LOCKING MECHANISM

Abstract

A locking mechanism is disclosed for clothing and other applications. The locking mechanism includes a top locking component and a bottom locking component configured to removably engage with the top locking component. The top locking component has a male top rivet portion fixedly coupled to a female top portion. A gap is disposed radially between the male top rivet portion and the female top portion. The female top portion comprises a plurality of legs configured to removably engage with the bottom locking component. The bottom locking component includes a female bottom portion having a plurality of recesses configured to receive each of the plurality of legs.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism used with an article of clothing, the locking mechanism comprising: a top locking component comprising: a male top rivet portion having a turning head and a first rivet element extending away from the turning head, and a female top portion having a center cavity and a center protrusion disposed on opposite sides of the female top portion, the female top portion further comprising a plurality of legs, each of the plurality of legs comprising a winged projection extending outward from the center cavity, the center cavity being fixedly coupled to the first rivet element to radially form a gap between the turning head and the female top portion, wherein a first section of the article of clothing is disposed along the gap and further wherein the top locking component is rotatable about the first section of said article of clothing; and a bottom locking component comprising: a female bottom portion having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, the female bottom portion comprising a center aperture and a plurality of recesses extending from the top surface, wherein each of the plurality of recesses comprises an upper ceiling, a side wall, and a bumper forming a locking cavity, the female bottom portion further comprising a plurality of gripping elements disposed on the bottom surface, and a male bottom portion rivet having a second rivet element fixedly coupled to the center aperture of the female bottom portion, wherein a second section of the article of clothing is disposed between the female bottom portion and the male bottom portion rivet and further wherein the bottom locking component is non-rotatable about the second section of said article of clothing; wherein the first locking component is removably coupled to the second locking component.

2. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein each of the winged projections is disposed inside one of the locking cavities, each of the winged projections being locked into place by the side wall, the upper ceiling, and the bumper of the respective locking cavity.

3. The locking mechanism of claim 1, the turning head of the male top rivet portion further comprising an outer rim with a plurality of points, wherein each of the plurality of points is vertically disposed above one of the winged projections to aid in aligning the top locking component with the bottom locking component.

4. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the plurality of recesses is evenly distributed from the center aperture of the female bottom portion.

5. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gripping elements engages with the second section of the article of clothing.

6. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the center protrusion of the female top portion contacts the center aperture of the female bottom portion during engagement of the top and bottom locking components.

7. The locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising an alignment jig disposed between the top locking component and the bottom locking component.

8. The locking mechanism of claim 7, the alignment jig further comprising: a top side having a first plurality of pockets configured to receive the plurality of legs and the center protrusion of the female top portion; and a bottom side opposite the top side, the bottom side comprising a second plurality of pockets configured to receive the female bottom portion.

9. The locking mechanism of claim 8, the top side further comprising a first center extension configured to engage with the center protrusion and the first rivet element to form a fixed, non-rotatable union between the male top rivet portion and the female top portion.

10. The locking mechanism of claim 9, the bottom side further comprising a second center extension configured to engage with the center aperture and the second rivet element to form a fixed, non-rotatable union between the female bottom portion and the male bottom rivet portion.

11. A locking mechanism, comprising: a top locking component comprising: a male top rivet portion having a turning head and a first rivet element extending away from the turning head, and a female top portion having a center cavity and a center protrusion disposed on opposite sides of the female top portion, the female top portion further comprising a plurality of legs, each of the plurality of legs comprising a winged projection extending outward from the center cavity, the center cavity being fixedly coupled to the first rivet element to radially form a gap between the turning head and the female top portion; and a bottom locking component comprising: a female bottom portion having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, the female bottom portion comprising a center aperture and a plurality of recesses extending from the top surface, wherein each of the plurality of recesses comprises an upper ceiling, a side wall, and a bumper forming a locking cavity; wherein the first locking component is removably coupled to the second locking component.

12. The locking mechanism of claim 11, the female bottom portion further comprising a plurality of gripping elements disposed on the bottom surface.

