A shoe organizer unit, a method of using a shoe organizer unit, and a method for storing shoes in a plurality of shoe storing shelves of a shoe organizer unit are described. The shoe organizer unit includes a plurality of shoe storing shelves adapted to store shoes therein. A plurality of linear actuators moves the plurality of shoe storing shelves in a path within a cabinet. A controller manages operation of the linear actuators to move the shoes along the path. Transparent panels secure the shoes within the cabinet. Secure storage and retrieval of the shoes is controlled by electronics including a keypad, a push button and a shoe shelf identification code card printer. The shoe organizer unit provides for sterilization of the shoes stored and secure storing and retrieval of the shoes.

Aspects of embodiments pertain to a lock mechanism for at least one puller-equipped fastener, the lock mechanism comprising a frame having at least one slot, each of the at least one slot comprising an opening and a closed end; at least one actuator affixed to the frame; at least one arm operationally coupled to each actuator, and at least one rotating member operationally coupled to each actuator and to the at least one arm coupled thereto; wherein each arm obstructs one of the at least one slot adjacent to the opening when the actuator coupled thereto is in a first state, and unblocks the slot when the actuator coupled thereto is in a second state, and wherein each at least one rotating member is selectively switchable by the actuator coupled thereto between a first position when the actuator is in the first state and a second position when the actuator is in the second state, and wherein the lock mechanism is configured to allow each at least one rotating member in the first position to counterpoise force enacted on the at least one arm coupled thereto to unblock the slot, and in the second position to allow each at least one arm coupled thereto to unblock the slot.

Aspects of embodiments pertain to a lock mechanism for at least one puller-equipped fastener, the lock mechanism comprising a frame having at least one slot, each of the at least one slot comprising an opening and a closed end; at least one actuator affixed to the frame; at least one arm operationally coupled to each actuator, and at least one rotating member operationally coupled to each actuator and to the at least one arm coupled thereto; wherein each arm obstructs one of the at least one slot adjacent to the opening when the actuator coupled thereto is in a first state, and unblocks the slot when the actuator coupled thereto is in a second state, and wherein each at least one rotating member is selectively switchable by the actuator coupled thereto between a first position when the actuator is in the first state and a second position when the actuator is in the second state, and wherein the lock mechanism is configured to allow each at least one rotating member in the first position to counterpoise force enacted on the at least one arm coupled thereto to unblock the slot, and in the second position to allow each at least one arm coupled thereto to unblock the slot.

A portable electronic device requiring securing against theft, includes a cavity with an opening thereinto. The opening is accessible at an exterior of the device, and defined by an upper edge, a juxtaposed lower edge, and a pair of juxtaposed side edges. The cavity is defined by an upper wall, a juxtaposed lower wall, and juxtaposed side walls, the side walls being angled relative to each other with a separation distance between them gradually increasing in a direction into said cavity, away from said opening into said cavity, whereby a planar cross section through the cavity that bisects both side walls has a trapezoidal shape. The lock opening has a size and shape slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of the forward section of a locking element and an interior larger in cross-sectional size than at the opening of the cavity.

A portable electronic device requiring securing against theft, includes a cavity with an opening thereinto. The opening is accessible at an exterior of the device, and defined by an upper edge, a juxtaposed lower edge, and a pair of juxtaposed side edges. The cavity is defined by an upper wall, a juxtaposed lower wall, and juxtaposed side walls, the side walls being angled relative to each other with a separation distance between them gradually increasing in a direction into said cavity, away from said opening into said cavity, whereby a planar cross section through the cavity that bisects both side walls has a trapezoidal shape. The lock opening has a size and shape slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of the forward section of a locking element and an interior larger in cross-sectional size than at the opening of the cavity.

A directional lock or a headgear or interface assembly comprising one or more directional locks that include a catch arrangement for initiating or assisting in movement of a lock member of the direction lock. In some configurations, the catch arrangement assists movement of the lock member in only a portion of a range of travel of the lock member. In some configurations, the directional lock has a housing and a sleeve and the catch arrangement has a catch arm carried by the sleeve. The catch arm includes a catch end that contacts the lock member, which can be a lock washer in some configurations.

A directional lock or a headgear or interface assembly comprising one or more directional locks that include a catch arrangement for initiating or assisting in movement of a lock member of the direction lock. In some configurations, the catch arrangement assists movement of the lock member in only a portion of a range of travel of the lock member. In some configurations, the directional lock has a housing and a sleeve and the catch arrangement has a catch arm carried by the sleeve. The catch arm includes a catch end that contacts the lock member, which can be a lock washer in some configurations.