Mountable Enclosure

Abstract

According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a mountable enclosure is one that may be removably coupled to a stationary object.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This filing claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 61314378, filed Mar. 16, 2010 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND/FIELD

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to describe devices which carry the weight of an article or articles or otherwise hold or steady it or them against the pull of gravity, and devices for holding an article to its support, which are not otherwise provided for.

Those having ordinary skill in the art will further understand portions of the present disclosure to describe structures comprising means for (a) aiding in the mounting or removal of the support or in the installation or removal of a supported article thereon; (b) aiding in the repair of a damaged support; (c) preventing broken parts of a damaged support from scattering; or (d) protecting or disabling the support or a part thereof during transportation, the function of said means being dormant while the support is in use.

Further, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that within the meaning of the preceding paragraphs, the term ‘articles’ means a number of electronic or analog devices including, but not limited to smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, lights, acoustic speakers, microphones, storage enclosures, passive and/or active fragrances, antennas, transceivers, or other items which it would useful to removably couple to a stationary object.

SUMMARY

According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an enclosure comprises;

• • a mountplate having a coupling aperture disposed thereupon; a substantially hollow enclosure body, the body further comprising, a stationary cam train having a first stop at a first distance from the mountplate, and a second cam stop at a second distance from the mountplate; a movable cam follower capable of being translated distally and proximally relative to the remainder of the enclosure body whose position along said translation is alternatively limited by the first and second cam stops thereby defining a first configuration and a second configuration; a biasing member urging the cam follower against the cam stops;
  • a clasp coupled to the distal end portion of the cam follower which becomes exposed and thereby capable of engaging the coupling aperture in the first configuration but not the second, thereby enabling the enclosure to be removably coupled to the mountplate.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, an enclosure comprises a mountplate that is a substantially planar member configured to by coupled to a substantially stationary object by one of one or more screw(s), nail(s), adhesive(s), bolt(s), snap-fitting(s), or other mechanical coupling techniques known in the arts.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, there is an entry gate disposed proximally from the movable cam follower, the entry gate being composed of a deformable, compliant material having at least one area removed therefrom thereby defining a structure which deformably engages an actuator inserted therein, while allowing such to pass therethrough.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the stationary cam train is configured in a cyclic arrangement such that the first cam stop follows the second cam stop and vice-versa without changing the relative direction of movement of the cam follower.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure there is a pair of complementary chirally mirrored cam stops and cam followers disposed on opposing lateral sides of one another.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the clasp comprises a rigidly coupled flexible membrane or rotably coupled rigid membrane which protrudes from the enclosure body into the coupling aperture upon axial translation of the cam follower relative to the enclosure body.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, there are four clasps in substantially orthogonal relation to one another.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the clasp comprises a rotably coupled rigid member which protrudes from the enclosure body into the coupling aperture upon radial translation of the cam follower relative to the enclosure body.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, there are two clasps disposed on opposing lateral side of the assembly.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the enclosure body contains at least one of the following, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a light, an acoustic speaker, a microphone, a storage volume, a fragrant element, a microprocessor, a radio antenna, or a transceiver.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, an enclosure comprises a mountplate and an enclosure body; the mountplate comprising a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, wherein the distal end portion is configured to be coupled to a stationary object and the proximal end portion has a first lock operatively configured to retain a second lock thereagainst; the enclosure body comprising a substantially enclosed volume with an aperture at the proximal end thereof and a latching mechanism, the latching mechanism further comprising, a slide capable of proximal/distal displacement relative to the enclosure body and having a linear gear disposed thereupon, a toothed gear rotably coupled to the enclosure body such that the toothed gear is ratchetably engaged against the linear gear, a second lock, fixedly coupled to the toothed gear such that the second lock's distance from the aperture changes along its radial path, wherein, in certain alignments of the enclosure body relative to the mountplate, linear displacement of the slide will decrease the distance between the first and second lock thereby removably coupling the enclosure body and mountplate.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, either the toothed gear or the linear gear are ratchetably movable relative to the other by a ratcheting action selected from either deformable teeth or a ratcheting coupling.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, there is a spring providing a proximal bias against the slide relative to the enclosure body.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, there is a plurality of complementary first and second lock pairs disposed upon one side of the aperture.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, there is a plurality of complementary first and second lock pairs disposed upon opposing sides of the aperture.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second lock are a complementary pin and shelf disposed upon their respective structures.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second lock are complementary magnets disposed upon their respective structures.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, there is a spacer disposed upon the enclosure body interferes with a corresponding structure on the mountplate thereby allowing the enclosure body to be moved no closer to the mountplate than the optimal distance for engagement of the locks.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the spacer is rotably coupled to the toothed gear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the claims of the present document.