13. The locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein each of the winged projections is disposed inside one of the locking cavities, each of the winged projections being locked into place by the side wall, the upper ceiling, and the bumper of the respective locking cavity.

14. The locking mechanism of claim 11, the turning head of the male top rivet portion further comprising an outer rim with a plurality of points, wherein each of the plurality of points is vertically disposed above one of the winged projections to aid in aligning the top locking component with the bottom locking component.

15. The locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the plurality of recesses is evenly distributed from the center aperture of the female bottom portion.

16. The locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the center protrusion of the female top portion contacts the center aperture of the female bottom portion during engagement of the top and bottom locking components.

17. The locking mechanism of claim 11, further comprising an alignment jig disposed between the top locking component and the bottom locking component.

18. The locking mechanism of claim 17, the alignment jig further comprising: a top side having a first plurality of pockets configured to receive the plurality of legs and the center protrusion of the female top portion; and a bottom side opposite the top side, the bottom side comprising a second plurality of pockets configured to receive the female bottom portion.

19. The locking mechanism of claim 18, the top side further comprising a first center extension configured to engage with the center protrusion and the first rivet element to form a fixed, non-rotatable union between the male top rivet portion and the female top portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Other features, combinations, and embodiments will be appreciated by one having the ordinary level of skill in the art of locking mechanisms upon a thorough review of the following details and descriptions, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0006] FIG. 1 shows an exploded side view of a locking mechanism in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment;

[0007] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the locking mechanism according to the first illustrated embodiment;

[0008] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the locking mechanism according to the first illustrated embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section side view of the locking mechanism according to the first illustrated embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 5A shows a top view of a male top rivet portion according to the first illustrated embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 5B shows a cross-section side view of the male top rivet portion according to the first illustrated embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of a female top portion according to the first illustrated embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 6B shows a cross-section side view of the female top portion according to the

[0014] first illustrated embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a female bottom portion according to the first illustrated embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 7B shows a bottom view of the female bottom portion according to the first

[0017] illustrated embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 8 shows an exploded side view of the locking mechanism with an alignment jig in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment; and

[0019] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section side view of the locking mechanism according to the second illustrated embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

[0021] Unless explicitly defined herein, terms are to be construed in accordance with the plain and ordinary meaning as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art.

General Description of Embodiments

[0022] In one embodiment a locking mechanism used with an article of clothing is disclosed. The locking mechanism comprises a top locking component and a bottom locking component wherein the first locking component is removably coupled to the second locking component. The top locking component comprises a male top rivet portion having a turning head and a first rivet element extending away from the turning head, and a female top portion having a center cavity and a center protrusion disposed on opposite sides of the female top portion, the female top portion further comprising a plurality of legs, each of the plurality of legs comprising a winged projection extending outward from the center cavity, the center cavity being fixedly coupled to the first rivet element to radially form a gap between the turning head and the female top portion, wherein a first section of the article of clothing is disposed along the gap and further wherein the top locking component is rotatable about the first section of said article of clothing. The bottom locking component comprises a female bottom portion having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, the female bottom portion comprising a center aperture and a plurality of recesses extending from the top surface, wherein each of the plurality of recesses comprises an upper ceiling, a side wall, and a bumper forming a locking cavity, the female bottom portion further comprising a plurality of gripping elements disposed on the bottom surface, and a male bottom portion rivet having a second rivet element fixedly coupled to the center aperture of the female bottom portion, wherein a second section of the article of clothing is disposed between the female bottom portion and the male bottom portion rivet and further wherein the bottom locking component is non-rotatable about the second section of said article of clothing.

[0023] In some embodiments, each of the winged projections may be disposed inside one of the locking cavities, each of the winged projections being locked into place by the side wall, the upper ceiling, and the bumper of the respective locking cavity.

[0024] In some embodiments, the turning head of the male top rivet portion may further comprise an outer rim with a plurality of points, wherein each of the plurality of points is vertically disposed above one of the winged projections to aid in aligning the top locking component with the bottom locking component.

