WO2008112906A1

WO2008112906A1 - Flush mechanical actuator

Info

Publication number: WO2008112906A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/056872
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dickory Rudduck; Lee David Blattmann
Original assignee: Telezygology, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-03-14
Filing date: 2008-03-13
Publication date: 2008-09-18

Abstract

The invention provides for a mechanical actuator comprises a first fastener 4 comprising actuating means and material adapted to contract when activated capable of securing a second fastener 8 on an item to be secured. The first fastener 4 comprises an electronic fastener that is intelligent in nature. The second fastener 8 comprises a release knob 12 that is flush within an escutcheon plate 10 on the item it is securing 16. When the article 16 is to be secured, a user will apply external force to lock the second fastener 8. When the material adapted to contract is activated within the first fastener 4, the first fastener 4 releases its hold on the pinion 14 and allows for the second fastener 8 to be opened by external force.

Description

Flush Mechanical Actuator FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a system of locking that adds security and safety while maintaining the aesthetics of the article being locked. More specifically, this invention relates to a secure mechanical actuator that retains an existing locking mechanism while not disturbing the aesthetic of the item being locked and adding a layer of security and safety to locking mechanisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typical fastening mechanisms for doors, drawers, cabinets, windows, etc. may include a cylindrical lock and key, a quarter turn fastener (an example seen in U.S. Patent No. 6,868,590), or a push-push latch (an example seen in U.S. Patent No. 6,669,250). If a user wishes to open or secure the fastening mechanism, the user simply uses external force to cause the fastener to open or lock. While these systems are widely known, there are problems with security and safety associated with such a system. While these mechanisms often times provide adequate security and can safely secure articles or protect contents, it is possible to use enough external force to break the mechanisms to allow for unauthorized access. As such, there is a need for a more secure system of maintaining the integrity of locking mechanisms. This invention provides such a solution. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a mechanical actuator comprising a first fastener comprising actuating means and material adapted to contract when activated capable of securing a second fastener on an item to be secured. As discussed above, windows, doors, drawers, etc. are often times secured by a fastener to provide for a level of security and safety. For purposes of this invention, it will be considered the second fastener that secures such a door, drawer, window, etc.

In the first fastener, the material adapted to contract when activated is preferably shape memory alloy wire. Shape memory alloys are known and are usually made predominantly or wholly of titanium and nickel. They may also include other material, such as aluminium, zinc and copper. A shape memory alloy is capable of adopting one shape below a predetermined transition temperature and changing to a second shape once its temperature exceeds the transition temperature. Conversely, when the shape memory alloy cools below the transition temperature, it is capable of adopting the first shape again. In connection with the various aspects of the present invention, the shape memory alloy contracts when heated in situ. Shape memory alloy wire currently available, such as that sold under the trade mark Nitinol, is capable of contracting by about 3% when activated by heating.

Activation of the material adapted to contract when activated is preferably achieved through electrical resistance heating, with a wire feed to the assembly. Activation of the shape memory alloy wire can be initiated from a central location, using the wiring system of, for example, a security system. It is also within the scope of this invention that the activation is initiated by remote means, such as a hand held tool operating through the use of any suitable form of energy, including microwave, electric magnetic, sonic, infra-red, radio frequency and so on.

The scope of the invention in its various aspects is not necessarily limited to the use of shape memory alloy. Other material may also be useful. Also, while activation may take place through heating, other means of activation may be suitable and are within the scope of this invention.

In this invention, the second fastener comprises a release knob that is preferably flush within an escutcheon plate on the item it is securing but one skilled in the art will recognize that the escutcheon plate or the flush arrangement is not necessary. This release knob may be part of a cylindrical lock (activated by a key), a quarter-turn fastener, a push-push latch, or any other mechanism for locking or securing an article. The escutcheon plate may be fixed or may have moveable qualities.

When the article, such as a door, is to be secured, a user will apply external force to lock the second fastener. This action allows the first fastener to be in position to secure the second fastener in an intelligent fashion. One skilled in the art will recognize that this action may allow the first fastener to automatically engage and secure the second fastener or that the first and second fastener will simply be aligned and can be locked remotely. For purposes of this invention, this action will be discussed in terms of the action of the second fastener being secured engages a pinion within a rack to cause the locking motion of the first fastener.

