Automatic locking mechanism and workbench

Abstract

An automatic locking mechanism is configured to automatically secure a first object to a second object when the first and second objects are adjacent to each other. The automatic locking mechanism selectively releases the first and second objects from each other in response to movement of a third object. The automatic locking mechanism includes a latch including a base, a pivoting portion attached to the base, a securing portion, a biasing bracket, and a cam structure. The biasing bracket includes an arch configured to extend into the first object and define a space between the first object and an interior apex of the arch. The latch further includes a biasing mechanism positioned in the space between the first object and the interior apex of the arch. The biasing mechanism is configured to bias the latch to pivot about an axis (A) toward a second direction opposite the first direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic locking mechanism and a portable workbench using the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] A typical locking mechanism or latch requires multiple steps to secure objects together. For example, when securing a portable workbench in its operable position, a user must first ensure that the latch does not impede the work surface from opening / unfolding to its planar operating position. Once the work surface is in its planar position, the user can then lock the various portions of the work surface to one another. It is not uncommon for the locking of the workbench to its operating position to be a multi-step process. Conversely, when collapsing the portable workbench, the user must reverse all of these same steps.

[0003] It would be advantageous to have an automatic locking mechanism that automatically secures the various portions of a workbench together when the workbench is unfolded. Likewise, it would be advantageous if the same automatic locking mechanism more efficiently unlocked the workbench. The automatic locking mechanism of the present invention achieves or exceeds these advantages. SUMMARY

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention discloses an automatic locking mechanism configured to automatically secure a first object to a second object when the first and second objects are adjacent to one another. The automatic locking mechanism also selectively releases the first and second objects from one another in response to movement of a third object. The automatic locking mechanism includes a latch comprising a base, a pivoting portion attached to the base, and wherein the pivoting portion is configured to pivotally secure the latch to the first object about an axis (A). The latch also includes a securing portion attached to the base. The receiving surface is configured to contact the second object when the second object is proximate to the first object and pivot the latch about the axis (A) in a first direction. The securing portion also includes a hook configured to automatically secure the second object to the first object when the objects are adjacent to one another. The latch also includes a biasing bracket attached to the base. The biasing bracket includes an arch configured to extend into the first object and define a space between the first object and an interior apex of the arch. The latch also includes a cam structure attached to the base. The cam structure includes a receiving surface configured to contact the third object and pivot the latch about the axis (A) in the first direction in response to selective movement of the third object. The latch also includes a biasing mechanism positioned in the space between the first object and the interior apex of the arch. The biasing mechanism is configured to bias the latch to pivot about the axis (A) toward a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0005] In another aspect, the present invention discloses a worktable having a work surface. The work surface includes a first portion and a second portion, each portion having a top and a plurality of walls substantially perpendicular to the top. The first portion and the second portion are pivotally connected to one another about an axis (B) such that the work surface is movable between a folded position, in which the respective tops and plurality of walls are positioned to define an interior space, and an operable position, in which the respective tops are positioned to form a single planar surface. The worktable further includes a plurality of legs. Each leg is movable between a support position, in which the leg provides support for the work surface in its operable position, and a stowed position, in which the leg is confined within the interior space. The worktable is characterized in that it further includes an automatic locking mechanism configured to automatically secure the first portion and the second portion together when the work surface is pivoted to its operable position and to automatically release the first portion and the second portion from one another in response to movement of at least one leg from its support position to its stowed position.

[0006] These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description and appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar symbols denote similar components in the figures, which figures illustrate examples where: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the automatic locking mechanism.

