Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[SEE SECTION 10, RULE 13]

A LOCKING SYSTEM;
BY
BHARAT ELECTRONICS LIMITED
WITH ADDRESS:
OUTER RING ROAD, NAGAVARA, BANGALORE 560045, KARNATAKA, INDIA

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates to a locking system for locking and quick release of a handheld device of a communication device for use on land, air or sea based static and mobile platforms.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, it is known that communication devices such as phones are widely used for a voice communication. A handheld device or a handset is conventionally rested on cavities/ projections formed within a main equipment body of the communication device and aids in speaking and listening the voice communication over the communication device. Commonly, in a defense sector field application, it is mandatory that such communication devices confirm to military (MIL) specifications standards. However, known communication devices fail to meet requirements of the military (MIL) specifications standards in case of said defense sector field applications under harsh environments, for example, environments with high levels of vibrations, bumps, shock loads, drop, topple, or during transit in vehicles/trucks, ships, aircrafts, known communication devices with the conventionally rested handheld device or the handset on the main body frequently displace off and fall off from the main body leading to damage of the handheld device or the handset.
[003] Further, known communication devices with the conventionally rested handheld device or the handset cause a chatter within the main body cavity leading to acoustic disturbance to the operating defense personnel around. Hence, known communication devices with conventionally rested handheld device or the handset have limitation in deployment on various land, air or sea based static and mobile platforms for failing to ensure rigid locking or stable resting of the handheld device or the handset on the main body without any acoustic disturbance leading to causing great inconvenience, time wastage and hinderance in critical, discrete, clear and safe communication exchange between the defense personnel.
[004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a locking system for the handheld device of the communication device to overcome one or more of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY
[005] Accordingly, an exemplary aspect of the present invention discloses a locking system for a handheld device of a communication device, said locking system comprising: a frame mounted within a top cavity formed on a body of the communication device; a cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel coupled to said frame at a front end of the frame; at least a locking tooth located on an outer circumferential surface of said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel; a torque hinge housed within said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel at a first end; and an actuating lever coupled at a second end of said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel, said actuating lever on a forward anti-clockwise direction and a rearward clockwise direction rotational degree of freedom actuation about a torque hinge central axis against said torque hinge translates said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel to positively engage and disengage at least said locking tooth onto a tooth catch cavity of the handheld device in a locked position and an unlocked position for securing and releasing of said handheld device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[006] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[007] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary communication device with a locking system according to an aspect of the present invention;
[008] Figure 2 illustrates the communication device coupled to a rigid frame stand which is fixed to a platform and an unlocking direction of a handheld device or handset, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[009] Figure 3 through Figure 3A and Figure 3B illustrates detailed isometric views of the locking system, according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[010] Figure 4 through Figure 4A and Figure 4B illustrates detailed side views of the locking system in an unlocked position and a locked position, and Figure 4C illustrates detailed view of locking tooth within tooth catch cavity, according to the embodiment of the present invention; and
[011] Figure 5 illustrates detailed isometric view of the locking system coupled to a motor, according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[012] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to the other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference signs are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[013] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated. Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to a person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth relating to specific components to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[014] In general, the present invention claims, a locking system for a handheld device of a communication device having a frame, a cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel, at least a locking tooth, a torque hinge and an actuating lever. The actuating lever on a forward anti-clockwise direction and a rearward clockwise direction rotational degree of freedom actuation about a torque hinge central axis against said torque hinge translates said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel to positively engage and disengage at least said locking tooth onto a tooth catch cavity of the handheld device in a locked position and an unlocked position for securing and releasing of said handheld device.
[015] The locking system of the present invention positively secures and locks the handheld device or the handset to a main equipment body of the communication device when not in operational use and ensure quick and easy release of the handheld device or the handset from the main equipment body when required for operational use. The present invention may be scalable for deployment in all communication devices with handheld devices or handsets on various land, air or sea based static and mobile platforms in defense sector or in general irrespective of orientations, positioning of main equipment body, weight and size communication devices or of handheld devices.
[016] The locking system of the present invention ensures rigid holding of handheld device or handset when in transit and avoids accidental removal of handheld device in environments with high levels of vibration, bump and shock loads acting on the equipment. The locking system of the present invention may also include an automatized motorized arrangement for locking and release of the handheld device.
[017] According to the present invention, the locking system comprises a frame, an actuating lever, an actuating barrel, at least a locking tooth, at least a torque hinge, and at least a locking screw. The actuating lever is coupled to an actuating barrel on which a locking tooth is provided. The actuating barrel is in permanent or semi-permanent joint with actuating lever and houses a torque hinge of varying torque capacity on one end and locking pin / screw thread on the other end. The frame has a pocket that allows fixing of actuating lever barrel assembly to ensure rotary motion along an axis of a hinge. The torque hinge has one half inserted within the actuating barrel and other half pressed into the housing. The handheld device may also include a cavity for engaging with the locking tooth located on the actuating barrel. The communication device is fixed to a platform using screws which rigidly hold the communication device in place. The removable handheld device or handset, however, is an independent body which is rested onto a cavity of a main body of the communication device, as it needs to be picked up during active operational use. The communication device may also be oriented in any angle based on the usage scenario. The locking system of the present invention arrests the handheld device in place and avoid any accidental unlocking, chatter for use in harsh environments.
[018] In the locking system of the present invention, the actuating lever is operated using fingers. The actuating lever is coupled to the actuating barrel which rotates against the torque of the hinge. In a final position, when the actuating lever is operated, the actuating barrel rotates against the torque of the hinge to engage the locking tooth of the barrel onto the tooth catch cavity. The locking tooth in the actuating barrel presses against an optimally sized tooth catch cavity located within the handset. The tooth catch cavity now exerts a clamping force equal to the torque divided by the actuating lever length on the tooth catch cavity. The engagement of tooth causes a vertical force on the tooth catch cavity forcing the handheld device to move down against the handheld device frame further causing a wedging force to positively arrest and lock the handheld device within the handheld device frame. The locking tooth has a profile which is flat at bottom and optimally rounded at top to ensure it does not bite into the tooth catch cavity on the handheld device during engagement/ disengagement.
[019] In the locking system, on full engagement of locking tooth into the tooth catch cavity, the handheld device is also wedged down against the handheld device frame and the wedging force is generated to hold it in place. In the locking system, the locking screw aids in coupling locking barrel and locking lever with a housing of the locking system. The tooth catch cavity receives locking force exerted by the locking barrel. In the locking system, a plurality of stoppers / projections are provided on the housing at extents against which the actuating lever makes contact in forward and rear cycle and locks the travel of the actuating lever in either directions. The actuating lever has a cylindrical projection to allow the operation of actuating lever by use of finger. The projection is marked with the indication for full actuating lever engagement. The indication marker on the cylindrical portion of the actuating lever provides a visual sign to an operator on lock engagement within the tooth catch cavity. In the present invention, during unlocking of the handheld device, the force acting along centre of gravity of the handheld device tries to release the handheld device from the cavity which is however locked and held in place due to the clamping force and a wedging force acting on the handheld device. The locking system of the present invention ensures that the handheld device may only be displaced or removed or disturbed from its locked positing with a force much greater than the torque capacity of the hinge which ensures the handheld device is not dislodged or displaced easily during transit. The locking system of the present invention has an unlocking mechanism which is a quick release type wherein the lock can be disengaged using a single finger by pulling the actuating lever backward. The backward movement causes the actuating barrel to move in opposite direction releasing the tooth from the tooth catch cavity, whereby the handheld device is free to be lifted and used. The locking system may be scaled for different weights, sizes of handheld device, different mounting orientations of main equipment body of the communication device and for different environmental conditions for use in land, air or sea based static & mobile platforms.
[020] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” “made of” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated elements, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[021] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. The skilled person will be able to devise various structures, shapes of the locking system that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention. All the terms and expressions in the description are only for the purpose of the understanding and nowhere limit the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Terms plurality, top, bottom, front end, rear end, first end, second end, parallel, inner, outer, perpendicular, primary, secondary, coaxial, collinear, transverse, lateral, cross-sectional hollow member, forward, rearward, degrees of freedom and the like are used to differentiate between objects having the same terminology and are in no way intended to represent a chronological order, unless where explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. Thus, while particular type of structure, configuration, shape, material, heights, lengths, widths, diameters, thickness, distances, type of housing, barrel, lever, looking tooth, torque hinge, supporting walls of housing, tooth catch cavity, forces, structure of walls, frame, cavities, tooth catch cavity, locking tooth, fasteners, forces, degrees of rotation, directions, have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that the embodiments may be manufactured with other design parameters and configurations as well and are not limited to those described herein above may be as per operational requirements and nowhere limits the scope of the invention and are provided only for reference and for understating purpose of the invention.
[022] Referring Figures 1-5 discloses a communication device (100), a body (110), a handheld device (120), a frame stand (130), a platform (140), a locking system (200), a top cavity (205a), a bottom cavity (205b), a front end (206), a rear end (208), a frame (210), plurality of transverse supporting walls (215a), a lateral supporting wall (215b), a bottom lateral surface (220), an outwardly projecting surface (225), a cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230), a recessed surface (235), an actuating lever (240), a cylindrical projection (245), a torque hinge (250), a locking tooth (260), a locking screw (270), a top radial surface (280), a tooth catch cavity (285), a radially curved top surface (290), a flat bottom surface (295), a motor (310), an actuating switch (320), a forward anti-clockwise direction (ACW), a rearward clockwise direction (CW), a torque hinge central axis (X), a vertical clamping force (CF), a wedging force (WF) and centre of gravity (CG).
