Accessory Lock and Locking Method Thereof

An accessory lock includes a first connection element, a second connection element and a lock device. The first connection element includes a connection portion and a retaining portion connecting with the connection portion, wherein the connection portion has a holding cavity extending in a direction perpendicular with an axial direction of the connection portion. The second connection element has at least one through hole. The lock device includes a retainer disposed in the holding cavity of the connection portion of the first connection element. At a locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element is retained and held between the retainer and the retaining portion of the first connection element by the retainer while the first connection element passing through the through hole of the second connection element.

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Description
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to any reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a decorative accessory, and more particularly to an accessory lock and locking method thereof.

Description of Related Arts

Accessories such as rings, necklaces and bracelets are popular in nowadays. Accessory locks which can be easily locked and unlocked are very important for many kinds of accessories, such as necklaces and bracelets.

As an example, a necklace is usually provided with an accessory lock which can be locked up during wearing and unlocked to take off, so that the necklace does not need to be designed to have an over long size, and that the necklace can be adorned to the neck of a person easily.

One kind of the accessory lock applied to the accessories in the market is an S-shaped accessory lock. The S-shaped accessory lock is applied to an accessory made of flexible metal material, such as gold. The material of an S-shaped accessory lock can be the same with the material of a main body of the accessory, so that the appearance of the accessory can be more coordinating. If the accessory such as a necklace needs to be removed from the body of a wearer, the S-shaped accessory lock of the accessory should be unlocked first. Before the S-shaped accessory lock is unlocked, the S-shaped accessory lock should accept a force to change its shape to form an opening.

Due to the S-shaped accessory lock has high requirements to the material applied, the S-shaped accessory lock can be applied to very few kinds of accessory. In addition, after the S-shaped accessory lock was operated to be unlocked and locked for a period of time, the shape of the S-shaped accessory lock will be deformed that not only adversely affects its locking ability, but also affect it ornamental appearance. If the S-shaped accessory lock is snapped after being operated too many times, the accessory may be lost without noticing.

Another kind of the accessory lock applied to the accessories in the market is a spring ring clasp. The spring ring clasp is more durable and will not be damaged easily after being used for a relatively longer time than the S-shaped accessory lock. However, the locking and unlocking operation to the spring ring clasp is not so convenient, especially for a user to operate with one hand. For example, when a bracelet with the spring ring clasp is wore to the wrist of a user, the spring ring clasp provided to one end of the bracelet should be unlocked, so that the ring at the other end of the necklace can be clasped by the spring ring clasp. During this process, one should apply a continuous force to a switch of the spring ring clasp, so as to keep the unlocking of the spring ring clasp. At this condition, the connection between the spring ring clasp provided to one end of the necklace and the ring at the other end of the necklace becomes more difficult, especially with one hand only. In addition, the material of the spring ring clasp is limited to some hard metals.

Conventionally, various structures of independent lock may be installed to the main body of the accessory. Once the independent lock is lost from the main body of the accessory, the main body of the accessory is broken until a new proper lock device is matched and installed to the main body of the accessory. If the independent lock device of the accessory is broken unconsciously, the main body of the accessory may be lost together with the independent accessory lock.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The invention is advantageous in that it provides an accessory lock and locking method thereof, wherein the accessory lock provided between two ends of an accessory can be operated easily to lock and unlock the connection of a main body of an accessory.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide an accessory lock and locking method thereof, wherein the accessory lock is durable that will not deform and broken easily.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide an accessory lock and locking method thereof, which locking and unlocking operations are easy and convenient.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide an accessory lock and locking method thereof, which can firmly lock up the connection of the accessory.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide an accessory lock and locking method thereof, which comprises a lock device firmly provided to a main body of an accessory to prevent the lock device being lost from the main body easily.

Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appended claims.

According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by an accessory lock comprising a first connection element, a second connection element having at least one through hole, and a lock device. The first connection element comprises a connection portion and a retaining portion connecting with the connection portion. The connection portion has a holding cavity extending in a direction vertical with the extending direction of the connection portion. The lock device comprises a holder provided to the holding cavity of the connection portion. In a locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element is held between the holder and the retaining portion of the first connection element.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the present invention comprises a lock device for an accessory lock, which comprises a holder and an resilient element. The holder is supported by the resilient element. The lock device has a holding cavity. The holder comprises a retaining portion and a holding portion. The holding portion is held within the holding cavity. The retaining portion is protruded out of the holding cavity when the resilient element is in a released state.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the present invention comprises a locking method for locking an accessory. The locking method comprises the following steps:

(A) pressing an resilient element to compress while a holder is pushed to move toward a bottom of a receiving hole;

(B) passing through a though hole until the holder is pushed to move toward an outlet of the receiving hole; and

(C) holding a second connection element to a first connection element of the accessory so as to lock up the accessory.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the present invention comprises an unlocking method for unlocking an accessory, which comprises the following steps:

(a) pressing an resilient element to compress when a holder is pushed to move toward a bottom of a receiving hole; and

(c) passing through a though hole.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an accessory lock according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an unlocked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a locked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 3A is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the unlocked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the accessory lock in locking process.

FIG. 3C is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the locked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a first connection element of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a through hole of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an application of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a locking method for locking an accessory according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an unlocking method for unlocking an accessory according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a first alternative mode of the lock device of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a second alternative mode of the lock device of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an accessory lock according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12A is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the unlocked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 12B is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the accessory lock in locking process.

FIG. 12C is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the locked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an accessory lock according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an unlocked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a locked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 15A is a sectional view of an accessory lock according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an unlocked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 15B is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15C is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a locked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an accessory lock according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a locked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the accessory lock according to the above fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an unlocked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 18A is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the unlocked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 18B is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18C is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the locked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 19 illustrates an application of the accessory lock according to the above fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates another application of the accessory lock according to the above fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates another application of the accessory lock according to the above fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an accessory lock according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a locked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the accessory lock according to the above sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an unlocked state of the accessory lock.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the accessory lock according to the above sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 1˜6 illustrate an accessory lock according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The accessory lock comprises a first connection element 10 and a second connection element 20.

At an unlocked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10 and the second connection element 20 are separated from each other, referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings.

At a locked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10 is connected and locked with the second connection element 20, referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 3A˜3C of the drawings, the accessory lock further comprises a lock device 30. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10 is locked to the second connection element 20 by the lock device 30, referring to FIG. 3C of the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 3A˜3C of the drawings, the lock device 30 comprises a retainer 31. The retainer 31 is provided to the first connection element 10. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the lock device 30 holds the second connection element 20 to a predetermined position of the first connection element 10.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20 is coupled to the first connection element 10, and the second connection element 20 coupled to the first connection element 10 is held by the retainer 31 to the predetermine position of first connection element 10, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3C of the drawings.