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a fully deployed worktable having the automatic locking mechanism of Figure 1

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bottom of a partially deployed worktable having the locking mechanism of Figure 1

[0010] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a folded worktable having the locking mechanism of Figure 1

[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a folded worktable having the locking mechanism of Figure 1 ​​​Figure 6 is a detailed partial perspective view of the locking mechanism of the folding table of Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 6 Figure 7 is a plan sectional view of the partially deployed table of Figure 1. Figure 3

[0013] Figure 7a Figure 8 is a detailed view of the inset (rotated 180°) of Figure 7 showing the automatic locking mechanism securing the table in its operable position. Figure 6

[0014] Figure 7b Figure 9 is a detailed view of the inset of Figure 7 showing the automatic locking mechanism releasing the table from its operable position. Figure 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present invention provides an automatic locking mechanism that includes a latch and a biasing mechanism. The automatic locking mechanism enables a first object and a second object that are movable relative to one another to be secured together using a single motion. In addition, the automatic locking mechanism releases the first object and the second object from one another in response to selective movement of a third object. For example, a portable table having a work surface with a first portion and a second portion that are pivotable relative to one another can be secured in an operable position, where the first portion and the second portion of the work surface combine to form a single flat surface. Conversely, when the table needs to be stowed, the automatic locking mechanism releases the first portion and the second portion from one another in response to movement of the legs from their support position to their stowed position.

[0016] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an automatic locking mechanism 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic locking mechanism 10 includes a latch 12 and a biasing mechanism 36. The latch 12 includes a base 14, a pivot portion 16, a securing portion, a biasing bracket 24, and a cam structure 32.

[0017] The pivot portion 16 is attached to the base 14 and is configured to pivotally secure the latch 12 to a first object about an axis (A). In a preferred embodiment, the pivot portion 16 can include a plurality of dowels 17. The dowels 17 are generally cylindrical in shape and are configured to be received into corresponding openings in the first object. The axis (A) passes through the center of the dowels 17.

[0018] ​​​The fixed portion 18 of the latch 12 is also attached to the base 14. The fixed portion 18 includes a receiving surface 20 configured to contact a second object as the second object approaches the first object. When the second object contacts the receiving surface 20, the latch pivots in a first direction about the axis (A). In a preferred embodiment, the receiving surface 20 can be a beveled surface. The fixed portion 18 also includes a hook 22 configured to automatically secure the second object to the first object when the first object and the second object are adjacent to one another.

[0019] The biasing bracket 24 is also attached to the base 14 and includes an arch 26. The arch 26 is configured to extend into the first object and define a space 28 between the first object and an interior apex 30 of the arch 26.

[0020] The cam structure 32 is also attached to the base 14. The cam structure 32 includes a receiving surface 34 configured to contact a third object. Contact with the receiving surface 34 occurs in response to selective movement of the third object. This contact causes the latch to pivot in a first direction about the axis (A). In a preferred embodiment, the receiving surface 34 can be a beveled surface.

[0021] As mentioned above, the automatic locking mechanism 10 also includes a biasing mechanism 36. The biasing mechanism 36 is located in the space 28 between the first object and the interior apex 30 of the arch 26. The biasing mechanism 36 is configured to bias the latch 12 to pivot about the axis (A) toward a second direction opposite the first direction. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the biasing mechanism 36 can be a coil spring or a leaf spring.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the biasing bracket 24 can also include a biasing guide 38. The biasing guide 38 is configured to engage the biasing mechanism 36 and direct its biasing function. As can be seen in Figure 1 the biasing guide 38 can be a protrusion extending away from the interior apex 30 of the arch 26.

[0023] The automatic locking mechanism 10 of the present invention can be used to secure any variety of objects together. One such example is a workbench 40 as depicted in Figures 2-7b the workbench 40 includes a work surface 42, a plurality of legs 56, and is characterized by further including the automatic locking mechanism 10.

[0024] The work surface 42 of the workbench 40 includes a first portion 44 and a second portion 46. Each of the first and second portions includes a top 48a, 48b and a plurality of walls 50a, 50b. For ease of reference, the "a" and "b" designations correspond to the first and second portions, respectively. The plurality of walls 50a, 50b are substantially perpendicular to the tops 48a, 48b. The first portion 44 and the second portion 46 are pivotally connected to one another about an axis (B) such that the work surface 42 is movable between a folded position and an operable position. In the folded position, the tops 48a, 48b and the plurality of walls 50a, 50b define an interior space. The best example of this folded position can be seen in Figure 4 . In the operable position, the respective tops 48a, 48b are positioned to form a single flat surface 54. The best example of this operable position can be seen in Figure 2 .

