LOCKING CONNECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

In an example, a mounting apparatus for pivotably securing an item can include a central body defining a raised slot and an aperture on a front face and a locking assembly. The locking assembly can include a pivotable plate insertable within the raised slot of the central body and defining a locking slot and an item receptacle, a locking pin insertable through the aperture of the central body and towards the locking slot of the pivotable plate to limit rotation of the pivotable plate, and a forward biasing member providing a force to bias the locking pin towards the locking slot, wherein the item is coupled to the item receptacle to rotate with the pivotable plate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an adjustable locking assembly, and more specifically, to a rotatable, spring-loaded mechanism for a pivotable connection.

BACKGROUND

Traditional adjustable locking assemblies enable a user to secure an item, such as a firearm within a holster, such that the item can remain in place while being angularly variable. These traditional locking assemblies often rely upon gear systems with tight tolerances for generating a gear-based interference fit. The gear-based interference fits of these locking assemblies introduce slop, or undesired rotation, during use. To overcome the undesired rotation, tighter tolerances have been used during manufacturing; however, tighter tolerances increase manufacturing costs and difficulty. Further, traditional adjustable locking assemblies require full removal of the secured tool for adjustment or rotation. As such, a readily-rotatable and simple to manufacture adjustable locking assembly is desirable.

SUMMARY

Various details of the present disclosure are hereinafter summarized to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and is neither intended to identify certain elements of the disclosure, nor to delineate the scope thereof. Rather, the primary purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form prior to the more detailed description that is presented hereinafter.

In an example, a mounting apparatus for pivotably securing an item can include a central body defining a raised slot and an aperture on a front face and a locking assembly. The locking assembly can include a pivotable plate insertable within the raised slot of the central body and defining a locking slot and an item receptacle. The locking assembly can further include a locking pin insertable through the aperture of the central body and towards the locking slot of the pivotable plate to limit rotation of the pivotable plate, and a forward biasing member providing a force to bias the locking pin towards the locking slot, wherein the item is coupled to the item receptacle to rotate with the pivotable plate.

In another example, a rotatable mounting system can include a polygonal protrusion extending laterally from a mount, and a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus can include a central body defining a raised slot and an aperture on a front face and a locking assembly. The locking assembly can include a pivotable plate receivable within the raised slot of the central body and defining a locking slot and an item receptacle sized to receive the polygonal protrusion. The locking assembly can further include a locking pin insertable through the aperture and towards the locking slot to limit rotation of the pivotable plate within the raised slot.

In an even further example, a mounting apparatus for pivotably securing an item can include a front plate defining a central aperture and a raised slot, a rear plate matable to the front plate to define an internal cavity, and a locking assembly housed at least partially within the internal cavity. The locking assembly can include a pivotable plate receivable within the raised slot of the front plate and defining a locking slot and an item receptacle, and a locking pin insertable through the central aperture and towards the locking slot to prevent rotation of pivotable plate within the raised slot. The locking assembly can further include a forward biasing member providing a force to bias the locking pin towards the locking slot, wherein the item is coupled to the item receptacle to rotate with the pivotable plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example mounting apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a rear internal view of the example mounting apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a top cross-sectional view of the locking assembly of the mounting apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the isolated pivotable plate with the locking pin inserted therein.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the locking assembly comprising the pivotable plate, locking pin, locking bracket, and a polygonal protrusion.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the pivotable plate showing the tapered shape of the interior teeth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements in the various figures may be denoted by similar reference numerals for consistency. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. Additionally, it will be apparent that the scale of the elements presented in the accompanying figures may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Shapes and/or dimensions shown in the figures are for example, and other shapes and/or dimensions may be used and remain within the scope of the present disclosure, unless specified otherwise.