In more detail, the first connection element 10 comprises a connection portion 11 and a retaining portion 12. According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retaining portion 12 integrally connects with the connection portion 11.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20 is coupled to the connection portion 11 of the first connection element 10, and the second connection element 20 coupled to the connection portion 11 of the first connection element 10 is held between the retainer 31 and the retaining portion 12 of first connection element 10, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3C of the drawings. In other words, the second connection element 20 is held by both the retainer 31 of the lock device 30 and the retaining portion 12 of first connection element 10, so that the second connection element 20 is locked to the predetermined position of the first connection element 10 at the locked state of the accessory lock. In other words, the second connection element 20 is held and retained by the retaining portion 12 of first connection element 10 and locked to the connection portion 11 of the first connection element 10 by the retainer 31 of the lock device 30.

Referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 4 of the drawings, the lock device 30 has a holding cavity 301. The holding cavity 301 is formed in the first connection element 10. The retainer 31 is provided within the holding cavity 301. In detail, the retainer 31 comprises a retaining portion 311 and a retaining portion 312 integrally connecting with the retaining portion 311. The holding portion 312 of the retainer 31 is held within the holding cavity 301.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the retaining portion 311 of the retainer 31 is extended out of the holding cavity 301, so as to retain the second connection element 20 to the predetermined position of the connection portion 11 of the first connection element 10.

When a pressing force is applied to the retainer 31 towards the holding cavity 301, the retainer 31 is pressed to move toward the holding cavity 301. After the retaining portion 311 of the retainer 31 reaches a predetermined position, the retaining portion 311 of the retainer 31 will not retain the second connection element 20 in the locked state anymore, so that the second connection element 20 can be detached and separated from the first connection element 10, so as to unlock the accessory lock to the unlocked state.

According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the retaining portion 311 of the retainer 31 is pressed into the holding cavity 301, the retaining portion 311 of the retainer 31 will not retain the second connection element 20 in its unlocked state anymore, so that the second connection element 20 can be detached and separated from the first connection element 10, so as to unlock the accessory lock to the unlocked state.

In detail, the lock device 30 further comprises an resilient element 32, such as a spring, provided in the holding cavity 301. The retainer 31 is supported by the resilient element 32. When the retainer 31 being pressed toward the resilient element 32, the resilient element 32 is pressed by the retainer 31 to compress toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301, so that the retainer 31 can be pressed to move toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301, so that the retaining portion 311 of the retainer 31 move into the holding cavity 301 and will not hold the second connection element 20 anymore.

It is worth mentioning that, after the pressure applied to the retainer 31 is released, the resilient element 32 returns to a released state. While the resilient element 32 returning to the released state, the resilient element 32 pushes the retainer 31 to move in the direction toward the out of the holding cavity 301, so that the retaining portion 311 of the retainer 31 moves out of the holding cavity 301.

In other words, when the resilient element 32 is in a released state, the retaining portion 311 of the retainer 31 is kept out of the holding cavity 301, referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C. When the retainer 31 receives a pressure toward the resilient element 32, the retainer 31 presses the resilient element 32 to compress, so that the retainer 31 move into the holding cavity 301, and will not provide a holding effect anymore, referring to

FIG. 3B.

The lock device 30 further comprises a holding member 33 provided to hold the holding portion 312 of the retainer 31 within the holding cavity 301. In detail, the holding member 33 is provided to the connection portion 11 of the first connection element 10, so as to form an opening 3011 of holding cavity 301. The size of the opening 3011 is small enough to prevent the holding portion 312 of the retainer 31 from being pressed out of holding cavity 301.

According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the retainer 31 is a spherical. The size of the opening 3011 is smaller than the diameter of the retainer 31.

According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the resilient element 32 is provided to the bottom of the holding cavity 301. The resilient element 32 is embodied as a spring which can be compressed.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the lock device 30 further has a through hole 302 formed to the second connection element 20. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the connection portion 11 of the first connection element 10 enter into the through hole 302, so that the second connection element 20 can be locked to the first connection element 10 by the retainer 31.

The shape and size of the through hole 302 matches well with the shape and size of the connection portion 11 of the first connection element 10, so that the connection portion 11 can enter into the through hole 302.

According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection portion 11 can enter into the through hole 302 and will not rotate in the through hole 302. In detail, the cross-section shape of the through hole 302 is arc such as a semicircle. Correspondingly, the cross-section shape of the connection portion 11 is arc matches well with the cross-section shape of the through hole 302.

In detail, the shape of the through hole 302 is pillar with an arc cross-section. Correspondingly, the shape of the connection portion 11 is pillar with an arc cross-section matches well with the cross-section of the through hole 302.

According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the retaining portion 12 of the first connection element 10 is cylindrical having an axis coinciding with the axis of the connection portion 11.

According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the extending direction of the 301 is vertical with the extending direction of the axis of the connection portion 11. The retainer 31 and the resilient element 32 are arranged along the extending direction of the holding cavity 301.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the retaining portion 311 of the retainer 31 has a round surface 3111, so that the locking and unlocking of the accessory lock can be realized easily.

FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate a locking process of the accessory lock.

Referring to FIG. 3A of the drawings, the resilient element 32 of the lock device 30 is in a released state. The retainer 31 is supported by the resilient element 32. The holding portion 312 of the retainer 31 is held within the holding cavity 301 by the holding member 33. The retaining portion 311 of the retainer 31 protrudes out of the holding cavity 301.

The connection portion 11 of the first connection element 10 is drove to enter into the through hole 302 defined by the second connection element 20. After the retainer 31 reaches to the position of the through hole 302, a force is applied to push the connection portion 11 of the first connection element 10 into the through hole 302. Under the action of the pushing force, the retainer 31 is pressed by the second connection element 20 to move toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301. Then, the retainer 31 press the resilient element 32 to compress, so that the retaining portion 311 of the retainer 31 enters into the holding cavity 301, as shown in FIG. 3B of the drawings. Then, the connection portion 11 of the first connection element 10 enters into the through hole 302 defined by the second connection element 20.

After the retaining portion 311 of the retainer 31 passed through the through hole 302, the retaining portion 311 holds the second connection element 20 to the first connection element 10, as shown in FIG. 3C of the drawings.

