or the head of the post, and wherein the rolling cam rotates about an axis of rotation from an open to a closed position while the neck or head of the post is in contact with the curved edge, wherein the contact between the curved edge and the neck or head of the
- the post further comprises a head located at the second end and a neck located between the head and the first end.
- the head comprises a first dimension and the neck comprises a second dimension.
- the first dimension is larger than the second dimension.
- the cam rotates about an axis of rotation.
- the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first surface.
- the axis of rotation is non-perpendicular to the first surface.
- the post extends from the door parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam when the second end of the post is received in the opening of the cam.
- the post extends from the door perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam when the second end of the post are received in the opening of the cam.
- the opening of the cam extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam.
- the opening of the cam extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam.
- the opening of the cam extends non-perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam.
- the rolling cam is connected to an actuator, and the actuator is driven by a piston, and is configured to rotate the rolling cam from the open position to the closed position.
- Some embodiments described herein include a method of securing a door with a lock, the method comprising moving a door, the door comprising a post, from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the second position, the post is received in an opening in a surface of a cam, disposed in a wall; and rotating the cam about an axis of rotation from a first position to a second position such that the opening in the surface of the cam secures the post and draws the door toward the wall, and prevents the door from being moved to the first position.
- the method further comprises rotating the cam about the axis of rotation from the second position to the first position, thereby aligning the opening with the post, allowing passage of the post out of the opening, such that the door can be moved to the first position.
- the method further comprises moving the door from the second position to the first position.
- the opening in the surface of the cam extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
- the opening in the surface of the cam extends parallel to the axis of rotation.
- the opening in the surface of the cam extends non-parallel to the axis of rotation.
- FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a lock on a securable volume.
- FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a lock on a securable volume.
- FIG. 2A depicts a front view of one embodiment of a post assembly having a side-extending post.
- FIG. 2B depicts a side view of one embodiment of a post assembly having a post extending from the face of the post assembly.
- FIG. 2C depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a post assembly having a separate post and base plate
- FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a rolling cam
- FIG. 3B depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a rolling cam including a shaft
- FIG. 4A depicts a top view of an embodiment of a rolling cam having an opening in the top of the rolling cam
- FIG. 4B depicts a side view of an embodiment of a rolling cam having an opening in the side surface of the rolling cam
- FIG. 4C is a sectional view of the embodiment of the rolling cam taken along line 4 C- 4 C of FIG. 4B .
- FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a post engaged with a cam in a first position.
- FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a post engaged with a cam in a second position.
- FIG. 6A is a side view of an embodiment of a lock mechanism with the cam in the locked position.
- FIG. 6B is a side view of an embodiment of a lock mechanism with the cam in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 7A is a side view of the reverse side of the lock mechanism of FIG. 6A with the cam in the locked position.
- FIG. 7B is a side view of the reverse side of the lock mechanism of FIG. 6B with the cam in the locked position.
- FIG. 7C is an exploded view of an embodiment of the lock mechanism of FIGS. 6A-6B .
- FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a door with a post assembly attached.
- the lock is configured to secure a lockable volume.
- the lock may comprise a post and a rolling cam.
- a portion of or all of the post is engageable with the rolling cam.
- the rolling cam is moveable so as to secure the post and thereby secure the lockable volume.
- the lock system may include a lockable volume, a door, a post, a rolling cam, an actuator, a mechanical chain, and a control unit.
- the rolling cam may be operated via the control unit.
- the control unit is configured to send a signal to the actuator of the lock upon request from a user or the system in which the lockable volume is contained.
- the actuator is moveable between at least a locked position and an unlocked position.
- motion from the actuator may be transmitted to the rolling cam via the mechanical chain or to an electric motor directly connected to a shaft, which in turn, is connected to a rolling cam.
- the use of a lock system allows the automated securing of a wide variety of lockable volumes.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B depict one embodiment of a lockable volume 100 .
- the lockable volume 100 may be configured to secure an internal volume, and to specifically secure an item in the internal volume of the lockable volume 100 , for example, a parcel or a package.
- the lockable volume 100 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be made from a variety of materials and/or components.
- the lockable volume 100 may be made of metal, wood, a synthetic material, a natural material, a composite, and/or any other desired material.
- the lockable volume 100 may be made of sheet metal and may comprise a rectangular prism and/or a cube.
- the lockable volume may be configured for use in an electronic parcel locker system, such as that described in U.S. Provisional Application 61/567,048, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- the lockable volume 100 comprises a door 102 , a top 104 , a bottom 106 , a first side 108 , a second side 110 , and a back 111 . While the lockable volume 100 comprises these above-listed features, the specific features that define the lockable volume 100 may vary based on the desired size and shape of the lockable volume 100 .
- the door 102 , the top 104 , the bottom 106 , the first side 108 , the second side 110 , and the back 111 are connected to each other to thereby form the lockable volume 100 and to define an internal volume of the lockable volume 100 .
- the door 102 comprises a first end 112 and a second end 114 .
- the second end 114 is dynamically connected with another component of the lockable volume 100 .
- the second end 114 is hingedly connected with the second side 110 of the lockable volume 100 .
- this hinged connection between the second end 114 and the second side 110 of the lockable volume 100 allows the door 102 to be moved between a first, open position and a second, closed position.
- Lockable volume 100 further comprises a lip 103 .
- lip 103 runs around the interior perimeter of the opening bounded by the edges of the top 104 , the bottom 105 , the first side 108 , and the second side 110 .
- the door 102 impinges on lip 103 as the door moves into the second, closed position.
- the lip 103 thereby prevents movement of the door into the lockable volume 100 .
- the inner volume of the lockable volume 100 is accessible.
- the door 102 is positioned in its second, closed position, the interior volume of the lockable volume 100 is inaccessible.
- the door may be connected to a door actuator (not shown) which provides an opening force on the door, by using as a motorized hinge or other similar feature.
- the door actuator may receive open and close signals from the control unit in conjunction with the signals transmitted to the locking mechanism to ensure that the control unit does not attempt to open the door 102 while the lock is engaged.
- the door 102 may be slidably connected to the top 104 and the bottom 106 by a track or similar device. This allows for the door 102 to slide between an open position and a closed position within the plane comprising the opening of the lockable volume.
- a person of skill in the art would understand, using the present disclosure as a guide, how to provide a sliding door on a lockable volume described herein.
- the first end 112 of the door 102 comprises a feature to secure the door in the second, closed position.
- this feature is a post 118
- this feature is a rolling cam 126 .
- the post 118 is configured to selectively engage with other features of a lock to secure the door 102 in a second, closed position.
- the post 118 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be made of a variety of materials. In some embodiments, for example, the size and shape and materials of the post may be designed to securely maintain the door 102 in a second, closed position.
- such a design requires selecting a size, shape, and/or materials for the post 118 such that the post 118 can resist forces applied to the post when an attempt is made to forcibly open the door and thereby forcibly move the door 102 from the second, closed position to the first, open position.
- FIG. 1A depicts one specific embodiment of the post 118 .
- the post 118 comprises a shaft 120 , a neck 122 , and a head 124 .
- the shaft 120 of the post 118 connects to the door 102 and to the neck 122 .
- the neck 122 can, in addition to connecting with the shaft 120 of the post 118 , also connect to the head 124 .
- the head 124 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and may be made from a variety of materials.
- the neck 122 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials.
- the post 118 is configured to engage with a rolling cam 126 when the door 102 is placed in the second closed position.
- the rolling cam 126 is placed within the lockable volume 100 in a manner such that the post 118 engages with and/or interacts with the rolling cam 126 when the door 102 is in the second, closed position.
- the rolling cam 126 is located on the first side 108 .
- the rolling cam 126 extends from the interior surface of the first side 108 such that it is positioned to receive the post 118 as the door 102 moves into the second, closed position.
- the extension of rolling cam 126 from the interior surface of the first side 108 allows for the post 118 to be positioned on the door 102 such that the protrusion of post 118 does not impinge on the edge of the first side 108 , which would prevent complete closing of the door 102 .
- the neck 122 and the head 124 are sized and shaped to cooperatively engage with the rolling cam 126 , in order to secure the post 118 and lock the door 102 .
- the cooperation of the head 124 and the neck 122 is facilitated by providing the neck 122 and the head 124 with differing dimensions.
- the head 124 comprises a larger diameter than the neck 122 .
- the head 124 may comprise the same dimensions as the neck 122 .
- the head 124 may comprise the same diameter as the neck 122 .
- the rolling cam 126 comprises an opening 128 .
- the opening 128 is sized and shaped to receive the head 124 .
- the opening 128 is sized and shaped to receive the head 124 and the neck 122 of the post 118 .
- rolling cam 126 is configured to rotate along an axis of rotation.
- the rolling cam 126 may be rotated along the axis of rotation, which realigns the opening 128 relative to the post 118 .