[0025] As mentioned above, the workbench 40 also includes a plurality of legs 56. Each leg 56 is movable between a support position and a stowed position. In the support position, the leg 56 provides support for the work surface 42 when it is in its operable position. In the stowed position, the leg 56 is confined within the interior space. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the legs 56 can be configured to be pivotable between their support positions and their stowed positions.

[0026] The automatic locking mechanism 10 of the workbench 40 is configured to automatically secure the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 together when the work surface is pivoted to its operable position. The automatic locking mechanism 10 is also configured to automatically release the first portion 44 from the second portion 46 in response to movement of at least one leg 56 from its support position to its stowed position.

[0027] The automatic locking mechanism 10 of the workbench 40 will now be discussed in detail. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the standalone automatic locking mechanism 10 described above is identical to the automatic locking mechanism of the workbench 40, except that the first object, the second object, and the third object of the standalone automatic locking mechanism are replaced by the first portion 44, the second portion 46, and the leg 56 of the automatic locking mechanism 10 of the workbench, respectively. The automatic locking mechanism 10 of the workbench 40 thus includes the latch 12 and the biasing mechanism 36. The latch 12 includes the base 14, the pivot portion 16, the securing portion 18, the biasing bracket 24, and the cam structure 32.

[0028] The pivot portion 16 is attached to the base 14 and is configured to pivotally secure the latch 12 to the first portion 44 about the axis (A). In the preferred embodiment, the pivot portion 16 can include a plurality of pins 17. The pins 17 are generally cylindrical in shape and are configured to be received into corresponding openings in the first portion 44. The axis (A) passes through the center of the pins 17.

[0029] The fixed portion 18 of the latch 12 is also attached to the base 14. The fixed portion 18 includes a receiving surface 20 that is configured to contact the second portion 46 when the second portion 46 is proximate to the first portion 44. When the second portion 46 contacts the receiving surface 20, the latch 12 pivots about the axis (A) in a first direction (CW). (For ease of reference, this first direction (CW) will be described below in relation to its positioning in Figure 7b However, those skilled in the art will recognize that, in operation, the direction of rotation CW or CCW depends on the physical orientation of the worktable.) In a preferred embodiment, the receiving surface 20 can be a ramp.

[0030] The fixed portion 18 also includes a hook 22 that is configured to automatically secure the second portion 46 to the first portion 44 when the work surface 42 is pivoted to its operable position. In a preferred embodiment, the hook 22 secures the second portion 46 to the first portion 44 by engaging an opening 58 defined in the second portion 46.

[0031] As noted above, the automatic locking mechanism 10 of the worktable 40 also includes a biasing bracket 24 that is also attached to the base 14. The biasing bracket 24 includes an arcuate portion 26. The arcuate portion 26 is configured to extend into the first portion 44 and define a space 28 between the first portion 44 and an interior apex 30 of the arcuate portion 26.

[0032] A cam structure 32 of the automatic locking mechanism 10 is also attached to the base 14. The cam structure 32 includes a receiving surface 34 that is configured to contact the leg 56. Contact with the receiving surface 34 occurs in response to selective movement of the leg 56. More specifically, this contact occurs when the leg 56 is moved from its support position to its stowed position. Contact between the leg 56 and the receiving surface 34 causes the latch 12 to pivot about the axis (A) in the first direction (CW). In a preferred embodiment, the leg 56 can also include a crossbar 60 and the crossbar 60 is configured to engage the receiving surface 34 and cause the latch to pivot about the axis (A) in the first direction (CW). In yet another preferred embodiment, the receiving surface 34 can be a ramp.