FIG. 6 illustrates an application of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The accessory lock is provided to an accessory main body W, so as to connect and lock and to disconnect and unlock the two ends of the accessory main body W.

It is worth mentioning that the second connection element 20 and the first connection element 10 can be integrally connected to two ends of a main body of an accessory forming parts of the main body of the accessory. In other words, the lock device 30 is directly provided to the main body of the accessory.

FIG. 7 illustrates a locking method for locking an accessory according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The locking method comprises the following steps:

(A) Press the resilient element 32 while the retainer 31 is pushed to move toward the holding cavity 301.

(B) Compress the resilient element 32 until the retainer 31 passed through the through hole 302.

(C) Hold the second connection element 20 to the first connection element 10 while the retainer 31 is pushed to move out of the holding cavity 301.

FIG. 8 illustrates an unlocking method for unlocking an accessory according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The unlocking method comprises the following steps:

(a) Press the resilient element 32 while the retainer 31 is pushed to move toward the holding cavity 301;

(b) Compress the resilient element 32 until the retainer 31 passed through the through hole 302 while the retainer 31 is pushed to move out of the holding cavity 301.

FIG. 9 illustrates a first alternative mode of the lock device 30 of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention. According to the first alternative mode, a lock device 30A comprises a retainer 31A, an resilient element 32A, and a holding member 33A. The lock device 30A has a holding cavity 301A and a through hole 302A.

What is different from the lock device 30 of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the shape of the retainer 31A is different from the ball shape of the retainer 31 according to the above first preferred embodiment. In detail, the retainer 31A comprises a semi spherical shape retaining portion 311A and a holding portion 312A which is an enlarged circular base integrally formed at a bottom of the retaining portion 311A. Accordingly, the shape of the holding member 33A and the shape of the holding cavity 301A matches well with the shape of the retainer 31A.

FIG. 10 illustrates a second alternative mode of the lock device 30 of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention. According to the second alternative mode, a lock device 30B comprises a retainer 31B, an resilient element 32B, and a holding member 33B. The lock device 30B has a holding cavity 301B and a through hole 302B.

What is different from the lock device 30 of the accessory lock according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the shape of the retainer 31B is different from the shape of the ball shaped retainer 31 according to the above first preferred embodiment. In detail, the retainer 31B comprises a cone shaped retaining portion 311B and an enlarged disc shaped holding portion 312B integrally formed at a bottom of the retaining portion 311B. Accordingly, the shape of the holding member 33B and the shape of the holding cavity 301B matches well with the shape of the retainer 31B.

FIGS. 11˜12C illustrate an accessory lock according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The accessory lock comprises a first connection element 10C and a second connection element 20C.

At an unlocked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10C and the second connection element 20C are separated from each other, referring to FIG. 12A of the drawings.

At a locked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10C is connected and locked with the second connection element 20C, referring to FIG. 11 of the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 12A˜12C of the drawings, the accessory lock further comprises a lock device 30C. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10C is locked to the second connection element 20C by the lock device 30C, referring to FIG. 12C of the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 12A˜12C of the drawings, the lock device 30C comprises a retainer 31C. The retainer 31C is provided to the first connection element 10C. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the lock device 30C holds the second connection element 20C to a predetermined position of the first connection element 10C.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20C is coupled to the first connection element 10C, and the second connection element 20C coupled to the first connection element 10C is retained by the retainer 31C to the predetermine position of first connection element 10C, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12C of the drawings.

In more detail, the first connection element 10C comprises a connection portion 11C and a retaining portion 12C. According to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retaining portion 12C integrally connects with the connection portion 11C.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20C is coupled to the connection portion 11C of the first connection element 10C, and the second connection element 20C coupled to the connection portion 11C of the first connection element 10C is retained between the retainer 31C and the retaining portion 12C of first connection element 10C, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12C of the drawings. In other words, the second connection element 20C is retained by both the retainer 31C of the lock device 30C and the retaining portion 12C of first connection element 10C, so that the second connection element 20C is locked to the predetermined position of the first connection element 10C at the locked state of the accessory lock. In other words, the second connection element 20C is retained by the retaining portion 12C of first connection element 10C and locked to the connection portion 11C of the first connection element 10C by the retainer 31C of the lock device 30C.

Referring to FIG. 12A of the drawings, the lock device 30C has a holding cavity 301C. The holding cavity 301C is formed in the first connection element 10C. The retainer 31C is provided within the holding cavity 301C. In detail, the retainer 31C comprises a retaining portion 311C and a holding portion 312C integrally connecting with the retaining portion 311C. The holding portion 312C of the retainer 31C is held within the holding cavity 301C.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the retaining portion 311C of the retainer 31C extends out of the holding cavity 301C, so as to retain the second connection element 20C to the predetermined position of the connection portion 11C of the first connection element 10C.

When a press force is applied to the retainer 31C toward the holding cavity 301C, the retainer 31C is moved toward the holding cavity 301C. After the retaining portion 311C of the retainer 31C reaches to a predetermined position, the retaining portion 311C of the retainer 31C will not retain the second connection element 20C anymore, so that the second connection element 20C can be detached and separated from the first connection element 10C to unlock the accessory lock.

In other words, according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the retaining portion 311C of the retainer 31C is pressed into the holding cavity 301C, the retaining portion 311C of the retainer 31C will not retain the second connection element 20C anymore, so that the second connection element 20C can be detached and separated from the first connection element 10C to unlock the accessory lock.

In detail, the lock device 30C further comprises an resilient element 32C provided in the holding cavity 301C. The retainer 31C is supported by the resilient element 32C. When the retainer 31C is pressed toward the resilient element 32C, the resilient element 32C is pressed by the retainer 31C to compress toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301C, so that the retainer 31C can be pressed to move toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301C, so that the retaining portion 311C of the retainer 31C move into the holding cavity 301C and will not hold the second connection element 20C anymore.

It is worth mentioning that, after the pressure applied to the retainer 31C is released, the resilient element 32C returns to a released state and pushes the retainer 31C to move out of the holding cavity 301C.

In other words, when the resilient element 32C is in a released state, the retaining portion 311C of the retainer 31C is kept out of the holding cavity 301C, referring to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12C. When a pressure is applied to the retainer 31C toward the resilient element 32C, the retainer 31C presses the resilient element 32C to compress, so that the retainer 31C is moved into the holding cavity 301C, and will not provide a holding effect anymore, referring to FIG. 12B.

