US20160340092A1

US20160340092A1 - Lockbox

Info

Publication number: US20160340092A1
Application number: US14/720,618
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark M. Howse
Original assignee: Knox Associates Inc
Current assignee: Knox Associates Inc
Priority date: 2015-05-22
Filing date: 2015-05-22
Publication date: 2016-11-24

Abstract

A lockbox is disclosed having a base that includes a first engagement structure and a cover that includes a second engagement structure that slidingly engages with the first engagement structure. The lockbox may further include a locking mechanism configured to secure the cover to the base. The base and the cover may define an enclosed volume when the cover is secured to the base and the first and second engagement structures may be located substantially within the enclosed volume. The first and second engagement structures may permit movement of the cover relative to the base in only a single direction when engaged. One of the first and second engagement structures may be at least one groove and the other one of the first and second engagement structures may be at least one rail.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field
This disclosure relates to lockboxes, and, in particular, to a lockbox having an improved engagement structure between a cover member and a base member.
2. Description
A lockbox may be used to provide secure storage for an item. In general, a lockbox includes a secured enclosure that may be opened with a key, or other method of secure access, for example, a passcode.
In some instances, a lockbox may be installed outside a residential, commercial, or other type of structure and used to store keys and/or other access information for the structure. For example, a lockbox can be installed outside a residence and hold a key for accessing the residence. The lockbox can be configured to be accessible by emergency responders, for example, by being keyed to an emergency responder master key. Accordingly, the first responders can easily access the lockbox and then gain entrance to the residence. However, because the lockbox holds an access key to the residence, it is important that the structure of the lockbox be secure to prevent unauthorized access by, for example, prying open or otherwise breaking into the lockbox.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a lockbox includes a base having a first engagement structure and a cover having a second engagement structure configured to slidingly engage with the first engagement structure. The lockbox may further include a locking mechanism configured to secure the cover to the base. The base and the cover may define an enclosed volume when the cover is secured to the base. The first and second engagement structures may be located substantially within the enclosed volume. In some embodiments, the first and second engagement structures are configured to permit movement of the cover relative to the base in a single direction when the first and second engagement structures are engaged with each other. One of the first and second engagement structures may be at least one groove and the other one of the first and second engagement structures may be at least one rail.
In some embodiments, a lockbox includes a base having a first engagement structure and a cover having a second engagement structure configured to engage with the first engagement structure. The lockbox may further include a locking mechanism configured to selectively secure to the base and the cover. The locking mechanism may include a cam. The locking mechanism may include a locking member. The base may include a groove, and at least a first portion of the locking member may selectively engage with the groove and a second portion of the locking member may selectively engage with the cover. The first and second engagement structures may be configured to slidingly engage.
In some embodiments, a method of securing a lockbox having a base and a cover includes slidingly engaging the cover with the base, the cover and the base defining an enclosed volume therein. The method may further include locking the cover to the base. The method may further include aligning a first engagement structure of the base with a second engagement structure of the cover. The first and second engagement structures may permit movement of the cover relative to the base in a single direction when the first and second engagement structures are engaged. One of the first and second engagement structures may include at least one groove and the other one of the first and second engagement structures may include at least one rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show front and back perspective views, respectively, of a lockbox according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 1C and 1D show additional views of the lockbox of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A through 2G show various views of the base of the lockbox of FIG. 1A having one or more grooves.

