Static Load Compression Spring

Abstract

A locking device (40) for locking two elements (3, 4) together, comprising a spring (1), such as a static load spring, and a locking part, such as a locking pin (2) or a locking disk (26), comprises a successive connecting element (5) and a U-shaped part (6) which connects the two connecting elements (5) at their first ends (7a, 7b), respectively. The two connecting elements (5) turn towards each other towards their second ends (8a, 8b) in a non-compressed state, such that the successive connecting elements (5) and the U-shaped part (6) form a serpentine shape.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device for locking two elements together, comprising a spring, such as a static load spring, and a locking part, such as a locking pin or a locking disk. [Background technology]

[0002] Historically, tools such as drills, screwdrivers, hammers, and wrenches have been required to assemble two or more objects into a single piece, such as a piece of furniture.

[0003] Further developments in tool-free assembly methods, such as click flooring, have led to all types of furniture in the home being able to be assembled, to varying degrees, without tools, or at least with a minimum of tools.

[0004] For locking two panels together, a locking device is known that has a spring at one end and a locking portion at the other end. The spring end of the locking device is inserted into a recess in one panel, leaving the locking pin protruding above the face of the panels. The other panel has a corresponding recess that receives the locking pin when the two panels are fitted together. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present disclosure there is provided an alternative spring according to the appended claims, which may be used in a variety of contexts, but preferably is used as a locking pin spring, although other applications are not excluded.

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a locking device configured to lock two elements together, the locking device comprising a spring, such as a static load spring, and a locking portion, such as a locking pin or locking disk.

[0007] The spring may include a U-shaped portion and an adjacent U-shaped portion. A leg of the U-shaped portion may connect to a leg of the adjacent U-shaped portion.

[0008] The spring may comprise a connecting element connecting the leg of the U-shaped portion to the leg of the adjacent U-shaped portion.

[0009] The cross section at the base of the U-shape may be non-circular.

[0010] The cross-sections at the bases of the adjacent U-shaped portions may be non-circular.

[0011] The cross section at the base of the U-shaped portion may include an outer surface having a rounded shape and an opposing inner surface that is essentially straight.

[0012] The cross-section at the base of the adjacent U-shaped portions may include an outer surface having a rounded shape and an opposing inner surface that is essentially straight.

[0013] The spring may comprise a successive connecting element and a U-shaped portion, the U-shaped portion connecting two connecting elements at first ends of the two connecting elements, respectively, which in a non-compressed state turn towards each other towards second ends of the two connecting elements, such that the successive connecting elements and the U-shaped portion form a serpentine shape.

[0014] A further advantage of the spring is that it is relatively short compared to known springs and yet still allows significant compression, i.e. the compression ratio to length is relatively high. The length of the spring may be in the range of about 10-40 mm, for example 20-30 mm.

[0015] A further advantage of the spring may be that when the spring is compressed, the outer diameter of the spring does not increase or only increases slightly, e.g., less than 0.3 mm, which may have the effect that the spring, when inserted for example in a hole or recess, does not get pinched in the hole / recess when the spring is compressed.

[0016] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the spring is configured such that two adjacent U-shaped sections are closer to or in contact with each other in a compressed state than they are in an uncompressed state.

[0017] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the spring is configured such that in a compressed state, two adjacent connection elements are closer to or in contact with each other at their respective second ends than in an uncompressed state.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the U-shaped portion is a circular segment that extends over an angle of more than 180°.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the length of the connecting element is less than the width of the connecting element at its center.

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, one end of the spring terminates in the U-shaped section with the end pointing away from the spring, e.g., toward the longitudinal extension of the spring. This design provides a stronger contact to the end of the recess in which the spring sits, since in one embodiment both the semi-finished U-shaped section and the final full U-shaped section contact the bottom of the recess, e.g., if the bottom of the recess is flat.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a thickness of the connecting element is less than a width of the U-shaped portion.

[0022] The thickness of the connecting element may be in the range of 10% to 90%, such as 20% to 80%, such as 30% to 70%, for example about 50%, of the thickness of the U-shaped portion.

[0023] The shape of the spring is such that the connecting element and the surface surrounding the exterior of the U-shaped portion are cylindrical, so that when the spring is compressed and placed in a cylindrical recess, it will not bend away from its axis.