The lock device 30C further comprises a holding member 33C provided to retain the holding portion 312C of the retainer 31C within the holding cavity 301C. In detail, the holding member 33C is provided to the connection portion 11C of the first connection element 10C, forming an opening 3011C of holding cavity 301C. The size of the opening 3011C is made small enough to prevent the holding portion 312C of the retainer 31C from being pressed out of holding cavity 301C by the resilient element 32C.

According to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the retainer 31C is a spherical. The size of the opening 3011C is smaller than the diameter of the retainer 31C.

According to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the resilient element 32C is provided to the bottom of the holding cavity 301C.

Referring to FIGS. 12A˜12C of the drawings, the lock device 30C further has a through hole 302C formed in the second connection element 20C. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the connection portion 11C of the first connection element 10C is operated to enter into the through hole 302C, so that the second connection element 20C can be connected and locked to the first connection element 10C by the retainer 31C.

The shape and size of the through hole 302C are preferred to well match with the shape and size of the connection portion 11C of the first connection element 10C, so that the connection portion 11C can smoothly enter into the through hole 302C.

According to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection portion 11C entered into the through hole 302C will not rotate therein. In detail, the cross-section of the through hole 302C is not in circular shape, such as semicircle shape. Correspondingly, the cross-section of the connection portion 11C is shaped to well match well with the cross-section of the through hole 302C.

In particular, each of the through hole 302C and the connection portion 11C is in pillar shape and has a non-circular cross-section matching with each other.

According to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the retaining portion 12C of the first connection element 10C is cylindrical, having an axis coinciding with the axis of the connection portion 11C.

According to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the extending direction of the holding cavity 301C is vertical with the extending direction of the axis of the connection portion 11C. The retainer 31C and the resilient element 32C are arranged along the extending direction of the holding cavity 301C.

Referring to FIG. 11 of the drawings, the retaining portion 311C of the retainer 31C has a round surface 3111C, so that the locking and unlocking of the accessory lock can be relatively easier.

FIGS. 12A˜12C illustrate a locking process of the accessory lock.

Referring to FIG. 12A of the drawings, the resilient element 32C of the lock device 30C is in a released state. The retainer 31C is supported by the resilient element 32C. The holding portion 312C of the retainer 31C is held within the holding cavity 301C by the holding member 33C. The retaining portion 311C of the retainer 31C protrudes out of the holding cavity 301C.

The connection portion 11C of the first connection element 10C is operated to penetrate through the through hole 302C provided in the second connection element 20C. After the retainer 31C is pushed into the through hole 302C, a force is applied to push the connection portion 11C of the first connection element 10C into the through hole 302C. Under the action of the pushing force, the retainer 31C is pressed by the second connection element 20C to move toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301C. Then, the retainer 31C presses the resilient element 32C to compress, so that the retaining portion 311C of the retainer 31C is compressed to move downwardly into the holding cavity 301C, as shown in FIG. 12B of the drawings. Then, the connection portion 11C of the first connection element 10C enters into the through hole 302C provided in the second connection element 20C.

After the retaining portion 311C of the retainer 31C passed through the through hole 302C, the retaining portion 311C retains and locks the second connection element 20C to the first connection element 10C, as shown in FIG. 12C of the drawings.

FIGS. 13˜14 illustrate an accessory lock according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The accessory lock comprises a first connection element 10D and a second connection element 20D.

At an unlocked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10D and the second connection element 20D are separated from each other. At a locked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10D is retained and locked to the second connection element 20D, referring to FIG. 13 of the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 14 of the drawings, the accessory lock comprises a lock device 30D. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10D is retained and locked to the second connection element 20D by the lock device 30D, referring to FIG. 14 of the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 14 of the drawings, the lock device 30D comprises a retainer 31D. The retainer 31D is provided at the first connection element 10D. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the lock device 30D retains the second connection element 20D at a predetermined position of the first connection element 10D.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20D is coupled to the first connection element 10D, and the second connection element 20D coupled to the first connection element 10D is held by the retainer 31D at the predetermine position of first connection element 10D.

More particular, the first connection element 10D comprises a connection portion 11D and a retaining portion 12D. According to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retaining portion 12D and the connection portion 11D are integrally formed as a ball body.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20D is coupled to the connection portion 11D of the first connection element 10D, and the second connection element 20D coupled to the connection portion 11D of the first connection element 10D is retained between the retainer 31D and the retaining portion 12D of first connection element 10D. In other words, the second connection element 20D is retained by both the retainer 31D of the lock device 30D and the retaining portion 12D of first connection element 10D, so that the second connection element 20D is locked to the predetermined position of the first connection element 10D, at the locked state of the accessory lock. In other words, the second connection element 20D is retained by the retaining portion 12D of first connection element 10D and locked to the connection portion 11D of the first connection element 10D by the retainer 31D of the lock device 30D.

Referring to FIG. 14 of the drawings, the lock device 30D has a holding cavity 301D formed in the first connection element 10D. The retainer 31D is disposed in the holding cavity 301D. In detail, the retainer 31D comprises a retaining portion 311D and a holding portion 312D integrally connecting with the retaining portion 311D to form the ball body. The holding portion 312D of the retainer 31D is held within the holding cavity 301D.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the retaining portion 311D of the retainer 31D is positioned out of the holding cavity 301D for retaining the second connection element 20D at the predetermined position of the connection portion 11D of the first connection element 10D.

When a pressing force is applied to the retainer 31D to move towards the holding cavity 301D, the retainer 31D is compressed to move toward the holding cavity 301D. After the retaining portion 311D of the retainer 31D reaches a predetermined position, the retaining portion 311D of the retainer 31D will not retain the second connection element 20D anymore and the locked state of the accessory lock is released, and the second connection element 20D can be detached and separated from the first connection element 10D to unlock the accessory lock.

According to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the retaining portion 311D of the retainer 31D is pressed into the holding cavity 301D, the retaining portion 311D of the retainer 31D will not hold the second connection element 20D anymore, so that the second connection element 20D can be detached and separated from the first connection element 10D, so that the accessory lock is unlocked.

The lock device 30D further comprises an resilient element 32D disposed in the holding cavity 301D to support the retainer 31D in such a manner that the retaining portion 311D of the retainer 31D is positioned out of the holding cavity 301D. When the retainer 31D is pressed toward the resilient element 32D, the resilient element 32D is compressed by the retainer 31D to move toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301D, so that the retainer 31D can be pressed to move toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301D until the retaining portion 311D of the retainer 31D is compressed to move into the holding cavity 301D that will not retain the second connection element 20D anymore.

