LOCKING MECHANISMS AND STORAGE DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the components of a secure locking mechanism. In particular, the present invention relates to interlocking or complimentary components of a locking mechanism designed to remain closed once the complimentary components of the locking mechanism are engaged with one another.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a need for locking mechanisms that cannot be readily unlocked once engaged without indication of them having been opened. Such locking mechanisms may be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, such locking mechanisms may be useful for enclosures used to store and transport electronic data storage devices such as computers, computer and server hard drives, and other electronic data storage devices including, but not limited to, CD ROM discs, DVD discs, thumb drives and cell phones. These electronic data storage devices frequently contain a great deal of sensitive information that should be kept confidential and secured from unauthorized access. Locking mechanisms of the type disclosed may permit enclosures for electronic data storage devices to be securely locked in a manner that makes unauthorized access to the devices enclosed within them difficult, and if it occurs, readily identifiable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Responsive to the foregoing challenges, applicant has developed an innovative locking mechanism comprising: a male locking mechanism component comprising a locking pin having a shaft extending in an axial direction and a tapered head disposed at a distal end of the shaft, wherein the tapered head includes an angled base extending outward from the shaft at an acute angle relative to the shaft axial direction; and a female locking mechanism component comprising a locking slot having an inner ridge adapted to engage the angled base of the tapered head, wherein the male and female locking, mechanism components are configured such that, once the male and female locking mechanism components are engaged with one another, the male and female locking mechanism components cannot be separated without damaging the components.

Applicant has further developed an innovative storage device comprising: a first shell having a base portion, outer sidewalls extending from the base portion, and interior walls extending from the base portion; a plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion, each said opening including an area of increased diameter and having a shoulder; a second shell adapted to mate with the first shell, said second shell having a base portion, outer sidewalls extending from the base portion, and interior walls extending from the base portion, wherein the second shell interior walls and the first shell interior walls define a storage cavity when the first and second shells are mated; a plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion, each said opening including an area of increased diameter and having a shoulder and being adapted to axially align with one of said plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion; a male locking mechanism component comprising a plug, a tapered head, and a shaft extending in an axial direction from the plug to the tapered head, wherein the male locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage the shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion when the male locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion; a female locking mechanism component comprising a plug and a locking slot having an inner ridge adapted to engage the tapered head of the male locking mechanism component, wherein the female locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage the shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion when the female locking mechanism component is inserted into one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion, and wherein the male and female locking mechanism components are configured such that, once the male and female locking mechanism components are engaged with one another, the male and female locking mechanism components cannot be separated without damaging the components.

Applicant has still further developed an innovative storage device kit comprising: a first shell having a base portion, outer sidewalls extending from the base portion, and interior walls extending from the base portion; a plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion, each said opening having an area of increased diameter and a shoulder; a second shell adapted to mate with the first shell, said second shell having a base portion, outer sidewalls extending from the base portion, and interior walls extending from the base portion, wherein the second shell interior walls and the first shell interior walls define a storage cavity when the first and second shells are mated; a plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion, each said opening having an area of increased diameter and a shoulder and being adapted to axially align with one of said plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion; a plurality of male locking mechanism components each comprising a plug, a tapered head, and a shaft extending in an axial direction from the plug to the tapered head, wherein each male locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage a shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion when the first locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion; a plurality of female locking mechanism components each comprising a plug and a locking slot having an inner ridge adapted to engage the tapered head of one of the plurality of male locking mechanism components, wherein each female locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage a shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion when the female locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion, a plurality of removable male locking mechanism components each comprising a plug, a head portion, and a shaft extending in an axial direction from the plug to the head portion, wherein each removable male locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage a shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion when the removable male locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion; and a plurality of removable female locking mechanism components adapted to removably engage each of the removable male locking mechanism component head portions, wherein the male and female locking mechanism components are configured such that, once the male and female locking mechanism components are engaged with one another, the male and female locking mechanism components cannot be separated without damaging the components, and wherein the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components are configured such that, once the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components are engaged with one another, the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components can be separated without damaging the components.