[0024] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the diameter of the cylindrical surface in an uncompressed state is greater than at maximum compression of the locking device, and due to the serpentine shape of the spring, the diameter at compression remains the same or decreases depending on the level of serpentine.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an end of the locking device includes the locking pin.

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the lock pin includes a truncated cone-shaped end.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the locking pin includes a radial recess extending therethrough.

[0028] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the opening of the radial recess is larger on one side of the locking pin such that there is an inwardly sloping surface toward the opening on the other side.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an end of the lock pin includes a notched segment.

[0030] According to yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, a central portion of the connecting element furthest from the locking pin has two opposing radial protrusions on its outermost surface.

[0031] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the spring is injection molded, so that the spring is constructed entirely from the same material.

[0032] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the locking device is constructed from a polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic material, optionally with a reinforcing material, such as fiberglass.

[0033] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the spring and the stop are injection molded as one piece.

[0034] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the element is a panel, such as a wood-based panel.

[0035] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the wood-based panel is an HDF panel, an MDF panel, or a plywood panel.

[0036] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the element may be a furniture part that may be part of an article of furniture such as a bookcase, a cupboard, a wardrobe, a chest, a drawer, a kitchen cabinet, a countertop, or a tabletop.

[0037] A second aspect of the disclosure comprises a locking device for locking two elements together, comprising a spring and a locking portion, such as a locking pin or a locking disk, the spring comprising a U-shaped portion and an adjacent U-shaped portion, the leg of the U-shaped portion connecting to the leg of the adjacent U-shaped portion.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the spring comprises a connecting element connecting the leg of the U-shaped portion to the leg of the adjacent U-shaped portion.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the leg of the U-shaped portion points towards the other leg of the adjacent U-shaped portion.

[0040] It should be emphasized that as used in this specification, the term "comprises / comprising" is intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0041] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the appended claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described below without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0042] These and other aspects, features and advantages of possible embodiments of the present invention will become apparent and become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a diagram of an embodiment of a locking device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is another view of an embodiment of a locking device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is another view of an embodiment of a locking device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is another view of an embodiment of a locking device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the locking device of FIGS. 1A to 1C. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the locking device of FIGS. 1A-1C and 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates the sequence of attachment of one panel to another with a locking device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a sequence of attachment of one panel to another with a locking device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a sequence of attachment of one panel to another with a locking device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates in sequence the attachment of one panel to another with a locking device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a sequence of attachment of one panel to another with a locking device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a sequence of attachment of one panel to another with a locking device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a connection structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 illustrates a sequence of unlocking of a connection structure according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a sequence of unlocking of a connection structure according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates a sequence of unlocking of a connection structure according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates a sequence of unlocking of a connection structure according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a portion of a structure. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a side view of a locking device having a locking disk according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C shows an embodiment of the first panel. [Figure 15D] FIG. 15D shows a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15B. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of two panels joined perpendicularly to each other by a connecting structure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of two panels joined by a connecting structure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic of a spring in a compressed state according to the present disclosure. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A is a side view of an embodiment of a locking device. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B shows a cutaway view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 19A. [Figure 19C] FIG. 19C shows a cutaway view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 19A. [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A shows a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a locking device. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B shows a side view of an embodiment of a locking device. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20C shows a side view of an embodiment of a locking device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. In the drawings and description, like numerals refer to like elements.

[0045] 1A to 1C, 2 and 3, there is shown a locking device 40 including a spring 1 and a locking portion such as a locking pin 2. The locking device 40 can be used to lock two elements together.

[0046] As shown, the spring 1 may comprise a continuous connecting element 5 and a U-shaped portion 6 .

[0047] One of the U-shaped portions 6 may connect two of the connecting elements 5 at first ends 7a, 7b of each of said two connecting elements 5. The two connecting elements 5 may face each other towards their second ends 8a, 8b, respectively, of the two connecting elements 5, such that, in a non-compressed state, the successive connecting elements 5 and the U-shaped portions 6 may form a serpentine shape.

[0048] The two connecting elements 5 may face at an angle 82 lying in the range of 10° to 30°, for example 15° to 20°.

[0049] The spring centerline 81 may extend through the center of each of the connecting elements 5 .

[0050] FIG. 1D shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a connecting element 5.