It is worth mentioning that, after the pressure applied to the retainer 31D is released, the resilient element 32D returns to a released state. While the resilient element 32D returning to the released state, the resilient element 32D pushes the retainer 31D to move in an opposite direction away from the holding cavity 301D, so that the retaining portion 311D of the retainer 31D moves out of the holding cavity 301D again by the resilient force of the resilient element 32D.

In other words, when the resilient element 32D is in a released state, the retaining portion 311D of the retainer 31D is kept out of the holding cavity 301D. When a pressing force is applied to the retainer 31D towards the resilient element 32D, the retainer 31D presses the resilient element 32D to compress and move into the holding cavity 301D to release a retaining effect of the retainer 31D.

The lock device 30D further comprises a holding member 33D provided to hold the holding portion 312D of the retainer 31D within the holding cavity 301D. In detail, the holding member 33D is provided at the connection portion 11D of the first connection element 10D that forms an opening 3011D of holding cavity 301D. The size of the opening 3011D is preferred to be small enough to prevent the holding portion 312D of the retainer 31D from being pressed out of holding cavity 301D.

According to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the shape of the retainer 31D is spherical to form the ball body, the size of the opening 3011D is smaller than a diameter of the retainer 31D.

According to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the resilient element 32D is disposed in a bottom portion of the holding cavity 301D.

Referring to FIGS. 14 of the drawings, the lock device 30D has a through hole 302D formed in the second connection element 20D. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the connection portion 11D of the first connection element 10D penetrates through the through hole 302D and the second connection element 20D can be retained and locked to the first connection element 10D by the retainer 31D.

The shape and size of the through hole 302D is arranged to well match with the shape and size of the connection portion 11D of the first connection element 10D, so that the connection portion 11D can smoothly enter into and passing through the through hole 302D.

According to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection portion 11D can pass through the through hole 302D and will not rotate in the through hole 302D. In particular, the through hole 302D has a square or rectangular cross sectional shape. Correspondingly, the retaining portion 12D of the first connection element 10D also has a square or rectangular cross sectional shape well matching with the through hole 302D while the connection portion 11D also has a square rectangular cross sectional shape with a size larger than the through hole 302D, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

According to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, an axial direction of the holding cavity 301D is perpendicular to an axial direction of the first connection element 10D the connection portion 11D. The retainer 31D and the resilient element 32D are installed in the holding cavity 301D along the axial direction of the holding cavity 301D.

Referring to FIG. 13 of the drawings, the retaining portion 311D of the retainer 31D has a round surface 3011D, so as to facilitate the locking and unlocking of the accessory lock.

FIGS. 15A˜15C illustrate an accessory lock according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The accessory lock comprises a first connection element 10E and a second connection element 20E.

At an unlocked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10E and the second connection element 20E are separated from each other, referring to FIG. 15A of the drawings. At a locked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10E is retained and locked to the second connection element 20E, referring to FIG. 15C of the drawings.

The accessory lock comprises a lock device 30E. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10E is retained and locked to the second connection element 20E by the lock device 30E, referring to FIG. 15C of the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 15A˜15C of the drawings, the lock device 30E comprises a retainer 31E. The retainer 31E is provided to the first connection element 10E. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the lock device 30E retains the second connection element 20E at a predetermined position of the first connection element 10E.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20E is coupled to the first connection element 10E, and the second connection element 20E coupled to the first connection element 10E is held by the retainer 31E at the predetermine position of first connection element 10E.

More particular, the first connection element 10E comprises a connection portion 11E and a retaining portion 12E. According to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retaining portion 12E and the connection portion 11E are integrally formed as a ball body.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20E is coupled to the connection portion 11E of the first connection element 10E, and the second connection element 20E coupled to the connection portion 11E of the first connection element 10E is retained between the retainer 31E and the retaining portion 12E of first connection element 10E, as shown in FIG. 15C of the drawings. In other words, the second connection element 20E is retained by both the retainer 31E of the lock device 30E and the retaining portion 12E of first connection element 10E, so that the second connection element 20E is locked to the predetermined position of the first connection element 10E at the locked state of the accessory lock. In other words, the second connection element 20E is retained by the retaining portion 12E of first connection element 10E and locked to the connection portion 11E of the first connection element 10E by the retainer 31E of the lock device 30E.

Referring to FIG. 15A of the drawings, the lock device 30E has a holding cavity 301E formed in the first connection element 10E. The retainer 31E is disposed in the holding cavity 301E. In detail, the retainer 31E comprises a retaining portion 311E and a holding portion 312E integrally connecting with the retaining portion 311E to form the ball body. The holding portion 312E of the retainer 31E is held within the holding cavity 301E.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the retaining portion 311E of the retainer 31E is positioned out of the holding cavity 301E for retaining the second connection element 20E at the predetermined position of the connection portion 11E of the first connection element 10E.

When a pressing force is applied to the retainer 31E to move towards the holding cavity 301E, the retainer 31E is compressed to move toward the holding cavity 301E. After the retaining portion 311E of the retainer 31E reaches to a predetermined position, the retaining portion 311E of the retainer 31E will not retain the second connection element 20E anymore, and the locked state of the accessory lock is released, and the second connection element 20E can be detached and separated from the first connection element 10E to unlock the accessory lock.

According to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the retaining portion 311E of the retainer 31E is pressed into the holding cavity 301E, the retaining portion 311E of the retainer 31E will not hold the second connection element 20E anymore, so that the second connection element 20E can be detached and separated from the first connection element 10E, so that the accessory lock is unlocked.

The retainer 31E is made of an elastic material. When the retainer 31E is pressed toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301E, the retainer 31E is compressed to deform from a ball shape to an oval shape, such that the deformed retaining portion 311E which is positioned out of the holding cavity 301E before the compression of the retainer 31E is completely positioned in the holding cavity 301E and will not retain and hold the second connection element 20E anymore.

It is worth mentioning that, after the pressure applied to the retainer 31E is released, the retainer 31E returns to a released state and ball shape. While the retainer 31E returning to the released state, the retaining portion 311E of the reformed retainer 31E extends out of the holding cavity 301E again.

In other words, when the retainer 31E is in a released state, the retaining portion 311E is kept out of the holding cavity 301E, referring to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15C. When a pressing force is applied to the retainer 31E, the retainer 31E is compressed to completely dispose in the holding cavity 301E to release a retaining effect of the retainer 31E, referring to FIG. 15B.

The lock device 30E further comprises a holding member 33E provided to hold the holding portion 312E of the retainer 31E within the holding cavity 301E. In detail, the holding member 33E is provided at the connection portion 11E of the first connection element 10E that forms an opening 3011E of holding cavity 301E. The size of the opening 3011E is preferred to be small enough to prevent the holding portion 312E of the retainer 31E from being pressed out of holding cavity 301E.