[0033] As noted above, the automatic locking mechanism 10 also includes a biasing mechanism 36. As best shown in Figure 7a and 7b The biasing mechanism 36 is positioned in the space 28 between the first portion 44 and the interior apex 30 of the arcuate portion 26. The biasing mechanism 36 is configured to bias the latch 12 to pivot about the axis (A) in a second direction (CCW) that is opposite the first direction (CW). (For ease of reference, this second direction (CCW) will be described below in relation to its positioning in Figure 7aThe second direction (CCW) is described in terms of the orientation in the figure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that in operation, the direction of rotation CW or CCW depends on the physical orientation of the workbench. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the biasing mechanism can be a coil spring or a leaf spring.

[0034] Industrial Applications

[0035] The operation of the automatic locking mechanism 10 within the workbench 40 will now be discussed. The workbench 40 is a portable workbench that can be easily transported and installed at a desired location. Typically, the workbench 40 is transported while it is in its collapsed configuration. This configuration is best shown in Figure 4 . In this configuration, the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 of the work surface 42 are folded about the axis (B) such that their tops 48a, 48b are parallel to each other and separated by the walls 50a, 50b. This is the folded position of the work surface 42. In this position, the respective tops 48a, 48b and the plurality of walls 50a, 50b are positioned to enclose an interior space 52. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the interior space 52 is not enclosed when the work surface 42 is in its operable position. In this folded position, the workbench 40 can be easily transported using the handle 62. The handle 62 is best shown in Figure 2 .

[0036] When the operator arrives at her desired location, she can set up the workbench 40 for use by first pivoting the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 about the axis (B) such that the respective tops 48a, 48b are positioned to form a single flat surface 54. This is the operable position of the work surface 42. As the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 are rotated to each other, the automatic locking mechanism 10 automatically secures the portions to each other. The features that accomplish this function are best shown in Figure 5 , which shows a detailed perspective view of the workbench 40 in its collapsed configuration. In this view, the automatic locking mechanism 10 is pivotally connected to the first portion 44. The second portion 46 includes a latching engagement surface 64. When the second portion 46 is rotated close to the first portion 44, the latching engagement surface 64 will come into contact with the securing portion 18 of the latch 12. More specifically, the latching engagement surface 64 will come into contact with the receiving surface 20 of the securing portion 18. When this occurs, the latch 12 will pivot slightly in a first direction (CW) about the axis A. An example of this first direction (CW) movement can be seen in Figure 7b . In the preferred embodiment, both the latching engagement surface 64 and the receiving surface 20 will be beveled. The bevels help to facilitate the slight pivoting of the latch 12 about the axis (A).

[0037] Continued movement of the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 about axis (B) will eventually cause the latch engagement surface 64 and the receiving surface 20 to disengage from each other. When this occurs, the biasing mechanism 36 automatically engages the hook 22 with the opening 58 defined in the second portion 46. More specifically, the opening 58 is defined in the latch engagement surface 64. When this occurs, the operator will hear a familiar "click," indicating that the working surface 42 is securely locked in its operable position. The biasing mechanism 36 is positioned between the inner apex 30 of the first portion and the arch 26. Therefore, the biasing mechanism is configured to apply a biasing force (F1) that biases the latch 12 to rotate about axis (A) in a second direction (CCW) opposite to the first direction (CW). Figure 7a The example of the biased motion of force (F1) and latch 12 in the second direction (CCW) can be best seen in the middle.

[0038] With the work surface 42 in its operable position, the operator can now pivot the legs 56 from their retracted position to their supported position. The workbench 40, now in its fully extended position, can now be used to perform various woodworking tasks. When the task is completed, the workbench 40 can be folded up and transported to another location. The folding capability of the workbench 40 is enhanced by the automatic locking mechanism 10, which can automatically separate the first section 44 from the second section 46 by simply retracting one leg 46.

