Locking mechanism with multiple stage locking verification
First Claim
1. A locking mechanism comprising:
- a receiver base having a plurality of locking components configured to securely engage a device, at least two of the plurality of locking components including a locking tab configured to pivot about a respective pin operatively coupled to the receiver base, each locking tab having a first arm and a second arm, the receiver base further including an indicator configured to indicate that a respective locking component is secured with the device;
a linking member coupled to the receiver base, the linking member configured to link the locking mechanism with an anchor point; and
a signal wire coupled to the receiver base and configured to communicate a signal corresponding to the indicator.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for a locking mechanism that includes an ability to indicate proper engagement via a signal cable coupled through a harness. The locking mechanism may include electronic components including three magnetic actuators and corresponding electronic switches that signal change of state. Locking tabs and a leading edge of the insert respectively include the three magnetic actuators. The electronic switches, which may be magnetically activated reed switches, signal status change to an external controller and, optionally, an external computer. Further, status signals and power signals may be routed through a steel cable or woven nylon harness that coupled the locking mechanism to a local anchor point. Change of status notification may be important on critical safety worksites where lack of mechanical and electronic connection can be life threatening.
45 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A locking mechanism comprising:
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a receiver base having a plurality of locking components configured to securely engage a device, at least two of the plurality of locking components including a locking tab configured to pivot about a respective pin operatively coupled to the receiver base, each locking tab having a first arm and a second arm, the receiver base further including an indicator configured to indicate that a respective locking component is secured with the device; a linking member coupled to the receiver base, the linking member configured to link the locking mechanism with an anchor point; and a signal wire coupled to the receiver base and configured to communicate a signal corresponding to the indicator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A human lift system, comprising:
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a workspace having a local controller for maneuvering the workspace; an anchor point disposed in the workspace; a locking mechanism including; a receiver base having a plurality of locking components configured to securely engage a device, at least one of the plurality of locking components including an indicator configured to indicate that a respective locking mechanism is secured with the device and a pair of locking tabs configured to pivot about a respective pin operatively coupled to the receiver base; a linking member coupled to the receiver base coupled to the anchor point; and a signal wire coupled to the receiver base and configured to communicate a signal to the local controller that corresponds to the indicator. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for providing safety to a worker, the method comprising:
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in a human lift device, inserting a personal safety harness device into locking mechanism having a linking member attached to an anchor point of the human lift device and having a receiver base with a plurality of locking components including a pair of locking tabs configured to pivot about a respective pin operatively coupled to the receiver base, sensing whether or not a plurality of indicator switches indicate that the personal safety harness device is properly engaged with the locking mechanism through the linking member; and disengaging a local controller if any one indicator switch in the locking mechanism indicates that the personal safety harness device is improperly engaged with the locking mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification