U.S. patent application number 13/046132 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-22 for mountable enclosure.
Invention is credited to Christopher Hawker, Trevis Russel Kurz, Jessica Moreland, Christopher Trunek.
Application Number | 20110226774 13/046132 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44646411 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110226774 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kurz; Trevis Russel ; et
al. |
September 22, 2011 |
Mountable Enclosure
Abstract
According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a
mountable enclosure is one that may be removably coupled to a
stationary object.
Inventors: |
Kurz; Trevis Russel;
(Poland, OH) ; Hawker; Christopher; (Columbus,
OH) ; Moreland; Jessica; (Columbus, OH) ;
Trunek; Christopher; (Auburn Township, OH) |
Family ID: |
44646411 |
Appl. No.: |
13/046132 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61314378 |
Mar 16, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/476 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01D 11/245 20130101;
G08B 17/113 20130101; G08B 17/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/476 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. An enclosure comprising; a mountplate having a coupling aperture
disposed thereupon; a substantially hollow enclosure body, the body
further comprising, a stationary cam train having a first stop at a
first distance from the mountplate, and a second cam stop at a
second distance from the mountplate; a movable cam follower capable
of being translated distally and proximally relative to the
remainder of the enclosure body whose position along said
translation is alternatively limited by the first and second cam
stops thereby defining a first configuration and a second
configuration; a biasing member urging the cam follower against the
cam stops; a clasp coupled to the distal end portion of the cam
follower which becomes exposed and thereby capable of engaging the
coupling aperture in the first configuration but not the second,
thereby enabling the enclosure to be removably coupled to the
mountplate.
2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the mountplate is a
substantially planar member configured to by coupled to a
substantially stationary object by one of one or more screw(s),
nail(s), adhesive(s), bolt(s), snap-fitting(s), or other mechanical
coupling techniques known in the arts.
3. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein there is an entry gate
disposed proximally from the movable cam follower, the entry gate
being composed of a deformable, compliant material having at least
one area removed therefrom thereby defining a structure which
deformably engages an actuator inserted therein, while allowing
such to pass therethrough.
4. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the stationary cam train is
configured in a cyclic arrangement such that the first cam stop
follows the second cam stop and vice-versa without changing the
relative direction of movement of the cam follower.
5. The enclosure of claim 1, there is a pair of complementary
chirally mirrored cam stops and cam followers disposed on opposing
lateral sides of one another.
6. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the clasp comprises a rigidly
coupled flexible membrane or rotably coupled rigid membrane which
protrudes from the enclosure body into the coupling aperture upon
axial translation of the cam follower relative to the enclosure
body.
7. The enclosure of claim 6, wherein there are four clasps in
substantially orthogonal relation to one another.
8. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the clasp comprises a rotably
coupled rigid member which protrudes from the enclosure body into
the coupling aperture upon radial translation of the cam follower
relative to the enclosure body.
9. The enclosure of claim 8, wherein there are two clasps disposed
on opposing lateral side of the assembly.
10. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the enclosure body contains
at least one of the following, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide
detector, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a light, an
acoustic speaker, a microphone, a storage volume, a fragrant
element, a microprocessor, a radio antenna, or a transceiver.
11. An enclosure comprising a mountplate and an enclosure body; the
mountplate comprising a distal end portion and a proximal end
portion, wherein the distal end portion is configured to be coupled
to a stationary object and the proximal end portion has a first
lock operatively configured to retain a second lock thereagainst;
the enclosure body comprising a substantially enclosed volume with
an aperture at the proximal end thereof and a latching mechanism,
the latching mechanism further comprising, a slide capable of
proximal/distal displacement relative to the enclosure body and
having a linear gear disposed thereupon, a toothed gear rotably
coupled to the enclosure body such that the toothed gear is
ratchetably engaged against the linear gear, a second lock, fixedly
coupled to the toothed gear such that the second lock's distance
from the aperture changes along its radial path, wherein, in
certain alignments of the enclosure body relative to the
mountplate, linear displacement of the slide will decrease the
distance between the first and second lock thereby removably
coupling the enclosure body and mountplate.
12. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein either the toothed gear or
the linear gear are ratchetably movable relative to the other by a
ratcheting action selected from either deformable teeth or a
ratcheting coupling.
13. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein there is a spring providing
a proximal bias against the slide relative to the enclosure
body.
14. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein there is a plurality of
complementary first and second lock pairs disposed upon one side of
the aperture.
15. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein there is a plurality of
complementary first and second lock pairs disposed upon opposing
sides of the aperture.
16. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein the first and second lock
are a complementary pin and shelf disposed upon their respective
structures.
17. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein the first and second lock
are complementary magnets disposed upon their respective
structures.
18. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein there is a spacer disposed
upon the enclosure body interferes with a corresponding structure
on the mountplate thereby allowing the enclosure body to be moved
no closer to the mountplate than the optimal distance for
engagement of the locks.
19. The enclosure of claim 18, wherein the spacer is rotably
coupled to the toothed gear.
20. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the enclosure body contains
at least one of the following, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide
detector, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a light, an
acoustic speaker, a microphone, a storage volume, a fragrant
element, a microprocessor, a radio antenna, or a transceiver.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This filing claims priority to US Provisional Application
No. 61314378, filed Mar. 16, 2010 which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND/FIELD
[0002] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to describe devices
which carry the weight of an article or articles or otherwise hold
or steady it or them against the pull of gravity, and devices for
holding an article to its support, which are not otherwise provided
for.
[0003] Those having ordinary skill in the art will further
understand portions of the present disclosure to describe
structures comprising means for (a) aiding in the mounting or
removal of the support or in the installation or removal of a
supported article thereon; (b) aiding in the repair of a damaged
support; (c) preventing broken parts of a damaged support from
scattering; or (d) protecting or disabling the support or a part
thereof during transportation, the function of said means being
dormant while the support is in use.
[0004] Further, those having ordinary skill in the art will
understand that within the meaning of the preceding paragraphs, the
term `articles` means a number of electronic or analog devices
including, but not limited to smoke detectors, carbon monoxide
detectors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, lights, acoustic
speakers, microphones, storage enclosures, passive and/or active
fragrances, antennas, transceivers, or other items which it would
useful to removably couple to a stationary object.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure,
an enclosure comprises; [0006] a mountplate having a coupling
aperture disposed thereupon; a substantially hollow enclosure body,
the body further comprising, a stationary cam train having a first
stop at a first distance from the mountplate, and a second cam stop
at a second distance from the mountplate; a movable cam follower
capable of being translated distally and proximally relative to the
remainder of the enclosure body whose position along said
translation is alternatively limited by the first and second cam
stops thereby defining a first configuration and a second
configuration; a biasing member urging the cam follower against the
cam stops; [0007] a clasp coupled to the distal end portion of the
cam follower which becomes exposed and thereby capable of engaging
the coupling aperture in the first configuration but not the
second, thereby enabling the enclosure to be removably coupled to
the mountplate.
[0008] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
an enclosure comprises a mountplate that is a substantially planar
member configured to by coupled to a substantially stationary
object by one of one or more screw(s), nail(s), adhesive(s),
bolt(s), snap-fitting(s), or other mechanical coupling techniques
known in the arts.
[0009] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
there is an entry gate disposed proximally from the movable cam
follower, the entry gate being composed of a deformable, compliant
material having at least one area removed therefrom thereby
defining a structure which deformably engages an actuator inserted
therein, while allowing such to pass therethrough.
[0010] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
the stationary cam train is configured in a cyclic arrangement such
that the first cam stop follows the second cam stop and vice-versa
without changing the relative direction of movement of the cam
follower.
[0011] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure
there is a pair of complementary chirally mirrored cam stops and
cam followers disposed on opposing lateral sides of one
another.
[0012] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
the clasp comprises a rigidly coupled flexible membrane or rotably
coupled rigid membrane which protrudes from the enclosure body into
the coupling aperture upon axial translation of the cam follower
relative to the enclosure body.
[0013] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
there are four clasps in substantially orthogonal relation to one
another.