According to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the retainer 31E is a spherical to form the ball body, the size of the opening 3011E is smaller than a diameter of the retainer 31E.

Referring to FIGS. 15A˜15C of the drawings, the lock device 30E has a through hole 302E formed in the second connection element 20E. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the connection portion 11E of the first connection element 10E penetrates through the through hole 302E and the second connection element 20E can be retained and locked to the first connection element 10E by the retainer 31E.

The shape and size of the through hole 302E is arranged to well match with the shape and size of the connection portion 11E of the first connection element 10E, so that the connection portion 11E can smoothly enter into and passing through the through hole 302E.

According to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection portion 11E can pass through the through hole 302E and will not rotate in the through hole 302E. In particular, the through hole 302E has a semicircular cross sectional shape. Correspondingly, the connection portion 11E has a semicircular cross sectional shape matching with the through hole 302E.

According to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retaining portion 12E of the first connection element 10E is in cylindrical shape and is coaxially extended from the connection portion 11E.

According to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, an axial direction of the holding cavity 301E is perpendicular to an axial direction of the connection portion 11E.

The retaining portion 311E of the retainer 31E has a round surface 3011E, so as to facilitate the locking and unlocking of the accessory lock.

FIGS. 15A˜15C illustrate a locking process of the accessory lock.

Referring to FIG. 15A of the drawings, the retainer 31E of the lock device 30E is in a released state. The holding portion 312E of the retainer 31E is held within the holding cavity 301E by the holding member 33E. The retaining portion 311E of the retainer 31E is extended out of the holding cavity 301E.

The connection portion 11E of the first connection element 10E is operated to penetrate through the through hole 302E provided in the second connection element 20E. When the retainer 31E reaches the through hole 302E, a pushing force is applied to push the connection portion 11E of the first connection element 10E into the through hole 302E. Under the action of the pushing force, the retainer 31E is pressed by the second connection element 20E to compress and deform toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301E. Then, the retainer 31E is compressed until the retaining portion 311E of the retainer 31E is positioned within the holding cavity 301E, as shown in FIG. 15B of the drawings. Then, the connection portion 11E of the first connection element 10E is capable of entering into the through hole 302E provided in the second connection element 20E.

After the retaining portion 311E of the retainer 31E passed through the through hole 302E, the retaining portion 311E retains the second connection element 20E to the first connection element 10E, as shown in FIG. 15C of the drawings.

FIGS. 16˜21 illustrate an accessory lock according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The accessory lock comprises a first connection element 10F and a second connection element 20F.

At an unlocked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10F and the second connection element 20F are separated from each other, referring to FIG. 18A of the drawings.

At a locked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10F is retained and locked to the second connection element 20F, referring to FIG. 16 and FIG. 18C of the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 18A˜18C of the drawings, the accessory lock comprises a lock device 30F. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10F is retained and locked to the second connection element 20F by the lock device 30F, referring to FIG. 18C of the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 18A˜18C of the drawings, the lock device 30F comprises a retainer 31F. The retainer 31F is provided in the first connection element 10F. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the lock device 30F retains and holds the second connection element 20F at a predetermined position of the first connection element 10F.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20F is coupled to the first connection element 10F, and the second connection element 20F coupled to the first connection element 10F is retained by the retainer 31F at the predetermine position of first connection element 10F, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 18C of the drawings.

In particular, the first connection element 10F comprises a connection portion 11F and a retaining portion 12F. The connection portion 11F comprises a first connection part 111F and a second connection part 112F. According to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second connection part 112F integrally extends between the first connection part 111F and the retaining portion 12F.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20F is coupled to the connection portion 11F of the first connection element 10F, and the second connection element 20F coupled to the connection portion 11F of the first connection element 10F is retained and held between the retainer 31F and the retaining portion 12F of first connection element 10F, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 18C of the drawings. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20F is retained and held by both the retainer 31F of the lock device 30F and the retaining portion 12F of first connection element 10F, so that the second connection element 20F is locked at the predetermined position of the first connection element 10F. In other words, the second connection element 20F is retained and held by the retaining portion 12F of first connection element 10F and locked to the connection portion 11F of the first connection element 10F by the retainer 31F of the lock device 30F.

Referring to FIG. 18A of the drawings, the lock device 30F has a holding cavity 301F formed in the first connection element 10F. The retainer 31F is provided in the holding cavity 301F. In detail, the retainer 31F comprises a retaining portion 311F and a holding portion 312F integrally formed with the retaining portion 311F to form a ball body. The holding portion 312F of the retainer 31F is held within the holding cavity 301F.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the retaining portion 311F of the retainer 31F extends out of the holding cavity 301F for retaining and holding the second connection element 20F at the predetermined position of the connection portion 11F of the first connection element 10F.

When a pressing force is applied to the retainer 31F toward the holding cavity 301F, the retainer 31F is pressed to move toward the holding cavity 301F. When the retaining portion 311F of the retainer 31F reaches at a predetermined position, the retaining portion 311F of the retainer 31F will not retain and hold the second connection element 20F anymore, so that the second connection element 20F can be detached and separated from the first connection element 10F to unlock the accessory lock.

According to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the retaining portion 311F of the retainer 31F is pressed into the holding cavity 301F, the retaining portion 311F of the retainer 31F will not retain and hold the second connection element 20F anymore, so that the second connection element 20F can be detached and separated from the first connection element 10F so as to unlock the accessory lock.

In detail, the lock device 30F further comprises an resilient element 32F provided in the holding cavity 301F. The retainer 31F is supported by the resilient element 32F. When the retainer 31F is pressed toward the resilient element 32F, the resilient element 32F is pressed by the retainer 31F to compress toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301F, so that the retainer 31F can be pressed to move toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301F until the retaining portion 311F of the retainer 31F moves into the holding cavity 301F and will not retain and hold the second connection element 20F anymore.

It is worth mentioning that, after the pressure applied to the retainer 31F is released, the resilient element 32F returns to a released state thereof. While the resilient element 32F returning to the released state, the resilient element 32F pushes the retainer 31F to move in an opposite direction away from the holding cavity 301F until the retaining portion 311F of the retainer 31F moves to be positioned out of the holding cavity 301F.

In other words, when the resilient element 32F is in a released state, the retaining portion 311F of the retainer 31F is kept to be extended out of the holding cavity 301F, referring to FIG. 18A and FIG. 18C. When the retainer 31F receives a pressure toward the resilient element 32F, the retainer 31F presses the resilient element 32F to compress until the retainer 31F moves into the holding cavity 301F and will not provide a retaining effect anymore, referring to FIG. 18B.

