Latching system

Abstract

Devices and methods based upon the concept of a split ring having certain multiple interior angles to engage a stem or post having annular ring(s) with angular geometries that are complimentary to those of the split ring. The disclosure provides designs for a wide range of insertion and desertion forces between latch engagement stems and latch engagement bodies. Changes to insertion contact angles and contact area on engagement stems and corresponding changes to insertion contact angles and engagement areas on engagement bodies can significantly modify insertion forces required to engage various devices. Similarly, changes in degrees of angle between desertion angles and contact areas on engagement stems with corresponding changes in desertion angles and contact areas on engagement bodies will significantly modify the total desertion forces required to disengage various devices. Accordingly, the instant latching mechanism provides insertion and desertion forces that can be controlled independently of each other.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 168,809, filed Jul. 7, 2008, entitled “RELEASABLE LOCKING MECHANISM,” which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 955,295, filed Dec. 12, 2007, entitled “RELEASABLE SPRING-LOCKING MECHANISM FOR RAPID WATERCRAFT FIN ATTACHMENT,” which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 655,651, filed Jan. 19, 2007, entitled “SURFBOARD MANUFACTURING APPARATUS,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 760,855, filed Jan. 20, 2006. Each of these applications is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]Provided herein are mechanisms whereby a locking force is used to secure a device to another object.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Users of watercraft boards generally only have two methods of securing fins to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]In some embodiments, the edges defining the annular groove of the post are angled. In some embodiments, the edges defining the hole of the split ring are angled as well, such that the edges defining the annular groove of the post and the angles of the edges defining the hole of the split ring are complementary. In some embodiments, the angle of the annular groove determines the strength of the locking means.

[0023]In another embodiment, an extraction device having a handle with a tubular top portion to exert a reliable downward force to extract a cleat from the receptacle and a cylindrical bottom portion attached to the handle. Also, the extraction device having a curved extended portion having an insert pin. The insert pin may be configured to fit into a side extraction opening of the cleat to permit the extraction of the cleat from the receptacle. Moreover, the extraction device having a pocket in within at least one side of the handle that will lock the cleat into place if the pocket is placed over the cleat top and pushed downward into a device receptacle.

[0028]In another embodiment, an attachment device, having a device receptacle configured to receive a bottom portion of a cleat device, the device receptacle including an inner cavity, or detent, configured to securely lock and prevent rotation of the cleat device. A cleat device having a top portion configured to provide traction, including a opening extending from a top of the top portion of the cleat device extending into a segment of a bottom portion. A bottom portion attached to the top portion and configured to be inserted into the device receptacle without threading. The inner cavity may accept a spring in order to securely lock and prevent rotation of the cleat device and have angular edges to lock the cleat device.

Problems solved by technology

The screw method may be quite time consuming for the watercraft user to practice.

Additionally, screw and snap mechanisms may necessitate the use of multiple moving parts, any of which are subject to rusting, failure, and stress fatigue.

Toe and heel locking mechanisms are prone to failure, as the locking forces are horizontal to the bottom plane of the watercraft.

The reason this is undesirable is that in many watercraft situations a user might encounter such horizontal forces from the environment, for example, the watercraft fins could be exposed to such horizontal forces from contact with kelp, rocks, ropes, wood, sand, other watercraft, etc., and such contact could trigger the unwanted partial or full release of a fin.

Therefore, prior art fin attachment systems may be prone to both mechanical and common use failures, and also may be too complicated to allow an user to quickly and effectively change his or her fin choices to adapt to a given situation.

Generally, individual cleats must be screwed into the sole of a shoe, involving much time.

Further, the use of screw mechanisms to secure cleats to the soles of a shoe is not ideal inasmuch as the screws may loosen.

Finally, conventional designs typically employ the use of metal attachment elements, which add considerable weight to the footwear.

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