Mounting brackets and other mounting apparatuses are commonly utilized for securing and adjusting a multitude of tools, including cameras, mobile devices, firearms, sensors, and safety equipment, among other items. The ability to secure a tool to a fixed surface or on an operator's body can enable quick or easy access to a tool or device that can be frequently used and stowed. Further, the ability to modify or adjust the mounting direction or angle can be ergonomically advantageous and can provide increased efficiency of use, particularly when mounted on an operator. The mounting apparatus, locking assembly, and the method of use disclosed herein can enable securing of a mounted item to a surface or an operator, and can further enable simple and quick alteration of the stowing angle for the mounted item. Further, the locking assembly described herein can be manufactured in a simpler and cheaper manner than traditional locking mechanisms due to redundant rotation resistance and looser tolerances required for operation.

The term “mounted item” as used herein can include a firearm, a knife, a flashlight, or any object that can extend an individual's or users ability to modify features of a surrounding environment. The term “mounting apparatus” and its derivatives as used herein can include any sleeve, device and/or apparatus that can be used to hold and/or restrict a movement of a tool. While examples are presented herein wherein the mounting apparatus is situated on a user, in other examples, the mounting apparatus may be situated on an object (e.g., under a steering column).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example mounting apparatus 100, which incorporates principles of the present disclosure. The mounting apparatus 100 includes a front plate 102 and a rear plate 104 that can be coupled to form a central body of the mounting apparatus 100. The rear plate 104 can include a plurality of elongated side elements 106 which define one or more slots 108. In some embodiments, the plurality of elongated side elements 106 and one or more slots 108 are utilized for mounting the mounting apparatus 100 to an operator's belt or other threadable material. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the mounting apparatus 100 includes one or more elastically deformable elements 110 mated to a backside of the rear plate 104. The one or more elastically deformable elements 110 can be deformed such that an article of clothing or mountable surface can be placed between the elastically deformable elements 110 and the mounting apparatus 100.

The front plate 102 can include a raised slot 112 on a front face of the front plate 102. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the raised slot 112 can form a partially circular surface with an open top, such that one or more components can be inserted within the raised slot 112 from above and retained therein. In some embodiments, the raised slot 112 can receive a pivotable plate 114 which can be retained therein. The pivotable plate 114 can define a raised portion 116 protruding away from the front plate 102, and the raised portion 116 may define an item receptacle 118 therethrough. While the item receptacle 118 is gear-shaped in the illustrated embodiment, the item receptacle 118 may be defined in any polygonal shape to enable insertion in one or more orientations.

The item receptacle 118 can receive a polygonal protrusion (e.g., the polygonal protrusion 502) from an item mount (not shown) to enable rotation of the mounted item along with the pivotable plate 114. The pivotable plate 114 may further define a gap 120 between the pivotable plate 114 and the raised portion 116. In some embodiments, the gap 120 is sized such that the raised portion 116 protrudes past the raised slot 112, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The gap 120 may enable the insertion of a locking bracket 122 within the pivotable plate 114. The locking bracket 122 can generate an interference fit between the item mount and the pivotable plate 114, such that the item mount may be retained within the mounting apparatus 100. In at least one embodiment, the mounted item is a holster and the mounting apparatus 100 is a waist mount for said holster.

The mounting apparatus 100 can further include a locking pin 124 housed within an internal cavity formed between the front plate 102 and the rear plate 104. The locking pin 124 can be biased forward towards the pivotable plate 114 to provide a locking action and to limit rotation of the pivotable plate 114. The mounting apparatus 100 can further include one or more translatable members 126 at least partially received within the front plate 102 and into the internal cavity defined between the front plate 102 and the rear plate 104. The translatable members 126 are operable to provide a lateral force to the mounting apparatus 100 and translate the locking pin 124 away from the pivotable plate 114. Translation of the locking pin 124 away from the pivotable plate 114 can enable rotation of the pivotable plate 114 and attached item mount as desired. The translatable members 126 can be accordingly released with the cessation of the applied lateral force, and the locking pin 124 may translate towards the pivotable plate 114 to lock the pivotable plate in an adjusted orientation. In some embodiments, the pivotable plate 114 and locking pin 124 can form a “locking assembly” operable to lock and unlock the orientation of the mounting apparatus 100.

FIG. 2 is a rear internal view of the example mounting apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 1, such that internal mechanisms can be seen. Thus, reference can be made to the example of FIG. 1 in the example of FIG. 2. An interior view of the front plate 102 is provided, such that the internal cavity created between the front plate 102 and the rear plate 104 of FIG. 1 can be visualized. The internal cavity of the mounting apparatus 100 can house a forward biasing member 202 that provides a force to the locking pin 124 to bias the locking pin 124 towards the front plate 102. In some embodiments, the forward biasing member 202 can be a central compression spring interposing the locking pin 124 and the rear plate 104 of FIG. 1 and providing a spring force to the locking pin 124. In these embodiments, the forward biasing member 202 can be received within a recessed rear face of the locking pin 124. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, however, that the forward biasing member 202 could include any mechanism for providing a biasing force to the locking pin 124 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the forward biasing member 202 can be included along with the pivotable plate 114 and locking pin 124 to form the “locking assembly” operable to lock and unlock the orientation of the mounting apparatus 100.

The internal cavity of the mounting apparatus 100 can further house one or more lateral biasing members 204 therein. The lateral biasing members 204 can provide a lateral biasing force to the translatable members 126 to maintain an extended state, as shown, when not acted upon. As discussed above, however, a lateral force can be applied to overcome the force of the lateral biasing members 204 and to translate the translatable members 126 towards the locking pin 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral biasing members 204 include two compression springs interposing the two translatable members 126. However, any number of lateral biasing members 204 and translatable members 126 can be included without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the lateral biasing members 204 may be received within raised walls 206 inside the internal cavity. The raised walls 206 may span some portion of the lateral biasing members 204 to retain the lateral biasing members 204 and limit translation thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the raised walls 206 may prevent translation of the lateral biasing members 204 during compression.

The translatable members 126 can include a protruding tab 208 extending from the translatable members 126 and towards the locking pin 124. The protruding tab 208 may be slidingly engageable with a corresponding surface of the locking pin 124 (e.g., the corresponding tabs 304 of FIG. 3). As the translatable members 126 are urged inward towards the locking pin 124, the protruding tab 208 may slidingly engage the locking pin 124 to convert the lateral force into a force opposing that of the forward biasing member 202. The sliding engagement of the protruding tab 208 and the locking pin 124 can continue until the locking pin 124 is unseated from the pivotable plate 114 of FIG. 1, thus enabling rotation of the pivotable plate 114 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top cross-sectional view of the locking assembly of the mounting apparatus 100, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. Thus, reference can be made to examples of FIGS. 1-2 in the example of FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, an internal cavity 302 of the locking pin 124 is shown during insertion into the pivotable plate 114. The internal cavity 302 may receive the forward biasing member 202 of FIG. 2, such that the natural forward bias of the locking pin 124 is provided at the front of the locking pin 124 as travels towards the pivotable plate 114.

As discussed above, the protruding tabs 208 of the translatable members 126 may abut one or more corresponding tabs 304 of the locking pin 124. As each of the translatable members 126 are translated towards the locking pin 124 against the force of the lateral biasing members 204, the protruding tabs 208 slidingly engage the angled surface of the one or more corresponding tabs 304. The sliding engagement of the protruding tabs 208 and corresponding tabs 304 can provide a downward force against the locking pin 124 and the forward biasing member 202. This downward force and motion of the locking pin 124 can separate the mating mechanisms of the mounting apparatus 100, such that the pivotable plate 114 is free to rotate along with any mated items. Upon reaching a desired location or angle of the pivotable plate 114 and mated item, the inward pressure on the translatable members 126 and lateral biasing members 204 can be reduced. The translatable members 126 can be returned to an original position with the extension of the lateral biasing members 204 to a resting state, and the forward biasing member 202 may bias the locking pin 124 towards the pivotable plate 114.