[0025] In some embodiments, plurality of recesses may be evenly distributed from the center aperture of the female bottom portion.

[0026] In some embodiments, the plurality of gripping elements may engage with the second section of the article of clothing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the center protrusion of the female top portion may contact the center aperture of the female bottom portion during engagement of the top and bottom locking components.

[0028] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may further comprise an alignment jig disposed between the top locking component and the bottom locking component. The alignment jig may comprise a top side having a first plurality of pockets configured to receive the plurality of legs and the center protrusion of the female top portion, and a bottom side opposite the top side, the bottom side comprising a second plurality of pockets configured to receive the female bottom portion.

[0029] In some embodiments, the top side may further comprise a first center extension configured to engage with the center protrusion and the first rivet element to form a fixed, non-rotatable union between the male top rivet portion and the female top portion. In yet other embodiments, the bottom side may further comprise a second center extension configured to engage with the center aperture and the second rivet element to form a fixed, non-rotatable union between the female bottom portion and the male bottom rivet portion.

[0030] In another embodiments, a locking mechanism is disclosed. The locking mechanism comprises a top locking component and a bottom locking component wherein the first locking component is removably coupled to the second locking component. The top locking component comprises a male top rivet portion having a turning head and a first rivet element extending away from the turning head, and a female top portion having a center cavity and a center protrusion disposed on opposite sides of the female top portion, the female top portion further comprising a plurality of legs, each of the plurality of legs comprising a winged projection extending outward from the center cavity, the center cavity being fixedly coupled to the first rivet element to radially form a gap between the turning head and the female top portion. The bottom locking component comprises a female bottom portion having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, the female bottom portion comprising a center aperture and a plurality of recesses extending from the top surface, wherein each of the plurality of recesses comprises an upper ceiling, a side wall, and a bumper forming a locking cavity.

[0031] In some embodiment, the female bottom portion may further comprise a plurality of gripping elements disposed on the bottom surface.

[0032] In some embodiments, each of the winged projections may be disposed inside one of the locking cavities, each of the winged projections being locked into place by the side wall, the upper ceiling, and the bumper of the respective locking cavity.

[0033] In some embodiments, the turning head of the male top rivet portion may further comprise an outer rim with a plurality of points, wherein each of the plurality of points is vertically disposed above one of the winged projections to aid in aligning the top locking component with the bottom locking component.

[0034] In some embodiments, the plurality of recesses may be evenly distributed from the center aperture of the female bottom portion.

[0035] In some embodiments, the center protrusion of the female top portion may contact the center aperture of the female bottom portion during engagement of the top and bottom locking components.

[0036] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may further comprise an alignment jig disposed between the top locking component and the bottom locking component. The alignment jig may comprise a top side having a first plurality of pockets configured to receive the plurality of legs and the center protrusion of the female top portion, and a bottom side opposite the top side, the bottom side comprising a second plurality of pockets configured to receive the female bottom portion.

[0037] In some embodiments, the top side may further comprise a first center extension configured to engage with the center protrusion and the first rivet element to form a fixed, non-rotatable union between the male top rivet portion and the female top portion.

[0038] While various details, features, combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims. Disclosure and illustrated embodiments may be directed to the locking mechanism in applications of clothing and other textiles for illustrative purposes. One having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of other applications the locking mechanism can be utilized.

First Illustrated Embodiment

[0039] FIG. 1 shows an exploded side view of a locking mechanism (100) in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment. The locking mechanism comprises a top locking component (200) and a bottom locking component (300). The top locking component comprises a male top rivet portion (210) fixedly coupled to a female top portion (220). The bottom lock component comprises a female bottom portion (310) fixedly coupled to a male bottom portion rivet (320). The top locking component is configured to detachably couple to the bottom locking component via a plurality of legs (223) on the female top potion engaging with a plurality of recesses (314) of the female bottom portion.