[023] According to an exemplary aspect, the present invention Referring Figures 1-5, discloses locking system (200) for a handheld device (120) of a communication device (100). The locking system (200) comprises a frame (210) mounted within a top cavity (205a) and a bottom cavity (205b) is formed on a body (110) of the communication device (100); a cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230) coupled to said frame (210); at least a locking tooth (260) located on an outer circumferential surface of said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230); a torque hinge (250) housed within said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230) at a first end; and an actuating lever (240) coupled at a second end of said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230), said actuating lever (240) on a forward anti-clockwise direction (ACW) and a rearward clockwise direction rotational degree of freedom actuation about a torque hinge central axis (X) against said torque hinge (250) translates said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230) to positively engage and disengage at least said locking tooth (260) onto a tooth catch cavity (285) of the handheld device (120) in a locked position and an unlocked position for securing and releasing of said handheld device (120). A user lifts the handheld device in an unlocking direction (x) to disengage the locking system.
[024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the frame (210) has a plurality of transverse supporting walls (215a) equidistantly spaced parallel to an interconnecting lateral supporting wall (215b) at a rear end (208), said supporting walls (215a, 215b) congruent with said top cavity (205a). The bottom cavity (205b) may also include a frame without the locking system. The cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230) laterally interconnects said transverse supporting walls (215b) at a front end (206).
[025] According to the embodiment of the present invention, said handheld device (120) on said locking tooth (260) engagement with a vertical clamping force (CF), wedges down into said top and bottom cavities (205a, 205b) with a wedging force (WF) arresting and locking said receiving handheld device (120) against a centre of gravity (CG) of said handheld device (120) within said top cavity (205a).
[026] According to the embodiment of the present invention, said locking tooth (260) has a flat bottom surface (295) and a radially curved top surface (290).
[027] According to the embodiment of the present invention, said actuating lever (240) has a cylindrical projection (245) on a top surface of said actuating lever (240) and an indicator marked along a lateral length of said actuating lever (240) for enabling a visual signal on complete engagement of said locking tooth (260) within said tooth catch cavity (285).
[028] According to the embodiment of the present invention, said exerting vertical clamp force (CF) onto said tooth catch cavity (285) is equal to a torque of said torque hinge (250) divided by a length of said actuating lever (240) relative to said tooth catch cavity (285).
[029] According to the embodiment of the present invention, said frame (210) has a recessed surface (235) at said front end for mounting said hollow cross-sectional actuating barrel (230) permanently or removably within said recessed surface (235) for enabling rotation in said forward anti-clockwise direction (ACW) and rearward clockwise direction rotational degree of freedom about said torque hinge central axis (X).
[030] According to the embodiment of the present invention, frame stand (130) rigidly secures said communication device (100) to a platform (140) and enables translation of said communication device (100) in at least a degree of orientation and/or in at least a translated position.
[031] According to the embodiment, the locking system of the present invention may also include an automatized motorized arrangement and an actuating switch for locking and release of the handheld device. The motor (310) is coupled to said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230) and is in communication with an actuating switch (320) for automating rotation of said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230), thereby locking and release of the handheld device (120).
[032] According to the embodiment of the present invention, at least a first half surface of said torque hinge (250) is housed within said recessed surface (235) at said first end and at least a second half surface of said torque hinge (250) is housed within said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230).
[033] According to the embodiment of the present invention, a locking screw enables coupling said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230) with said actuating lever (240) to said frame (210) at said second end.
[034] According to the embodiment of the present invention, said frame (210) has a bottom lateral surface (220) extending transversely from said torque hinge central axis (X) towards said front end (206) for limiting/ stopping said rearward direction rotational translation of said actuating lever (240) and has a top radial surface (280) for limiting/ stopping said forward direction rotational translation of said actuating lever (240).
[035] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the frame (210) or each said transverse (215a) and said lateral supporting wall (215b) have at least an outwardly projecting surface (225) for securing said locking system (200) within said top cavity (205a) or said bottom cavity (205b) via a plurality of fasteners.
[036] There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of exemplary indicative implementation of a locking system. It will be also apparent to a skilled person that the embodiments described above are specific examples of a single broader invention, which may have greater scope than any of the singular descriptions taught. There may be many alterations made in the description without departing from the scope of the invention. The present invention is simple in construction and design, integrated, cost effective and easy to manufacture and assembly. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited said configuration disclosed thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise not restrictive to the terminology described herein above. Any discussion of embodiments included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
, Claims:
1. A locking system (200) for a handheld device (120) of a communication device (100), said locking system (200) comprising:
a frame (210) mounted within a top cavity (205a) formed on a body (110) of the communication device (100);
a cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230) coupled to said frame (210) at a front end of the frame (210);
at least a locking tooth (260) located on an outer circumferential surface of said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230);
a torque hinge (250) housed within said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230) at a first end; and
an actuating lever (240) coupled at a second end of said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230), said actuating lever (240) on a forward anti-clockwise direction (ACW) and a rearward clockwise direction rotational degree of freedom actuation about a torque hinge central axis (X) against said torque hinge (250) translates said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230) to positively engage and disengage at least said locking tooth (260) onto a tooth catch cavity (285) of the handheld device (120) in a locked position and an unlocked position for securing and releasing of said handheld device (120).