The lock device 30F further comprises a holding member 33F to hold the holding portion 312F of the retainer 31F within the holding cavity 301F. In detail, the holding member 33F is provided at the connection portion 11F of the first connection element 10F, forming an opening 3011F of holding cavity 301F. A size of the opening 3011F is small enough to prevent the holding portion 312F of the retainer 31F from being pressed out of holding cavity 301F.

According to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the retainer 31F is a spherical. The size of the opening 3011F is smaller than the diameter of the retainer 31F.

According to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the resilient element 32F is provided at the bottom of the holding cavity 301F.

Referring to FIGS. 18A˜18C of the drawings, the lock device 30F further has two through holes 302F, 303F formed at two ends of the second connection element 20F.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the connection portion 11F of the first connection element 10F enter into the through holes 302F, so that the second connection element 20F can be retained and locked to the first connection element 10F by the retainer 31F.

According to the fifth preferred embodiment, the second connection element 20F comprises two connection ends 21F and 22F and a connection body 23F integrally connecting with the two connection ends 21F and 22F, wherein the second connection element 20F is locked to form a close structure at the locked state of the accessory lock.

The shape and size of each of the through holes 302F and 303F are well matching with the first connection element 10F. In detail, the through holes 302F, each having a shape and a size corresponding to the shape and size of the first connection part 111F of the first connection element 10F, are adapted for the first connection part 111F passing therethrough. The through holes 303F, each having a shape and a size corresponding to the shape and size of the second connection part 112F of the first connection element 10F, are adapted for the second connection part 112F passing therethrough.

According to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connection part 111F is adapted to enter into the through hole 302F and will not rotate in the through hole 302F. In detail, the through hole 302F has a semicircular cross sectional shape. Correspondingly, the first connection part 111F also has a semicircular cross sectional shape well matching with that of the through hole 302F.

According to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second connection part 112F is adapted to enter into the through hole 303F. The through hole 303F is a circular hole. Correspondingly, the second connection part 112F has a circular shape for fittingly passing through the through hole 303F.

According to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the size of the retaining portion 12F of the first connection element 10F is bigger than the size of the through hole 303F.

According to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, an axial direction of the holding cavity 301F is perpendicular with an axial direction of the connection portion 11F. The retainer 31F and the resilient element 32F are arranged along the axial direction of the holding cavity 301F.

Referring to FIG. 16 of the drawings, the retaining portion 311F of the retainer 31F has a round surface 3111F to facilitate the locking and unlocking of the accessory lock.

FIGS. 18A˜18C illustrate a locking process of the accessory lock.

Referring to FIG. 18A of the drawings, the resilient element 32F of the lock device 30F is in a released state. The retainer 31F is supported by the resilient element 32F. The holding portion 312F of the retainer 31F is retained and held within the holding cavity 301F by the holding member 33F while the retaining portion 311F of the retainer 31F extends out of the holding cavity 301F.

The connection portion 11F of the first connection element 10F is operated to enter into the through hole 303F and then the through hole 302F formed in the second connection element 20F. After the retainer 31F reaches a position of the through hole 302F, a pushing force is applied to push the connection portion 11F of the first connection element 10F into the through hole 302F. Under the action of the pushing force, the retainer 31F is pressed by the second connection element 20F to move toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301F. Then, the retainer 31F presses the resilient element 32F to compress, so that the retaining portion 311F of the retainer 31F is pushed to be completely positioned in the holding cavity 301F, as shown in FIG. 18B of the drawings. Then, the connection portion 11F of the first connection element 10F is adapted to pass through the through hole 302F formed in the second connection element 20F.

After the retaining portion 311F of the retainer 31F passed through the through hole 302F, the retaining portion 311F retains and holds the second connection element 20F to the first connection element 10F, as shown in FIG. 18C of the drawings.

FIGS. 19˜21 illustrate some applications of the accessory lock according to the above fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 22˜24 illustrate an accessory lock according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The accessory lock comprises a first connection element 10G and a second connection element 20G.

At an unlocked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10G and the second connection element 20G are detached and separated from each other. At a locked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10G is retained and locked to the second connection element 20G. The accessory lock further comprises a lock device 30G. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the first connection element 10G is retained and locked to the second connection element 20G by the lock device 30G.

The lock device 30G comprises a retainer 31G. The retainer 31G is provided in the first connection element 10G. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the lock device 30G retains the second connection element 20G at a predetermined position of the first connection element 10G.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20G is coupled to the first connection element 10G, and the second connection element 20G coupled to the first connection element 10G is held by the retainer 31G to the predetermine position of first connection element 10G.

In particular, the first connection element 10G comprises a connection portion 11G and a retaining portion 12G. The connection portion 11G comprises a first connection part 111G and a second connection part 112G. According to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second connection part 112G integrally extends between the first connection part 111G and the retaining portion 12G.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the second connection element 20G is coupled to the connection portion 11G of the first connection element 10G, and the second connection element 20G coupled to the connection portion 11G of the first connection element 10G is held between the retainer 31G and the retaining portion 12G of first connection element 10G. In other words, the second connection element 20G is held by both the retainer 31G of the lock device 30G and the retaining portion 12G of first connection element 10G, so that the second connection element 20G is retained and locked to the predetermined position of the first connection element 10G, at the locked state of the accessory lock. In other words, the second connection element 20G is held by the retaining portion 12G of first connection element 10G and locked to the connection portion 11G of the first connection element 10G by the retainer 31G of the lock device 30G.

The lock device 30G has a holding cavity 301G formed in the first connection element 10G. The retainer 31G is provided in the holding cavity 301G. According to the sixth preferred embodiment, the retainer 31G comprises a retaining portion 311G and a holding portion 312G integrally formed a ball body, wherein the holding portion 312G of the retainer 31G is retained and held in the holding cavity 301G.

At the locked state of the accessory lock, the retaining portion 311G of the retainer 31G extends out of the holding cavity 301G, so as to hold the second connection element 20G at the predetermined position of the connection portion 11G of the first connection element 10G.

When a pressing force is applied to the retainer 31G toward the holding cavity 301G, the retainer 31G is pressed to move toward the holding cavity 301G. After the retaining portion 311G of the retainer 31G reaches a predetermined position, the retaining portion 311G of the retainer 31G is positioned in the holding cavity 301G and will not hold the second connection element 20G anymore, so that the second connection element 20G can be detached and separated from the first connection element 10G to unlock the accessory lock.