[0040] In some applications, the locking mechanism (100) can be used with an article of clothing as an improvement over snaps and buttons that are conventionally used. The locking mechanism as disclosed allows for easier engagement and disengagement of the locking mechanism which can be especially beneficial when a user is wearing gloves. During assembly of the locking mechanism, a first section of said article of clothing is placed between the male top rivet portion (210) and the female top portion (220). Once the male top rivet portion and the female top portion are fixedly coupled together to form the top locking component (200), the locking component is configured to freely rotate about the first section due to a gap (225) present between the male top rivet portion and the female top portion. Conversely, a second section of clothing is placed between the female bottom portion (310) and the male bottom rivet portion (320). Once the female bottom portion and the male bottom rivet portion are fixedly coupled together to form the bottom locking component (300), the bottom locking component is incapable of freely rotating about the second section due to both a lack of a gap between the female bottom portion and the male bottom rivet portion, in addition to a plurality of gripping elements (317) disposed on a bottom surface (312) of the female bottom portion. The plurality of gripping elements engages with the second section to prevent rotation. The female bottom portion and the male bottom rivet portion clamp down on the second section of the article of clothing which allows for easier alignment for the user when connecting the top locking component with the bottom locking component.

[0041] FIG. 2-4 show the locking mechanism (100) according to the first illustrated embodiment. The locking mechanism comprises a male top rivet portion (210) fixedly coupled to a female top portion (220), the female top portion being detachably coupled to a female bottom portion (310). The female top portion comprises a plurality of legs (223) coupled to the female bottom portion wherein each of the plurality of legs is disposed within one of a plurality of recesses (314) of the female bottom portion. Specifically, each of the plurality of legs enters into one of the plurality of recesses from a top surface (311) of the female bottom portion. The female top portion, along with the male top rivet portion rotate causing the plurality of legs to rotate accordingly. Said rotation causes each of the plurality of legs to enter into a respective locking cavity (315) such that the female top portion is locked with the female bottom portion until a user applies a rotational force in an opposite direction to cause each of the plurality of legs to exit from its respective locking cavity and allow the plurality of legs to be removed from the plurality of recesses.

[0042] The locking cavity (315) is formed by a side wall (319) and an upper ceiling (318) of the plurality of recesses (314) as well as a bumper (316). Each of the plurality of legs (223) comprises a winged projection (224) which is configured to enter he plurality of recesses and cross over the bumper during rotation of the female top portion (220). Once the winged projection passes over the bumper, the bumper along with the upper ceiling and side wall of the locking cavity engage with the winged projection to hold it in place. A rotational force required to retract the winged projection back over the bumper is required to detach the female top portion with the female bottom portion (310).

[0043] The male top rivet portion (210) includes a turning head (211) which the user would handle to engage and disengage the female top portion (220) with the female bottom portion (310). A gap (225) is disposed between the turning head and the female top portion where an article of clothing can be radially positioned and free to rotate.

[0044] FIG. 5A-5B show a male top rivet portion (210) according to the first illustrated embodiment. The male top rivet portion comprises a turning head (211) and a first rivet element (214). The turning head includes an outer rim (212) with a plurality of points (213). In some embodiments, the male top river portion aligns with the female top portion (220) such that each of the plurality of points aligns with one of the plurality of legs (223). This configuration can assist the user in properly aligning the plurality of legs with the plurality of recesses (314) on the female bottom portion (310). The first rivet element is configured to fixedly couple with the female top portion at the center cavity (221) thereof.

[0045] FIG. 6A-6B show a female top portion (220) according to the first illustrated embodiment. The female top portion comprises a center cavity (221) configured to receive a first rivet element (214) of the male top rivet portion (210). Disposed on a side opposite the center cavity is a center protrusion (222). The center protrusion is configured to removably engage with a center aperture (313) of the female bottom portion (310). Extending downward from a periphery of the female top portion is a plurality of legs (223). Each of the plurality of legs comprises a winged projection (224) at a terminal end thereof. Each winged projection comprises angled tip for easier translation over a corresponding bumper in the female bottom portion.