[0051] The spring 1 may comprise a U-shaped portion 6 and an adjacent U-shaped portion 6'. The legs of the U-shaped portions may be connected to the legs of the adjacent U-shaped portions.

[0052] The spring 1 may comprise a connecting element 5 which connects a leg of a U-shaped section 6 to a leg of an adjacent U-shaped section. The leg of a U-shaped section may point towards another leg of the U-shaped section.

[0053] The spring 1 may comprise two or more U-shaped sections 6, 6'.

[0054] An advantage of this embodiment of the spring 1 is that when the spring 1 is compressed, the outside diameter of the spring does not increase, or the increase in the outside diameter is only slight, for example less than 0.3 mm. This can have the effect that the spring 1, when inserted into a hole or recess 21, will not get pinched in the hole / recess when the spring is compressed.

[0055] Locking device 40 may be constructed from a polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic material, optionally with a reinforcing material, such as fiberglass.

[0056] The spring 1 and locking pin 2 may be injection molded as one piece.

[0057] The spring 1 may be configured such that in the compressed state, two adjacent connection elements 5 are closer to or in contact with each other at their respective second ends 8a, 8b than in the uncompressed state.

[0058] The U-shaped portion 6 may be a circular segment extending over an angle of more than 180°, for example an angle between 180° and 270°, for example between 190° and 240°.

[0059] As further shown, the length L of the connecting element 5 may be less than the width W of the connecting element 5 at its center. The length L may be measured from the end of the inner curved surface 85 of a U-shaped portion 6 that is closest to the centerline 81 to the end of the inner curved surface 85 of an adjacent U-shaped portion 6 that is closest to the centerline 81.

[0060] The connecting element 5 can for example be a rectilinear element with an upper side and a lower parallel side.

[0061] The thickness t of the connecting element 5 may be greater than the thickness T of the U-shaped portion 6. The thickness t of the connecting element 5 may be in the range of 10% to 90%, such as 20% to 80%, such as 30% to 70%, for example about 50%, of the thickness T of the U-shaped portion 6.

[0062] The thickness t of the connecting element 5 can be measured at the center line 81 .

[0063] The thickness T of the U-shaped portion 6 may be measured at the bottom portion 64 of the U-shaped portion 6 .

[0064] One end of the spring 1 terminates in a U-shaped section, with an end 9 pointing away from the spring 1, for example towards the longitudinal extension of the spring.

[0065] The shape of the spring is such that the surface surrounding the connecting element 5 and the exterior of the U-shaped portion 6 is cylindrical. The diameter of the cylindrical surface in the uncompressed state is larger than that of the statically loaded compression spring 1 when it is fully compressed.

[0066] Furthermore, one end of the locking device 1 is provided with a locking pin 2. The locking pin 2 may be provided with a truncated cone-shaped end 10.

[0067] The locking pin 2 is provided with a radial recess 11 which may selectively extend through the locking pin 2. The opening of the radial recess 11 is larger on one side of the locking pin 2 such that there is an inner beveled surface 12 to the opening on the other side.

[0068] To facilitate installation of the spring-loaded pin, i.e. to make it easier to check whether the pin is installed correctly, the end 10 of the locking pin 2 has a notched segment 15. Also, the central portion of the connection element 5 furthest from the locking pin 2 has two opposing radial protrusions 14 on its outermost surface. When the spring-loaded locking pin is inserted into a hole / recess in a panel, the locking pin having these protrusions 14 will offer resistance to rotation.

[0069] The side of the locking pin has a radially extending recess 11. The recess 11 has an inwardly sloping surface 12 axially towards the pin and begins at an axial point 13 on the side of the recess opening closest to the spring-loaded end of the pin. As viewed from the side of the spring-loaded pin, the sloping surface angle ε is in the range of 15°-45°, such as 20°-40°, e.g., approximately 30°.

[0070] FIG. 3 more clearly shows that the recess 11 is a through hole such that a recess opening and a recess exit are present.

[0071] For examples of how springs can be used, see Figures 4-15.

[0072] Figures 4-9 show the process of connecting two panels to each other. Thus, there is a first panel 3, a second panel 4. A face 17 of the first panel 3 and a face 18 of the second panel 4 are parallel and come into contact at the locking position of the first panel 3 and the second panel 4. The connection structure comprises at least one rod-shaped element 19 on said face 17 of the first panel 3 and at least one corresponding insertion recess 20 on said face 18 of the second panel 4.

