Abstract: A hands-free locking mechanism includes a locking component and a latching component. The locking component comprises a protruding element, a sensor, a controller and a motor. The protruding element comprises a spring configured to allow elastic movement of the protruding element into and out of the locking component. The elastic movement allows the locking mechanism to enter an unlocked and closed state when the protruding element is brought into contact with the latching component. When in the unlocked and closed state, the sensor senses user action and the controller causes the motor to extend the protruding element into an opening of the latching component, placing the locking mechanism into a locked and closed state. When in the locked and closed state, the sensor senses further user action and the controller causes the motor to retract the protruding element, placing the locking mechanism into an unlocked and open state.