[0046] FIG. 7A-7B show a female bottom portion (310) according to the first illustrated embodiment. The female bottom portion comprises a top surface (311) and a bottom surface (312) opposite the top surface. Extending through each of the top and bottom surfaces is a center aperture (313) having a wider opening at the top surface than the bottom surface. A plurality of recesses (314) extends from the top surface to form a locking cavity (315) at each of the plurality of recesses. The locking cavity is configured to engage and hold a winged projection (224) from the female top portion (220) by providing contact points at an upper ceiling (318), a side wall (319), and a bumper (316). The plurality of recesses comprises an amount equal to the plurality of legs. The plurality of recesses is disposed at an outer edge of the female bottom portion. Disposed on the bottom surface is a plurality of gripping elements (317) for securely holding a garment of clothing to prevent the female bottom portion of turning while engaged therewith.

Second Illustrated Embodiment

[0047] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show the locking mechanism (100) with an alignment jig (400) in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment. The alignment jig is disposed between a female top portion (220) and a female bottom portion (310). The alignment jig comprises a top side (401) and a bottom side (404) opposite the top side. The top side comprises a first plurality of pockets (402) configured to receive a plurality of legs (223) of the female top portion. The top side further comprises a first center extensions (403) disposed between the first plurality of pockets. The bottom side comprises a second plurality of pockets (405) configured to receive the female bottom portion, the bottom side further comprising a second extension (406) point disposed between the second plurality of pockets.

[0048] During installation of the locking mechanism (100) with an article of clothing for example, the alignment jig (400) is utilized. The female top portion (220) and the female bottom portion (310) and positioned according to the first and second plurality of pockets (402; 405) respectively. A male top rivet portion (210) is placed on the female top portion. With sufficient force, a first male rivet element (214) of the male top rivet portion contacts the first center extension (403) which causes a fixed riveted bonding of the male top rivet portion with the female top portion to form a top locking component (200). A male bottom rivet portion (320) is placed below the female bottom portion. With sufficient force, a second male rivet element (321) of the male bottom rivet portion contacts the second center extension (406) which causes a fixed riveted bonding of the male bottom rivet portion with the female bottom portion to form a bottom locking component (300).

[0049] To attach the top locking component with the bottom locking component, the user grabs the outer rim of the male top rivet portion and lines up the center with the bottom locking component. This allows the plurality of legs with winged projections of the female top portion to line up simultaneously with the corresponding plurality of recesses of the female bottom portion. With a downward motion followed by a slight counter clockwise (or clockwise depending on design) rotation of the male top rivet portion, the winged projections of the female top portion are guided in by bumpers that correspond to the dimensions and angles of the winged projections allowing each of them to rest in a locking cavity being evenly distributed. The side wall and upper ceiling of the female bottom portion, as well as the bumper, meet and remain secure the winged projections until the user rotates the male top rivet portion clock wise (or counter clockwise depending on design). The winged projections then move out of the locking cavity and subsequently the plurality of recesses as a whole for an immediate release.

FEATURE LIST

[0050] locking mechanism (100) [0051] top locking component (200) [0052] male top portion rivet (210) [0053] turning head (211) [0054] outer rim (212) [0055] plurality of points (213) [0056] first rivet element (214) [0057] female top portion (220) [0058] center cavity (221) [0059] center protrusion (222) [0060] plurality of legs (223) [0061] winged projection (224) [0062] gap (225) [0063] bottom locking component (300) [0064] female bottom portion (310) [0065] top surface (311) [0066] bottom surface (312) [0067] center aperture (313) [0068] plurality of recesses (314) [0069] locking cavity (315) [0070] bumper (316) [0071] plurality of gripping elements (317) [0072] upper ceiling (318) [0073] side wall (319) [0074] male bottom portion rivet (320) [0075] second rivet element (321) [0076] alignment jig (400) [0077] top side (401) [0078] first plurality of pockets (402) [0079] first center extension (403) [0080] bottom side (404) [0081] second plurality of pockets (405) [0082] second center extension (406)