When the material adapted to contract is activated within the first fastener, the first fastener releases its hold on the pinion and allows for the second fastener to be freed for unlocking by external force. In situations where the release knob of the second fastener is flush with the article being secured, this action will cause the release knob to move from the flush position to an extended position so that external unlocking force can be applied. . This invention allows users more security in securing items. Since the first fastener is a fastener with intelligent capabilities, it can be activated remotely by a key pad, magnetic card, bio metric reader, remote control, etc. It also has network security and monitoring capabilities, stand alone security and monitoring capabilities, and ancillary sensing capabilities such as sensing smoke, temperature, moisture, movement, etc. This invention also allows for a retro-fit capability so that much of the existing lock and markings (i.e. second fastener) are retained.

The first fastener provides for authentication of users prior to gaining access to a secure article, notification of unauthorized access when linked to a security system, connection (wired or wireless) to other locking mechanisms that will open or close in unison or in series, and can provide a user with an audit trail of access events for a security audit or simply a maintenance audit.

Other advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of the drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 depicts the mechanical actuator in the secure position. FIG. IA depicts a detailed view of the escutcheon plate and release knob. FIG. 2 depicts the mechanical actuator in the open position. FIG. 2 A depicts a detailed view of the escutcheon plate and the release knob turning to open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In its preferred embodiment, this mechanical actuator comprises a first fastener 4 comprising actuating means and material adapted to contract when activated (not shown) capable of securing a second fastener 8 on an item to be secured. The first fastener 4 comprises an electronic fastener that is intelligent in nature. The second fastener 8 is any type of securing mechanism such as a cylindrical lock, quarter turn fastener, or push-push latch. In the embodiment seen in the figures, a push-push latch is depicted as the second fastener 8 but it is to be noted that any securing mechanism may be equally sufficient in securing an article and may depend on the arrangement of the article to be secured.

The second fastener 8 comprises a release knob 12 that is flush within an escutcheon plate 10 on the item it is securing 16. This release knob 12 may be part of a cylindrical lock (activated by a key), a quarter-turn fastener, a push-push latch, or any other mechanism for locking or securing an article. Fig. 2A depicts the release knob 12 in a quarter-turn fastener arrangement.

When the article 16, seen the in Figures as a door, is to be secured, a user will apply external force to lock the second fastener 8. This action allows the first fastener 4 to be in position to secure the second fastener 8. This action causes the second fastener 8 to be secured by a pinion 14 within a rack 16 to cause the locking motion of the first fastener.

When the material adapted to contract is activated within the first fastener 4, the first fastener 4 releases its hold on the pinion 14 and allows for the second fastener 8 to be opened by external force. In situations where the release knob 12 of the second fastener 8 is flush with the article being secured, this action will cause the release knob 12 to move from the flush position to an extended position so that external unlocking force can be applied. Fig, 2A depicts a quarter turn action that must be completed by external force, such as user turning the release knob 12.

The invention may be described in terms of claims that can assist the skilled reader in understanding the various aspects and preferments of the invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Industrial Applicability

As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the various arts, the invention disclosed herein is not limited to the examples set out and has wide application in many areas. The invention represents a significant advance in the art of locking systems.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A mechanical actuator comprising a first fastener comprising actuating means and material adapted to contract when activated capable of securing a second fastener on an item to be secured.

2. The mechanical actuator as in Claim 1 wherein said first fastener comprises an intelligent fastener.

3. The mechanical actuator as in Claim 1 wherein said second fastener is a securing mechanism comprising a quarter turn fastener, a push-push latch, a cylindrical lock utilizing a key, or any other securing device.

4. The mechanical actuator as in Claim 3 wherein said second fastener can be flush with the item to be secured.

5. The mechanical actuator as in Claim 1 , wherein said first fastener can lock the said second fastener into the secure position so that said second fastener cannot be activated by external force.

6. The mechanical actuator as in Claim 1, wherein said first fastener is not locked onto said second fastener, said fastener is free to be activated and unlocked by external force.