Further, FIG. 3 illustrates a tapered surface 306 of the locking pin 124. The locking pin 124 abuts the pivotable plate 114 during locking. The force of the forward biasing member 202 can be large enough that the tapered surface 306 creates an interference fit with the pivotable plate 114 when the translatable members 126 are in the original position as shown in FIG. 3. The interference fit between the tapered surface 306 and the pivotable plate 114 can inhibit motion of the pivotable plate 114 and provide a mating mechanism between the components of the locking assembly. Accordingly, downward motion of the locking pin 124 unseats the tapered surface 306 from the interior of the pivotable plate 114, and enables rotation of the pivotable plate 114. The illustrated embodiment further shows the gap 120 and a cross-sectional view of the raised slot 112 on the front plate 102. The gap 120 may be seen to extend the raised portion 116 past the thickness of the raised slot 112.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the isolated pivotable plate 114 with the locking pin 124 inserted therein, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Thus, reference can be made to examples of FIGS. 1-3 in the example of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the pivotable plate 114 can include a plurality of interior teeth 402 that protrude inwards towards the locking pin 124. The locking pin 124 can similarly define a plurality of exterior teeth 404 protruding radially outward from the locking pin and retainable within the interior teeth 402. The plurality of interior teeth 402 and the plurality of exterior teeth 404 enable locking in a set number of angles for the mounted item and pivotable plate 114 during adjustment.

The exterior teeth 404 can provide further adjustment of the pivotable plate 114 during re-mating, such that the forward motion of the locking pin 124 from the forward biasing member 202 of FIG. 2 may force alignment of the interior teeth 402 of the pivotable plate 114 between the exterior teeth 404. In at least one embodiment, the angular interference between the plurality of interior teeth 402 and the plurality of exterior teeth 404 can additionally limit rotation or translation of the pivotable plate 114 as the forward biasing member 202 of FIG. 2 biases the locking pin 124 towards the pivotable plate 114. As such, the plurality of interior teeth 402 and the plurality of exterior teeth 404 may supplement the interference fit generated between the tapered surface 306 of the locking pin 124 and the pivotable plate 114 to prevent rotation.

While the mating of the interior teeth 402 and exterior teeth 404 enable angular locking of the pivotable plate 114, the spacing of the interior teeth 402 is greater than the width of the exterior teeth 404 such that a clearance 406 is provided around each of the exterior teeth 404. The clearance 406 simplifies manufacturing of the mounting apparatus 100 by allowing for greater manufacturing tolerances in production. Similarly, the redundancy of the interior teeth 402 and exterior teeth 404 with the tapered surface 306 for limiting rotation enables shallower interior teeth 402 and exterior teeth 404. The interior teeth 402 and exterior teeth 404 can be shallower and thus less structurally sound, as the main mechanism of locking is provided by the tapered surface 306. Thus, the manufacture of the mounting apparatus 100 is further simplified when compared to conventional gear or teeth locking systems.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the locking assembly comprising the pivotable plate 114, locking pin 124, locking bracket 122, and a polygonal protrusion 502, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Thus, reference can be made to examples of FIGS. 1-4 in the example of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the polygonal protrusion 502 may be shaped and sized to fit within the item receptacle 118. The polygonal protrusion 502 may include a rear structure 504 that extends away from the polygonal protrusion 502. While not shown here, the rear structure 504 can extend into a holster or other item mount operable to stow an item therein. The polygonal protrusion 502 may be accordingly inserted within the item receptacle 118, and the locking bracket 122 may be inserted through bracket slot 506 of the pivotable plate 114. The locking bracket 122 may thus form an interference fit between a rear face of the raised portion 116 and the rear face 508 of the polygonal protrusion 502 flanking the rear structure 504. With the insertion of the locking bracket 122, the polygonal protrusion 502 and the attached item mount may be mated to the pivotable plate 114 for synchronized rotation.