[0014] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
the clasp comprises a rotably coupled rigid member which protrudes
from the enclosure body into the coupling aperture upon radial
translation of the cam follower relative to the enclosure body.
[0015] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
there are two clasps disposed on opposing lateral side of the
assembly.
[0016] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
the enclosure body contains at least one of the following, a smoke
detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a temperature sensor, a
motion sensor, a light, an acoustic speaker, a microphone, a
storage volume, a fragrant element, a microprocessor, a radio
antenna, or a transceiver.
[0017] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
an enclosure comprises a mountplate and an enclosure body; the
mountplate comprising a distal end portion and a proximal end
portion, wherein the distal end portion is configured to be coupled
to a stationary object and the proximal end portion has a first
lock operatively configured to retain a second lock thereagainst;
the enclosure body comprising a substantially enclosed volume with
an aperture at the proximal end thereof and a latching mechanism,
the latching mechanism further comprising, a slide capable of
proximal/distal displacement relative to the enclosure body and
having a linear gear disposed thereupon, a toothed gear rotably
coupled to the enclosure body such that the toothed gear is
ratchetably engaged against the linear gear, a second lock, fixedly
coupled to the toothed gear such that the second lock's distance
from the aperture changes along its radial path, wherein, in
certain alignments of the enclosure body relative to the
mountplate, linear displacement of the slide will decrease the
distance between the first and second lock thereby removably
coupling the enclosure body and mountplate.
[0018] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
either the toothed gear or the linear gear are ratchetably movable
relative to the other by a ratcheting action selected from either
deformable teeth or a ratcheting coupling.
[0019] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
there is a spring providing a proximal bias against the slide
relative to the enclosure body.
[0020] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
there is a plurality of complementary first and second lock pairs
disposed upon one side of the aperture.
[0021] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
there is a plurality of complementary first and second lock pairs
disposed upon opposing sides of the aperture.
[0022] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
the first and second lock are a complementary pin and shelf
disposed upon their respective structures.
[0023] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
the first and second lock are complementary magnets disposed upon
their respective structures.
[0024] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
there is a spacer disposed upon the enclosure body interferes with
a corresponding structure on the mountplate thereby allowing the
enclosure body to be moved no closer to the mountplate than the
optimal distance for engagement of the locks.
[0025] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure,
the spacer is rotably coupled to the toothed gear.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0026] In the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout
the several views. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of
example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments
discussed in the claims of the present document.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of an
enclosure.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of an
enclosure.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a cut-away view of a first embodiment of an
enclosure in a state A.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows a cut-away view of a second embodiment of an
enclosure in a state B.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows an proximal isometric view of an embodiment of
a mounting plate.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows a distal isometric view of an embodiment of a
mounting plate.
[0033] FIG. 7 shows an isometric distal view of an embodiment of a
backplate.
[0034] FIG. 8 shows an isometric proximal view of an embodiment of
a backplate.
[0035] FIG. 9 shoes a cut-away side view of an embodiment of a
backplate.
[0036] FIG. 10 shows an isometric first view of an embodiment of a
flexor.
[0037] FIG. 11 shows an isometric second view of an embodiment of a
flexor.
[0038] FIG. 12 shows an isometric first view of an embodiment of a
guide plate.
[0039] FIG. 13 shows an isometric second view of an embodiment of a
guide plate.
[0040] FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of a spring.
[0041] FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a lock
plate.
[0042] FIG. 16 shows a isometric view of an embodiment of an entry
fitting.
[0043] FIG. 17 shows an isometric first view of an embodiment of a
faceplate.
[0044] FIG. 18 shows an isometric second view of an embodiment of a
faceplate.
[0045] FIG. 19 shows an assembled isometric view of an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 20 shows an exploded isometric view of an a portion of
an embodiment of an enclosure.
[0047] FIG. 21 shows an isometric first view of an embodiment of a
lock plate.
[0048] FIG. 22 shows an isometric second view of an embodiment of a
lock plate.
[0049] FIG. 23 shows an isometric first view of an embodiment of a
guide plate.
[0050] FIG. 24 shows an isometric second view of an embodiment of a
guide plate.
[0051] FIG. 25 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a
latch.
[0052] FIG. 26 shows an isometric first view of an embodiment of a
backplate.
[0053] FIG. 27 shows an isometric second view of an embodiment of a
backplate.
[0054] FIG. 28 shows a cut-away view of an embodiment of a
backplate.
[0055] FIG. 29 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an
enclosure in a first configuration.
[0056] FIG. 30 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a
proximal plate.
[0057] FIG. 31 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a wheel
assembly.
[0058] FIG. 32 shows a front view of an embodiment of a wheel
assembly.
[0059] FIG. 33 shows an isometric view of a mounting plate.
[0060] FIG. 34 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a slide
body.
[0061] FIG. 35 shows a cut-away isometric view of an embodiment of
a slide body.
[0062] FIGS. 36(a-g) show a side cutaway view of the mechanism of
the previous figures in action.
[0063] FIG. 37 shows a side view of a magnetic embodiment of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0064] Various embodiments of the presently disclosed apparatus
will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings,
wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical
elements. In the drawings and in the description that follows, the
term "proximal," will refer to the end of a device or system that
is closest to the operator, while the term "distal" will refer to
the end of the device or system that is farthest from the
operator.
[0065] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure
shown in generally in FIG. 1 and by exploded by in FIG. 2, an
enclosure 1000 comprises a enclosed volume having a proximal face
1001, a distal face 1002, and a medial wall 1003 therebetween.
There is an aperture 1004 disposed upon proximal face 1001.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 2, enclosure 1000 further comprises a
mounting plate 1100, a backplate 1200, a battery door 1201, a
flexor 1300, a guide plate 1400, a spring 1500, a lock plate 1600,
an entry fitting 1700, and a faceplate 1800.
[0067] With reference to FIG. 5, the proximal face 1101 of mounting
plate 1100 is shown. Mounting plate 1100 is a substantially planar
member having a footprint which is complementary to that of the
remainder of the enclosure assembly, in this case, which
approximates a circle. There is a plurality of apertures 1110(a-d)
which traverse mounting plate 1100 and provide operative support
for affixing mounting plate 1100 to a stationary object, including
for instance a ceiling, wall, or floor by screws, nails,
snap-fittings, adhesive, or other mechanical coupling means known
in the art.
[0068] There is an aperture 1120 which traverses mounting plate
1100. The central-most portion of aperture 1120 is recessed
distally from the remainder of mounting plate 1100, thereby
defining a fillet 1121 therebetween.
[0069] Referring now to FIG. 7, backplate 1200 is a substantially
frustoconical member having a distal face 1210. Distal face 1210
has a substantially planar portion 1220 configured to abut the
proximal face 1101 of mounting plate 1100. There is a interlock
1230 extending distally from proximal face 1210. Interlock 1230 has
a plurality of apertures 1231(a-d) disposed on a lateral face 1232
thereof. There is a battery recess 1240 (not labeled in the
drawings that I could see) disposed upon the distal face of
backplate 1200 operatively configured to retain a electrical cell
therewithin behind a complementary battery door 1201.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 8, the distal portion of backplate
1200 is shown having a coupling portion 1250 disposed about the
center thereof. Coupling portion 1250 is annular projection
extending proximally from the proximal face of backplate 1200.
Coupling portion 1250 has an external face 1251 which has opposing
longitudinal guides 1252(a and b) disposed thereupon. Further,
coupling portion 1250 has an internal face 1253 having
substantially chiral cam trains 1260(a and b) recessed therein.
[0071] With reference to FIG. 9, cam train 1260 comprises a
plurality of contours removed from interior face 1253 defining a
plurality of cam surfaces including a first ramp 1261, a second
ramp 1262, a first wall 1263, a ceiling 1264, a second wall 1265,
and an island 1266 located therebetween.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 10, flexor 1300 is a member having
four substantially planate, deformable catches 1310(a-d) extending
laterally in an orthogonal relation from centrally disposed
annular, cylindrical base 1330. There is an aperture 1320 that
traverses flexor 1300.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 11, annular base 1330 extends
proximally from the junction of catches 1310(a-d).
[0074] With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 together, guide 1400 is an
elongated member having a distal end portion 1450 and a proximal
end portion 1410. Proximal end portion 1410 comprises a discal
member having a substantially parabolic profile opening proximally.
There are opposing projections 1420 and 1430 extending distally
from the periphery of proximal end portion 1410. There are round
lateral guides 1435 and 1425 extending laterally from respective
projections 1430 and 1425. Projections 1430 and 1425 circumscribe
only a portion of the periphery of proximal end portion 1410,
thereby defining walls 1426, 1435, 1437, and 1427.
[0075] Distal end portion 1450 comprises an elongated cylindrical
member having spaced barbs 1451 and 1452 disposed upon the distal
end thereof and operatively configured to engage corresponding
structures disposed within aperture 1320.
[0076] With reference to FIG. 14, Spring 1500 is a helical,
plastically deformable member configured to provide a responsive
biasing force when compressed.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 15, lock plate 1600 is member having a
round footprint with a distal end portion 1610 and a proximal end
portion 1650. Distal end portion 1610 is substantially round and
planar, having an aperture 1651 extending through the center
thereof. There are opposing longitudinal projections 1651 and 1652
extending proximally from distal end portion 1610. Projections 1651
and 1652 are disposed about the periphery of distal end portion
1610, thereby defining proximal end portion 1650.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 16, fitting 1700 is a deformable,
frustoconical member having a substantially parabolic profile which
opens distally. There are four slits 1710(a-d) in substantially
orthogonal relation to one another traversing the surface of
fitting 1700. Slits 1710(a-d) terminate laterally with respective
enlarged stress reliefs 1711(a-d), and medially with a single
central aperture 1730. There is a substantially planar lip 1740
disposed about the periphery of the parabolic profile of fitting
1700.
[0079] With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 together, faceplate 1800
is a discal member having a central aperture 1810 extending
therethrough. There is lateral ridge 1820 disposed about the
periphery of faceplate 1800 thereby defining a first wall. Further,
there is a medial ridge 1830 disposed about the periphery of
aperture 1810 thereby defining a second wall.
[0080] Referring now to FIG. 19, a method of assembling the
internal components of enclosure 1000 is shown. In the
configuration shown, flexor 1300 is oriented such that its aperture
1320 is oriented proximally with distal end portion 1450 of guide
plate 1400 and barbs 1451 and 1452 disposed therein. Lock plate
1600 and spring 1500 are disposed between flexor 1300 and guide
plate 1400 with distal end portion 1450 traversing aperture 1651
and spring 1500 providing a separational biasing force between
guide plate 1400 and lock plate 1600.
[0081] The assembly of FIG. 19 is disposed within the remaining
components as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Namely, with catches
1310(a-d) disposed within respective slits 1231(a-d), and lateral
guides 1425 and 1435 disposed within respective cam trains 1260(a
and b).
[0082] A method of using enclosure 1000 will now be described.
Mounting plate 1100 is provided in a state in which it has been
affixed to a substantially immobile surface, including for instance
a wall or ceiling. Enclosure 1000 is then provided in a first
state, as shown in FIG. 3, wherein catches 1310(a-d) do not
protrude from slits 1231(a-d) and lateral guides 1425 and 1435 are
disposed within the distal-most portions of cam trains 1260(a and
b).
[0083] Next, interlock 1230 is inserted into aperture 1120 such
that proximal face 1101 abuts planar portion 1220. Next, an
actuator, including for instance, the handle of a broomstick, is
inserted through entry fitting 1700 against guide plate 1400. Guide
plate 1400 is then translated distally relative to the remainder of
enclosure dislodging lateral guides 1425 and 1435 from second ramp
1262 and allowing guides 1425 and 1435 to rotate into a second
state wherein the guides abut second wall 1265. In this second
state, distal translation of guides by spring 1500 is no longer
blocked by island 1266 thereby allowing the assembly to move
distally exposing catches 1310(a-d) from slits 1231(a-d) thereby
engaging such against aperture 1120.