FIGS. 3A through 3F show various views of the cover of the lockbox of FIG. 1A having one or more rails.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the lockbox of FIG. 1A in an open position with a key disposed therein.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show front and back perspective views, respectively, of the lockbox of FIG. 1A in a half-opened position with the grooves of the base engaged with the rails of the cover.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6A-6A in FIG. 1C that illustrates a front surface and web of internal walls of the cover engaged with a front surface and recesses of the base when in the closed position.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6B-6B in FIG. 1C that illustrates the grooves of the base engaged with the rails of the cover in the closed position.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7A-7A in FIG. 1C that illustrates a cover catch of the cover disengaged from a base catch of the base.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7B-7B in FIG. 1C that illustrates the cover catch of the cover engaged with the base catch of the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments. The invention(s) disclosed herein, however, can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and are not limited to any particular embodiment(s) described herein. These and other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description having reference to the attached drawings. In this description, reference is made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.
FIGS. 1A and 1B show front and back perspective views, respectively, of a lockbox 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The lockbox 100 may include a base 200, a cover 300, and a locking mechanism 400. As will become more fully apparent from the description below, the cover 300 may be configured to selectively couple with the base 200 to define a secured, enclosed volume within the lockbox 100. In some embodiments, the lockbox 100 may be used securely to store keys, keycards, and/or other access information. The locking mechanism 400 is configured to secure the cover 300 to the base 200 to prevent unauthorized access to the contents within the enclosed volume. The locking mechanism 400 may be disposed on the base 200 and selectively engage with a portion of the cover 300. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 400 may be disposed on the cover 300 and selectively engage with a portion of the base 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 400 is disposed on the base 200 and selectively engages with a portion of the base 200 and a portion of the cover 300. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 400 may include a mechanical locking mechanism, for example, a key and lock combination or a rotary or other code-based locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 400 may include electrical locking components, for example, an electronic keypad or biometric access device. The illustrated embodiment incorporates a key-based locking mechanism, although a person of skill in the art will understand that various other types of locking mechanisms 400 may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
The lockbox 100 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B in a closed position, with the cover 300 selectively coupled to the base 200. The cover 300 includes an outer shell 301. As shown in FIG. 1B, the base 200 may include one or more mounting holes 211, whereby the base 200 can be secured to a wall or other structure.
FIGS. 1C and 1D show additional views of the lockbox 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C shows a front view of the lockbox 100. FIG. 1D shows a side view of the lockbox 100. The base 200 and the cover 300 will now be described in detail to illustrate some of the features and functions of the lockbox 100.
FIGS. 2A through 2F show various views of the base 200 of the lockbox 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the base 200. FIGS. 2B through 2E show front, back, and right and left side views of the base 200, respectively. FIGS. 2F and 2G show bottom and top views of the base 200, respectively. In some embodiments, the base 200 is configured to be securely attached to a wall or other structure. The cover 300, discussed in detail in reference to FIGS. 3A through 3F below, may then be selectively coupled with the base 200 to define the enclosed volume of the lockbox 100. The base 200 and the cover 300 may then be securely locked to each other using the locking mechanism 400 to restrict access to the contents of the lockbox 100.
In certain embodiments, the base 200 includes a body 201 which may have a first portion 210 and a second portion 250. The first portion 210 includes a back surface 212, a front surface 214, side surfaces 216, and a top surface 218. The bottom surface of the first portion 210 may be joined to (either attached to or integrally formed with) the second portion 250. A portion of the side surfaces 216 and the top surface 218 may contact or otherwise engage with a portion of the cover 300 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. The front surface 214 of the first portion 210 is substantially located within the interior of the lockbox 100 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. The back surface 212 may be configured to contact, at least in part, a wall or other structure to which the base 200 is attached. In some embodiments, other structures, for example a mounting bracket or sealing gasket may be positioned between the back surface 212 and the wall or other structure to which the base 200 is mounted. In some embodiments, the base 200 may not be secured to a wall or other structure.
As shown in FIG. 2C, the back surface 212 of the first portion 210 may include one or more recesses 231 formed therein. The one or more recesses 231 may be formed to extend partially through the thickness of the first portion 210. The one or more recesses 231 may reduce the weight of the base 200 or reduce the volume of material necessary to manufacture the base 200. In certain embodiments, the recesses 231 are omitted.
