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 container 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 housing and a magnet arranged within said housing. A locking element is movable relative to said housing between an unlocked position and a locked position. An engagement member is operable to selectively decouple said locking element from said magnet to move said locking element between said unlocked position and said locked position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments in said unlocked position, said locking element is positioned within said housing.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments in said locked position, a portion of said locking element extends outwardly beyond a first end of said housing.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said locking element includes a magnetic material.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said engagement member includes a contoured surface configured to cooperate with said locking element.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said contoured surface includes an angled surface.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said magnet is a permanent magnet.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said magnet is formed from an alloy of neodymium.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a mechanism operably coupled to said engagement member.
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 engagement member 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 mechanism is an electromechanical mechanism that operates the engagement member 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 mechanism moves said engagement member in a first direction and engagement member is operable to apply a normal force to said locking element.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a detent arranged adjacent said housing, said detent being aligned with said housing such that said locking element is receivable within said detent, and a shield positioned adjacent said detent, said shield being capable of reducing or negating an external magnetic field applied to said detent to move said locking element to said unlocked position.
According to another embodiment, a method of operating a locking module of a lockable device includes operating a mechanism in response to a user input, moving an engagement member operably coupled to said mechanism out of contact with a locking element of the locking module, and attracting said locking element with a magnetic field to move said locking element from a first position to a second position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said magnetic field acts on said locking element in both said first position and said second positon.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a permanent magnet is arranged within a housing of the locking module to attract said locking element.
According to another embodiment, a method of operating a locking module of a lockable device includes operating a mechanism in response to a user input, moving an engagement member operably coupled to said mechanism into engagement with a portion of a locking element of the locking module, and applying a force to said locking element in a direction opposite a magnetic field attracting said locking element to move said locking element from a first position to a second position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said force applied to said locking element is generally perpendicular to movement of said engagement member.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said mechanism is operable in response to a mechanical input.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said mechanism is operable in response to an electromechanical input.
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 30 is operable to selectively couple a first component and a second component. In an embodiment, when applied to a lockable device, such as lockbox 10 for example, the locking module 30 selectively locks the shackle 18 to the body 12. Accordingly, the locking module 30 restricts movement of the lockbox 10 once arranged in a desired location via the shackle 18. Alternatively or in addition, the locking module 30 may be used to selectively lock the keybox 20 to the body 12. In such instances, operation of the locking module 30 may provide an authorized user with access to the internal cavity of the keybox 20, within which one or more items, such as a key for example, may be stored.
With reference now to
Arranged within the housing 32, adjacent a second end 40 is a magnet 42. In an embodiment, the magnet 42 is a permanent magnet, such as made from an alloy of neodymium for example. However, other types of magnets, for example electromagnets, are also within the scope of the disclosure.
A locking element 44 arranged within the housing 32 is formed from or includes any suitable magnetic material. In some embodiments, a suitable magnetic material includes a composite magnetic material, or alternatively, may include a non-magnetic material having a separate magnetic component or material attached to a portion thereof. In an embodiment, the locking element 44 is formed from a material having a high shear strength, such as about 10,000 lbs for example. The locking element 44 is movable between a first “locked” position, as shown in
In another embodiment, illustrated in
When the locking element 44 is in the unlocked position, at least one of the first component 12 and the second component 20 is movable relative to the other. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the first component 12 is configured to slide relative to the second component 20. During this sliding, movement of the locking element 44 from the detent 48 is restricted by the surface of the first component 12 arranged within plane P. Alternatively, or in addition, the locking element 44 may be coupled to a biasing mechanism 49 associated with the detent 48 to limit movement of the locking element 44.
An engagement member 50 is movable relative to the housing 32 to selectively decouple the magnet 42 and the locking element 44. With reference to
The engagement member 50 may be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to a self-lubricating nylon material for example. An end 52 of the engagement member 50 is contoured to facilitate separation of the locking element 44 from the magnet 42. In an embodiment, the end of the engagement member 50 includes a contoured surface, for example generally angled, and the portion 54 of the locking element 44 contacted by the engagement member 50 is generally rounded. Although the locking element 44 illustrated in the FIGS. is generally spherical in shape, embodiments of the locking element 44 having any shape configured to cooperate with the contour of the engagement member 50, such as a cylindrical dowel having a rounded portion 54 for example, are also within the scope of the disclosure.
With reference again to
To return the locking element 44 to the “locked” position, the mechanism M is operated to move the engagement mechanism 50 towards the housing 32. The engagement mechanism 50 is generally aligned with an interior edge of the engagement mechanism 50 when in the unlocked position. As the engagement mechanism 50 moves, the contoured surface 52 of the engagement member 50 applies a force to the locking element 44 to move the locking element 44 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the movement of the engagement member 50, towards the first end 36 of the housing 38 and into the detent 48 formed in the second component 20. In some embodiments, the mechanism M is not operable when the housing 32 of the locking module 30 and the second component 20 are not aligned.
It should be understood that with respect to embodiments of
The locking module 30 illustrated and described herein has a simplified configuration, thereby reducing cost. Because the engagement member 50 is self-lubricating, and self-cleaning as it moves relative to the housing 32, the locking module 30 has a reduced potential for maintenance. In addition, because there is no oil requirement to maintain operation of the locking module, smooth operation can be achieved in all temperatures, including extreme cold. Through use of a magnet, operation of the locking module may be accomplished in any position with respect to gravity. Further, the high shear strength of the locking element limits the ability to operate the locking module through vandalism. Additionally, in the event that the locking element 44 is temporarily separated from the magnet 42, the strength of the magnet 42 will attract the locking element 44 such that the locking module 30 has a self-restoring property.
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/US2018/020238, filed Feb. 28, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/465,348, filed Mar. 1, 2017, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
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PCT/US2018/020238 | 2/28/2018 | WO | 00 |
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WO2018/160703 | 9/7/2018 | WO | A |
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