[0039] Figure 3 and 6 The worktable 40 is shown in a partially folded state. Specifically, these figures show a worktable with two legs 56 in their supported positions and two legs 56 in their folded positions. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the worktable 40 in a partially broken-down state, showing how the position of the support leg 56 affects the operation of the automatic locking mechanism 10. Figure 6 Top Insert Figure 7a The position of the automatic locking mechanism 10 is shown when the support leg 56 of the worktable 40 is in its supported position. In this position, the automatic locking mechanism is in its fully locked position, with the first part 44 and the second part 46 fixed to each other, such that the work surface 42 is a single flat surface 54. Figure 6 Bottom plug Figure 7b The position of the automatic locking mechanism 10 is shown when the support leg 56 of the worktable 40 is in its retracted position. In this position, the automatic locking mechanism 10 is in its unlocked state, wherein the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 can be separated from each other by rotation about axis (B). Those skilled in the art will recognize that... Figure 6The two automatic locking mechanisms are mirror images of each other. However, Figure 7a rotated 180° so as to be easily referenced and compared. Figure 7b

[0040] From Figure 7a the beginning, when the operator wishes to collapse her workbench 40, she can selectively move the leg 56 from its support position to its stowed position. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the leg 56 can be pivotally secured to the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 about pins 66a, 66b. As Figure 7b illustrated, in the preferred embodiment, the leg 56 can also include a crossbar 60. When the crossbar 60 is rotated about pin 60a, the crossbar 60 engages the cam structure 32. More specifically, the crossbar 60 engages the receiving surface 34 of the cam structure 32. In the preferred embodiment, the receiving surface 34 can be sloped. When the crossbar 60 engages the receiving surface 34, a force (F2) is imparted to the cam structure 32 which causes the latch 12 to pivot about the axis (A) in the first direction (CW). This rotation of the latch 12 about the axis (A) in the first direction (CW) causes the hook 22 of the latch 14 to disengage from the opening 58. Thus, the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 are no longer secured to each other. In this way, the automatic locking mechanism 10 is disengaged in one step. Furthermore, since the act of stowing the leg 56 is a necessary step in collapsing the workbench, the disengagement of the automatic locking mechanism 10 is more efficiently accomplished. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the movement of the leg 56 to its stowed position also compresses the biasing mechanism 36. (See Figure 7b ). This compression stores energy in the biasing mechanism 36 such that when the operator arrives at a new location and wishes to set the workbench 40 back to its operable state, the rotation of the leg 56 to its support position will release this energy, thereby causing the latch 40 to rotate back in the second direction (CCW). With the latch 12 of the automatic locking mechanism 10 in its initial position, the workbench is ready to be deployed again.

[0041] It should be understood that while the application has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims.​

Claims

1. An automatic locking mechanism (10) configured to automatically secure a first object to a second object when the first and second objects are adjacent to each other and selectively release the first and second objects from each other in response to movement of a third object, the automatic locking mechanism (10) comprising: a latch (12) comprising: a base (14); a pivot portion (16) attached to the base (14) and configured to pivotally secure the latch (12) to the first object about an axis (A); a securing portion (18) attached to the base (14) and comprising a receiving surface (20) configured to contact the second object when the second object is proximate to the first object and pivot the latch (12) about the axis (A) in a first direction (CW), and wherein the securing portion (18) further comprises a hook (22) configured to automatically secure the second object to the first object when the first and second objects are adjacent to each other; a biasing bracket (24) attached to the base (14) and comprising an arch (26) configured to extend into the first object and define a space (28) between the first object and an interior apex (30) of the arch (26); and a cam structure (32) attached to the base (14) and comprising a receiving surface (34) configured to contact the third object and pivot the latch (12) about the axis (A) in the first direction (CW) in response to selective movement of the third object; and a biasing mechanism (36) positioned in the space (28) between the first object and the interior apex (30) of the arch (26), and wherein the biasing mechanism (36) is configured to bias the latch (12) to pivot about the axis (A) toward a second direction (CCW) opposite the first direction (CW); characterized in that the biasing bracket (24) further comprises a biasing guide (38) configured to engage the biasing mechanism (36) and direct its biasing function.

2. The automatic locking mechanism (10) of claim 1, wherein: the receiving surface (20) of the securing portion (18) is a ramp.