Applicant has still further developed an innovative storage device comprising: a first shell having a base portion, outer sidewalls extending from the base portion, and interior walls extending from the base portion; a plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion, each said opening including an area of increased diameter and having a shoulder; a second shell adapted to mate with the first shell, said second shell having a base portion, outer sidewalls extending from the base portion, and interior walls extending from the base portion, wherein the second shell interior walls and the first shell interior walls define a storage cavity when the first and second shells are mated; a plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion, each said opening including an area of increased diameter and having a shoulder and being adapted to axially align with one of said plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion; a plurality of removable male locking mechanism components each comprising a plug, a head portion, and a shaft extending in an axial direction from the plug to the head portion, wherein each removable male locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage a shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion when the removable male locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion; and a plurality of removable female locking mechanism components adapted to removably engage each of the removable male locking mechanism component head portions, wherein the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components are configured such that, once the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components are engaged with one another, the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components can be separated without damaging the components

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to assist the understanding of this invention, reference will now be made to the appended drawing, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements. The drawing is exemplary only, and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c illustrate a container constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a locking member constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in an unlocked position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a locking member constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in a locked position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a container having one or more storage trays constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate partial cross-sections of a container and locking mechanisms constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8a-8h illustrate a tapered head portion of a locking mechanism constructed in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1b, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a storage device or container 1, such as but not limited to an electronics disposal container, may be used to provide safe and secure destruction or recycling of electronic data storage devices such as computer and server hard drives and other data storage devices including, but not limited to, CD ROM discs, DVD discs, thumb drives and cellular phones. The container 1 may be made of any durable material, for example, plastic or metal into which electronic data storage devices are placed. The container 1 can be made of materials that are recyclable through common recycling shredders (e.g., plastic, metal, resin, etc.). Single-cavity 1 (e.g., FIG. 1b) and multi-cavity 201 (e.g., FIG. 6) containers can be manufactured. The containers may be manufactured with a locking mechanism that, once closed, cannot be reopened without the device showing obvious signs of tampering and/or damage to the container or locking mechanism.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1a-1c, in an exemplary embodiment, the container may include two complimentary shells 3 and 4, and a spacer 25. For the sake of simplicity, one is referred to as a first or front shell 3 and the other as a second or back shell 4. The first shell 3 and second shell 4 may be structurally similar or the same. Indeed, in an exemplary embodiment the first shell 3 and the second shell 4 are structurally the same or identical. The first shell 3 and second shell 4 may each include a base portion 5, sidewalls 6 extending around the perimeter of the shell from the base portion 5, and interior walls 8. When joined the respective interior walls 8 of each shell 3 and 4 may define a cavity 7 inside.

As shown in FIG. 1a, for increased security, the first and second shells 3 and 4 can include one or more lips 17 which extend toward the opposite shell. Such lips 17 may be arranged in an intermittent spaced manner or continuously around the perimeter of the sidewalls 6 so as to completely seal the perimeter between the first shell 3 and the second shell 4 when they are locked together. In order to provide the desired seal, each lip 17 provided on the first shell 3 must be received in a recess 18 in the sidewall 6 of the opposite second shell 4. The pattern of lips 17 and opposing recesses 18 may be provided in a manner that permits the first and second shells to be identical, or non-identical. Further, in one alternative embodiment, the first shell 3 may include a continuous lip 17 which is received in a continuous recess 18 provided in the opposing second shell 4. It is also appreciated that the lips 17 and recesses 18 may be located on the interior side or exterior side of the sidewalls 6.

With reference to FIGS. 1a, 2 and 3, the first shell 3 and the second shell 4 may each include one or more locking mechanism components. An exemplary embodiment of the locking mechanisms include a male locking pin 9 having a tapered head which can fit into a female locking slot 10. In one embodiment, the container 1 may comprise two complementary halves 3 and 4 (referred to here as a first and second shell) each of which has components of a locking mechanism in each of its four corners. The “male” and “female” components of each locking mechanism may be placed in the interior of the corners of each shell in an alternating fashion such that, once the locking mechanism components of the first shell 3 are engaged with the locking mechanism components of the second shell 4, a cavity 7 formed between the first shell and the second shell is closed and the first shell and the second shell cannot be separated without damaging the container. With reference to FIGS. 2, and 3, the male locking pin 9 is comprised of a tapered head 13 with a base 22 each half of which extends outward away from the shaft 11 and sidewalls 23 that extend from the angled base 22 and converge as they the approach the apex 24 of the tapered head. The base 22 of the tapered head 13 may extend in a direction generally orthogonal to the axial direction of the male locking pin 9 so as to provide a surface which can lock against the inner ridge 21 of the female locking slot 10. In a preferred embodiment, the angled base 22 may extend outward from the shaft 11 to the outer most side portions of the tapered head 13 at an acute angle relative to the shaft axial direction (i.e., at an angle equal to 90 degrees minus theta “Θ”). The inner ridge 21 of the female locking slot 10 may be set at an angle complimentary to that of the angled base 22 of the tapered head 13, such that the angled base of the tapered head and the angled inner ridge of the female locking slot are substantially parallel to one another when upon closure of the locking mechanism, the base 22 of the tapered head 13 has passed beyond the inner ridge 21 of the female locking slot 10, as depicted in FIG. 3.

The female locking slot 10, defined by sidewalls 20, may extend beyond the ridge 21 to receive the tapered head 13 therein. In other words, the length of the shaft 11 from its origin 12 to the base 22 of the tapered head 13 of the male portion of the locking pin 9 may be slightly greater than the depth of the female locking slot 10 from its origin to the point where it widens to form the ridge 21, so that the base 22 of the tapered head 13 can pass beyond the ridge 21 of the female locking slot 10 when the two portions of the locking mechanism are pressed together.

In an exemplary embodiment, the female locking slot 10 may include sidewalls 20 which define a hollow cavity 19. The space between the sidewalls 20 of the hollow cavity 19 near the location of the ridge 21 may be slightly wider than the thickness of the shaft 11 and narrower than the base 22 of the tapered head 13 of the male locking pin 9 . The sidewalls of the female locking slot 10 may be pliable and designed so that the space between them can widen as the tapered head 13 passes between them on closure. In other words, the female locking slot 10 may be defined by sidewalls 20 adapted to deform outwardly as a result of the male locking pin 9 tapered head 13 passing through the female locking slot. When the base 22 of the tapered head 13 of the male locking pin 9 passes beyond the ridge 21 of the female locking slot 10, the sidewalls 20 of the female locking slot may rebound and assume their original configuration preventing the male locking pin 9 from being withdrawn from the female locking slot 10. The sidewalls 20 of the female locking slot 10 may be pliable and designed so that the space between them can narrow if there is an attempted withdrawal of the male locking pin 9 from the female locking slot 10. In this case, pressure applied to the angled inner ridge 21 of the female locking slot 10, by the angled base 22 of the tapered head 13 of the male locking pin 9 may cause the space between the sidewalls 20 of the hollow cavity 19 to narrow, causing increasing resistance to opening the device and preventing the removal of the male portion of the locking mechanism from the female portion once the locking system is closed. In some instances the sidewalls 20 may be drawn inward enough to engage the shaft 11 of the male locking pin 9.

With renewed reference to FIG. 1a, the sidewalls 6 of the container 1 may be crenellated (with merlons 40 and crenels 41), in whole or in part, or otherwise designed to prevent a foreign object from being inserted between walls of the two shells of the storage container to pry it open. For example, the corner portion of the sidewalls 6 of the shells 3 and 4 may be formed such that when the crenellated portion of the sidewall of one shell is engaged with the crenellated portion of either an opposing shell or an intermediate tray, the merlons 40 of one piece fit into the crenels 41 of the other.

As shown in FIG. 4, in yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, a multi-layered/multi-cavity storage device 201 may include a first or front shell 203 and a second or back shell 204 which have multiple cavities 274 within their interior walls 273. Further, the number of cavities within the storage device 201 can be increased with the addition of one or more intermediate trays 350. The multi-layered/multi-cavity storage device 201 may include multiple locking mechanisms in various locations. In this example they are in each corner but they could be in the sides or in locations in the interior of the device. Each locking mechanism may include a male locking pin 209 that can fit into a female locking slot 210 on an opposing and complementary shell or tray. In addition, the first shell 203 and the second shell 204 can include male alignment pins 215 that fit into female alignment slots 216 on an opposing and complementary shell or tray.