In certain embodiments, the base 200 includes one or more mounting holes 211. The mounting holes 211 may be formed in the first portion 210 and extend through the thickness of the first portion 210 from the front surface 214 to the back surface 212. In some embodiments, the mounting holes 211 may be countersunk into the front surface 214 so that mounting hardware may be positioned flush against the front surface 214 when mounted. This may increase the volume of the enclosed internal space of the lockbox 100. In the embodiment shown, the base 200 includes five mounting holes 211, although one of skill in the art will appreciate that other numbers, sizing, and arrangements of mounting holes 211 are possible and within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the mounting holes 211 are omitted. In certain embodiments, the lockbox 100 includes other structures to attach the lockbox 100 to a structure. For example, the base 200 and/or cover 300 may include a loop or other structure configured to secure the lockbox 100 to a door knob or pole.
As illustrated in FIG. 2A, a hook 213 extends from the front surface 214 in certain embodiments. The hook 213 is positioned so as to be located within the internal volume of the lockbox 100 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. The hook 213 may be used to support keys or other items within the lockbox 100. In some embodiments, the hook 213 may be replaced or supplemented with other fasteners or mounts for securing or supporting items within the interior of the lockbox 100. For example, the base 200 may include a magnet to secure a key or other magnetic item. Or, the base 200 may include a shelf or other supporting structure extending from the front surface 214 and be configured to support a key or other item within the interior of the lockbox 100. In some embodiments, these features may be omitted. In some embodiments, these features may be integrated into the cover 300 and/or the second portion 250 of the base 200.
The body 201 of the base 200 may also include the second portion 250. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 250 is integrally formed with the first portion 210 and extends substantially orthogonally from the first portion 210. The first portion 210 and the second portion 250 may be attached to each other such that the body 201 of the base 200 is substantially L-shaped. In some embodiments, the first portion 210 and the second portion 250 may be attached to each other so that the body 201 is formed in other substantially concave shapes, that is, the angle between the first portion 210 and the second portion 250 may be greater than or less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments the angle between the first portion 210 and the second portion 250 may be approximately 45 degrees. In some embodiments the angle between the first portion 210 and the second portion 250 may be approximately 135 degrees. In some embodiments, either the first portion 210 or the second portion 250 may be omitted.
The second portion 250 includes a bottom surface 252, a top surface 254, side surfaces 256, and a front surface 258. A portion of the side surfaces 256 and the front surface 258 of the second portion 250 may be positioned to contact or otherwise engage with a portion of the cover 300 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. The top surface 254 is positioned so as to be located substantially within the interior of the lockbox 100 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. Accordingly, the front surface 214 of the first portion 210 and the top surface 254 of the second portion 250 partially define the enclosed volume of the lockbox 100 in some embodiments.
The locking mechanism 400 may be disposed in the base 200 and/or the cover 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 400 extends through the second member 250 of the base 200 such that a portion of the locking mechanism 400 is located on the exterior of the lockbox 100 and another portion of the locking mechanism 400 is located within the interior of the lockbox 100 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. As discussed above, the locking mechanism 400 can be any suitable mechanical or electronic locking mechanism as known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 400 is a tumbler lock which can be rotatably locked and unlocked with a corresponding key. As shown in FIG. 2F, the locking mechanism 400 includes a lock cylinder 401 with a keyhole 403. The keyhole 403 may be accessible on or below the bottom surface 252 of the second portion 250. In some embodiments, a swivel-mounted cover (not shown) can protect the lock cylinder 401 and keyhole 403 from the elements.
The portion of the locking mechanism 400 that is internal to the lockbox 100 may include a locking member 410. In some embodiments, the locking member 410 may be rotatable and may engage with a portion of the base 200 and/or the cover 300 when rotated into a locked position. The locking member 410 may provide sufficient clearance between the base 200 and/or the cover 300 when rotated into an unlocked position to allow the cover 300 to be removed from the base 200. For example, the locking member 410 may be a rotatable arm or cam. As shown in FIG. 2E, the locking member 410 is configured with a substantially oval shape that is longer in a first direction than it is wide in a second direction. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 210 of the base 200 may include a groove 215 configured as a recess in the front surface 214 positioned and sized to receive a portion of the locking member 410 therein when the locking member 410 is rotated into the locked position.