[0084] In this second state, the assembly is mechanically coupled
to mounting plate 1100. The actuator may now be removed from the
device. In order to return the device into the first state in which
it may again be separated from mounting plate 1100, an actuator
must again be reinserted and applied against guide plate 1400 with
sufficient force to overcome the proximal bias of spring 1500
thereby translating guides 1425 and 1435 relative to cam trains
1260(a and b) thereby allowing distal translation of flexor 1300
thereby concealing catches 1310(a-d) and allowing the assembly to
be disengaged from mounting plate 1100.
[0085] According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure,
shown in FIG. 20, a mountable enclosure 2000 comprises a generally
similar mounting plate 1100, spring 1500, entry fitting 1700, and
faceplate 1800 as shown in enclosure 1000. However, enclosure 2000
has distinct components, namely guide backplate 2200, plate 2400,
lock plate 2600, and latches 2300(a and b).
[0086] Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22 together, lock plate 2600
is member having a round footprint with a distal end portion 2610
and a proximal end portion 2650. Distal end portion 2610 is
substantially round and planar, having circular channel 2611
removed from the center thereof configured to retain spring 1500
therein. There are round pins 2612 and 2613 disposed upon the
distal face of lock plate 2600 and extending distally
therefrom.
[0087] There are opposing longitudinal projections 2651 and 2652
extending proximally from distal end portion 2610. Projections 2651
and 2652 are disposed about the periphery of distal end portion
2610, thereby defining proximal end portion 2650.
[0088] With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 together, guide plate 2400
is a discal member having a substantially parabolic profile with a
distal face 2450 and a proximal face 2410. There are opposing
projections 2420 and 2430 extending distally from the periphery of
proximal face 2410. There are round lateral guides 2435 and 2425
extending laterally from respective projections 2430 and 2425.
Projections 2430 and 2425 circumscribe only a portion of the
periphery of proximal face 2410, thereby defining walls 2426, 2435,
2437, and 2427.
[0089] Distal face 2450 has a circular channel 2451 removed
therefrom that is operatively configured to retain spring 1500
therein.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 25, latches 2300(a and b) are
substantially planar members having a first, narrow end 2310, and a
second broad end 2350. An aperture 2320 traverses latches 2300(a
and b) at the first end. The profile of the lateral edge of the
second end is curve defining a fillet 2360.
[0091] Referring now to FIG. 26, backplate 2200 is a substantially
frustoconical member having a distal face 2210. Distal face 2210
has a substantially planar portion 2220 configured to abut the
proximal face 1101 of mounting plate 1100. There is a interlock
2230 extending distally from proximal face 2210. Interlock 2230 has
two apertures 1231(a and b) disposed on a lateral face 2232
thereof. There is a battery recess 2240 disposed upon the distal
face of backplate 2200 operatively configured to retain a
electrical cell therewithin behind a complementary battery door
1201.
[0092] Referring now to FIG. 27, the distal portion of backplate
2200 is shown having a coupling portion 2250 disposed about the
center thereof. Coupling portion 2250 is annular projection
extending proximally from the proximal face of backplate 2200.
Coupling portion 2250 has an external face 2251 which has opposing
longitudinal guides 2252(a and b) disposed thereupon. Further,
coupling portion 2250 has an internal face 2253 having
substantially chiral cam trains 2260(a and b) recessed therein.
[0093] With reference to FIG. 28, cam train 2260 comprises a
plurality of contours removed from interior face 2253 defining a
plurality of cam surfaces including a first ramp 2261, a second
ramp 2262, a first wall 2263, a ceiling 2264, a second wall 2265,
and an island 2266 located therebetween.
[0094] With returning reference to FIG. 20, a method of assembling
enclosure 2000 will now be described. In the configuration shown,
latches 2300(a and b) are oriented such that their respective
apertures 2320 are disposed about pins 2613 and 2612. Lock plate
2600 and spring 1500 are disposed between latches 2300 and guide
plate 2400 as shown, with spring 1500 providing a separational
biasing force between guide plate 2400 and lock plate 2600.