- the door 102 As the door 102 closes, or moves in the close direction on its hinged connection, it impinges on a lip 103 , which prevents further movement the door into the interior of lockable volume 100 , and prevents further movement of the post 118 within the opening 128 . With the door 102 in its second, closed position, and because of lip 103 , the door 102 may only travel in the open direction, for example, away from the interior of lockable volume 100 on the hinged connection. As post 118 is inserted into opening 128 , an outer surface of the cam extends above a portion of the head 124 , so the head 124 is located between the outer surface and an inner surface of the rolling cam 126 .
- the opening 128 is no longer positioned in a direction which will allow removal of the head 124 along the path of entry.
- the post 118 is held in position, preventing door opening.
- the opening 128 realigned relative to the post 118 , post 118 , and therefore door 102 , is not free to move in the open direction.
- the door 102 secured in the second, closed position.
- the rolling cam 126 comprises additional features, and these features will be discussed in further detail below.
- the position of the post 118 and the rolling cam 126 may vary in different embodiments of the lockable volume 100 .
- the post 118 is positioned on the first end 112 of the door 102
- the rolling cam 126 is positioned on the first side of the lockable volume 100 .
- the post 118 is positioned on the first side 108 of the lockable volume 100 and the rolling cam 126 is positioned on the first end 112 of the door 102 .
- the rolling cam 126 and the post 118 may be provided in a variety of positions, so long as the rolling cam 126 is engageable with the post 118 to secure the door 102 in the second, closed position.
- FIGS. 2A , 2 B and 2 C are views of embodiments of the post assembly 200 .
- the post assembly 200 may be configured to allow attachment of the post 118 to the door 102 and/or to the other features of the lockable volume 100 .
- the post assembly 200 comprises the post 118 , the shaft 120 , the neck 122 , and the head 124 .
- the shaft 120 and the neck 122 are generally cylindrical, and comprise the same diameter and/or dimensions about its central axis, and the head 124 comprises an larger diameter and/or enlarged dimensions relative to the shaft 120 and the neck 122 .
- the post assembly 200 further comprises a base plate 202 , which may be configured to allow affixing of the post assembly 200 to the door 102 and/or one of the other components of the lockable volume 100 .
- the base plate 202 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be made from a variety of materials.
- the base plate 202 and/or the post assembly 200 may comprise a metal, a natural material, a synthetic material, a composite, and/or any other desired material.
- the base plate 202 comprises a top 204 , a bottom 206 , a first side 208 , a second side 210 , a face 212 , and a back (not shown).
- the distance between the top 204 and the bottom 206 defines a height of the base plate 202 .
- the distance between the first side 208 and the second side 210 defines a width of the base plate 202 .
- the distance between the face 212 and the back defines a thickness of the base plate 202 .
- the base plate 202 comprises attachment features 216 configured to facilitate attachment of the base plate 202 to a portion of the lockable volume 100 such as, for example, the door 102 and/or the first side 108 .
- the attachment features 216 may comprise a variety of features such as, for example, one or several through-holes, one or several latches, hooks, adhesives, and/or any other feature configured to affix the base plate 202 to a portion of the lockable volume 100 .
- the attachment features 216 may comprise through-holes which may be configured to allow affixing of the base plate 202 to a portion of the lockable volume 100 via, for example, a screw, a bolt, a nut, a rivet, and/or any other fastener.
- the post 118 may extend from the base plate 202 in a variety of directions. In some embodiments, the direction of extension of the post 118 from the base plate 202 facilitates the locking of the lockable volume 100 . The selection of the portion of the lockable volume 100 to which the post assembly 200 is attached will impact and determine the direction of extension of the post 118 from the base plate 202 . As depicted in FIG. 2A , the post 118 extends from the first side 208 of the base plate 202 . As seen in FIG. 2A , a first end of the shaft 120 connects to the base plate 202 and the second end of the shaft 120 connects to the neck 122 .
- the neck 122 in addition to connecting with the shaft 120 , also connects with the head 124 of the post 118 .
- the neck 122 may be sized differently than the shaft 120 and the head 124 .
- the neck 122 has a narrower circumference than the shaft 120 or the head 124 .
- the neck 122 and the shaft 120 comprise the same element, extending from base plate 202 to head 124 , having a uniform diameter or dimension along their length.
- the post 118 may extend from the face 212 in a direction perpendicular to the face 212 of the base plate 202 .
- the first end of the shaft 120 connects to the face 212 of the base plate 202
- the second end of the shaft 120 connects to the neck 122 .
- the neck 122 additionally connects to the head 124 .
- the shaft 120 and the head 124 have approximately equal dimensions and/or diameters, and the neck 122 comprises a reduced dimension and/or diameter relative to one or both of the shaft 120 and the head 124 .
- FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a specific placement of the post 118 relative to the base plate 202
- the post 118 may be attached to any desired portion of the base plate 202 .
- the post 118 is attached to an approximate center portion of one of the faces and/or sides of the base plate 202 .
- the post 118 can be connected to the base plate 202 at an off-center location.
- FIG. 2C depicts another embodiment of the post assembly 200 .
- the post 118 and the base plate 202 comprise separate components. Such a design may advantageously facilitate manufacturing by allowing more precision machining and manufacturing of the post 118 and/or the base plate 202 .
- the base plate 202 comprises a top 204 , a bottom 206 , a first side 208 , a second side 210 , a face 212 , and a back 214 .
- the base plate 202 further comprises attachment features 216 .
- the base plate further comprises a post-receiving opening 218 .
- the post-receiving opening 218 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes. Specifically, the post-receiving opening 218 comprises a shape and a size corresponding to the shape and size of an insertion shaft 220 .
- the post-receiving opening 218 comprises a cylindrical bore into the base plate 202 . The post-receiving opening is configured to receive a portion of the post 118 to thereby secure the post 118 to the base plate 202 .
- the post assembly 200 comprises the post 118 .
- the post 118 comprises a shaft 120 , a neck 122 , and a head 124 .
- the shaft 120 and the neck 122 have an approximately equal diameter and/or dimension
- the head 124 has an enlarged dimension and/or diameter relative to the shaft 120 and the neck 122 .
- the insertion shaft may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and may be made from a variety of materials.
- the insertion shaft comprises an elongate member.
- the insertion shaft 220 comprises an elongate cylinder.
- the insertion shaft may be sized and shaped to allow placement of the insertion shaft 220 in the post-receiving opening 218 .
- the insertion shaft 220 comprises features and/or characteristics configured to facilitate retention of the insertion shaft 220 and the post-receiving opening 218 . In some embodiments, for example, these features may comprise one or several locking features, threads, latches, snaps, detents, and/or any other desired retention feature.
- a dimension and/or diameter of the insertion shaft 220 may be sized relative a dimension and/or diameter of the post-receiving opening 218 to thereby create a friction fit and/or an interference fit between the insertion shaft 220 and the post-receiving opening 218 .
- friction between the insertion shaft 220 and the post-receiving opening 218 securely retains the insertion shaft 220 within the post-receiving opening 218 .
- the post 118 comprises an insertion stop 222 .
- the insertion stop 222 is configured to allow the desired placement of the insertion shaft 220 in the post-receiving opening 218 .
- the insertion stop 222 comprises an enlarged diameter relative to the insertion shaft.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B depict embodiments of the rolling cam 126 .
- the rolling cam 126 comprises a top 300 , a bottom 302 , and a side surface 304 .
- the rolling cam 126 further comprises an axis of rotation 308 . ‘ In some embodiments the axis of rotation 308 extends through the center of the rolling cam 126 perpendicular to the top 300 and the bottom 302 .
- FIG. 3B depicts another embodiment of the rolling cam 126 .
- the rolling cam 126 comprises a top 300 , a bottom 302 , a side surface 304 , a shaft 306 , and an axis of rotation 308 .
- the rolling cam 126 may comprise a variety of shapes.
- the rolling cam 126 may comprise a circular shape.
- the side surface 304 comprises a bearing surface to allow the rolling cam 126 to rotate about the axis of rotation 308 .
- FIG. 3B depicts another embodiment of the rolling cam 126 .
- the rolling cam 126 comprises a bearing surface that may be located on, for example, the shaft 306 .
- the rolling cam 126 may comprise shapes that do not allow easy rolling of the rolling cam 126 .
- the rolling cam 126 comprises a rectangular prism and the shaft 306 .
- the shaft 306 may be disposed within a bearing or housing which allows rotation of the shaft 306 along the axis of rotation 308 , thereby causing the rectangular prism to rotate.
- the rolling cam 126 is configured to lockably engage with portions of the post 118 .
- FIGS. 4A-4C depict embodiments of features of the rolling cam 126 that may be configured to engage with the post 118 .
- the rolling cam 126 comprises the top 300 and the side surface 304 .
- the rolling cam 126 comprises the opening 128 .
- the opening 128 may be configured to receive all or portions of the shaft 118 to thereby secure the lockable volume 100 .