The second portion 250 of the base 200 may also include a base catch 280 configured to engage with a corresponding cover catch 380 of the cover 300 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled and locked to the base 200. The base catch 280 may extend from the top surface 254 of the second portion 250. In some embodiments, the base catch 280 is integrally formed with the second portion 250. In some embodiments, the base catch 280 is formed separately from the second portion 250 and attached by welding, mechanical fasteners, or other suitable methods. As shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the base catch 280 may include an undercut surface 281. The undercut surface 281 may engage with a corresponding undercut surface 381 on the cover catch 380 to prevent the cover 300 from being lifted away from the base 200 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled with and locked to the base 200 as best seen in FIG. 7B.
In certain embodiments, the base 200 includes engagement structures configured to limit movement of the cover 300 relative to the base 200 in at least one direction when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. These engagement structures may include one or more grooves 241, 243 formed in the first portion 210 and/or one or more recesses 261 formed in the second portion 250. In some embodiments, this arrangement may be reversed with the one or more grooves 241, 243 formed in the second portion 250 and the one or more recesses 261 formed in the first portion 210. In embodiments having more than one groove 241, 243, the grooves 241, 243 may be parallel to each other, perpendicular to each other, or at any angle relative to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more grooves 241 are perpendicular to the one or more grooves 243. As will become more fully apparent from the discussion of the cover 300 below, these structures are configured to slidingly engage with corresponding engagement structures in the cover 300.
In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more grooves 241 are formed in the first portion 210. Each groove 241 may be formed as a hole extending down through the first portion 210 from the top surface 218. Each groove 241 may also include a slotted opening extending from the interior of the hole of the groove 241 through the front surface 214 of the first portion 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 200 includes two grooves 241 positioned spaced apart from each side surface 216 of the first portion 210. In some embodiments, the base 200 may include more than two grooves 241, a single groove 241, or the grooves 241 may be omitted. In some embodiments, each groove 241 may extend entirely from the top surface 218 of the first portion 210 to the second portion 250. In some embodiments, each groove 241 may extend only partially from the top surface 218 toward the second portion 250. Each groove 241 is sized and shaped to correspond with a rail 341 of the cover 300 as shown in FIG. 3A.
In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more grooves 243 are similarly formed in the first portion 210. Each groove 243 may be formed as a hole extending down through the top surface 218 of the first portion 214 and may also include a slotted opening extending from the interior of the hole of the groove 243 through the side surface 216 of the first portion 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 200 includes two grooves 243, each positioned along one of the side surfaces 216 of the first member 210. In some embodiments, the base 200 may include more than two grooves 243, a single groove 243, or the grooves 243 may be omitted. In some embodiments, each groove 243 may extend entirely from the top surface 218 of the first portion 210 to the second portion 250. In some embodiments, each groove 243 may extend only partially from the top surface 218 toward the second portion 250. Each groove 243 is sized and positioned to correspond with a rail 343 of the cover 300 as shown in FIG. 3A.
In certain embodiments, the base 200 includes one or more recesses 261 formed in the top surface 254 of the second portion 250. The one or more recesses 261 may extend partially through the thickness of the second portion 250. In some embodiments, the one or more recesses 261 form a recessed matrix or web shape in the top surface 254 of the second portion 250. In some embodiments, the matrix or web shape of the one or more recesses 261 corresponds with the end shape of the web of internal walls 363, 382 of the cover 300 as shown in FIG. 3A.
The one or more grooves 241, 243, and/or one or more recesses 261 of the base 200 form an engagement structure that engages with a corresponding engagement structure in the cover 300 to limit movement of the cover 300 relative to the base 200 in at least one direction. In certain embodiments, the engagement between the one or more grooves 241, 243 and or the one or more recesses 261 with the cover 300 is in addition to the securement provided by the locking mechanism 400. For purposes of this disclosure, the engagement structure of the base 200 is referred to herein as a first engagement structure. A person of skill in the art will understand that the first engagement structure may include some or all of the features discussed above. Moreover, a person of skill in the art will understand that the above-described features may be modified without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
FIGS. 3A through 3F show various views of the cover 300 of the lockbox 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the cover 300. FIGS. 3B through 3D show front, back, and side views of the cover 300, respectively. FIG. 3E shows a cross-sectional view of the cover 300 and FIG. 3F shows a bottom view of the cover 300. The cover 300 is configured in size and shape to selectively couple with the base 200 to form the enclosed interior space of the lockbox 100. The cover 300 also includes engagement structures configured to correspond to the first engagement structure of the base 200 discussed above. The term second engagement structure is used herein to describe the engagement structures of the cover 300 that are configured to engage with the first engagement structure of the base 200.