3. The automatic locking mechanism (10) of claim 1, wherein: the receiving surface (34) of the cam structure (32) is a ramp.

4. The automatic locking mechanism (10) of any one of claims 1-3, wherein: the biasing mechanism (36) is a coil spring or a leaf spring.

5. A workbench (40) comprising: a work surface (42) having a first portion (44) and a second portion (46), each portion having a top (48a, 48b) and a plurality of walls (50a, 50b) substantially perpendicular to the top (48a, 48b), and wherein the first portion (44) and the second portion (46) are pivotally connected to each other about an axis (B) such that the work surface (42) is movable between a folded position, in which the respective top (48a, 48b) and the plurality of walls (50a, 50b) are positioned to define an interior space, and an operable position, in which the respective top (48a, 48b) is positioned to form a single flat surface (54); a plurality of legs, wherein each leg (56) is movable between a support position, in which the leg (56) provides support for the work surface (42) in its operable position, and a stowed position, in which the leg (56) is confined within the interior space; and wherein the worktable (40) further comprises an automatic locking mechanism (10) configured to automatically secure the first portion (44) and the second portion (46) together when the work surface (42) is pivoted to its operable position, and to automatically release the first portion (44) and the second portion (46) from each other in response to movement of at least one of the legs (56) from its support position to its stowed position; characterized in that the automatic locking mechanism (10) further comprises a biasing bracket (24) and a biasing mechanism (36), the biasing bracket (24) comprising a biasing guide (38) configured to engage the biasing mechanism (36) and to guide its biasing function.

6. The worktable (40) of claim 5, wherein the automatic locking mechanism (10) comprises: a latch (12) comprising: a base (14); a pivot portion (16) attached to the base (14) and configured to pivotally secure the latch (12) to the first portion (44) about an axis (A); a securing portion (18) attached to the base (14) and comprising a receiving surface (20) configured to contact the second portion (46) when the second portion (46) is proximate to the first portion (44) and to pivot the latch (12) about an axis (A) in a first direction (CW), and wherein the securing portion (18) further comprises a hook (22) configured to automatically secure the second portion (46) to the first portion (44) when the work surface (42) is in its operable position; the biasing mechanism (36) comprising: a biasing member (28) attached to the hook (22) and configured to bias the hook (22) in a second direction (CCW) opposite the first direction (CW); and a biasing guide (38) attached to the biasing member (28) and configured to engage the hook (22) and to guide its biasing function. the biasing bracket (24) attached to the base (14) and including an arcuate portion (26) configured to extend into the first portion (44) and define a space (28) between the first portion (44) and an interior apex (30) of the arcuate portion (26); and a cam structure (32) attached to the base (14) and including a receiving surface (34) configured to contact the leg (56) and cause the latch (12) to pivot about the axis (A) in the first direction (CW) in response to movement of the leg (56) from its support position to its stowed position; and the biasing mechanism (36) positioned in the space (28) between the first portion (44) and the interior apex (30) of the arcuate portion (26), and wherein the biasing mechanism (36) is configured to bias the latch (12) to pivot about the axis (A) toward a second direction (CCW) opposite the first direction (CW).

7. The workbench (40) of claim 6, wherein, the hook (22) secures the second portion (46) to the first portion (44) by engaging an opening (58) defined in the second portion (46).

8. The workbench (40) of claim 6, wherein, the receiving surface (20) of the securing portion (18) is a ramp.

9. The workbench (40) of claim 6, wherein, the receiving surface (34) of the cam structure (32) is a ramp.

10. The workbench (40) of claim 6, wherein, the biasing mechanism (36) is a coil spring or a leaf spring.

11. The workbench (40) of claim 6, wherein, the at least one leg (56) includes a crossbar (60), and the crossbar (60) is configured to engage the cam structure (32) of the latch (12) when the leg (56) is moved from its support position to its stowed position.

12. The workbench (40) of any one of claims 5 to 11, further comprising a handle (62) configured to facilitate transport of the workbench (40) when the leg (56) is in its stowed position and the work surface (42) is in its folded position.

Images