- the opening 128 comprises a receiving portion 400 and a securing portion 402 .
- the receiving portion 400 may be configured to receive all or portions of the shaft 120 into the securing portion 402 of the rolling cam 126 .
- the receiving portion may comprise features configured to facilitate receiving of the post 118 . These features may include, for example, rounded edges, beveled edges, a taper, increased dimensions relative to the securing portion, and/or any other features configured to facilitate the receiving of the post 118 .
- the securing portion 402 comprises the portions of the rolling cam 126 configured to secure the post 118 .
- the opening 128 comprises the securing portion 402 at one end, and the receiving portion 400 at the other end.
- the securing portion 402 is connected to the receiving portion 400 via the opening 128 of the rolling cam 126 , and in one embodiment, is centrally located at the axis of rotation 308 .
- the securing portion 402 may restrict the freedom of movement of the post 118 to a single direction. The freedom of movement of the post 118 is determined by the freedom of movement of the door 102 , to which the post 118 is attached.
- the door 102 is able to move in a closed direction toward the lockable volume 100 and in an open direction, away from the lockable volume.
- the door 102 is dynamically connected to the lockable volume via a hinged connection or a slide connection.
- the cooperation of the rolling cam 126 and the post 118 either locks the door 102 in the second, closed position, or allows the door 102 to move to a first, open position, according to the dynamic connection of the door 102 .
- this is accomplished by moving the rolling cam 126 around the axis of rotation 308 from a first position, in which the post 118 is able to move out of the securing portion 402 , to a second position in which the post 118 is prevented from moving out of the securing portion 402 .
- the post 118 upon moving the door 102 in the closed direction, the post 118 enters the securing portion 402 as it travels in a first direction 406 .
- the rolling cam 126 may be rotated about the axis of rotation 308 in the direction of the first rotation 408 indicated in FIG. 4A .
- the first rotation 408 may comprise a rotation of, for example, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 180°, 270°, 350°, and/or any other desired and/or intermediate rotation.
- the first rotation 408 results in the opening 128 being aligned in a direction other than the initial direction, wherein the post 118 is prohibited from moving out of the securing portion 402 and the receiving portion 400 in a direction opposite to the first direction 406 indicated in FIG. 4A .
- the post 118 may be disposed within the opening 128 , but is not fully in the securing portion 402 .
- the opening 128 is sized and shaped such that, as the rolling cam 126 is rotated about axis of rotation 208 , the edge of the opening 128 within rolling cam 126 impinges on the post 118 , and pulls post 118 toward the securing portion 402 .
- post 118 arrives in the securing portion 402 , and remains there while the door 102 is secured.
- This pulling force on the post 118 is translated to the door 102 to which the post 118 is attached, and the door 102 is pulled further in the close direction, so, preferably, the edge of door 102 contacts the edge of the doorjamb, or lip 103 prior to or as post 118 gets to the securing portion 402 .
- FIG. 4B depicts one embodiment of a rolling cam 126 in which the receiving portion 400 and the securing portion 402 are located in the side surface 304 of the rolling cam 126 .
- the receiving portion 400 and the securing portion 402 of the rolling cam 126 extend partially around the side surface 304 .
- the combination of the receiving portion 400 and the securing portion 402 may extend completely around the side surface 304 and/or extend partially around the side surface 304 .
- the receiving portion 400 comprises a width 410 .
- the width 410 corresponds to a dimension of the head 124 and/or neck 122 of the post.
- the width 410 may be larger than a dimension and/or diameter of the post 118 , the neck 122 , and/or the head 124 so as to allow portions of the post 118 such as, for example, the neck 122 and/or the head 124 , to penetrate into and through the receiving portion 400 .
- the rolling cam 126 comprises the securing portion 402 .
- the securing portion may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and dimensions.
- the securing portion 402 may be connected to the receiving portion 400 such that a rotation of the rolling cam 126 in the direction indicated by arrow 408 move the post 118 from the receiving portion 400 into the security portion 402 .
- the securing portion 402 comprises a width 412 .
- the width 412 is larger than a diameter and/or dimension of the neck 122 of the post 118 to thereby allow the post 118 , and specifically the neck 122 , to extend into the securing portion 402 and to thereby allow securing of the head 124 within the securing portion 402 .
- the head cavity is configured to receive the head 124 and/or all or portions of the neck 122 of the post 118 when portions of the post 118 are received into the receiving portion 400 and/or the securing portion 402 .
- the head cavity 404 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be defined by a variety of portions of the rolling cam 126 .
- the head cavity 404 is shaped and sized so as to allow the post 118 to be positioned in all positions of the receiving portion 400 and the securing portion 402 when the head 124 and/or all or portions of the neck 122 are received into the head cavity 404 .
- the securing portion 402 comprises a first end 414 and a second end 416 .
- the first end 414 of the securing portion 402 is proximate to the receiving portion 400 of the rolling cam 126
- the second end 416 is relatively more distant from the receiving portion 400 than the first end 414 of the securing portion 402 .
- FIG. 4C when a portion of the post 118 is received into the receiving portion 400 and the rolling cam 126 is rotated in the direction of the first rotation 408 , as indicated in FIG.
- the head 124 of the post 118 first engages with portions of the securing portion 402 proximate to the first end 414 , and as the rolling cam 126 rotates in the direction of the first rotation 408 , the head 124 moves forward into the opening 128 , engages with portions of the securing portion 402 relatively more proximate to the second end 416 .
- a force is applied to the post 118 which, in some embodiments, increases as the rolling cam rotates, thereby increasing a securing force on the post 118 , and, thus, on the door 102 .
- the securing portion 402 defines a thickness 418 .
- the securing portion 402 comprises a single thickness at all points between the first end 414 and the second end 416 .
- the securing portion 402 comprises a single thickness at all points between the first end 414 and the second end 416 .
- the securing portion 402 comprises a changing thickness at points between the first end 414 and the second end 416 .
- the thickness 418 of the securing portion 402 progressively increases when moving from the first end 414 to the second end 416 .
- the increasing thickness 418 of the securing portion 402 applies an increasing force to the head 124 of the post 118 , which force is transferred to the door 102 , securely retaining the door 102 in the second, closed position.
- this force created by the increasing thickness 418 of the securing portion 402 may be used to secure the door 102 or the lockable volume 100 , to seal the door or the lockable volume, or to pre-tension the door 102 or the lockable volume 100 .
- the use of such a securing portion 402 to secure the lockable volume can, in some embodiments in connection with a seal, prevent a substance, such as a fluid, a gas, or solid, from entering into or exiting out of the lockable volume 100 .
- a seal between the door 102 and the other portions of the lockable volume 100 may be used to facilitate maintenance of the temperature within the lockable volume 100 .
- such features may increase the security of the lockable volume 100 , and may increase the types of uses of the lockable volume 100 , such as, for example, storing a perishable item such as a medication, a food item, and/or any other item that needs to be contained within a specified climate, may increase the weather security of an item by, for example, preventing the penetration of the elements into the lockable volume 100 , and may prevent break-ins by removing slack from the lockable volume 100 , pre-tensioning portions of the lockable volume 100 , and thereby increasing the difficulty with which the lockable volume 100 may be accessed.
- FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of the post 118 engaged in one embodiment of a rolling cam 126 .
- the rolling cam 126 is in a first, unlocked position.
- the head 124 of post 118 is disposed within the receiving portion 400 of opening 128 .
- the head 124 of post 118 is free to move out of the receiving portion 400 of opening 128 , as the door 102 is opened.
- the cam surface 403 impinges on the neck 122 or head 124 of post 118 .
- FIG. 5B depicts the rolling cam 126 in a second, locked position.
- the post 118 is securely retained within the securing portion 402 of the opening 128 .
- the post 118 is unable to move out of the opening 128 , thus, the door to which post 118 is attached remains securely locked.
- FIG. 6A depicts a side view of an embodiment of a lock mechanism with the cam in the locked position.
- the lock mechanism comprises actuator 180 .
- the actuator comprises linkages and a piston 185 .
- the piston is connected to the linkages, and the linkages are connected to the rotating cam 126 .
- the connected linkages As the piston 185 moves along the long axis of the actuator 180 , as indicated by arrow 195 , the connected linkages also move.
- the linkages are configured to impart a rotational motion to rolling cam 126 in responses to a linear movement of the piston 185 .
- the piston is configured to be operated remotely by a remote signal, such as an electric or hydraulic signal.
- the remote signal may be supplied by a control unit as described elsewhere herein.
- the rolling cam 126 is operated such that it rotates around the axis of rotation 308 , and, when used in conjunction with the post 118 as described herein, is effective to securely lock a door of a lockable volume 100 .
- FIG. 7A is a side view of the reverse of the lock mechanism with the cam in the locked position, as depicted in FIG. 6A .
- FIG. 7A is a side view of the reverse of the lock mechanism with the cam in the locked position, as depicted in FIG. 6B .
- FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate detail regarding the linkages for operating the rolling cam 126 .
- FIG. 7C is an exploded view of an embodiment of the lock mechanism depicted in FIGS. 6A-7B .
- FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a door with the post assembly of FIG. 2C attached.
- the post assembly 200 is attached to the first end 112 of the door 102 .
- the post assembly 200 is attached using two fasteners 170 , which extend through the door 102 and into attachment features 216 , thereby securely attaching the post assembly 200 to the door 102 .
- the attachment features 216 may comprise a variety of features such as, for example, one or several through-holes, one or several latches, hooks, adhesives, and/or any other feature configured to affix the base plate 202 to a portion of the lockable volume 100 .
- Post assembly 200 is positioned on the first end 112 of the door 102 in order to correspond to a rolling cam 126 which is attached to an internal surface of the lockable volume 100 , on which the door 102 is attached. Further embodiments of a locking mechanism with door attachments are provided in Appendix A, attached hereto.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
- Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)
Abstract
A lock and method of locking a lockable volume is described. The lock may be located on a door of a lockable volume, such as a locker configured to hold an item. The lock may comprise a post and a cam, the cam having an opening corresponding to the size and shape of the post. The cam is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotation of the cam about the axis releasably secures the post within the opening, thereby locking the door to which the post is attached.
Description
- This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application 61/733,657, filed Dec. 5, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field
- This application relates to the field of locks. Specifically, it relates to locks on doors to control access therethrough, such as access to lockers which are configured to contain and enclose an item.
- 2. Description of the Related Technology
- A lock is a mechanical or electronic fastening device that is used to secure an item. Locks are frequently used to secure an openable component such as, for example, a door or a gate. A lock used to secure a door or a gate frequently includes a feature configured to connect the door and/or gate with the door frame so as to prevent the door and/or gate from moving to an open position. This feature frequently includes a shaft that penetrates from the door into the doorjamb. In some embodiments, however, this component penetrates from the doorjamb into the door. While such locking mechanisms are adequate in numerous applications, they have several weaknesses, particularly in that the member that penetrates from the one portion of the door and/or doorjamb into the other portion of the door and/or doorjamb is easily accessible to a person trying to defeat the lock. Additionally, such a combination of a lock and a door and a doorjamb allows movement of the door relative to the doorjamb to the extent that the penetrating member does not precisely fit into the other off the door and/or the doorjamb. Both the accessibility of the penetrating member and the looseness of the fit between the penetrating member and the other of the door and/or doorjamb allows the lock to be more easily defeated and the door and/or gate to be opened. In light of these problems, new locks and locking mechanisms are required.
- Some embodiments described herein include a lock comprising a post, which comprises a shaft; a neck connected to the shaft, the neck having a first diameter; and a head, connected to the neck, the head having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter; and a rolling cam having an opening formed in a first surface, wherein the first surface comprises an opening configured to receive the neck and the head of the post, and a securing portion configured to secure the neck and head of the post; wherein the rolling cam rotates about an axis of rotation to selectively secure the post.
- In some embodiments, the first surface of the rolling cam is perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
- In some embodiments, the first surface of the rolling cam is parallel to the axis of rotation.
- In some embodiments, the post extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam when the neck and head of the post are received in the opening of the rolling cam.
- In some embodiments, the post extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam when the neck and head of the post are received in the opening of the rolling cam.
- In some embodiments, the opening of the rolling cam extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam.
- In some embodiments, the opening of the rolling cam extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam.
- In some embodiments, the opening of the rolling cam extends non-perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam.
- Some embodiments described herein include a locking system comprising a door comprising a post, the post comprising: a shaft; a neck connected to the shaft, the neck having a first diameter; and a head, connected to the neck, the head having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, and wherein the post extends from the door; and a lockable volume having a wall, the door being moveably attached to the lockable volume; a rolling cam attached to the wall of the lockable volume, the rolling cam having an opening formed in a first surface, wherein the first surface comprises an opening configured to receive the neck and the head of the post, and a securing portion configured to secure the neck and head of the post; and wherein the opening comprises a curved edge configured to contact the neck or the head of the post, and wherein the rolling cam rotates about an axis of rotation from an open to a closed position while the neck or head of the post is in contact with the curved edge, wherein the contact between the curved edge and the neck or head of the post causes the neck or head of the post to move into the securing portion; and wherein, when the rolling cam rotates into the closed position, the door is securely locked.
- In some embodiments, the post further comprises a head located at the second end and a neck located between the head and the first end.
- In some embodiments, the head comprises a first dimension and the neck comprises a second dimension.
- In some embodiments, the first dimension is larger than the second dimension.
- In some embodiments, the cam rotates about an axis of rotation.
- In some embodiments, the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first surface.
- In some embodiments, the axis of rotation is non-perpendicular to the first surface.
- In some embodiments, the post extends from the door parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam when the second end of the post is received in the opening of the cam.
- In some embodiments, the post extends from the door perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam when the second end of the post are received in the opening of the cam.
- In some embodiments, the opening of the cam extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam.
- In some embodiments, the opening of the cam extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam.
- In some embodiments, the opening of the cam extends non-perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam.
- In some embodiments, the rolling cam is connected to an actuator, and the actuator is driven by a piston, and is configured to rotate the rolling cam from the open position to the closed position.
- Some embodiments described herein include a method of securing a door with a lock, the method comprising moving a door, the door comprising a post, from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the second position, the post is received in an opening in a surface of a cam, disposed in a wall; and rotating the cam about an axis of rotation from a first position to a second position such that the opening in the surface of the cam secures the post and draws the door toward the wall, and prevents the door from being moved to the first position.
- In some embodiments, the method further comprises rotating the cam about the axis of rotation from the second position to the first position, thereby aligning the opening with the post, allowing passage of the post out of the opening, such that the door can be moved to the first position.
- In some embodiments, the method further comprises moving the door from the second position to the first position.
- In some embodiments, the opening in the surface of the cam extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
- In some embodiments, the opening in the surface of the cam extends parallel to the axis of rotation.
- In some embodiments, the opening in the surface of the cam extends non-parallel to the axis of rotation.
- The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalization, and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes and/or other subject matter described herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth herein. The summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
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FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a lock on a securable volume. -
FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a lock on a securable volume. -
FIG. 2A depicts a front view of one embodiment of a post assembly having a side-extending post. -
FIG. 2B depicts a side view of one embodiment of a post assembly having a post extending from the face of the post assembly. -
FIG. 2C depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a post assembly having a separate post and base plate; -
FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a rolling cam; -
FIG. 3B depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a rolling cam including a shaft; -
FIG. 4A depicts a top view of an embodiment of a rolling cam having an opening in the top of the rolling cam; -
FIG. 4B depicts a side view of an embodiment of a rolling cam having an opening in the side surface of the rolling cam; and -
FIG. 4C is a sectional view of the embodiment of the rolling cam taken along line 4C-4C ofFIG. 4B . -
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a post engaged with a cam in a first position. -
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a post engaged with a cam in a second position. -
FIG. 6A is a side view of an embodiment of a lock mechanism with the cam in the locked position. -
FIG. 6B is a side view of an embodiment of a lock mechanism with the cam in the unlocked position. -
FIG. 7A is a side view of the reverse side of the lock mechanism ofFIG. 6A with the cam in the locked position. -
FIG. 7B is a side view of the reverse side of the lock mechanism ofFIG. 6B with the cam in the locked position. -
FIG. 7C is an exploded view of an embodiment of the lock mechanism ofFIGS. 6A-6B . -
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a door with a post assembly attached. - The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.
- In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and as illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined and designed in a wide variety of configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of this disclosure.
- Some embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a lock. The lock is configured to secure a lockable volume. In some embodiments, for example, the lock may comprise a post and a rolling cam. In some embodiments, a portion of or all of the post is engageable with the rolling cam. In some embodiments, for example, the rolling cam is moveable so as to secure the post and thereby secure the lockable volume.
- Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a lock system. The lock system may include a lockable volume, a door, a post, a rolling cam, an actuator, a mechanical chain, and a control unit. In some embodiments, for example, the rolling cam may be operated via the control unit. The control unit is configured to send a signal to the actuator of the lock upon request from a user or the system in which the lockable volume is contained. The actuator is moveable between at least a locked position and an unlocked position. In some embodiments, motion from the actuator may be transmitted to the rolling cam via the mechanical chain or to an electric motor directly connected to a shaft, which in turn, is connected to a rolling cam. Advantageously, the use of a lock system allows the automated securing of a wide variety of lockable volumes.