The cover 300 includes an outer shell 301, as best seen in FIGS. 1A, 3B, and 3D, that defines the exterior surface of the cover 300. The shape of the outer shell 301 may be configured to maximize the internal volume of the lockbox 100, shed water or provide other environmental protection, and/or improve the aesthetic quality of the lockbox 100. In some embodiments, the outer shell 301 may be configured so that the lockbox 100 substantially blends in with the surroundings where it is mounted. In some embodiments, the outer shell 301 may be brightly colored so as to be easily locatable by emergency responders. In some embodiments, the outer shell 301 may include one or more locations for labels 308, as shown in FIG. 3B.
In some embodiments, edges 302 of the outer shell 301 are designed to closely contact corresponding edges or surfaces of the base 200. In some embodiments, this may create a substantially watertight seal when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. In some embodiments, the cover 300 may be manufactured so that little to substantially no gap is formed between the edges 302 of the outer shell 301 and the corresponding edges and/or surfaces of the base 200. In some embodiments, this may substantially eliminate or reduce the gap between the cover 300 and the base 200 where an unauthorized person may try to pry the lockbox 100 open. As discussed herein, the base 200 and cover 300 may also include corresponding first and second engagement structures to further strengthen the lockbox 100 against unauthorized entry.
In the illustrated embodiment, the outer shell 301 has a shape that corresponds to the L-shaped base 200 described above. Accordingly, a first portion of the edges 302 of the outer shell 301 lie substantially in a first plane that corresponds with the shape of the first portion 210 of the base 200. A second portion of the edges 302 of the outer shell 301 lie in a second plane, substantially orthogonal to the first plane, which corresponds with the second portion 250 of the base 200. However, a person of skill in the art will understand that other arrangements of the outer shell 301 are possible and within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the edges 302 of the outer shell 301 need not lie in the two planes described above. In some embodiments, the outer shell 301 has a substantially concave shape configured to fit together with base 200 to enclose an internal volume within the lockbox 100. Various internal structures, including the second engagement structure are located within the interior of the outer shell 301.
The interior of the cover 300 may include a top surface 318, side surfaces 316, 356, and a front surface 358. The cover 300 may be configured so that the top surface 318 contacts or otherwise engages the top surface 218 of the first portion 210 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. Similarly, the side surfaces 316 may be configured to contact or otherwise engage with the side surfaces 216 of the first portion 210, and the side surfaces 356 may be configured to contact or otherwise engage with the side surfaces 256 of the second portion 250 of the base 200. The front surface 358 of the interior of the cover 300 may be configured to contact or otherwise engage with the front surface 258 of the second portion 250 of the base 200 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200.
In certain embodiments, the interior of the cover 300 includes a web of internal walls 363, 382. In some embodiments, the internal walls 363, 382 may be positioned within the interior of the cover 300 to provide structural strength to the cover 300. In some embodiments, the internal walls 363, 382 partition the interior of the lockbox 100 into a plurality of individual spaces or pockets. In some embodiments, the internal walls 363, 382 are substantially planar, although a person of skill in the art will appreciate that curved internal walls 363, 382 may also be used. In some embodiments, some of the internal walls 363, 382 extend entirely from one of the side surfaces 316 to the other of the side surface 316. Some of the internal walls 363, 382 may extend from the side surfaces 316 without extending entirely across the cover 300. In some embodiments, some of the internal walls 363, 382 may extend from the front surface 358 of the cover 300 to the front surface 218 of the base 200 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. Some of the internal walls 363, 382 may extend from the front surface 358 of the cover 300 only partway toward the front surface 218 of the base 200. In some embodiments, some of the internal walls 363, 382 may connect to other of the internal walls 363, 382. Some of the internal walls 363, 382 may be joined to the other internal walls 363, 382 and/or the interior of the cover 300 at approximately right angles, although, angles greater than or less than 90 degrees may also be used.
In certain embodiments, the cover 300 includes a cover catch 380 (as best seen in FIG. 3E) configured to engage with the base catch 280 of the base 200. The cover catch 380 may be positioned within a pocket 385 formed by the internal walls 363, 382 and the interior surface of the outer shell 301. The cover catch 380 may further be slidingly mounted on one or more pins 383 extending through the internal wall 382 and into holes formed through the cover catch 380. Accordingly, the cover catch 380 may be configured to slide back and forth along the one or more pins 383 within the pocket 385. In some embodiments, the cover 300 may include a biasing member configured to bias the cover catch 380 against the interior wall of the outer shell 301. In some embodiments, the biasing member may be a spring. The cover catch 380 may also include an undercut surface 381 configured to engage with the undercut surface 281 of the base catch 280. As seen in FIG. 3C, a portion of the cover catch 380 is visible through an opening in the interior wall 382. In some embodiments, this portion of the cover catch 380 may be configured to contact a portion of the locking member 410 when the locking mechanism 400 is in the locked position, as shown in FIG. 7B.