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of an enclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of an enclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a cut-away view of a first embodiment of an enclosure in a state A.

FIG. 4 shows a cut-away view of a second embodiment of an enclosure in a state B.

FIG. 5 shows an proximal isometric view of an embodiment of a mounting plate.

FIG. 6 shows a distal isometric view of an embodiment of a mounting plate.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric distal view of an embodiment of a backplate.

FIG. 8 shows an isometric proximal view of an embodiment of a backplate.

FIG. 9 shoes a cut-away side view of an embodiment of a backplate.

FIG. 10 shows an isometric first view of an embodiment of a flexor.

FIG. 11 shows an isometric second view of an embodiment of a flexor.

FIG. 12 shows an isometric first view of an embodiment of a guide plate.

FIG. 13 shows an isometric second view of an embodiment of a guide plate.

FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of a spring.

FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a lock plate.

FIG. 16 shows a isometric view of an embodiment of an entry fitting.

FIG. 17 shows an isometric first view of an embodiment of a faceplate.

FIG. 18 shows an isometric second view of an embodiment of a faceplate.

FIG. 19 shows an assembled isometric view of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 shows an exploded isometric view of an a portion of an embodiment of an enclosure.

FIG. 21 shows an isometric first view of an embodiment of a lock plate.

FIG. 22 shows an isometric second view of an embodiment of a lock plate.

FIG. 23 shows an isometric first view of an embodiment of a guide plate.

FIG. 24 shows an isometric second view of an embodiment of a guide plate.

FIG. 25 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a latch.

FIG. 26 shows an isometric first view of an embodiment of a backplate.

FIG. 27 shows an isometric second view of an embodiment of a backplate.

FIG. 28 shows a cut-away view of an embodiment of a backplate.

FIG. 29 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an enclosure in a first configuration.

FIG. 30 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a proximal plate.

FIG. 31 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a wheel assembly.

FIG. 32 shows a front view of an embodiment of a wheel assembly.

FIG. 33 shows an isometric view of a mounting plate.

FIG. 34 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a slide body.

FIG. 35 shows a cut-away isometric view of an embodiment of a slide body.

FIGS. 36(a-g) show a side cutaway view of the mechanism of the previous figures in action.

FIG. 37 shows a side view of a magnetic embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed apparatus will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. In the drawings and in the description that follows, the term “proximal,” will refer to the end of a device or system that is closest to the operator, while the term “distal” will refer to the end of the device or system that is farthest from the operator.

According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure shown in generally in FIG. 1 and by exploded by in FIG. 2, an enclosure 1000 comprises a enclosed volume having a proximal face 1001, a distal face 1002, and a medial wall 1003 therebetween. There is an aperture 1004 disposed upon proximal face 1001.

Referring now to FIG. 2, enclosure 1000 further comprises a mounting plate 1100, a backplate 1200, a battery door 1201, a flexor 1300, a guide plate 1400, a spring 1500, a lock plate 1600, an entry fitting 1700, and a faceplate 1800.

With reference to FIG. 5, the proximal face 1101 of mounting plate 1100 is shown. Mounting plate 1100 is a substantially planar member having a footprint which is complementary to that of the remainder of the enclosure assembly, in this case, which approximates a circle. There is a plurality of apertures 1110(a-d) which traverse mounting plate 1100 and provide operative support for affixing mounting plate 1100 to a stationary object, including for instance a ceiling, wall, or floor by screws, nails, snap-fittings, adhesive, or other mechanical coupling means known in the art.

There is an aperture 1120 which traverses mounting plate 1100. The central-most portion of aperture 1120 is recessed distally from the remainder of mounting plate 1100, thereby defining a fillet 1121 therebetween.

Referring now to FIG. 7, backplate 1200 is a substantially frustoconical member having a distal face 1210. Distal face 1210 has a substantially planar portion 1220 configured to abut the proximal face 1101 of mounting plate 1100. There is a interlock 1230 extending distally from proximal face 1210. Interlock 1230 has a plurality of apertures 1231(a-d) disposed on a lateral face 1232 thereof. There is a battery recess 1240 (not labeled in the drawings that I could see) disposed upon the distal face of backplate 1200 operatively configured to retain a electrical cell therewithin behind a complementary battery door 1201.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the distal portion of backplate 1200 is shown having a coupling portion 1250 disposed about the center thereof. Coupling portion 1250 is annular projection extending proximally from the proximal face of backplate 1200. Coupling portion 1250 has an external face 1251 which has opposing longitudinal guides 1252(a and b) disposed thereupon. Further, coupling portion 1250 has an internal face 1253 having substantially chiral cam trains 1260(a and b) recessed therein.

With reference to FIG. 9, cam train 1260 comprises a plurality of contours removed from interior face 1253 defining a plurality of cam surfaces including a first ramp 1261, a second ramp 1262, a first wall 1263, a ceiling 1264, a second wall 1265, and an island 1266 located therebetween.

Referring now to FIG. 10, flexor 1300 is a member having four substantially planate, deformable catches 1310(a-d) extending laterally in an orthogonal relation from centrally disposed annular, cylindrical base 1330. There is an aperture 1320 that traverses flexor 1300.

Referring now to FIG. 11, annular base 1330 extends proximally from the junction of catches 1310(a-d).

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 together, guide 1400 is an elongated member having a distal end portion 1450 and a proximal end portion 1410. Proximal end portion 1410 comprises a discal member having a substantially parabolic profile opening proximally. There are opposing projections 1420 and 1430 extending distally from the periphery of proximal end portion 1410. There are round lateral guides 1435 and 1425 extending laterally from respective projections 1430 and 1425. Projections 1430 and 1425 circumscribe only a portion of the periphery of proximal end portion 1410, thereby defining walls 1426, 1435, 1437, and 1427.

Distal end portion 1450 comprises an elongated cylindrical member having spaced barbs 1451 and 1452 disposed upon the distal end thereof and operatively configured to engage corresponding structures disposed within aperture 1320.

With reference to FIG. 14, Spring 1500 is a helical, plastically deformable member configured to provide a responsive biasing force when compressed.

Referring now to FIG. 15, lock plate 1600 is member having a round footprint with a distal end portion 1610 and a proximal end portion 1650. Distal end portion 1610 is substantially round and planar, having an aperture 1651 extending through the center thereof. There are opposing longitudinal projections 1651 and 1652 extending proximally from distal end portion 1610. Projections 1651 and 1652 are disposed about the periphery of distal end portion 1610, thereby defining proximal end portion 1650.

Referring now to FIG. 16, fitting 1700 is a deformable, frustoconical member having a substantially parabolic profile which opens distally. There are four slits 1710(a-d) in substantially orthogonal relation to one another traversing the surface of fitting 1700. Slits 1710(a-d) terminate laterally with respective enlarged stress reliefs 1711(a-d), and medially with a single central aperture 1730. There is a substantially planar lip 1740 disposed about the periphery of the parabolic profile of fitting 1700.

With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 together, faceplate 1800 is a discal member having a central aperture 1810 extending therethrough. There is lateral ridge 1820 disposed about the periphery of faceplate 1800 thereby defining a first wall. Further, there is a medial ridge 1830 disposed about the periphery of aperture 1810 thereby defining a second wall.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a method of assembling the internal components of enclosure 1000 is shown. In the configuration shown, flexor 1300 is oriented such that its aperture 1320 is oriented proximally with distal end portion 1450 of guide plate 1400 and barbs 1451 and 1452 disposed therein. Lock plate 1600 and spring 1500 are disposed between flexor 1300 and guide plate 1400 with distal end portion 1450 traversing aperture 1651 and spring 1500 providing a separational biasing force between guide plate 1400 and lock plate 1600.

The assembly of FIG. 19 is disposed within the remaining components as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Namely, with catches 1310(a-d) disposed within respective slits 1231(a-d), and lateral guides 1425 and 1435 disposed within respective cam trains 1260(a and b).

A method of using enclosure 1000 will now be described. Mounting plate 1100 is provided in a state in which it has been affixed to a substantially immobile surface, including for instance a wall or ceiling. Enclosure 1000 is then provided in a first state, as shown in FIG. 3, wherein catches 1310(a-d) do not protrude from slits 1231(a-d) and lateral guides 1425 and 1435 are disposed within the distal-most portions of cam trains 1260(a and b).

Next, interlock 1230 is inserted into aperture 1120 such that proximal face 1101 abuts planar portion 1220. Next, an actuator, including for instance, the handle of a broomstick, is inserted through entry fitting 1700 against guide plate 1400. Guide plate 1400 is then translated distally relative to the remainder of enclosure dislodging lateral guides 1425 and 1435 from second ramp 1262 and allowing guides 1425 and 1435 to rotate into a second state wherein the guides abut second wall 1265. In this second state, distal translation of guides by spring 1500 is no longer blocked by island 1266 thereby allowing the assembly to move distally exposing catches 1310(a-d) from slits 1231(a-d) thereby engaging such against aperture 1120.

In this second state, the assembly is mechanically coupled to mounting plate 1100. The actuator may now be removed from the device. In order to return the device into the first state in which it may again be separated from mounting plate 1100, an actuator must again be reinserted and applied against guide plate 1400 with sufficient force to overcome the proximal bias of spring 1500 thereby translating guides 1425 and 1435 relative to cam trains 1260(a and b) thereby allowing distal translation of flexor 1300 thereby concealing catches 1310(a-d) and allowing the assembly to be disengaged from mounting plate 1100.

According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in FIG. 20, a mountable enclosure 2000 comprises a generally similar mounting plate 1100, spring 1500, entry fitting 1700, and faceplate 1800 as shown in enclosure 1000. However, enclosure 2000 has distinct components, namely guide backplate 2200, plate 2400, lock plate 2600, and latches 2300(a and b).

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22 together, lock plate 2600 is member having a round footprint with a distal end portion 2610 and a proximal end portion 2650. Distal end portion 2610 is substantially round and planar, having circular channel 2611 removed from the center thereof configured to retain spring 1500 therein. There are round pins 2612 and 2613 disposed upon the distal face of lock plate 2600 and extending distally therefrom.

There are opposing longitudinal projections 2651 and 2652 extending proximally from distal end portion 2610. Projections 2651 and 2652 are disposed about the periphery of distal end portion 2610, thereby defining proximal end portion 2650.

With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 together, guide plate 2400 is a discal member having a substantially parabolic profile with a distal face 2450 and a proximal face 2410. There are opposing projections 2420 and 2430 extending distally from the periphery of proximal face 2410. There are round lateral guides 2435 and 2425 extending laterally from respective projections 2430 and 2425. Projections 2430 and 2425 circumscribe only a portion of the periphery of proximal face 2410, thereby defining walls 2426, 2435, 2437, and 2427.

Distal face 2450 has a circular channel 2451 removed therefrom that is operatively configured to retain spring 1500 therein.

Referring now to FIG. 25, latches 2300(a and b) are substantially planar members having a first, narrow end 2310, and a second broad end 2350. An aperture 2320 traverses latches 2300(a and b) at the first end. The profile of the lateral edge of the second end is curve defining a fillet 2360.

Referring now to FIG. 26, backplate 2200 is a substantially frustoconical member having a distal face 2210. Distal face 2210 has a substantially planar portion 2220 configured to abut the proximal face 1101 of mounting plate 1100. There is a interlock 2230 extending distally from proximal face 2210. Interlock 2230 has two apertures 1231(a and b) disposed on a lateral face 2232 thereof. There is a battery recess 2240 disposed upon the distal face of backplate 2200 operatively configured to retain a electrical cell therewithin behind a complementary battery door 1201.

Referring now to FIG. 27, the distal portion of backplate 2200 is shown having a coupling portion 2250 disposed about the center thereof. Coupling portion 2250 is annular projection extending proximally from the proximal face of backplate 2200. Coupling portion 2250 has an external face 2251 which has opposing longitudinal guides 2252(a and b) disposed thereupon. Further, coupling portion 2250 has an internal face 2253 having substantially chiral cam trains 2260(a and b) recessed therein.

With reference to FIG. 28, cam train 2260 comprises a plurality of contours removed from interior face 2253 defining a plurality of cam surfaces including a first ramp 2261, a second ramp 2262, a first wall 2263, a ceiling 2264, a second wall 2265, and an island 2266 located therebetween.

With returning reference to FIG. 20, a method of assembling enclosure 2000 will now be described. In the configuration shown, latches 2300(a and b) are oriented such that their respective apertures 2320 are disposed about pins 2613 and 2612. Lock plate 2600 and spring 1500 are disposed between latches 2300 and guide plate 2400 as shown, with spring 1500 providing a separational biasing force between guide plate 2400 and lock plate 2600.

A method of using enclosure 2000 will now be described. Mounting plate 1100 is provided in a state in which it has been affixed to a substantially immobile surface, including for instance a wall or ceiling. Enclosure 2000 is then provided in a first state, as shown in Figure, wherein latches 2310(a and b) do not protrude from apertures 1231(a and b) and lateral guides 2425 and 2435 are disposed within the distal-most portions of cam trains 2260(a and b).

Next, interlock 1230 is inserted into aperture 1120 such that proximal face 1101 abuts planar portion 1220. Next, an actuator, including for instance, the handle of a broomstick, is inserted through entry fitting 1700 against guide plate 1400. Guide plate 1400 is then translated distally relative to the remainder of enclosure dislodging lateral guides 1425 and 1435 from second ramp 1262 and allowing guides 1425 and 1435 to rotate into a second state wherein the guides abut second wall 1265. In this second state, distal translation of guides by spring 1500 is no longer blocked by island 1266 thereby allowing rotating the assembly and shortening the distance between pins 2613 and 2612 and their respective apertures 1231(a and b) thereby causing the broad end 2350 of latches 2300(a and b) to protrude therefrom.

In this second state, the assembly is mechanically coupled to mounting plate 1100. The actuator may now be removed from the device. In order to return the device into the first state in which it may again be separated from mounting plate 1100, an actuator must again? be reinserted and applied against guide plate 2400 with sufficient force to overcome the proximal bias of spring 1500 thereby translating guides 2425 and 2435 relative to cam trains 2260(a and b) consequently rotating the assembly and concealing latches 2300(a and b) and allowing the assembly to be disengaged from mounting plate 1100.

According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 29 through 37, further embodiments of coupling an enclosed volume to a surface are disclosed. These are shown as a mechanism only, but one of ordinary skill in the that will understand these mechanisms to be fix to an enclosed volume at a proximal end thereof and.

Referring now to FIG. 29, housing body 3200 further comprises a proximal plate 3210, a support body 3220, wheel assemblies 3300(a and b), a slide body 3400, and a spring 3500.

Referring now to FIG. 30, a proximal plate 3210 and support body 3220 are shown. Proximal plate 3210 is a substantially planar circular member shaped to occupy a complementary recess within enclosure body 3205, defining a substantially uninterrupted surface when inserted therein. There is an aperture 3211 which traverses proximal plate 3210 and is oriented relative to corresponding structures on support body 3220. Support body 3220 is a rigid body protruding distally from the distal face of proximal plate 3210. Support body 3220 comprises legs 3221(a-d), and surface 3222.

Legs 3221(a-d) are substantially similar structures protruding is a substantially orthogonal relation from proximal plate 3210 and substantially parallel to one another. Legs 3221(a-d) each further comprise an aperture 3222 configured to rotably retain a wheel assembly 3300 therein.

Referring now to FIG. 31, wheel assembly 3300 is shown, comprising an axle 3310 having a first end 3310(a) and second end 3310(b), a first toothed gear 3320(a), second toothed gear 3320(b), spacer 3340(a), spacer 3340(b), and lock 3330 disposed thereupon.

Toothed gears 3320(a and b) are round members having a plurality of ratcheting teeth 3321 disposed thereupon. The ‘ratcheting’ action of teeth 3321 may be provided by either their being composed of a compliant material making the teeth deformable, or a ratcheting mechanism disposed in the coupling between gears 3320(a and b) and axle 3310.