Thus, in an exemplary embodiment the first shell 203 can be connected directly to the second shell 204 to produce a complete unit with, for example, six cavities formed by the first shell 203 and the second shell 204. When engaged, the alignment pin(s) and locking pin(s) on one shell engage with the opposing alignment slot(s) and locking slot(s) on the opposing and complementary shell and the shells cannot be separated without showing signs of tampering.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more intermediate trays 350 may be disposed between the first shell 203 and the second shell 204. Each tray 350 may have multiple cavities 274 within their interior walls 373 that align with the interior walls of an opposing shell 273 or an opposing tray 274. The intermediate trays 350 may be formed so as to have male locking pins 309, female locking slots 310, male alignment pins 315, and female alignment slots 316 that can engage respectively with the female locking slots 210/310, male locking pins 209/309, female alignment slots 216/316, and male alignment pins 215/315 on opposing and complementary shells 203/204 or trays 350. The multiple layer system allows the first shell 203 to lock onto an intermediate tray 350, intermediate trays 350 to lock into each other, and similarly allows the back shell 204 to lock on to an opposite side of an intermediate tray 350.

In other words, the first shell 203 may be locked directly to an intermediate tray 350 independent of any other intermediate tray 350 or back shell 204, multiple intermediate trays 350 may be locked to other intermediate trays 350 independent of the first shell 203, other non-adjacent intermediate trays 350, and the back shell 204 and the back shell 204 may be locked to the final intermediate tray 350 independent of any other non-adjacent intermediate tray 350 or the first shell 203. Thus, while the multi-layer unit 201 is being filled, the intermediate trays 350 can optionally be locked into place one by one as each layer is filled. This may provide increased stability and security.

With reference to FIGS. 5-7, an alternative embodiment of the multi-layered/multi-cavity storage device 201 of FIG. 4 is illustrated. FIG. 5 illustrates the cross-section of a multi-layered/multi-cavity storage device having a first shell 403, a second shell 404, and a plurality of intermediate trays 450. Each of the first and second shells 403 and 404 have base portions 405 respectively, outer sidewalls 406 extending inward from the base portions, and interior walls 408 extending inward from the base portions. The first shell 403 may include a plurality of openings 410 extending through the first shell 403. Each opening 410 may have an area of increased diameter 411 with a shoulder 412 at its base.

The second shell 404 may be adapted to mate with the first shell 403. The second shell 404 may have a base portion 405, outer sidewalls 406 extending inward from the base portion, and interior walls 408 extending inward from the base portion. The second shell 404 interior walls 408 and the first shell 403 interior walls 408 may define a storage cavity when the first and second shells are mated either directly or through intervening intermediate trays 450, as shown in FIG. 5. The second shell 404 may include a plurality of openings 430 extending through the second shell. Each opening 430 may have an area of increased diameter 431 with a shoulder 432 at its base. Each .of the plurality of openings 430 in the second shell 404 may be axially aligned with one of the plurality of openings 410 provided in the first shell 403 and with the openings 420 in the intermediate trays 450.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a male locking mechanism component 440 comprising an upper end having a plug 442, a lower end having a tapered head 446, and a shaft 444 extending in an axial direction from the plug to the tapered head, may be disposed in and extend through the openings 410, 420 and 430. The male locking mechanism component 440 plug 442 may define a shoulder adapted to engage one of the shoulders 412, labeled in FIG. 5, when the male locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings 410 provided in the first shell base portion 405.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, a female locking mechanism component 460 comprising a lower end plug 462 and a female locking slot having an inner ridge 464 adapted to engage the tapered head 446 of the male locking mechanism component 440, may be inserted into the opening 430 of the second shell 404. The female locking mechanism component 460 plug 462 may define a shoulder adapted to engage the shoulder 432 in one of the openings 430 provided in the second shell 404 base portion 405 when the female locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion. As in other embodiments, the male and female locking mechanism components 440 and 460 may be configured such that, once they are engaged with one another, they cannot be separated without damaging the components.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5-7, a kit for providing a storage device having a variable number of intermediate trays 450, ranging from one to a plurality may be provided in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The kit may include a plurality of all of the elements described above in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6. Specifically, the kit may include male and female locking mechanism components 440 and 460 which are configured such that, once they are engaged with one another, they cannot be separated without damaging the components.

In addition, and with specific reference to FIG. 7, the kit may include a plurality of removable male locking mechanism components 470 each comprising an upper end plug 472, a lower end head portion 476, and a shaft 474 extending in an axial direction from the plug to the head portion. The removable male locking mechanism component 470 plug 472 may define a shoulder adapted to engage a shoulder 412 in one of the plurality of openings 410 provided in the first shell 403 base portion 405 when the removable male locking mechanism component is inserted into the openings 410, 420 and 430.