In certain embodiments, the cover 300 includes a second engagement structure configured to correspond with the first engagement structure of the base 200. The second engagement structure may include one or more rails 341, 343 and/or ends of internal walls 363, 382.
The rails 341 may be configured as cylinders extending from the top surface 318 of the cover 300. The size of each of the cylinders is configured to slidingly engage with the holes of the grooves 241 of the base 200. In this way, each rail 341 can slide freely within the corresponding groove 241 along the central axis of the groove 241. The rails 341 are also attached to the ends of some of the internal walls 363 extending from front surface 358 of the cover 300. The slotted opening of each of the grooves 241 allows the internal wall 363 attached to each of the rails 341 to extend there through when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. However, the slotted opening of the grooves 261 is sufficiently narrow that the rails 341 cannot be removed through the slotted opening. In some embodiments, the rails 341 may extend entirely from the top surface 318 of the cover 300 to the second portion 250 of the base 200 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. In some embodiments, the rails 341 may extend only partially from the top surface 318 of the cover 300 toward the second portion 250 of the base 200.
The illustrated embodiment includes two rails 341 configured to correspond with the two grooves 241 of the base 200 shown in FIG. 2A. However, a person of skill in the art will understand that other numbers of rails 341 are possible and should be sized and positioned to correspond with the number and placement of the grooves 241 of the base 200. Moreover, while the rails 341 have been illustrated having a circular cross-sectional shape, a person of skill in the art will understand that other shapes are possible. Additionally, the size and shape of each rail 341 may be substantially the same as or different from the size and shape of each of the other rails 341, 343.
The rails 343 may be configured as cylinders extending from the top surface 318 of the cover 300. The size of each of the cylinders is configured to slidingly engage with the holes of the grooves 243 of the base 200. In this way, each of the rails 343 can slide freely within the corresponding groove 243 along the central axis of the groove 243. The rails 343 are also attached to the ends of some of the internal walls 363 that extend from the side surfaces 316 of the cover 300. The slotted opening of each of the grooves 243 allows the internal wall 363 attached to each of rails 343 to extend there through when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. However, the slotted opening is sufficiently narrow such that the rails 343 cannot be removed through the slotted openings. In some embodiments, the rails 343 may extend entirely from the top surface 318 of the cover 300 to the second portion 250 of the base 200 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. In some embodiments, the rails 343 may extend only partially from the top surface 318 of the cover 300 toward the second portion 250.
The illustrated embodiment includes two rails 343 configured to correspond with the two grooves 243 of the base 200 shown in FIG. 2A. However, a person of skill in the art will understand that other numbers of rails 343 are possible and should be sized and positioned to correspond with the number and placement of the grooves 243 of the base 200. Moreover, while the rails 343 have been illustrated as having a circular cross-sectional shape, a person of skill in the art will understand that other shapes are possible. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the rails 343 may be substantially the same as or different from the other rails 341, 343. In embodiments having more than one rail 341, 343, the rails may be parallel to each other, perpendicular to each other, or at any other angle relative to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more rails 341 are perpendicular to the one or more rails 343. Preferably, the rails 341, 343 are arranged so as to slidingly engage with the one or more grooves 241, 243.
In certain embodiments, the second engagement structure includes the bottom ends of the internal walls 363, 382. The bottom ends of the internal walls 363, 382 may form a web or matrix shape as best seen in FIG. 3F. As described above, the base 200 may be configured with a web of recesses 261 configured to match and mate with the web shape of the bottom ends of the internal walls 363, 382 of the cover 300.
In certain embodiments, the second engagement structure includes the rails 341, 343 and/or web of internal walls 363, 382 described above. The engagement between the first and second engagement structures will be described in greater detail below.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the lockbox 100 of FIG. 1A in an open position. With the cover 300 removed from the base 200, the base 200 can be secured to a wall or other structure using mounting hardware, for example, screws 11. After the base 200 has been secured, one or more keys 10 can be hung on the hook 213. The cover 300 can then be aligned above the base 200 so that the rails 341, 343 are aligned with the grooves 241, 243, respectively. In this position, the lockbox 100 is ready to be closed.
FIGS. 5A and 5B show front and back perspective views, respectively, of the lockbox 100 of FIG. 1A in a half-opened position. These views show how the first engagement structure of the base 200 engages with the second engagement structure of the cover 300 to limit movement of the cover 300 relative to the base 200 in at least one direction. As shown, the one or more rails 341, 343 slide within the one or more grooves 241, 243 respectively. The rails 341, 343 and the grooves 241, 243 allow motion of the cover 300 relative to the base 200 in only a single direction aligned with the central axis of the rails 341, 343 and the grooves 241, 243. In some embodiments, the central axis of each of the rails 341, 343 and the grooves 241, 243 may be substantially parallel. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the cover 300 may slide down on to the base 200 to selectively couple with the base 200. A person of skill in the art will understand, however, that other arrangements are possible. For example, the first and second engagement structures may be configured such that the cover 300 slidingly engages with the base 200 from the side, front, or bottom of the cover 300, rather than from the top as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of the lockbox 100 of FIG. 1C that illustrate how the cover 300 engages with the base 200 when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200. FIG. 6A shows a side cross-sectional view of the base 200 and the cover 300. As shown, the ends of the internal walls 363, 382 of the cover 300 extend into the corresponding webbed recesses 261 of the second portion 250 of the base 200. This may further engage the cover 300 with the base 200. In the view of FIG. 6A, only internal walls 363, 382 that are substantially parallel with the first portion 210 of the base 200 are shown. However, it will be understood that the cover 300 may include internal walls 363, 382 that are substantially perpendicular to, or oriented at other angles relative to, the first portion 210 of the base 200.
FIG. 6B shows a top cross-sectional view of the lockbox 100 with the cover 300 selectively coupled to the base 200. The one or more rails 341, 343 and the one or more grooves 241, 243 are engaged, creating a strengthened connection between the base 200 and the cover 300. As noted above, the one or more rails 341, 343 and the one or more grooves 241, 243 allow motion of the cover 300 relative to the base 200 along only a single direction parallel to the central axis of each of the one or more rails 341, 343 and the one or more grooves 241, 243.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the lockbox 100 of FIG. 1C in an unlocked and locked position, respectively. As discussed above, when the cover 300 is selectively coupled to the base 200, the first and second engagement structures of the base 200 and the cover 300, respectively, allow motion of the cover 300 relative to the base 200 along only a single direction. However, to fully secure the lockbox 100, the cover 300 may be locked to the base 200 with the locking mechanism 400 so that the cover 300 may not be removed.
FIG. 7A shows the cover 300 selectively coupled to the base 200 in an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the cover 300 is free to slide up and off the base 200 to open the lockbox 100. In the unlocked position, the locking member 410 of the locking mechanism 400 is rotated into a position that provides sufficient clearance between the locking member 410 and the cover 300 and/or the base 200. For example, the locking member 410 may not extend into the groove 215 of the base 200 and may not contact the cover catch 380 to cause it to slide along the pins 383 and engage with the base catch 280 of the base 200. In some embodiments, the cover catch 380 may be configured to include a bias into the position shown in FIG. 7A. The bias may be caused by a spring.
FIG. 7B shows the cover 300 selectively coupled to the base 200 in a locked position. In the locked position, the cover 300 is restricted so that it cannot substantially move relative to the base 200. In the locked position, the locking member 410 of the locking mechanism 400 is rotated into a position that engages with the base 200 and/or the cover 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 410 engages with the base 200 by extending into the groove 215 on the base 200. The locking member 410 also engages with the cover 300 by contacting the cover catch 380, causing it to slide along the pins 383 and engage with the base catch 280 of the base 200. The undercut surface 381 of the cover catch 380 hooks with or otherwise engages the undercut surface 281 of the base catch 280 and prevents the cover 300 from sliding up and off the base 200.
A person of skill in the art will appreciate that the locking mechanism 400 may be configured in other ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the cover 380 may include a locking groove formed in at least one of the internal walls 363, 382 or the outer shell 301 of the cover 300, and, in the locked position, the locking member 410 may engage with the groove 215 of the cover 300. Moreover, in some embodiments, the locking mechanism 400 may be positioned on the cover 300, rather than on the base 200.
In certain embodiments, the structures of the first and second engagement structures may be reversed or intermingled. For example, the base 200 may include one or more rails configured to slidingly engage with one or more grooves formed in the cover 300. Or, the base 200 may include one or more rails and one or more grooves configured to slidingly engage with one or more grooves and one or more rails formed in the cover 300.
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 devices 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. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
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 may 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 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 may 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 may 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.”
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.
The above description discloses several methods of manufacture and materials of the present development. This development 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 development disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this development 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 development as embodied in the attached claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A lockbox, comprising:

a base including a first engagement structure;

a cover including a second engagement structure configured to slidingly engage with the first engagement structure; and

a locking mechanism configured to secure the cover to the base.

2. The lockbox of claim 1, wherein the base and the cover define an enclosed volume when the cover is secured to the base, and wherein the first and second engagement structures are located substantially within the enclosed volume.

3. The lockbox of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a first portion connected to a second portion, wherein the first portion is substantially orthogonal to the second portion.

4. The lockbox of claim 1, wherein the first and second engagement structures are configured to permit movement of the cover relative to the base in a single direction when the first and second engagement structures are engaged with each other.

5. The lockbox of claim 4, wherein one of the first and second engagement structures comprises at least one groove and the other one of the first and second engagement structures comprises at least one rail.

6. The lockbox of claim 5, wherein the single direction is aligned with a central axis of at least one of the at least one groove and the at least one rail.

7. The lockbox of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking member, and wherein the base comprises a base catch and the cover comprises a cover catch, and wherein the locking member is configured to selectively engage the base catch, and wherein the base catch is configured to engage the cover catch when the locking member engages the base catch.

8. A lockbox, comprising:

a base including a first engagement structure;

a cover including a second engagement structure configured to engage with the first engagement structure; and

a locking mechanism configured to selectively secure to the base and the cover.

9. The lockbox of claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a cam.

10. The lockbox of claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking member, the locking member being rotatable.

11. The lockbox of claim 10, wherein the base comprises a groove, and wherein at least a first portion of the locking member is configured to selectively engage with the groove and a second portion of the locking member is configured to selectively engage with the cover.

12. The lockbox of claim 11, wherein when the locking member is in a first rotational position the first and second portions engage with the groove and the cover, respectively, and wherein when the locking member is in a second rotational position the first and second portions are disengaged from the groove and the cover.

13. The lockbox of claim 8, wherein the first and second engagement structures are configured to slidingly engage with each other.

14. The lockbox of claim 8, wherein one of the first and second engagement structures comprises at least one groove and the other one of the first and second engagement structures comprises at least one rail.

15. The lockbox of claim 8, wherein one of the first and second engagement structures comprises at least one internal wall and the other one of the first and second engagement structures comprises at least one recess.

16. The lockbox of claim 15, wherein the at least one internal wall comprises a bottom end, and wherein the bottom end is disposed in the at least one recess when the second engagement structure is engaged with the first engagement structure.

17. A method of securing a lockbox having a base and a cover, the method comprising:

slidingly engaging a cover with a base, the cover and the base defining an enclosed volume therein; and

locking the cover to the base.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising aligning a first engagement structure of the base with a second engagement structure of the cover.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first and second engagement structures are configured to permit movement of the cover relative to the base in a single direction when the first and second engagement structures are engaged.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein one of the first and second engagement structures comprises at least one groove and the other one of the first and second engagement structures comprises at least one rail.