Referring now to FIG. 32, Lock 3330 is a rigid, planar member having a a medial end portion 3331, and lateral end portion 3332. Medial end portion 3331 is mechanically coupled to axle 3310. Lateral end portion 3332 comprises two round pins 3333(a and b) projecting in opposing directions therefrom in substantially parallel relation to axle 3310. The ends of pins 3333(a and b) are rounded to accommodate insertion into a complementary structure.

Reference now to FIGS. 31 and 32 together, spacers 3340 (a and b) are rigid, substantially planar, discal, round members mechanically coupled to axle 3310. Spacers 3340(a and b) have a first side 3345 and a second side 3341. First side 3345 has a substantially planar and arcuate bearing surface 3346, while second side 3341 has substantial material removed therefrom defining a clearance area 3342.

Referring now to FIG. 33, a mounting plate 3100 is shown. Mounting plate 3100 comprises a distal plate 3110 with a supports 3120(a-d) and guides 3230(a-d) extending proximally therefrom. Supports 3120(a-d) are rigid members having a substantially arcuate profile at the proximal end portion thereof defining a bearing surface 3121. There is an arcuate groove cut into the medial side of the bearing surface 3121 thereby defining bearing surface 3122 and retaining tab 3123. Supports 3120(a-d) and guides 3230(a-d) are spaced to accommodate the rotation of wheel assemblies 3300(a and b) therein as shown in FIG. 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35 together, a slide body 3400 is shown. Side body is a rigid member having a substantially rectangular shape. There are four linear gears 3410(a-d) disposed on opposite sides of opposing faces thereof. There is a groove 3420 removed from the distal surface of slide body 3400 shaped to receive spring 3500 therein. Further, there is a cavity 3430 disposed within slide body 3400, having a substantially cylindrical shape and opening to the proximal face thereof.

With returning reference to FIG. 29, a method of assembling enclosure 3000 will not be described. Slide body 3400 is positioned as shown such cavity 3430 is oriented in a substantially concentric relation to aperture 3211. Next, axles 3310 of wheel assemblies 3340(a and b) are assembled as shown such that they are rotably disposed within apertures 3222 of proximal plate 3210 and toothed gears 3320(a and b) are ratchetably coupled against linear gears 3410(a-d).

A method of using enclosure 3000 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 36(a-h). Initially, enclosure 3000 is provided in a first state, as shown in FIG. 36(a), wherein both slide body 3400 and pins 3333(a and b) are oriented at the proximal-most portion of the respective travels. Next, as shown in FIG. 36(b), the enclosure body is translated distally by an actuator inserted into aperture 3211, including for instance, the handle of a broom, relative to mounting plate 3100 such that bearing surfaces 3121 abut bearing surfaces 3346.

Next, as shown in FIG. 36(c), slide body 3400 is translated distal relative to the remainder of the assembly, overcoming the biasing force of spring 3500. This translation also results in movement of linear gears 3410(a-d) relative to toothed gears 3320(a and b), thereby radially displacing pins 3333(a and b).

Next, as shown in FIG. 36(d), slide body 3400 is translated to the distal-most portion of its travel thereby aligning pins 3333(a and b) behind tab 3123. Next, the actuator is removed, and the biasing force of spring 3500 allows slide body 3400 to ratchet past toothed gears 3320(a and b) thereby configuring the device in a third, locked configuration, as shown in FIG. 36(e) wherein housing body 3200 is fixed to plate 3100.

In order to separate housing body 3200 from plate 3100, an actuator is again inserted into aperture 3211, thereby overcoming the biasing force of spring 3500 and translating slide body 3400 distally relative to the remainder of the assembly. This translation also results in a radial translation of pins 3333 relative to tabs 3123 as shown in FIG. 36(f). Once pins 3333 have cleared tabs 3123, housing body 3200 may be separated from plate 3100 as shown in FIG. 36(g)

