This disclosure relates generally to a lockable device and, more particularly, to a locking module for use in a lockable device.
Lockboxes typically provide a secured storage area for a key or other access aid at a location close to a locked property accessible by the key. In this way, an authorized user can unlock the lockbox to gain access to the secured storage area and then use the key contained therein to unlock the locked property.
The lockbox is typically attached to a door handle or to another stationary object near the traditional lock. The lockbox typically requires the user to demonstrate that he is authorized to obtain access to the locked property before the secured storage area is unlocked to allow the user to obtain the key. In a mechanical lockbox, the user might be required to enter a correct lock combination to access the secured storage area. In an electronic lockbox, the user might be required to communicate a credential to lockbox (via a physical connection to the lockbox or via a wireless link to the lockbox) to access the secured storage area.
According to one embodiment, a locking module for selectively coupling a first component and a second component of a lockable device includes a locking member rotatable about an axis between a rest position and an actuated position. An engagement member is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The engagement member is configured to cooperate with said locking member to selectively release the second component.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said engagement feature is in said locked position, said locking member is restricted from rotating to said actuated position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said engagement feature is in said locked position, a portion of said locking member is operably coupled to said second component to restrict movement of said second component.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said engagement feature is in said unlocked position, said locking member is rotatable between said rest position and said actuated position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said locking member is in said actuated position, said locking member is decoupled from said second component.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said engagement member further includes a feature extending from an end of said engagement member, said feature being arranged within a path of rotation of said locking member when said engagement member is in said locked position, and said feature being arranged out of said path of rotation when said engagement member is in said unlocked position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said locking member includes a shaped member and a locking cam pivotally connected to said shaped member.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said shaped member is associated with a biasing mechanism configured to bias said shaped member from said actuated position to said rest position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments an end of said locking cam is receivable within a cavity formed in said second component to restrict movement of said second component relative to said first component.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a biasing mechanism extending between said locking cam and a surface of said shaped member, said biasing mechanism being operable to bias said locking cam to a position where said end of said locking cam is received within said cavity of said second component.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said locking member is mounted within a cavity of said first component, said locking cam being configured to engage a wall of said cavity when said engagement member is in said locked position and said locking member is rotated from said rest position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a mechanism operably coupled to said engagement member is configured to move said engagement member between said locked position and said unlocked position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said mechanism is a mechanical mechanism that operates the locking element in response to a user input.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said engagement mechanism is an electromechanical mechanism that operates the locking element in response to a user input.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the locking module is applied to a lockbox such that first component is a body of the lockbox and the second component is a shackle.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the locking module is applied to a lockbox such that first component is a body of the lockbox and the second component is a keybox.
According to another embodiment, a method of decoupling a movable component of a lockable device includes operating a mechanism in response to a user input, moving an engagement member from a locked position to an unlocked position, applying a force to the movable component, and rotating a locking member about an axis of rotation between a rest position and an actuated position. A portion of the locking element is selectively receivable within a cavity of the movable component of the lockable device.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments moving said engagement member includes moving a feature of said engagement member out of a path of rotation of said locking member.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising biasing said locking member to said rest position upon removal of said force to the movable component.
The subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
The detailed description explains embodiments of the present disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.
Referring now to
A locking module 40 (see
With reference now to
Each locking member 42 includes a shaped member 46 having an elongated central opening 48 configured to receive a post 50 extending from the body 22. The engagement between the post 50 and the opening 48 allows the shaped member 46 to translate and rotate relative to the body 22 within the cavity 44. In an embodiment, a biasing mechanism 52 is operably coupled to the post 50 and to a portion of the shaped member 46. The force of the biasing member 52 is configured to bias the shaped member 46 into a default or rest position where the post 50 is engaged with a first end 54 of the opening 48, as shown in
A locking cam 56 is pivotally coupled to each shaped member 46. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the locking cam 56 is generally triangular in shape. However, a locking cam 56 having another shape is also contemplated herein. As shown, a post 58 extending from the shaped member 46 is received within a corresponding opening 60 formed in the locking cam 56. Another biasing mechanism 62, such as a coil spring for example, extends between a surface 64 of the locking cam 56 and an adjacent surface 66 of the shaped member 46. The biasing mechanism 62 is configured to bias the locking cam 56 to a position where a surface 68 of the locking cam 56 is in contact with surface 66 of the shaped member 46. As a result of the shape of the locking cam 56, only one of surface 64 and surface 68 can be arranged in contact with surface 66 of the shaped member 46 at any time.
An engagement member 70 movable relative to the body 22 and the shaped members 46 is mounted adjacent the protrusion 55 of the one or more shaped members 46. The engagement member 70 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and cooperates with the shaped members 46 to selectively release a coupled component, such as the shackle 28. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the engagement member 70 includes a shaft 72 having a feature 74 formed at an end 76 thereof. As best shown in
The engagement member 70 is configured to rotate about an axis X between a first, locked configuration and a second, unlocked configuration in response to operation of a mechanism, illustrated schematically at 80, operably coupled to the engagement member 70. Although the engagement member 70 is shown as being rotatable about an axis X arranged substantially parallel to the shackle 28, other configurations of the engagement member 70 are also contemplated herein. The mechanism 80 for moving the engagement member 70 may be mechanically operated by a user, or alternatively, may include an electromechanical mechanism, such as a motor, solenoid, or a piezoelectric device for example, directly or indirectly coupled to the engagement member 70. In such embodiments, the mechanism 80 may be operable in response to an electrical input, such as generated by a code entered via a key pad or upon detection of an identification device, such as an RFID tag for example, having acceptable credentials.
The locking members 46 are configured to pivot about the post 50 between a rest position and an actuated position. In the rest position, the opening 48 within the shaped member 46 is oriented generally parallel to the shackle 28 and the engagement member 70. In addition, the end 82 of the lock cam 56 arranged adjacent the shackle 28 is located within a cavity 84 formed in the shackle 28. In the actuated position, the shaped member 46 and the lock cam 56 are rotated about the post 50, in a direction away from the shackle 28, such that the protrusion 55 of the shaped member 46 is moved towards the end 76 of the engagement member 70.
When the engagement member 70 is in the locked position, the width of the feature 74 extends between the opposing legs of the shackle 28, adjacent the protrusion 55 of the shaped member 46 in the rest position. When the engagement member 70 is in the unlocked position, the feature 74 is rotated, for example about 90 degrees, such that the width of the feature 74 extends between a front and back of the body 22. When the engagement member 70 is in the unlocked position, the feature 74 does not interact with the protrusion 55 of the shaped member 46.
If a force, indicated by arrow F, is applied to the shackle 28 to separate the shackle 28 from the body 22, the shackle 28 transmits the force F to the end 82 of the lock cam 56, causing the shaped member 46 and the lock cam 56 to rotate about the post 50 (see
If the force F is applied to the shackle when the engagement member 70 is in an unlocked position, as shown in
The locking module 40 illustrated and described herein has a simplified configuration resulting in a reduced cost. Further, the compact design of the locking module 40 eliminates the required space within the body 22.
While the present disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate in spirit and/or scope. Additionally, while various embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
This application is a National Stage application of PCT/US2018/020258, filed Feb. 28, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/465,404, filed Mar. 1, 2017, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US2018/020258 | 2/28/2018 | WO |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2018/160718 | 9/7/2018 | WO | A |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20190383057 A1 | Dec 2019 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62465404 | Mar 2017 | US |