The kit may further include a plurality of removable female lock mechanism components 478/480 which are adapted to removably engage each of the removable male locking mechanism component head portions 476. For example, each removable female locking mechanism component may include an insert or washer 480 and a pin 478 which engages the head portion 476 of the removable male locking mechanism components to keep the first shell 403, the second shell 404, and any intervening intermediate trays 450 tightly bound together, albeit temporarily. In other words, the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components 470 and 478/480 may be configured such that, once they are engaged with one another, they can be separated without damaging the components. In an exemplary embodiment, element 480 may be provided as a washer that rests against the shoulder 432 and acts to align the pin 474 in the increased diameter portion 431 of opening 430.

It is appreciated that the kit may include sets of two or more of the plurality of removable male locking mechanism components 470 having shafts 474 of different lengths to permit a storage device having an increasing number of intermediate trays 450 to be assembled over time before the final assembly using a male locking member component 440. For example, the storage device may initially have no intermediate trays 450 and use removable male locking mechanism components 470 of the shortest length. A storage container having one intermediate tray would use removable male locking mechanism components 470 of the next increased length and so on.

With reference to FIGS. 8a-8h, detailed illustrations of a tapered heads 13 of male locking pins 9 (also identified as element 446 in FIG. 6) in accordance with various alternative embodiments of the present invention are provided. Each tapered head 13 may be provided at the distal (i.e., lower) end of a male locking pin 9 having a shaft 11 extending in an axial direction. Each tapered head 13 may include an angled base 22 extending outward from both sides of the shaft 11 at an acute angle relative to the shaft axial direction. With reference to FIGS. 8a-8c, the tapered head 13 may include two sidewalls 23 which terminate at a pointed apex 24 (FIG. 8a), a flat apex 24 (FIG. 8b), or a rounded apex 24 (FIG. 8c). With reference to FIGS. 8d-8f, alternative embodiments, the tapered head 13 may include two first sidewalls 26 extending away from each side of the angled base 22 towards the apex 24 of the tapered head, and two second sidewalls 27 extending away from the first sidewalls to a pointed apex 24 (FIG. 8d), a flat apex 24 (FIG. 8e), or a rounded apex 24 (FIG. 8f). The first and second sidewalls 26 and 27 on each side of the tapered head 13 may form an obtuse angle along a line of intersection. With reference to FIGS. 8g-8h, in still other alternative embodiments, the tapered head 13 may have a notch 28 of varying depth creating a dual apex 24. Additional variations on the design of the tapered heads 13 of the male locking pins are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