Although in the embodiment of the present disclosure described above as enclosure 3000, engagement occurs by the mating of complementary pins 3333 to tabs 3123, there are further embodiments of the present disclosure such as enclosure 4000 that shown in FIG. 37, where similar coupling may be achieved by use of complementary positive and negatively charged magnets 4000(a-f) in the place of the aforementioned pins and shelves.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An enclosure comprising;

a mountplate having a coupling aperture disposed thereupon;

a substantially hollow enclosure body, the body further comprising, a stationary cam train having a first stop at a first distance from the mountplate, and a second cam stop at a second distance from the mountplate; a movable cam follower capable of being translated distally and proximally relative to the remainder of the enclosure body whose position along said translation is alternatively limited by the first and second cam stops thereby defining a first configuration and a second configuration; a biasing member urging the cam follower against the cam stops; a clasp coupled to the distal end portion of the cam follower which becomes exposed and thereby capable of engaging the

coupling aperture in the first configuration but not the second,

thereby enabling the enclosure to be removably coupled to the mountplate.

2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the mountplate is a substantially planar member configured to by coupled to a substantially stationary object by one of one or more screw(s), nail(s), adhesive(s), bolt(s), snap-fitting(s), or other mechanical coupling techniques known in the arts.

3. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein there is an entry gate disposed proximally from the movable cam follower, the entry gate being composed of a deformable, compliant material having at least one area removed therefrom thereby defining a structure which deformably engages an actuator inserted therein, while allowing such to pass therethrough.

4. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the stationary cam train is configured in a cyclic arrangement such that the first cam stop follows the second cam stop and vice-versa without changing the relative direction of movement of the cam follower.

5. The enclosure of claim 1, there is a pair of complementary chirally mirrored cam stops and cam followers disposed on opposing lateral sides of one another.

6. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the clasp comprises a rigidly coupled flexible membrane

or rotably coupled rigid membrane which protrudes from the enclosure body into the coupling aperture upon axial translation of the cam follower relative to the enclosure body.

7. The enclosure of claim 6, wherein there are four clasps in substantially orthogonal relation to one another.

8. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the clasp comprises a rotably coupled rigid member which protrudes from the enclosure body into the coupling aperture upon radial translation of the cam follower relative to the enclosure body.

9. The enclosure of claim 8, wherein there are two clasps disposed on opposing lateral side of the assembly.

10. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the enclosure body contains at least one of the following, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a light, an acoustic speaker, a microphone, a storage volume, a fragrant element, a microprocessor, a radio antenna, or a transceiver.

11. An enclosure comprising a mountplate and an enclosure body;

the mountplate comprising a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, wherein the distal end portion is configured to be coupled to a stationary object and the proximal end portion has a first lock operatively configured to retain a second lock thereagainst; the enclosure body comprising a substantially enclosed volume with an aperture at the proximal end thereof and a latching mechanism, the latching mechanism further comprising, a slide capable of proximal/distal displacement relative to the enclosure body and having a linear gear disposed thereupon, a toothed gear rotably coupled to the enclosure body such that the toothed gear is ratchetably engaged against the linear gear, a second lock, fixedly coupled to the toothed gear such that the second lock's distance from the aperture changes along its radial path,

wherein, in certain alignments of the enclosure body relative to the mountplate, linear displacement of the slide will decrease the distance between the first and second lock thereby removably coupling the enclosure body and mountplate.

12. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein either the toothed gear or the linear gear are

ratchetably movable relative to the other by a ratcheting action selected from either deformable teeth or a ratcheting coupling.

13. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein there is a spring providing a proximal bias against the slide relative to the enclosure body.

14. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein there is a plurality of complementary first and second lock pairs disposed upon one side of the aperture.

15. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein there is a plurality of complementary first and second lock pairs disposed upon opposing sides of the aperture.

16. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein the first and second lock are a complementary pin and shelf disposed upon their respective structures.

17. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein the first and second lock are complementary magnets disposed upon their respective structures.

18. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein there is a spacer disposed upon the enclosure body interferes with a corresponding structure on the mountplate thereby allowing

the enclosure body to be moved no closer to the mountplate than the optimal distance for engagement of the locks.

19. The enclosure of claim 18, wherein the spacer is rotably coupled to the toothed gear.

20. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the enclosure body contains at least one of the following, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a light, an acoustic speaker, a microphone, a storage volume, a fragrant element, a microprocessor, a radio antenna, or a transceiver.