2. The locking system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame (210) has a plurality of transverse supporting walls (215a) equidistantly spaced parallel to an interconnecting lateral supporting wall (215b) at a rear end (208), said supporting walls (215a, 215b) congruent with said top cavity (205a).

3. The locking system (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230) laterally interconnects said transverse supporting walls (215b) at a front end (206).

4. The locking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said handheld device (120) on said locking tooth (260) engagement with a vertical clamping force (CF), wedges down into said top cavity (205a) with a wedging force (WF) arresting and locking said receiving handheld device (120) against a centre of gravity (CG) of said handheld device (120) within said top cavity (205a).

5. The locking system (200) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1-4, wherein said locking tooth (260) has a flat bottom surface (295) and a radially curved top surface (290).

6. The locking system (200) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1-5, wherein said actuating lever (240) has a cylindrical projection (245) on a top surface of said actuating lever (240) and an indicator marked along a lateral length of said actuating lever (240) for enabling a visual signal on complete engagement of said locking tooth (260) within said tooth catch cavity (285).

7. The locking system (200) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1-6, wherein said exerting vertical clamp force (CF) onto said tooth catch cavity (285) is equal to a torque of said torque hinge (250) divided by a length of said actuating lever (240) relative to said tooth catch cavity (285).

8. The locking system (200) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1-7, wherein said frame (210) has a recessed surface (235) at said front end for mounting said hollow cross-sectional actuating barrel (230) permanently or removably within said recessed surface (235) for enabling rotation in said forward anti-clockwise direction (ACW) and rearward clockwise direction rotational degree of freedom about said torque hinge central axis (X).

9. The locking system (200) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1-8, wherein a frame stand (130) rigidly secures said communication device (100) to a platform (140) and enables translation of said communication device (100) in at least a degree of orientation and/or in at least a translated position.

10. The locking system (200) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1-9, wherein a motor (310) is coupled to said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230), said motor (310) in communication with an actuating switch (320) for automating rotation of said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230), thereby locking and release of the handheld device (120).

11. The locking system (200) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1-10, wherein at least a first half surface of said torque hinge (250) is housed within said recessed surface (235) at said first end and at least a second half surface of said torque hinge (250) is housed within said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230).

12. The locking system (200) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1-11, wherein a locking screw enables coupling said cross-sectional hollow actuating barrel (230) with said actuating lever (240) to said frame (210) at said second end.

13. The locking system (200) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1-12, wherein said frame (210) has a bottom lateral surface (220) extending transversely from said torque hinge central axis (X) towards said front end (206) for limiting/ stopping said rearward direction rotational translation of said actuating lever (240) and has a top radial surface (280) for limiting/ stopping said forward direction rotational translation of said actuating lever (240).

14. The locking system (200) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1-13, wherein said frame (210) has at least an outwardly projecting surface (225) for securing said locking system (200) within said top cavity (205a) via a plurality of fasteners.