While exemplary locking mechanism and storage device embodiments of the invention have been described as being used for electronic data storage devices, it is appreciated that the locking mechanism can be used in any application, and is not limited to use with a storage device. It is further appreciated that the storage device may be used for storing any physical articles which need to be stored or transported in a secure manner. While the invention has been described using exemplary components, any similar component can be used. For instance, the shaft of the male portion of the locking mechanism and the shape of the female portion of the locking mechanism may be circular or square, the shells and trays may be of any shape or size, and the locking mechanism can be of some other form, without departing from the teachings and sprit of the invention. Further, the first and second shells can be identical and complementary (i.e. they are interchangeable and fit together and a type “A” can be matched to a type “A”), or they can be non-identical and complementary (i.e. they are not interchangeable and a type A must be matched to a type B). Still further, the intermediate trays can be identical and complementary (i.e. they are interchangeable and fit together and a type “A” tray can be matched to a type “A” tray or shell), or they can be non-identical and complementary (i.e. they are not interchangeable and a type A tray must be matched to a type B tray or shell). While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism comprising: a male locking mechanism component comprising a locking pin having a shaft extending in an axial direction and a tapered head disposed at a distal end of the shaft, wherein the tapered head includes an angled base extending outward from the shaft at an acute angle relative to the shaft axial direction; anda female locking mechanism component comprising a locking slot having an inner ridge adapted to engage the angled base of the tapered head, wherein the male and female locking mechanism components are configured such that, once the male and female locking mechanism components are engaged with one another, the male and female locking mechanism components cannot be separated without damaging the components.
2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the locking slot inner ridge is set at an angle complimentary to that of the angled base of the tapered head.
3. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the tapered head comprises a first sidewall extending away from the angled base towards an apex of the tapered head, and a second sidewall extending away from the first sidewall to the apex of the tapered head, and wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall form an obtuse angle along a line of intersection.
4. The locking mechanism according to claim 3, further comprising a notch extending into the tapered head of the locking pin along the axial direction of the shaft.
5. The locking mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the locking slot is defined by walls adapted to deform inwardly as the result of the angled base of the locking pin engaging the inner ridge of the locking slot during an attempt to separate the male and female locking mechanism components.
6. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the locking slot is defined by walls adapted to deform outwardly as a result of the locking pin tapered head passing through the locking slot.
7. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the tapered head comprises a first sidewall extending away from the angled base towards an appex of the tapered head, and a second sidewall extending away from the first sidewall to the apex of the tapered head, and wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall form an obtuse angle along a line of intersection.
8. The locking mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the tapered head has a pointed apex, a flat apex, a rounded apex, or a notched apex.
9. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage device having first and second shells, wherein the male locking mechanism component is attached to or integrated into the first shell and the female locking mechanism component is attached to or integrated into the second shell.
10. The locking mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the first and second shells include sidewalls having crenellations extending therefrom, said crenellations extending from the first shell sidewall being adapted to interlock with the crenellations extending from the second shell sidewall.
11. The locking mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the sidewalls are crenellated in one or more corners of the storage device.
12. A storage device comprising: a first shell having a base portion, outer sidewalls extending from the base portion, and interior walls extending from the base portion;a plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion, each said opening including an area of increased diameter and having a shoulder;a second shell adapted to mate with the first shell, said second shell having a base portion, outer sidewalls extending from the base portion, and interior walls extending from the base portion, wherein the second shell interior walls and the first shell interior walls define a storage cavity when the first and second shells are mated;a plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion, each said opening including an area of increased diameter and having a shoulder and being adapted to axially align with one of said plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion;a male locking mechanism component comprising a plug , a tapered head, and a shaft extending in an axial direction from the plug to the tapered head, wherein the male locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage the shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion when the male locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion;a female locking mechanism component comprising a plug and a locking slot having an inner ridge adapted to engage the tapered head of the male locking mechanism component, wherein the female locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage the shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion when the female locking mechanism component is inserted into one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion, andwherein the male and female locking mechanism components are configured such that, once the male and female locking mechanism components are engaged with one another, the male and female locking mechanism components cannot be separated without damaging the components.
13. The storage device according to claim 12, wherein the tapered head includes an angled base extending outward from the shaft at an acute angle relative to the shaft axial direction.
14. The storage device according to claim 13, wherein the locking slot inner ridge is set at an angle complimentary to that of the angled base of the tapered head.
15. The storage device according to claim 12, wherein the tapered head comprises a first sidewall extending away from the angled base towards an apex of the tapered head, and a second sidewall extending away from the first sidewall to the apex of the tapered head, and wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall form an obtuse angle along a line of intersection.
16. The storage device according to claim 12, wherein the tapered head has a pointed apex, a flat apex, a rounded apex, or a notched apex.
17. The storage device according to claim 12, wherein the locking slot is defined by walls adapted to deform inwardly as the result of the angled base of the locking pin engaging the inner ridge of the locking slot during an attempt to separate the male and female locking mechanism components.
18. The locking mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the locking slot is defined by walls adapted to deform outwardly as a result of the locking pin tapered head passing through the locking slot.
19. The storage device according to claim 12, wherein the first and second shell outer sidewalls have crenellations extending therefrom, said crenellations extending from the first shell outer sidewall being adapted to interlock with the crenellations extending from the second shell outer sidewall.