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FIGS. 1A and 1B depict one embodiment of alockable volume 100. Thelockable volume 100 may be configured to secure an internal volume, and to specifically secure an item in the internal volume of thelockable volume 100, for example, a parcel or a package. Thelockable volume 100 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be made from a variety of materials and/or components. In some embodiments, for example, thelockable volume 100 may be made of metal, wood, a synthetic material, a natural material, a composite, and/or any other desired material. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1A and 1B , thelockable volume 100 may be made of sheet metal and may comprise a rectangular prism and/or a cube. The lockable volume may be configured for use in an electronic parcel locker system, such as that described in U.S. Provisional Application 61/567,048, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. - As also seen in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , thelockable volume 100 comprises adoor 102, a top 104, a bottom 106, afirst side 108, asecond side 110, and a back 111. While thelockable volume 100 comprises these above-listed features, the specific features that define thelockable volume 100 may vary based on the desired size and shape of thelockable volume 100. - As seen in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , thedoor 102, the top 104, the bottom 106, thefirst side 108, thesecond side 110, and the back 111 are connected to each other to thereby form thelockable volume 100 and to define an internal volume of thelockable volume 100. - In some embodiments, and as seen in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , thedoor 102 comprises afirst end 112 and asecond end 114. In some embodiments, thesecond end 114 is dynamically connected with another component of thelockable volume 100. Specifically, as seen inFIGS. 1A and 1B , thesecond end 114 is hingedly connected with thesecond side 110 of thelockable volume 100. Advantageously, this hinged connection between thesecond end 114 and thesecond side 110 of thelockable volume 100 allows thedoor 102 to be moved between a first, open position and a second, closed position.Lockable volume 100 further comprises alip 103. In some embodiments,lip 103 runs around the interior perimeter of the opening bounded by the edges of the top 104, the bottom 105, thefirst side 108, and thesecond side 110. Thedoor 102 impinges onlip 103 as the door moves into the second, closed position. Thelip 103 thereby prevents movement of the door into thelockable volume 100. In some embodiments, for example, when thedoor 102 is positioned in its first, open position, the inner volume of thelockable volume 100 is accessible. In some embodiments, when thedoor 102 is positioned in its second, closed position, the interior volume of thelockable volume 100 is inaccessible. The door may be connected to a door actuator (not shown) which provides an opening force on the door, by using as a motorized hinge or other similar feature. The door actuator may receive open and close signals from the control unit in conjunction with the signals transmitted to the locking mechanism to ensure that the control unit does not attempt to open thedoor 102 while the lock is engaged. - In some embodiments, the
door 102 may be slidably connected to the top 104 and the bottom 106 by a track or similar device. This allows for thedoor 102 to slide between an open position and a closed position within the plane comprising the opening of the lockable volume. Although this embodiment is not specifically depicted, a person of skill in the art would understand, using the present disclosure as a guide, how to provide a sliding door on a lockable volume described herein. - As seen in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , thefirst end 112 of thedoor 102 comprises a feature to secure the door in the second, closed position. As depicted inFIG. 1A , this feature is apost 118, and as depicted inFIG. 1B , this feature is a rollingcam 126. Referring now toFIG. 1A , thepost 118 is configured to selectively engage with other features of a lock to secure thedoor 102 in a second, closed position. Thepost 118 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be made of a variety of materials. In some embodiments, for example, the size and shape and materials of the post may be designed to securely maintain thedoor 102 in a second, closed position. In some embodiments, such a design requires selecting a size, shape, and/or materials for thepost 118 such that thepost 118 can resist forces applied to the post when an attempt is made to forcibly open the door and thereby forcibly move thedoor 102 from the second, closed position to the first, open position. -
FIG. 1A depicts one specific embodiment of thepost 118. As seen inFIG. 1A , thepost 118 comprises ashaft 120, aneck 122, and ahead 124. In some embodiments, and as seen inFIG. 1 A, theshaft 120 of thepost 118 connects to thedoor 102 and to theneck 122. As further seen inFIG. 1A , theneck 122 can, in addition to connecting with theshaft 120 of thepost 118, also connect to thehead 124. Thehead 124 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and may be made from a variety of materials. Similarly, theneck 122 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. - In some embodiments, and as seen in
FIG. 1A , thepost 118 is configured to engage with a rollingcam 126 when thedoor 102 is placed in the second closed position. In order to facilitate this, in some embodiments, for example, the rollingcam 126 is placed within thelockable volume 100 in a manner such that thepost 118 engages with and/or interacts with the rollingcam 126 when thedoor 102 is in the second, closed position. As shown inFIG. 1A , the rollingcam 126 is located on thefirst side 108. The rollingcam 126 extends from the interior surface of thefirst side 108 such that it is positioned to receive thepost 118 as thedoor 102 moves into the second, closed position. The extension of rollingcam 126 from the interior surface of thefirst side 108 allows for thepost 118 to be positioned on thedoor 102 such that the protrusion ofpost 118 does not impinge on the edge of thefirst side 108, which would prevent complete closing of thedoor 102. - In some embodiments, for example, the
neck 122 and thehead 124 are sized and shaped to cooperatively engage with the rollingcam 126, in order to secure thepost 118 and lock thedoor 102. In some embodiments, the cooperation of thehead 124 and theneck 122 is facilitated by providing theneck 122 and thehead 124 with differing dimensions. In some embodiments, thehead 124 comprises a larger diameter than theneck 122. In some embodiments, for example, thehead 124 may comprise the same dimensions as theneck 122. Specifically, for example, in some embodiments, thehead 124 may comprise the same diameter as theneck 122. - As seen in
FIG. 1A , the rollingcam 126 comprises anopening 128. Theopening 128 is sized and shaped to receive thehead 124. In some embodiments, theopening 128 is sized and shaped to receive thehead 124 and theneck 122 of thepost 118. As will be described in more detail later, in some embodiments, rollingcam 126 is configured to rotate along an axis of rotation. Thus, as after theopening 128 has received theneck 122 and thehead 124 of thepost 118, the rollingcam 126 may be rotated along the axis of rotation, which realigns theopening 128 relative to thepost 118. As thedoor 102 closes, or moves in the close direction on its hinged connection, it impinges on alip 103, which prevents further movement the door into the interior oflockable volume 100, and prevents further movement of thepost 118 within theopening 128. With thedoor 102 in its second, closed position, and because oflip 103, thedoor 102 may only travel in the open direction, for example, away from the interior oflockable volume 100 on the hinged connection. Aspost 118 is inserted intoopening 128, an outer surface of the cam extends above a portion of thehead 124, so thehead 124 is located between the outer surface and an inner surface of the rollingcam 126. Upon rotation of the rollingcam 126, theopening 128 is no longer positioned in a direction which will allow removal of thehead 124 along the path of entry. Thus, thepost 118 is held in position, preventing door opening. With theopening 128 realigned relative to thepost 118,post 118, and thereforedoor 102, is not free to move in the open direction. Thus, thedoor 102 secured in the second, closed position. The rollingcam 126 comprises additional features, and these features will be discussed in further detail below. - As seen in
FIG. 1B , the position of thepost 118 and the rollingcam 126 may vary in different embodiments of thelockable volume 100. Specifically, inFIG. 1A , thepost 118 is positioned on thefirst end 112 of thedoor 102, and the rollingcam 126 is positioned on the first side of thelockable volume 100. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1B , thepost 118 is positioned on thefirst side 108 of thelockable volume 100 and the rollingcam 126 is positioned on thefirst end 112 of thedoor 102. A person of skill in the art will recognize that the rollingcam 126 and thepost 118 may be provided in a variety of positions, so long as the rollingcam 126 is engageable with thepost 118 to secure thedoor 102 in the second, closed position. -
FIGS. 2A , 2B and 2C are views of embodiments of thepost assembly 200. Thepost assembly 200 may be configured to allow attachment of thepost 118 to thedoor 102 and/or to the other features of thelockable volume 100. Thepost assembly 200 comprises thepost 118, theshaft 120, theneck 122, and thehead 124. As shown inFIG. 2A , in one embodiment, theshaft 120 and theneck 122 are generally cylindrical, and comprise the same diameter and/or dimensions about its central axis, and thehead 124 comprises an larger diameter and/or enlarged dimensions relative to theshaft 120 and theneck 122. Thepost assembly 200 further comprises abase plate 202, which may be configured to allow affixing of thepost assembly 200 to thedoor 102 and/or one of the other components of thelockable volume 100. Thebase plate 202 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, thebase plate 202 and/or thepost assembly 200 may comprise a metal, a natural material, a synthetic material, a composite, and/or any other desired material. - As shown in
FIG. 2A , thebase plate 202 comprises a top 204, a bottom 206, afirst side 208, asecond side 210, aface 212, and a back (not shown). In some embodiments, for example, the distance between the top 204 and the bottom 206 defines a height of thebase plate 202. In some embodiments, the distance between thefirst side 208 and thesecond side 210 defines a width of thebase plate 202. In some embodiments, the distance between theface 212 and the back defines a thickness of thebase plate 202. - In some embodiments, for example, the