[0073] The first panel 3 and / or the second panel 4 may be a wood-based panel.

[0074] The wood-based panel can be a HDF panel, an MDF panel, or a plywood panel.

[0075] The first panel 3 and / or the second panel 4 may be a furniture component which may be part of an article of furniture such as a bookcase, cupboard, wardrobe, chest, drawer, kitchen cabinet, counter top, or table top.

[0076] The rod-shaped element 19 is configured to be inserted into an insertion recess 20. The rod-shaped element 19 extends from a face 17 of the first panel 3 at a first angle. The insertion recess 20 extends from a face 18 of the second panel 4 into the second panel 4 at a second angle. The first and second angles are both between 30° and 60°, for example about 45°. The connection structure comprises a spring-loaded locking pin 2 having a spring 1 and a pin-shaped other end 2.

[0077] When the structure is in a connected state, the locking pin 2 is disposed in the first panel recess 21 of one of the panels 3, 4 at an angle in the range of 85° to 95° with respect to the contact surface of the two panels 3, 4, and is disposed in a state in which the locking pin 2 fits into the second panel recess 22 of the other panel 3, 4. The locking pin of the locking pin 2 is a truncated cone. The end face of the locking pin is the upper surface of the truncated cone.

[0078] The first panel recess 21 and / or the second panel recess 22 may be a cylindrically shaped hole, for example a perforation.

[0079] In one embodiment of the connection structure, the panels 3, 4 are brought together so that the rod-shaped elements align with the corresponding recesses in the other panel. At one point, the second panel 4 contacts the top of the spring-loaded locking pin, as shown in Figure 5.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6, panels 3 and 4 are brought closer together and spring 1 is slightly compressed, and in Figures 7 and 8, end 2 of the locking pin approaches and aligns with second panel recess 22 and the spring is further compressed.

[0081] Finally, in Figure 9, the spring loaded locking pin 2 springs back to its uncompressed state and fits into the second panel recess 22. The two panels 3, 4 then connect to each other.

[0082] In Figure 10 the advantage of the truncated cone at the end of the spring loaded locking pin 2 is clear: as shown, the spring loaded pin 2 and the second panel recess 22 are not perfectly aligned. Although not perfectly aligned, the two panels 3, 4 are locked together by the truncated cone of the pin 2. To make the connection easier, the second panel recess 22 has a chamfered opening edge 24 along its periphery.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, when the truncated cone is upright, the inclination angle of the truncated cone is in the range of 5° to 15°, such as in the range of 8° to 12°, for example about 10°. The central axis of the locking pin is perpendicular to the contact surface between panels 3 and 4.

[0084] The side of the locking pin has a radially extending recess 11. The recess has an inwardly sloping surface 12 that faces axially towards the locking pin 2 and begins at an axial point 13 on the side of the recess opening closest to the end of the locking pin having the spring 1. See Figures 1-3.

[0085] The recess 11 of the locking pin is a through hole so that a recess opening and a recess exit are present.

[0086] The panel 3 having the first panel recess 21 has a service recess 23 oriented perpendicular to the first panel recess 21 and arranged such that the two recesses 21, 23 connect at a distance below the contact surface of the panel 3. The service recess 23 extends further beyond the first panel recess 21, such that the two recesses 21, 23 intersect.

[0087] In figures 11 to 14 the unlocking or removal of the connection arrangement is shown. The tool 25 is inserted into the service recess 23. At its tip the tool has an angle similar to ε at the inclined surface 12 of the recess through which the locking pin 2 passes. When the tool 25 is pushed further into the service recess 23, the spring is compressed further until the tool 25 is pushed entirely through the recess, as shown in figures 12 to 14. The panels 3 and 4 can then be pulled apart. Since the service recess 23 has passed through the panel recess 21, there is no need to hold the tool 25; it remains in this position.

[0088] 15A shows an alternative embodiment of the recess 22. Here, the recess 22 has a conical shape that corresponds to the truncated cone of the locking pin 2. The contact surface between the locking pin 2 and the recess 22 is therefore increased.

[0089] In Fig. 15B an alternative locking device 40 is shown in a side view. Fig. 15D shows a top view of this embodiment. The spring corresponds to that shown previously, but instead of a locking pin a disk-shaped portion 26 is used to increase the contact surface between the locking device 40 and the element on which it is placed and the element to be locked together.

[0090] FIG. 15C shows that apart from the recess necessary to accommodate the spring 1, an embodiment of the first panel may comprise a further recess 86 corresponding to the shape of the disc 26 so that the spring can be sufficiently compressed.

[0091] For context, Figure 16 shows an example of two panels 3, 4 connected perpendicularly to each other by the above-mentioned structures. The first panel 3 may comprise a main surface 27, a parallel and opposing main surface 28, and an edge surface 29 extending between the main surface 27 and the opposing main surface 28.

[0092] The second panel 4 may include a major surface 30 , a parallel and opposing major surface 31 , and an edge surface 32 extending between major surface 30 and the opposing major surface 31 .

[0093] The main surface 27 of the first panel 3 and the main surface 30 of the second panel 4 may be perpendicular to each other in the locked position of the first panel 3 and the second panel 4 .

[0094] The edge surface 29 of the first panel 3 and the main surface 30 of the second panel 4 are parallel and may be in contact with each other in the locked position of the first panel 3 and the second panel 4 .

[0095] The edge surface 32 of the second panel 4 may be parallel to the main surface 27 of the first panel 3 in the locked position.

[0096] FIG. 17 shows an example of two panels 3, 4 connected using the connection structure described above, whereby a single panel having the areas of the two individual panels 3, 4 is constructed.

[0097] The first panel 3 may include a major surface 27, a parallel and opposing major surface 28, and an edge surface 29 extending between the major surface 27 and the opposing major surface 28.

[0098] The second panel 4 may include a major surface 30 , a parallel and opposing major surface 31 , and an edge surface 32 extending between major surface 30 and the opposing major surface 31 .

[0099] The main surface 27 of the first panel 3 and the main surface 30 of the second panel 4 may be parallel to each other in the locked position of the first panel 3 and the second panel 4 .

[0100] The edge surface 29 of the first panel 3 and the edge surface 32 of the second panel 4 are parallel and may come into contact in the locked position of the first panel 3 and the second panel 4 .

[0101] The recesses 20, 21, 22, 23 in the panels 3, 4 are machined.

[0102] Furthermore, as best seen in Figures 1-3, the spring loaded locking pin 2 has two diametrically opposed protrusions 14 at the end of the spring furthest from the locking pin 2. The purpose of this is to minimise the risk of the locking pin 2 pivoting such that the tool 25 cannot be inserted into the panel recess 11.

[0103] Figure 18 shows the spring 1 in a compressed state in the recess 21. As shown, the spring 1 is configured such that two adjacent U-shaped sections 6 are closer to or touching each other in the compressed state than they are in the uncompressed state shown in the other figures.

[0104] 19A shows an embodiment of a locking device with a locking pin 2 and a spring 1 which may comprise a U-shaped portion 6 and an adjacent U-shaped portion 6'. A leg 61 of a U-shaped portion may connect to a leg 62 of an adjacent U-shaped portion. The leg 61 of a U-shaped portion may face another leg 62 of a U-shaped portion.

[0105] A leg 61 of the U-shaped portion 6' may face another leg 62 of the U-shaped portion 6' at an angle 83 lying in the range of approximately 10° to 30°, for example 15° to 20°.

[0106] The U-shaped portion 6 and the adjacent U-shaped portion 6 may be molded as one piece.

[0107] The spring 1 may comprise two or more U-shaped sections 6 .

[0108] 19B shows a cross-section 64 at the bottom 63 of the U-shaped portion 6. The cross-section 64 may be perpendicular to the center line 81 and may have a non-circular shape.

[0109] Cross-sectional portion 64 may include an outer surface 72, which may have a rounded shape, and an opposing inner surface 71, which may be essentially straight.

[0110] 19C shows a cross-section 65 at the bottom 63 of an adjacent U-shaped section 6'. The cross-section 65 may be perpendicular to the center line 81 and may have a non-circular shape.

[0111] Cross-sectional portion 65 may include an outer surface 72, which may have a rounded shape, and an opposing inner surface 71, which may be essentially straight.

[0112] The locking device 40 may be configured to be disposed in a panel recess 21 of the panel 3 .

[0113] The outer surface 72 of the cross-section 64 at the bottom 63 of the U-shaped section 6 and / or the cross-section 65 at the bottom 63 of the adjacent U-shaped section 6 ′ may be configured to partially match the shape of the inner surface of the panel recess 21 .

[0114] A partial coincidence of the outer surface 72 with the inner surface of the panel recess 21 may provide the advantage of improved guidance of the locking device in the panel recess 21 .

[0115] The matching shape may provide the advantage of improved guidance of the spring in the panel recess 21 and may prevent the spring 1 from becoming pinched in the panel recess 21 during compression and / or when the spring 1 rebounds to its uncompressed state.

[0116] The outer surface 72 of the cross-section 64 at the bottom 63 of the U-shaped portion 6 and / or the cross-section 65 at the bottom 63 of the adjacent U-shaped portion 6' may be essentially shaped as a circular segment which may have rounded corners.

[0117] FIG. 20A shows a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a locking device, and FIG. 20b and FIG. 20C show two side views of an embodiment of a locking device.

[0118] The locking device 40 comprises a locking pin 2 and a spring 1 which may comprise a U-shaped portion 6 and an adjacent U-shaped portion 6'. A leg of a U-shaped portion may connect to a leg of an adjacent U-shaped portion. A leg of a U-shaped portion faces another leg of a U-shaped portion.

[0119] The sides of the locking pin 2 and the spring 1 may include notched segments 73 to facilitate proper positioning of the locking device 40 .

[0120] The end 10 of the locking pin 2 may be provided with an indicator 74, such as a recess, to indicate the correct rotational position of the locking device.

[0121] Further embodiments are described below. 1. A locking device 40 configured to lock two elements 3, 4 together, comprising a spring 1, such as a static load spring, and a locking portion, such as a locking pin 2 or a locking disk 26, said spring 1 comprising successive connecting elements 5 and U-shaped portions 6, 6', one of said U-shaped portions 6 connecting two of said connecting elements 5 at first ends 7a, 7b of each of said two connecting elements 5, said two connecting elements 5 turning towards each other towards second ends 8a, 8b of each of said two connecting elements 5, such that in a non-compressed state, said successive connecting elements 5 and said U-shaped portions 6, 6' form a serpentine shape. 2. A locking device 40 for locking two elements 3, 4 to one another, comprising a spring 1 and a locking part such as a locking pin 2 or a locking disk 26, said spring 1 comprising a U-shaped part 6 and an adjacent U-shaped part 6, said leg 61 of said U-shaped part 6 being connected to a leg 62 of said adjacent U-shaped part 6. 3. A locking device 40 as described in embodiment 2, wherein the spring 1 is provided with a connecting element 5 connecting the leg 61 of the U-shaped portion 6 to the leg 62 of the adjacent U-shaped portion 6. 4. The locking device 40 according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the leg 61 of the U-shaped portion 6 points towards another leg 62 of the U-shaped portion 6. 5. A locking device 40 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the spring 1 is configured such that two adjacent U-shaped portions 6 are closer to or in contact with each other in a compressed state than they are in the uncompressed state. 6. A locking device 40 described in any of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the spring 1 is configured such that in a compressed state, two adjacent connection elements 5 are closer to or in contact with each other at their respective second ends 8a, 8b than in the uncompressed state. 7. The locking device 40 of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the U-shaped portion 6 is a circular segment extending over an angle of more than 180°. 8. The locking device 40 according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, wherein the length L of the connection element 5 is smaller than the width W of the connection element 5 at its central portion. 9. A locking device 40 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein one end of the spring 1 terminates in the U-shaped portion with the end 9 pointing away from the spring 1. 10. The locking device 40 according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein the thickness t of the connecting element 5 is smaller than the width T of the U-shaped portion 6. 11. A locking device 40 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the shape conforming to the spring is such that the surface surrounding the exterior of the connecting element 5 and the U-shaped portion 6 is cylindrical. 12. The locking device 40 of embodiment 11, wherein the diameter of the cylindrical surface in an uncompressed state is greater than when the locking device is fully compressed. 13. The locking device 40 according to any one of the first to twelfth embodiments, wherein an end of the locking device 40 is provided with the locking pin 2. 14. A locking device 40 as described in embodiment 13, wherein the locking pin 2 has a truncated cone-shaped end 10. 15. A locking device 40 as described in embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the locking pin 2 optionally has a radial recess 11 extending through the locking pin 2. 16. A locking device 40 as described in embodiment 15, wherein the opening of the radial recess 11 is larger on one side of the locking pin 2 such that there is an inner inclined surface 12 toward the other opening. 17. A locking device 40 according to any one of embodiments 13 to 16, wherein the end 10 includes a notched segment 15. 18. The locking device 40 according to any one of embodiments 13 to 17, wherein the central portion of the connecting element 5 farthest from the locking pin 2 has two opposing radial protrusions 14 on its outermost surface.