[0095] A method of using enclosure 2000 will now be described.
Mounting plate 1100 is provided in a state in which it has been
affixed to a substantially immobile surface, including for instance
a wall or ceiling. Enclosure 2000 is then provided in a first
state, as shown in Figure, wherein latches 2310(a and b) do not
protrude from apertures 1231(a and b) and lateral guides 2425 and
2435 are disposed within the distal-most portions of cam trains
2260(a and b).
[0096] Next, interlock 1230 is inserted into aperture 1120 such
that proximal face 1101 abuts planar portion 1220. Next, an
actuator, including for instance, the handle of a broomstick, is
inserted through entry fitting 1700 against guide plate 1400. Guide
plate 1400 is then translated distally relative to the remainder of
enclosure dislodging lateral guides 1425 and 1435 from second ramp
1262 and allowing guides 1425 and 1435 to rotate into a second
state wherein the guides abut second wall 1265. In this second
state, distal translation of guides by spring 1500 is no longer
blocked by island 1266 thereby allowing rotating the assembly and
shortening the distance between pins 2613 and 2612 and their
respective apertures 1231(a and b) thereby causing the broad end
2350 of latches 2300(a and b) to protrude therefrom.
[0097] In this second state, the assembly is mechanically coupled
to mounting plate 1100. The actuator may now be removed from the
device. In order to return the device into the first state in which
it may again be separated from mounting plate 1100, an actuator
must again? be reinserted and applied against guide plate 2400 with
sufficient force to overcome the proximal bias of spring 1500
thereby translating guides 2425 and 2435 relative to cam trains
2260(a and b) consequently rotating the assembly and concealing
latches 2300(a and b) and allowing the assembly to be disengaged
from mounting plate 1100.
[0098] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure
shown in FIGS. 29 through 37, further embodiments of coupling an
enclosed volume to a surface are disclosed. These are shown as a
mechanism only, but one of ordinary skill in the that will
understand these mechanisms to be fix to an enclosed volume at a
proximal end thereof and.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 29, housing body 3200 further
comprises a proximal plate 3210, a support body 3220, wheel
assemblies 3300(a and b), a slide body 3400, and a spring 3500.
[0100] Referring now to FIG. 30, a proximal plate 3210 and support
body 3220 are shown. Proximal plate 3210 is a substantially planar
circular member shaped to occupy a complementary recess within
enclosure body 3205, defining a substantially uninterrupted surface
when inserted therein. There is an aperture 3211 which traverses
proximal plate 3210 and is oriented relative to corresponding
structures on support body 3220. Support body 3220 is a rigid body
protruding distally from the distal face of proximal plate 3210.
Support body 3220 comprises legs 3221(a-d), and surface 3222.
[0101] Legs 3221(a-d) are substantially similar structures
protruding is a substantially orthogonal relation from proximal
plate 3210 and substantially parallel to one another. Legs
3221(a-d) each further comprise an aperture 3222 configured to
rotably retain a wheel assembly 3300 therein.
[0102] Referring now to FIG. 31, wheel assembly 3300 is shown,
comprising an axle 3310 having a first end 3310(a) and second end
3310(b), a first toothed gear 3320(a), second toothed gear 3320(b),
spacer 3340(a), spacer 3340(b), and lock 3330 disposed
thereupon.
[0103] Toothed gears 3320(a and b) are round members having a
plurality of ratcheting teeth 3321 disposed thereupon. The
`ratcheting` action of teeth 3321 may be provided by either their
being composed of a compliant material making the teeth deformable,
or a ratcheting mechanism disposed in the coupling between gears
3320(a and b) and axle 3310.
[0104] Referring now to FIG. 32, Lock 3330 is a rigid, planar
member having a a medial end portion 3331, and lateral end portion
3332. Medial end portion 3331 is mechanically coupled to axle 3310.
Lateral end portion 3332 comprises two round pins 3333(a and b)
projecting in opposing directions therefrom in substantially
parallel relation to axle 3310. The ends of pins 3333(a and b) are
rounded to accommodate insertion into a complementary
structure.