base plate 202 comprises attachment features 216 configured to facilitate attachment of thebase plate 202 to a portion of thelockable volume 100 such as, for example, thedoor 102 and/or thefirst side 108. The attachment features 216 may comprise a variety of features such as, for example, one or several through-holes, one or several latches, hooks, adhesives, and/or any other feature configured to affix thebase plate 202 to a portion of thelockable volume 100. In some embodiments, and as depicted inFIG. 2A , the attachment features 216 may comprise through-holes which may be configured to allow affixing of thebase plate 202 to a portion of thelockable volume 100 via, for example, a screw, a bolt, a nut, a rivet, and/or any other fastener. - The
post 118 may extend from thebase plate 202 in a variety of directions. In some embodiments, the direction of extension of thepost 118 from thebase plate 202 facilitates the locking of thelockable volume 100. The selection of the portion of thelockable volume 100 to which thepost assembly 200 is attached will impact and determine the direction of extension of thepost 118 from thebase plate 202. As depicted inFIG. 2A , thepost 118 extends from thefirst side 208 of thebase plate 202. As seen inFIG. 2A , a first end of theshaft 120 connects to thebase plate 202 and the second end of theshaft 120 connects to theneck 122. Theneck 122, in addition to connecting with theshaft 120, also connects with thehead 124 of thepost 118. Theneck 122 may be sized differently than theshaft 120 and thehead 124. In some embodiments, theneck 122 has a narrower circumference than theshaft 120 or thehead 124. In one embodiment, theneck 122 and theshaft 120 comprise the same element, extending frombase plate 202 to head 124, having a uniform diameter or dimension along their length. - As shown in
FIG. 2B , thepost 118 may extend from theface 212 in a direction perpendicular to theface 212 of thebase plate 202. As further seen inFIG. 2B , the first end of theshaft 120 connects to theface 212 of thebase plate 202, and the second end of theshaft 120 connects to theneck 122. In addition to connecting with theshaft 120, theneck 122 additionally connects to thehead 124. As seen inFIG. 2B , in some embodiments of thepost 118 and/or of thepost assembly 200, theshaft 120 and thehead 124 have approximately equal dimensions and/or diameters, and theneck 122 comprises a reduced dimension and/or diameter relative to one or both of theshaft 120 and thehead 124. - Although
FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a specific placement of thepost 118 relative to thebase plate 202, a person of skill in the art will recognize thepost 118 may be attached to any desired portion of thebase plate 202. In some embodiments, and as depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B , thepost 118 is attached to an approximate center portion of one of the faces and/or sides of thebase plate 202. In some embodiments, however, thepost 118 can be connected to thebase plate 202 at an off-center location. -
FIG. 2C depicts another embodiment of thepost assembly 200. Here, thepost 118 and thebase plate 202 comprise separate components. Such a design may advantageously facilitate manufacturing by allowing more precision machining and manufacturing of thepost 118 and/or thebase plate 202. Thebase plate 202 comprises a top 204, a bottom 206, afirst side 208, asecond side 210, aface 212, and aback 214. Thebase plate 202 further comprises attachment features 216. - In the specific embodiment of the
post assembly 200 depicted inFIG. 2D , the base plate further comprises apost-receiving opening 218. Thepost-receiving opening 218 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes. Specifically, thepost-receiving opening 218 comprises a shape and a size corresponding to the shape and size of aninsertion shaft 220. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2C , thepost-receiving opening 218 comprises a cylindrical bore into thebase plate 202. The post-receiving opening is configured to receive a portion of thepost 118 to thereby secure thepost 118 to thebase plate 202. - As also depicted in
FIG. 2C , thepost assembly 200 comprises thepost 118. Thepost 118 comprises ashaft 120, aneck 122, and ahead 124. As seen inFIG. 2C , theshaft 120 and theneck 122 have an approximately equal diameter and/or dimension, and thehead 124 has an enlarged dimension and/or diameter relative to theshaft 120 and theneck 122. The insertion shaft may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and may be made from a variety of materials. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2C , the insertion shaft comprises an elongate member. In some embodiments, theinsertion shaft 220 comprises an elongate cylinder. In some embodiments, the insertion shaft may be sized and shaped to allow placement of theinsertion shaft 220 in thepost-receiving opening 218. In some embodiments, theinsertion shaft 220 comprises features and/or characteristics configured to facilitate retention of theinsertion shaft 220 and thepost-receiving opening 218. In some embodiments, for example, these features may comprise one or several locking features, threads, latches, snaps, detents, and/or any other desired retention feature. In some embodiments, a dimension and/or diameter of theinsertion shaft 220 may be sized relative a dimension and/or diameter of thepost-receiving opening 218 to thereby create a friction fit and/or an interference fit between theinsertion shaft 220 and thepost-receiving opening 218. Thus, friction between theinsertion shaft 220 and thepost-receiving opening 218 securely retains theinsertion shaft 220 within thepost-receiving opening 218. - As seen in
FIG. 2C , in some embodiments in which thepost 118 comprises a separate component from thebase plate 202, thepost 118 comprises aninsertion stop 222. In some embodiments, for example, theinsertion stop 222 is configured to allow the desired placement of theinsertion shaft 220 in thepost-receiving opening 218. As specifically depicted inFIG. 2C , theinsertion stop 222 comprises an enlarged diameter relative to the insertion shaft. When theinsertion shaft 220 is inserted into thepost-receiving opening 218, theinsertion stop 222 engages with thefirst side 208 of thebase plate 202 as theinsertion shaft 220 penetrates thepost-receiving opening 218 to a desired distance. The engagement between thefirst side 208 and theinsertion stop 222 prevents the over-insertion of thepost 118, and specifically theinsertion shaft 220, into thepost-receiving opening 218. This allows accurate and repeatable assembly of thepost 118 to thebase plate 202. - As discussed above, some embodiments of the
lockable volume 100 comprise a rollingcam 126.FIGS. 3A and 3B depict embodiments of the rollingcam 126. As seen in the embodiment of the rollingcam 126 depicted inFIG. 3A , the rollingcam 126 comprises a top 300, a bottom 302, and aside surface 304. In some embodiments, and as depicted inFIG. 3A , the rollingcam 126 further comprises an axis ofrotation 308. ‘ In some embodiments the axis ofrotation 308 extends through the center of the rollingcam 126 perpendicular to the top 300 and the bottom 302. -
FIG. 3B depicts another embodiment of the rollingcam 126. As seen inFIG. 3B , the rollingcam 126 comprises a top 300, a bottom 302, aside surface 304, ashaft 306, and an axis ofrotation 308. As seen inFIGS. 3A and 3B , the rollingcam 126 may comprise a variety of shapes. In some embodiments, the rollingcam 126 may comprise a circular shape. As shown inFIG. 3A , theside surface 304 comprises a bearing surface to allow the rollingcam 126 to rotate about the axis ofrotation 308. In some embodiments, and as depicted inFIG. 3B , the rollingcam 126 comprises a bearing surface that may be located on, for example, theshaft 306. In such an embodiment in which the bearing surface is located on theshaft 306, the rollingcam 126 may comprise shapes that do not allow easy rolling of the rollingcam 126. Thus, inFIG. 3B , the rollingcam 126 comprises a rectangular prism and theshaft 306. Theshaft 306 may be disposed within a bearing or housing which allows rotation of theshaft 306 along the axis ofrotation 308, thereby causing the rectangular prism to rotate. - The rolling
cam 126 is configured to lockably engage with portions of thepost 118.FIGS. 4A-4C depict embodiments of features of the rollingcam 126 that may be configured to engage with thepost 118. As seen inFIG. 4A , the rollingcam 126 comprises the top 300 and theside surface 304. As further seen inFIG. 4A , the rollingcam 126 comprises theopening 128. As discussed above, theopening 128 may be configured to receive all or portions of theshaft 118 to thereby secure thelockable volume 100. As specifically depicted inFIG. 4A , theopening 128 comprises a receivingportion 400 and a securingportion 402. - The receiving
portion 400 may be configured to receive all or portions of theshaft 120 into the securingportion 402 of the rollingcam 126. In some embodiments, for example, the receiving portion may comprise features configured to facilitate receiving of thepost 118. These features may include, for example, rounded edges, beveled edges, a taper, increased dimensions relative to the securing portion, and/or any other features configured to facilitate the receiving of thepost 118. - The securing
portion 402 comprises the portions of the rollingcam 126 configured to secure thepost 118. Theopening 128 comprises the securingportion 402 at one end, and the receivingportion 400 at the other end. The securingportion 402 is connected to the receivingportion 400 via theopening 128 of the rollingcam 126, and in one embodiment, is centrally located at the axis ofrotation 308. In some embodiments, for example, the securingportion 402 may restrict the freedom of movement of thepost 118 to a single direction. The freedom of movement of thepost 118 is determined by the freedom of movement of thedoor 102, to which thepost 118 is attached. In some embodiments, thedoor 102 is able to move in a closed direction toward thelockable volume 100 and in an open direction, away from the lockable volume. As described herein, thedoor 102 is dynamically connected to the lockable volume via a hinged connection or a slide connection. Also as described, the cooperation of the rollingcam 126 and thepost 118 either locks thedoor 102 in the second, closed position, or allows thedoor 102 to move to a first, open position, according to the dynamic connection of thedoor 102. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by moving the rollingcam 126 around the axis ofrotation 308 from a first position, in which thepost 118 is able to move out of the securingportion 402, to a second position in which thepost 118 is prevented from moving out of the securingportion 402. Specifically, upon moving thedoor 102 in the closed direction, thepost 118 enters the securingportion 402 as it travels in afirst direction 406. After thepost 118 has been received in the securingportion 402 of the rollingcam 126, the rollingcam 126 may be rotated about the axis ofrotation 308 in the direction of thefirst rotation 408 indicated inFIG. 4A . In some embodiments, for example, thefirst rotation 408 may comprise a rotation of, for example, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 180°, 270°, 350°, and/or any other desired and/or intermediate rotation. In some embodiments, thefirst rotation 408 results in theopening 128 being aligned in a direction other than the initial direction, wherein thepost 118 is prohibited from moving out of the securingportion 402 and the receivingportion 400 in a direction opposite to thefirst direction 406 indicated inFIG. 4A . - In some embodiments, the