Further shown in the exploded view of FIG. 5, the interior teeth 402 of the pivotable plate further include a tapered shape that is shown to shallow and slant away from a central locking slot 510 of the pivotable plate 114. The slanting of each tapered shape further assists in locating and mating between the interior teeth 402 and exterior teeth 404, such that direct contact against the tips of each tapered shape is unlikely. The tapered shape can deflect incoming exterior teeth 404 to either side and into the gaps formed between the interior teeth 402 to facilitate locking thereof. In some embodiments, the pivotable plate 114 further includes a slanted interior surface 512 between the interior teeth 402, such that an interference fit is generated between the pivotable plate 114 and the tapered surface 306 of the locking pin 124. The tapered surface 306 of the locking pin 124 is provided between the exterior teeth 404, such that the combination of interference fits provides rotational locking and resists torque while locked. As with the interior teeth 402 of the pivotable plate 114, the exterior teeth 404 can taper, such that exterior tooth tips 514 are included thereon. The exterior tooth tips 514 can define a triangular tip on each of the exterior teeth 404, such that the locating and mating of the interior teeth 402 and exterior teeth 404 are facilitated. In at least one embodiment, the locking pin 124 further includes one or more tabs 516, which can be mated to the front plate 102 to prevent rotation of the locking pin 124 during adjustment of the locking assembly.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the pivotable plate 114 showing the tapered shape of the interior teeth 402. Further shown in FIG. 6, the rear portions of each interior tooth 402 may similarly taper to an interior tooth tip 602 towards the locking slot 510. The interior tooth tips 602 can define a triangular tip on each of the interior teeth 402, such that the locating and mating of the interior teeth 402 and exterior teeth 404 are facilitated. As the forward biasing member 202 pushes the locking pin 124 towards the pivotable plate 114, the interior tooth tips 602 of the interior teeth 402 and the exterior tooth tips 514 of the exterior teeth 404 can guide each other towards a locked position while forcing the interference fit of the tapered surface 306 with the pivotable plate 114. Accordingly, the interior teeth 402 and exterior teeth 404 can be used for guided positioning of the locking assembly, as well as preventing sticking during the locking process.

Embodiments disclosed herein include:

A. A mounting apparatus for pivotably securing an item including a central body defining a raised slot and an aperture on a front face, and a locking assembly comprising a pivotable plate insertable within the raised slot of the central body and defining a locking slot and an item receptacle, a locking pin insertable through the aperture of the central body and towards the locking slot of the pivotable plate to limit rotation of the pivotable plate, and a forward biasing member providing a force to bias the locking pin towards the locking slot, wherein the item is coupled to the item receptacle to rotate with the pivotable plate.

B. A rotatable mounting system including a polygonal protrusion extending laterally from a mount, and a mounting apparatus comprising a central body defining a raised slot and an aperture on a front face, and a locking assembly comprising a pivotable plate receivable within the raised slot of the central body and defining a locking slot and an item receptacle sized to receive the polygonal protrusion, and a locking pin insertable through the aperture and towards the locking slot to limit rotation of the pivotable plate within the raised slot.

C. A mounting apparatus for pivotably securing an item including a front plate defining a central aperture and a raised slot, a rear plate matable to the front plate to define an internal cavity, and a locking assembly housed at least partially within the internal cavity, the locking assembly comprising a pivotable plate receivable within the raised slot of the front plate and defining a locking slot and an item receptacle, a locking pin insertable through the central aperture and towards the locking slot to prevent rotation of pivotable plate within the raised slot, and a forward biasing member providing a force to bias the locking pin towards the locking slot, wherein the item is coupled to the item receptacle to rotate with the pivotable plate.

Each of embodiments A through C may have one or more of the following additional elements in any combination: Element 1: wherein the pivotable plate includes a plurality of interior teeth projecting radially inward towards a center of the locking slot. Element 2: wherein the locking pin includes a plurality of exterior teeth defined on a tapered surface of the locking pin, and wherein the exterior teeth and the interior teeth angularly interfere to prevent rotation of the locking pin within the locking slot. Element 3: wherein the interior teeth are spaced at a greater distance than a width of the exterior teeth to create a clearance around each of the exterior teeth. Element 4: wherein the locking pin includes one or more tapered tabs laterally protruding from the pivotable plate. Element 5: further comprising: one or more translatable members partially received within the central body and including a protruding tab engageable with the one or more tapered tabs to provide a force opposite to the forward biasing member; and one or more lateral biasing members providing a lateral force to bias the translatable members away from the locking pin. Element 6: wherein two translatable members are arranged on opposing sides of the locking pin, and wherein two lateral biasing members connect the two translatable members. Element 7: wherein the locking pin includes a tapered surface protruding from a front face of the locking pin, and wherein the pivotable plate includes a complementary slanted surface around a rear face of the locking slot. Element 8: wherein the forward biasing member is a central spring and provides a spring force sufficient to generate an interference fit between the tapered surface and the complementary slanted surface.

Element 9: wherein the central body further includes a plurality of elongated side elements defining one or more slots for insertion of a threadable material. Element 10: wherein the pivotable plate further defines a bracket slot interposing the locking slot and item receptacle. Element 11: further comprising: a locking bracket insertable within bracket slot to generate an interference fit between a rear face of the polygonal protrusion and the pivotable plate. Element 12: wherein the polygonal protrusion and the item receptacle are gear-shaped. Element 13: wherein the locking pin includes one or more tapered tabs laterally protruding from the pivotable plate within the internal cavity. Element 14: further comprising: one or more translatable members protruding from the internal cavity and including a protruding tab engageable with the one or more tapered tabs; and one or more lateral biasing members mated to the one or more translatable members and providing a lateral force to bias the translatable members away from the locking pin. Element 15: wherein the translatable members are translatable into the internal cavity upon overcoming the lateral force, and wherein translation of the translatable members counteracts the forward biasing member. Element 16: wherein the forward biasing member is a compression spring, and wherein compression of the compression spring disengages the locking pin from the locking slot to enable rotation of the pivotable plate. Element 17: further comprising: a locking bracket receivable within a bracket slot of the pivotable plate and insertable to generate an interference fit between the item and the pivotable plate.

By way of non-limiting example, exemplary combinations applicable to A through C include: Element 1 with Element 2; Element 2 with Element 3; Element 4 with Element 5; Element 4 with Element 6; Element 7 with Element 8; Element 10 with Element 11; Element 13 with Element 14; Element 14 with Element 15; and Element 15 with Element 16.

As used herein, the term “coupled” or “coupled to” or “connected” or “connected to” or “attached” or “attached to” may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such. Wherever possible, like or identical reference numerals are used in the figures to identify common or the same elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale for purposes of clarification.

It is to be further understood that like or similar numerals in the drawings represent like or similar elements through the several figures, and that not all components or steps described and illustrated with reference to the figures are required for all embodiments or arrangements.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “contains”, “containing”, “includes”, “including,” “comprises”, and/or “comprising,” and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Terms of orientation are used herein merely for purposes of convention and referencing and are not to be construed as limiting. However, it is recognized these terms could be used with reference to an operator or user. Accordingly, no limitations are implied or to be inferred. In addition, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third) is for distinction and not counting. For example, the use of “third” does not imply there is a corresponding “first” or “second.” Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

While the disclosure has described several exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation, or material to embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, or to the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mounting apparatus for pivotably securing an item, comprising: a central body defining a raised slot and an aperture on a front face; anda locking assembly comprising: a pivotable plate insertable within the raised slot of the central body and defining a locking slot and an item receptacle;a locking pin insertable through the aperture of the central body and towards the locking slot of the pivotable plate to limit rotation of the pivotable plate; anda forward biasing member providing a force to bias the locking pin towards the locking slot,wherein the item is coupled to the item receptacle to rotate with the pivotable plate.

2. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivotable plate includes a plurality of interior teeth projecting radially inward towards a center of the locking slot.

3. The mounting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the locking pin includes a plurality of exterior teeth defined on a tapered surface of the locking pin, and wherein the exterior teeth and the interior teeth angularly interfere to prevent rotation of the locking pin within the locking slot.

4. The mounting apparatus of claim 3, wherein the interior teeth are spaced at a greater distance than a width of the exterior teeth to create a clearance around each of the exterior teeth.

5. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking pin includes one or more tapered tabs laterally protruding from the pivotable plate.

6. The mounting apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: one or more translatable members partially received within the central body and including a protruding tab engageable with the one or more tapered tabs to provide a force opposite to the forward biasing member; andone or more lateral biasing members providing a lateral force to bias the translatable members away from the locking pin.

7. The mounting apparatus of claim 6, wherein two translatable members are arranged on opposing sides of the locking pin, and wherein two lateral biasing members connect the two translatable members.

8. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking pin includes a tapered surface protruding from a front face of the locking pin, and wherein the pivotable plate includes a complementary slanted surface around a rear face of the locking slot.

9. The mounting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the forward biasing member is a central spring and provides a spring force sufficient to generate an interference fit between the tapered surface and the complementary slanted surface.

10. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the central body further includes a plurality of elongated side elements defining one or more slots for insertion of a threadable material.

11. A rotatable mounting system comprising: a polygonal protrusion extending laterally from a mount; anda mounting apparatus comprising: a central body defining a raised slot and an aperture on a front face; anda locking assembly comprising: a pivotable plate receivable within the raised slot of the central body and defining a locking slot and an item receptacle sized to receive the polygonal protrusion; anda locking pin insertable through the aperture and towards the locking slot to limit rotation of the pivotable plate within the raised slot.

12. The rotatable mounting system of claim 11, wherein the pivotable plate further defines a bracket slot interposing the locking slot and item receptacle.

13. The rotatable mounting system of claim 12, further comprising: a locking bracket insertable within bracket slot to generate an interference fit between a rear face of the polygonal protrusion and the pivotable plate.

14. The rotatable mounting system of claim 11, wherein the polygonal protrusion and the item receptacle are gear-shaped.

15. A mounting apparatus for pivotably securing an item, comprising: a front plate defining a central aperture and a raised slot;a rear plate matable to the front plate to define an internal cavity; anda locking assembly housed at least partially within the internal cavity, the locking assembly comprising: a pivotable plate receivable within the raised slot of the front plate and defining a locking slot and an item receptacle;a locking pin insertable through the central aperture and towards the locking slot to prevent rotation of pivotable plate within the raised slot; anda forward biasing member providing a force to bias the locking pin towards the locking slot,wherein the item is coupled to the item receptacle to rotate with the pivotable plate.

16. The mounting apparatus of claim 15, wherein the locking pin includes one or more tapered tabs laterally protruding from the pivotable plate within the internal cavity.

17. The mounting apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: one or more translatable members protruding from the internal cavity and including a protruding tab engageable with the one or more tapered tabs; andone or more lateral biasing members mated to the one or more translatable members and providing a lateral force to bias the translatable members away from the locking pin.

18. The mounting apparatus of claim 17, wherein the translatable members are translatable into the internal cavity upon overcoming the lateral force, and wherein translation of the translatable members counteracts the forward biasing member.

19. The mounting apparatus of claim 18, wherein the forward biasing member is a compression spring, and wherein compression of the compression spring disengages the locking pin from the locking slot to enable rotation of the pivotable plate.

20. The mounting apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a locking bracket receivable within a bracket slot of the pivotable plate and insertable to generate an interference fit between the item and the pivotable plate.