20. The storage device according to claim 12, further comprising: an intermediate tray adapted to be positioned between the first shell and second shell, said intermediate tray having a plurality of openings, wherein each of the plurality of intermediate tray openings is positioned to be axially aligned with one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion and one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion.
21. The storage device according to claim 12, further comprising: a plurality of removable male locking mechanism components each comprising a plug, a head portion, and a shaft extending in an axial direction from the plug to the head portion, wherein each removable male locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage a shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion when the removable male locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion; anda plurality of removable female locking mechanism components adapted to removably engage each of the removable male locking mechanism component head portions.
22. The storage device according to claim 21, further comprising: an intermediate tray adapted to be positioned between the first shell and second shell, said intermediate tray having a plurality of openings, wherein each of the plurality of intermediate tray openings is positioned to be axially aligned with one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion and one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion.
23. A storage device kit comprising: a first shell having a base portion, outer sidewalls extending from the base portion, and interior walls extending from the base portion;a plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion, each said opening having an area of increased diameter and a shoulder;a second shell adapted to mate with the first shell, said second shell having a base portion, outer sidewalls extending from the base portion, and interior walls extending from the base portion, wherein the second shell interior walls and the first shell interior walls define a storage cavity when the first and second shells are mated;a plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion, each said opening having an area of increased diameter and a shoulder and being adapted to axially align with one of said plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion;a plurality of male locking mechanism components each comprising a plug, a tapered head, and a shaft extending in an axial direction from the plug to the tapered head, wherein each male locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage a shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion when the first locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion;a plurality of female locking mechanism components each comprising a plug and a locking slot having an inner ridge adapted to engage the tapered head of one of the plurality of male locking mechanism components, wherein each female locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage a shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion when the female locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion,a plurality of removable male locking mechanism components each comprising a plug, a head portion, and a shaft extending in an axial direction from the plug to the head portion, wherein each removable male locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage a shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion when the removable male locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion; anda plurality of removable female locking mechanism components adapted to removably engage each of the removable male locking mechanism component head portions,wherein the male and female locking mechanism components are configured such that, once the male and female locking mechanism components are engaged with one another, the male and female locking mechanism components cannot be separated without damaging the components, andwherein the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components are configured such that, once the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components are engaged with one another, the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components can be separated without damaging the components.
24. The kit according to claim 23, wherein the tapered head includes an angled base extending outward from the shaft at an acute angle relative to the shaft axial direction.
25. The kit according to claim 24, wherein the locking slot inner ridge is set at an angle complimentary to that of the angled base of the tapered head.
26. The kit according to claim 23, wherein the tapered head comprises a first sidewall extending away from the angled base towards an apex of the tapered head, and a second sidewall extending away from the first sidewall to the apex of the tapered head, and wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall form an obtuse angle along a line of intersection.
27. The kit according to claim 23, wherein the tapered head has a pointed apex, a flat apex, a rounded apex, or a notched apex.
28. The kit according to claim 23, wherein the locking slot is defined by walls adapted to deform inwardly as the result of the angled base of the male locking pin engaging the inner ridge of the locking slot during an attempt to separate the male and female locking mechanism components.
29. The locking mechanism according to claim 23, wherein the locking slot is defined by walls adapted to deform outwardly as a result of the locking pin tapered head passing through the locking slot.
30. The storage device according to claim 23, further comprising: an intermediate tray adapted to be positioned between the first shell and second shell, said intermediate tray having a plurality of openings, wherein each of the plurality of intermediate tray openings is positioned to be axially aligned with one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion and one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion.
31. The kit according to claim 30 wherein two or more of the plurality of removable male locking mechanism components have shafts of different lengths.
32. A storage device comprising: a first shell having a base portion, outer sidewalls extending from the base portion, and interior walls extending from the base portion;a plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion, each said opening including an area of increased diameter and having a shoulder,a second shell adapted to mate with the first shell, said second shell having a base portion, outer sidewalls extending from the base portion, and interior walls extending from the base portion, wherein the second shell interior walls and the first shell interior walls define a storage cavity when the first and second shells are mated;a plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion, each said opening including an area of increased diameter and having a shoulder and being adapted to axially align with one of said plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion;a plurality of removable male locking mechanism components each comprising a plug, a head portion, and a shaft extending in an axial direction from the plug to the head portion, wherein each removable male locking mechanism component plug defines a shoulder adapted to engage a shoulder in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion when the removable male locking mechanism component is received in one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion; anda plurality of removable female locking mechanism components adapted to removably engage each of the removable male locking mechanism component head portions,wherein the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components are configured such that, once the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components are engaged with one another, the removable male and removable female locking mechanism components can be separated without damaging the components.
33. The storage device according to claim 32, further comprising: an intermediate tray adapted to be positioned between the first shell and second shell, said intermediate tray having a plurality of openings, wherein each of the plurality of intermediate tray openings is positioned to be axially aligned with one of the plurality of openings provided in the first shell base portion and one of the plurality of openings provided in the second shell base portion.

LOCKING MECHANISMS AND STORAGE DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH

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