post 118 may be disposed within theopening 128, but is not fully in the securingportion 402. Theopening 128 is sized and shaped such that, as the rollingcam 126 is rotated about axis ofrotation 208, the edge of theopening 128 within rollingcam 126 impinges on thepost 118, and pulls post 118 toward the securingportion 402. As the rotation of rollingcam 126 continues, post 118 arrives in the securingportion 402, and remains there while thedoor 102 is secured. This pulling force on thepost 118 is translated to thedoor 102 to which thepost 118 is attached, and thedoor 102 is pulled further in the close direction, so, preferably, the edge ofdoor 102 contacts the edge of the doorjamb, orlip 103 prior to or aspost 118 gets to the securingportion 402. This applies a tension force between the door and thelip 103 or the doorjamb, creating a positive and secure connection between thedoor 102 and thelip 103 or the doorjamb. -
FIG. 4B depicts one embodiment of a rollingcam 126 in which the receivingportion 400 and the securingportion 402 are located in theside surface 304 of the rollingcam 126. As seen inFIG. 4B , the receivingportion 400 and the securingportion 402 of the rollingcam 126 extend partially around theside surface 304. In some embodiments, for example, the combination of the receivingportion 400 and the securingportion 402 may extend completely around theside surface 304 and/or extend partially around theside surface 304. In some embodiments, and as seen inFIG. 4B , the receivingportion 400 comprises awidth 410. In some embodiments, for example, thewidth 410 corresponds to a dimension of thehead 124 and/orneck 122 of the post. In some specific embodiments, for example, thewidth 410 may be larger than a dimension and/or diameter of thepost 118, theneck 122, and/or thehead 124 so as to allow portions of thepost 118 such as, for example, theneck 122 and/or thehead 124, to penetrate into and through the receivingportion 400. - In some embodiments, the rolling
cam 126 comprises the securingportion 402. The securing portion may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and dimensions. In some embodiments, the securingportion 402 may be connected to the receivingportion 400 such that a rotation of the rollingcam 126 in the direction indicated byarrow 408 move thepost 118 from the receivingportion 400 into thesecurity portion 402. As shown inFIG. 4B , the securingportion 402 comprises awidth 412. Advantageously, in some embodiments, thewidth 412 is larger than a diameter and/or dimension of theneck 122 of thepost 118 to thereby allow thepost 118, and specifically theneck 122, to extend into the securingportion 402 and to thereby allow securing of thehead 124 within the securingportion 402. -
FIG. 4C is a sectional view of the embodiment of the rollingcam 126 shown inFIG. 4B , taken along the plane defined by line 4C-4C inFIG. 4B .FIG. 4C depicts one embodiment of the securingportion 402 of the rolling cam 126.As seen inFIG. 4C , the rollingcam 126 comprises anopening 128 and aside surface 304. The rollingcam 126 shown inFIG. 4C further comprises a receivingportion 400 and a securingportion 402. The receivingportion 400 and the securingportion 402 define, in part, the boundaries of ahead cavity 404. The head cavity is configured to receive thehead 124 and/or all or portions of theneck 122 of thepost 118 when portions of thepost 118 are received into the receivingportion 400 and/or the securingportion 402. Thehead cavity 404 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be defined by a variety of portions of the rollingcam 126. In some embodiments, for example, thehead cavity 404 is shaped and sized so as to allow thepost 118 to be positioned in all positions of the receivingportion 400 and the securingportion 402 when thehead 124 and/or all or portions of theneck 122 are received into thehead cavity 404. - As seen in
FIG. 4C , the securingportion 402 comprises afirst end 414 and asecond end 416. As seen inFIG. 4C , thefirst end 414 of the securingportion 402 is proximate to the receivingportion 400 of the rollingcam 126, and thesecond end 416 is relatively more distant from the receivingportion 400 than thefirst end 414 of the securingportion 402. As further seen inFIG. 4C , when a portion of thepost 118 is received into the receivingportion 400 and the rollingcam 126 is rotated in the direction of thefirst rotation 408, as indicated inFIG. 4C , thehead 124 of thepost 118 first engages with portions of the securingportion 402 proximate to thefirst end 414, and as the rollingcam 126 rotates in the direction of thefirst rotation 408, thehead 124 moves forward into theopening 128, engages with portions of the securingportion 402 relatively more proximate to thesecond end 416. As this happens, a force is applied to thepost 118 which, in some embodiments, increases as the rolling cam rotates, thereby increasing a securing force on thepost 118, and, thus, on thedoor 102. - As shown in
FIG. 4C , the securingportion 402 defines athickness 418. In some embodiments, the securingportion 402 comprises a single thickness at all points between thefirst end 414 and thesecond end 416. In some embodiments, and as seen in FIG. - 4C, the securing
portion 402 comprises a changing thickness at points between thefirst end 414 and thesecond end 416. As specifically seen inFIG. 4C , thethickness 418 of the securingportion 402 progressively increases when moving from thefirst end 414 to thesecond end 416. In some embodiments, on rotation of the rollingcam 126, the increasingthickness 418 of the securingportion 402 applies an increasing force to thehead 124 of thepost 118, which force is transferred to thedoor 102, securely retaining thedoor 102 in the second, closed position. In some embodiments, for example, this force created by the increasingthickness 418 of the securingportion 402 may be used to secure thedoor 102 or thelockable volume 100, to seal the door or the lockable volume, or to pre-tension thedoor 102 or thelockable volume 100. Advantageously, the use of such a securingportion 402 to secure the lockable volume can, in some embodiments in connection with a seal, prevent a substance, such as a fluid, a gas, or solid, from entering into or exiting out of thelockable volume 100. In some embodiments, such a seal between thedoor 102 and the other portions of thelockable volume 100 may be used to facilitate maintenance of the temperature within thelockable volume 100. Advantageously, such features may increase the security of thelockable volume 100, and may increase the types of uses of thelockable volume 100, such as, for example, storing a perishable item such as a medication, a food item, and/or any other item that needs to be contained within a specified climate, may increase the weather security of an item by, for example, preventing the penetration of the elements into thelockable volume 100, and may prevent break-ins by removing slack from thelockable volume 100, pre-tensioning portions of thelockable volume 100, and thereby increasing the difficulty with which thelockable volume 100 may be accessed. -
FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of thepost 118 engaged in one embodiment of a rollingcam 126. Referring toFIG. 5A , the rollingcam 126 is in a first, unlocked position. In the first, unlocked position, thehead 124 ofpost 118 is disposed within the receivingportion 400 ofopening 128. In the first, unlocked position, thehead 124 ofpost 118 is free to move out of the receivingportion 400 ofopening 128, as thedoor 102 is opened. As rollingcam 126 is rotated into the second, closed position, thecam surface 403 impinges on theneck 122 orhead 124 ofpost 118. As the thickness of the securingportion 402 changes as described above, thecam surface 403 forces thepost 118 further into theopening 128, until thepost 118 is secured within the securingportion 402 of theopening 128, as shown inFIG. 5B .FIG. 5B depicts the rollingcam 126 in a second, locked position. As described, in the locked position, thepost 118 is securely retained within the securingportion 402 of theopening 128. In the second, locked position, thepost 118 is unable to move out of theopening 128, thus, the door to which post 118 is attached remains securely locked. -
FIG. 6A depicts a side view of an embodiment of a lock mechanism with the cam in the locked position. The lock mechanism comprisesactuator 180. The actuator comprises linkages and apiston 185. The piston is connected to the linkages, and the linkages are connected to therotating cam 126. As thepiston 185 moves along the long axis of theactuator 180, as indicated byarrow 195, the connected linkages also move. The linkages are configured to impart a rotational motion to rollingcam 126 in responses to a linear movement of thepiston 185. The piston is configured to be operated remotely by a remote signal, such as an electric or hydraulic signal. The remote signal may be supplied by a control unit as described elsewhere herein. - As shown in
FIG. 6B , as thepiston 180 moves linearly, the rollingcam 126 is operated such that it rotates around the axis ofrotation 308, and, when used in conjunction with thepost 118 as described herein, is effective to securely lock a door of alockable volume 100. -
FIG. 7A is a side view of the reverse of the lock mechanism with the cam in the locked position, as depicted inFIG. 6A .FIG. 7A is a side view of the reverse of the lock mechanism with the cam in the locked position, as depicted inFIG. 6B .FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate detail regarding the linkages for operating the rollingcam 126.FIG. 7C is an exploded view of an embodiment of the lock mechanism depicted inFIGS. 6A-7B . -
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a door with the post assembly ofFIG. 2C attached. Thepost assembly 200 is attached to thefirst end 112 of thedoor 102. Thepost assembly 200 is attached using twofasteners 170, which extend through thedoor 102 and into attachment features 216, thereby securely attaching thepost assembly 200 to thedoor 102. As described above, the attachment features 216 may comprise a variety of features such as, for example, one or several through-holes, one or several latches, hooks, adhesives, and/or any other feature configured to affix thebase plate 202 to a portion of thelockable volume 100.Post assembly 200 is positioned on thefirst end 112 of thedoor 102 in order to correspond to a rollingcam 126 which is attached to an internal surface of thelockable volume 100, on which thedoor 102 is attached. Further embodiments of a locking mechanism with door attachments are provided in Appendix A, attached hereto. - While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. As will be recognized, the present invention may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
- A person skilled in the art will recognize that each of these sub-systems can be inter-connected and controllably connected using a variety of techniques and hardware and that the present disclosure is not limited to any specific method of connection or connection hardware.
- The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.
- It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment are interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment can be included with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.
- With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
- It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
- All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.
- The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
- All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.
- The above description discloses several methods and materials of the present invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this invention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but that it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the true scope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims.
Claims (27)
1. A lock comprising:
a post, which comprises:
a shaft;
a neck connected to the shaft, the neck having a first diameter; and
a head, connected to the neck, the head having a second diameter,
wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter; and
a rolling cam having an opening formed in a first surface, wherein the first surface comprises an opening configured to receive the neck and the head of the post, and a securing portion configured to secure the neck and head of the post;
wherein the rolling cam rotates about an axis of rotation to selectively secure the post.
2. The lock according to claim 1 , wherein the first surface of the rolling cam is perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
3. The lock according to claim 1 , wherein the first surface of the rolling cam is parallel to the axis of rotation.
4. The lock according to claim 1 , wherein the post extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam when the neck and head of the post are received in the opening of the rolling cam.
5. The lock according to claim 1 , wherein the post extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam when the neck and head of the post are received in the opening of the rolling cam.
6. The lock according to claim 1 , wherein the opening of the rolling cam extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam.
7. The lock according to claim 1 , wherein the opening of the rolling cam extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam.
8. The lock according to claim 1 , wherein the opening of the rolling cam extends non-perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rolling cam.
9. A locking system comprising:
a door comprising a post, the post comprising:
a shaft;
a neck connected to the shaft, the neck having a first diameter; and
a head, connected to the neck, the head having a second diameter,
wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, and wherein the post extends from the door; and
a lockable volume having a wall, the door being moveably attached to the lockable volume;
a rolling cam attached to the wall of the lockable volume, the rolling cam having an opening formed in a first surface, wherein the first surface comprises an opening configured to receive the neck and the head of the post, and a securing portion configured to secure the neck and head of the post; and
wherein the opening comprises a curved edge configured to contact the neck or the head of the post, and wherein the rolling cam rotates about an axis of rotation from an open to a closed position while the neck or head of the post is in contact with the curved edge, wherein the contact between the curved edge and the neck or head of the post causes the neck or head of the post to move into the securing portion; and
wherein, when the rolling cam rotates into the closed position, the door is securely locked.
10. The locking system according to claim 1 , wherein the post further comprises a head located at the second end and a neck located between the head and the first end.
11. The locking system according to claim 10 , wherein the head comprises a first dimension and the neck comprises a second dimension.
12. The locking system according to claim 11 , wherein the first dimension is larger than the second dimension.
13. The locking system according to claim 9 , wherein the cam rotates about an axis of rotation.
14. The locking system according to claim 13 , wherein the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first surface.
15. The locking system according to claim 13 , wherein the axis of rotation is non-perpendicular to the first surface.
16. The locking system according to claim 13 , wherein the post extends from the door parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam when the second end of the post is received in the opening of the cam.
17. The locking system according to claim 13 , wherein the post extends from the door perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam when the second end of the post are received in the opening of the cam.
18. The locking system according to claim 13 , wherein the opening of the cam extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam.
19. The locking system according to claim 13 , wherein the opening of the cam extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam.
20. The locking system according to claim 13 , wherein the opening of the cam extends non-perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam.
21. The locking system according to claim 13 , wherein the rolling cam is connected to an actuator, and the actuator is driven by a piston, and is configured to rotate the rolling cam from the open position to the closed position.
22. A method of securing a door with a lock, the method comprising:
moving a door, the door comprising a post, from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the second position, the post is received in an opening in a surface of a cam, disposed in a wall; and
rotating the cam about an axis of rotation from a first position to a second position such that the opening in the surface of the cam secures the post and draws the door toward the wall, and prevents the door from being moved to the first position.
23. The method of claim 22 , further comprising rotating the cam about the axis of rotation from the second position to the first position, thereby aligning the opening with the post, allowing passage of the post out of the opening, such that the door can be moved to the first position.
24. The method of claim 23 , further comprising moving the door from the second position to the first position.
25. The method of claim 22 , wherein the opening in the surface of the cam extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
26. The method of claim 22 , wherein the opening in the surface of the cam extends parallel to the axis of rotation.
27. The method of claim 22 , wherein the opening in the surface of the cam extends non-parallel to the axis of rotation.
Priority Applications (3)
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US14/095,794 US20140150350A1 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2013-12-03 | Lock mechanism for securing a lockable volume |
US15/920,337 US10184277B2 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2018-03-13 | Lock mechanism for securing a lockable volume |
US16/218,023 US10920470B2 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2018-12-12 | Lock mechanism for securing a lockable volume |
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US201261733657P | 2012-12-05 | 2012-12-05 | |
US14/095,794 US20140150350A1 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2013-12-03 | Lock mechanism for securing a lockable volume |
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US15/920,337 Continuation US10184277B2 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2018-03-13 | Lock mechanism for securing a lockable volume |
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US20140150350A1 true US20140150350A1 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
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US14/095,794 Abandoned US20140150350A1 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2013-12-03 | Lock mechanism for securing a lockable volume |
US15/920,337 Active US10184277B2 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2018-03-13 | Lock mechanism for securing a lockable volume |
US16/218,023 Active US10920470B2 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2018-12-12 | Lock mechanism for securing a lockable volume |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/920,337 Active US10184277B2 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2018-03-13 | Lock mechanism for securing a lockable volume |
US16/218,023 Active US10920470B2 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2018-12-12 | Lock mechanism for securing a lockable volume |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US20140150350A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP3412850A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2836004C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT516392B1 (en) * | 2014-12-03 | 2016-05-15 | Czellary Harald | Electric locking unit, the locking bolt is adjustable in at least three states |
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- 2013-12-03 US US14/095,794 patent/US20140150350A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-12-04 EP EP18184655.1A patent/EP3412850A1/en active Pending
- 2013-12-04 EP EP13195730.0A patent/EP2740863A3/en not_active Withdrawn
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2018
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US7726707B2 (en) * | 2005-02-27 | 2010-06-01 | Southco, Inc. | Rotary pawl latch |
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US7922223B2 (en) * | 2008-01-30 | 2011-04-12 | Lawrence Barry G | Security lock for a sash type window |
US20140306467A1 (en) * | 2013-04-16 | 2014-10-16 | Weston Body Hardware Limited | Retention Arrangement |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3412850A1 (en) | 2018-12-12 |
US20180202204A1 (en) | 2018-07-19 |
US20190112851A1 (en) | 2019-04-18 |
EP2740863A2 (en) | 2014-06-11 |
CA2836004C (en) | 2021-06-01 |
US10184277B2 (en) | 2019-01-22 |
EP2740863A3 (en) | 2018-01-31 |
US10920470B2 (en) | 2021-02-16 |
CA2836004A1 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
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Owner name: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:IRWIN, DONALD E.;MCKENZIE, NAN K.;TARTAL, WILLIAM A.;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20140102 TO 20140114;REEL/FRAME:032346/0470 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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