[0122] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that as used herein, the terms "comprise," "comprises," "including," and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. When an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it will be understood that the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or that intervening elements may be present.

[0123] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Furthermore, terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this specification.

[0124] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art can readily envision various other means and / or structures for carrying out the functions and / or results and / or one or more advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the particular use or application for which the teachings of the present invention are / are used.

[0125] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used in the specification and claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

Claims

1. A locking device (40) for locking two elements (3, 4) together, comprising a spring (1) and a locking part such as a locking pin (2) or a locking disk (26), The spring (1) comprises a U-shaped portion (6) and an adjacent U-shaped portion (6), The legs (61) of the U-shaped sections (6) are connected to the legs (62) of the adjacent U-shaped sections (6), the cross-section (64) at the bottom (63) of the U-shaped section (6) has an outer surface (72) having a rounded shape and an opposing inner surface (71) that is essentially straight; the cross-section (65) at the bottom (63) of the adjacent U-shaped section (6') has a rounded shape (72) and essentially straight opposing inner surfaces (71); Locking device (40).

2. the spring (1) comprises a connecting element (5) connecting the leg (61) of the U-shaped portion to the leg (62) of the adjacent U-shaped portion (6); The locking device (40) of claim 1.

3. The leg (61) of the U-shaped section (6) points towards another leg (62) of the adjacent U-shaped section (6), A locking device (40) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The spring (1) is configured such that two adjacent U-shaped sections (6) are closer to or in contact with each other in a compressed state than in a non-compressed state. The locking device (40) of claim 1.

5. the spring (1) is configured such that in a compressed state, two adjacent connecting elements (5) are closer to or in contact with each other at their respective second ends (8a, 8b) than in a non-compressed state; The locking device (40) of claim 1.

6. the U-shaped portion (6) is a circular segment extending over an angle of more than 180°; The locking device (40) of claim 1.

7. The length (L) of the connecting element (5) is smaller than the width (W) of the connecting element (5) at its central portion. The locking device (40) of claim 2.

8. One end of the spring (1) terminates in the U-shaped portion with the end (9) pointing away from the spring (1); The locking device (40) of claim 1.

9. the thickness (t) of the connecting element (5) is smaller than the width (T) of the U-shaped portion (6); The locking device (40) of claim 2.

10. The shape along the spring is such that the surfaces surrounding the outer surface of the connecting element (5) and the U-shaped portion (6) are cylindrical. The locking device (40) of claim 2.

11. the diameter of the cylindrical surface in an uncompressed state is greater than the diameter of the locking device when fully compressed; A locking device (40) according to claim 10.

12. The end of the locking device (40) is provided with the locking pin (2). The locking device (40) of claim 1.

13. The locking pin (2) has a truncated conical end (10), A locking device (40) according to claim 12.

14. The locking pin (2) optionally comprises a radial recess (11) extending through the locking pin (2); A locking device (40) according to claim 12 or 13.

15. the opening of the radial recess (11) is larger on one side of the locking pin (2) so that there is an inner inclined surface (12) towards the other opening; A locking device (40) according to claim 14.

16. The end (10) comprises a notched segment (15). A locking device (40) according to claim 12.

17. An end of the locking device (40) is provided with the locking pin (2), The central part of the connecting element (5) farthest from the locking pin (2) has two opposing radial protrusions (14) on its outermost surface. The locking device (40) of claim 2.

18. the cross-section (64) at the bottom (63) of the U-shaped section (6) and / or the cross-section (65) at the bottom (63) of the adjacent U-shaped section (6') are essentially shaped as a circular segment; The locking device (40) of claim 1.

19. the circular segments have rounded corners; 19. A locking device (40) according to claim 18.

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