[0105] Reference now to FIGS. 31 and 32 together, spacers 3340 (a
and b) are rigid, substantially planar, discal, round members
mechanically coupled to axle 3310. Spacers 3340(a and b) have a
first side 3345 and a second side 3341. First side 3345 has a
substantially planar and arcuate bearing surface 3346, while second
side 3341 has substantial material removed therefrom defining a
clearance area 3342.
[0106] Referring now to FIG. 33, a mounting plate 3100 is shown.
Mounting plate 3100 comprises a distal plate 3110 with a supports
3120(a-d) and guides 3230(a-d) extending proximally therefrom.
Supports 3120(a-d) are rigid members having a substantially arcuate
profile at the proximal end portion thereof defining a bearing
surface 3121. There is an arcuate groove cut into the medial side
of the bearing surface 3121 thereby defining bearing surface 3122
and retaining tab 3123. Supports 3120(a-d) and guides 3230(a-d) are
spaced to accommodate the rotation of wheel assemblies 3300(a and
b) therein as shown in FIG. 24.
[0107] Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35 together, a slide body 3400
is shown. Side body is a rigid member having a substantially
rectangular shape. There are four linear gears 3410(a-d) disposed
on opposite sides of opposing faces thereof. There is a groove 3420
removed from the distal surface of slide body 3400 shaped to
receive spring 3500 therein. Further, there is a cavity 3430
disposed within slide body 3400, having a substantially cylindrical
shape and opening to the proximal face thereof.
[0108] With returning reference to FIG. 29, a method of assembling
enclosure 3000 will not be described. Slide body 3400 is positioned
as shown such cavity 3430 is oriented in a substantially concentric
relation to aperture 3211. Next, axles 3310 of wheel assemblies
3340(a and b) are assembled as shown such that they are rotably
disposed within apertures 3222 of proximal plate 3210 and toothed
gears 3320(a and b) are ratchetably coupled against linear gears
3410(a-d).
[0109] A method of using enclosure 3000 will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 36(a-h). Initially, enclosure 3000 is provided
in a first state, as shown in FIG. 36(a), wherein both slide body
3400 and pins 3333(a and b) are oriented at the proximal-most
portion of the respective travels. Next, as shown in FIG. 36(b),
the enclosure body is translated distally by an actuator inserted
into aperture 3211, including for instance, the handle of a broom,
relative to mounting plate 3100 such that bearing surfaces 3121
abut bearing surfaces 3346.
[0110] Next, as shown in FIG. 36(c), slide body 3400 is translated
distal relative to the remainder of the assembly, overcoming the
biasing force of spring 3500. This translation also results in
movement of linear gears 3410(a-d) relative to toothed gears 3320(a
and b), thereby radially displacing pins 3333(a and b).
[0111] Next, as shown in FIG. 36(d), slide body 3400 is translated
to the distal-most portion of its travel thereby aligning pins
3333(a and b) behind tab 3123. Next, the actuator is removed, and
the biasing force of spring 3500 allows slide body 3400 to ratchet
past toothed gears 3320(a and b) thereby configuring the device in
a third, locked configuration, as shown in FIG. 36(e) wherein
housing body 3200 is fixed to plate 3100.
[0112] In order to separate housing body 3200 from plate 3100, an
actuator is again inserted into aperture 3211, thereby overcoming
the biasing force of spring 3500 and translating slide body 3400
distally relative to the remainder of the assembly. This
translation also results in a radial translation of pins 3333
relative to tabs 3123 as shown in FIG. 36(f). Once pins 3333 have
cleared tabs 3123, housing body 3200 may be separated from plate
3100 as shown in FIG. 36(g)
[0113] Although in the embodiment of the present disclosure
described above as enclosure 3000, engagement occurs by the mating
of complementary pins 3333 to tabs 3123, there are further
embodiments of the present disclosure such as enclosure 4000 that
shown in FIG. 37, where similar coupling may be achieved by use of
complementary positive and negatively charged magnets 4000(a-f) in
the place of the aforementioned pins and shelves.
[0114] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
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