According to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lock device 30G further comprises an resilient element 32G provided in the holding cavity 301G. The retainer 31G is supported by the resilient element 32G. When the retainer 31G is pressed against the resilient element 32G, the resilient element 32G is compressed by the retainer 31G toward the bottom of the holding cavity 301G and the retainer 31G is pressed to move into the holding cavity 301G until the retaining portion 311G of the retainer 31G is completely positioned in the holding cavity 301G and will not retain and hold the second connection element 20G anymore.

It is worth mentioning that, after the pressure applied to the retainer 31G is released, the resilient element 32G returns to a released state. While the resilient element 32G returns to the released state, the resilient element 32G pushes the retainer 31G to move in the opposite direction away from the holding cavity 301G until the retaining portion 311G of the retainer 31G is positioned out of the holding cavity 301G.

In other words, when the resilient element 32G is in its released state, the retaining portion 311G of the retainer 31G is positioned above the holding cavity 301G. When a pressure is applied to the retainer 31G to push against the resilient element 32G, the retainer 31G presses the resilient element 32G to compress and the retainer 31G is moved into and positioned in the holding cavity 301G to release its retaining and holding effect.

The lock device 30G further comprises a holding member 33G to hold the holding portion 312G of the retainer 31G in position within the holding cavity 301G. In detail, the holding member 33G is provided at the connection portion 11G of the first connection element 10G, forming an opening 3011G of holding cavity 301G. The size of the opening 3011G is small enough to prevent the holding portion 312G of the retainer 31G from being pressed out of holding cavity 301G by the resilient element 32G.

According to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the retainer 31G is a ball body. The size of the opening 3011G is smaller than a diameter of the retainer 31G.

According to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the resilient element 32G is disposed a bottom portion of the holding cavity 301G.

The lock device 30G further has two through holes 302G and 303G formed at two ends of the second connection element 20G respectively. At the locked state of the accessory lock, the connection portion 11G of the first connection element 10G passes through the through holes 302G, wherein the second connection element 20G is retained at the first connection element 10G by the retainer 31G so as to lock with the second connection element 20G.

In detail, the second connection element 20G comprises two connection ends 21G and 22G and a connection body 23G integrally connected with the two connection ends 21G and 22G. According to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second connection element 20G is locked to form a close structure at the locked state of the accessory lock.

The shape and size of the through holes 302G and 303G is formed according to the shape and size of the connection portion 11G of the first connection element 10G, so that the connection portion 11G can smoothly pass through the through hole 302G and the through hole 303G.

According to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connection part 111G can enter into the through hole 302G and will not rotate in the through hole 302G. In detail, each of the through holes 302G and 303G has a semi-circular cross sectional shape. Correspondingly, the connection portion 11G also has a semi-circular shape well matching with that of the through hole 302G.

According to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the size of the retaining portion 12G of the first connection element 10G is bigger than the size of the through hole 303G.

According to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, an axial direction of the holding cavity 301G is perpendicular with an axial direction of the connection portion 11G. The retainer 31G and the resilient element 32G are arranged along the axial direction of the holding cavity 301G.

The retaining portion 311G of the retainer 31G has a round surface 3111G to facilitate the locking and unlocking of the accessory lock.

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An accessory lock, comprising:

a first connection element comprising a connection portion and a retaining portion connecting with the connection portion, wherein said connection portion has a holding cavity extending in a direction perpendicular with an axial direction of said connection portion;
a second connection element having at least one through hole; and
a lock device comprising a retainer disposed in said holding cavity of said connection portion of said first connection element, wherein at a locked state of said accessory lock, said second connection element is retained and held between said retainer and said retaining portion of said first connection element by said retainer while said first connection element passing through said through hole of said second connection element.

2. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 1, wherein said retainer comprises a retaining portion and a holding portion connecting with said retaining portion, wherein said holding portion is retained and held within said holding cavity, wherein at the locked state of said accessory lock, said retaining portion retains and holds said second connection element to said first connection element by said retainer.

3. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 2, wherein said retaining portion and said holding portion are integrally connected with each other.

4. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 2, wherein said retainer is made of an elastic material.

5. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 2, wherein said lock device further comprises a resilient element provided in said holding cavity, wherein said retainer is supported by said resilient element.

6. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 5, wherein said retainer has a ball shape.

7. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 6, wherein said lock device further comprises a holding member holding said holding portion of said retainer within said holding cavity, wherein said holding cavity has an opening defined by said holding member, wherein a size of said opening is smaller than a diameter of said retainer.

8. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 7, wherein said through hole has a semi-circular cross sectional shape and said connection portion also has a semi-circular cross sectional shape.

9. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 8, wherein said retaining portion of said first connection element has a circular cross sectional shape.

10. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 8, wherein said second connection element comprising a connection body, a first connection end and a second connection end, wherein said connection body is integrally extended between said first connection end and said second connection end.

11. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 1, wherein said first connection element has two ends, wherein said through hole is provided in one of said ends while another said end has another through hole provided therein and aligned with said through hole, wherein at said locked state, said first connection element passes through said two through holes of said second connection element and is retained and locked by said retainer of said first connection element.

12. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 8, wherein said first connection element has two ends, wherein said through hole is provided in one of said ends while another said end has another through hole provided therein and aligned with said through hole, wherein at said locked state, said first connection element passes through said two through holes of said second connection element and is retained and locked by said retainer of said first connection element.

13. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 10, wherein said first connection element has two ends, wherein said through hole is provided in one of said ends while another said end has another through hole provided therein and aligned with said through hole, wherein at said locked state, said first connection element passes through said two through holes of said second connection element and is retained and locked by said retainer of said first connection element.

14. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 12, wherein one of said through holes has a semi-circular cross sectional shape and said connection portion also has a semi-circular cross sectional shape correspondingly.

15. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 12, wherein each of said through holes has a circular cross sectional shape and said connection portion also has a circular cross sectional shape.

16. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 13, wherein one of said through holes has a semi-circular cross sectional shape and said connection portion also has a semi-circular cross sectional shape correspondingly.

17. The accessory lock, as recited in claim 13, wherein each of said through holes has a circular cross sectional shape and said connection portion also has a circular cross sectional shape.

18. A lock device for an accessory lock, comprising:

an resilient element; and
a holder supported by said resilient element, wherein said lock device has a holding cavity, wherein said holder comprises a retaining portion and a holding portion, wherein said holding portion is held within said holding cavity,

19. A method of locking and unlocking an accessory, comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving a connection portion of a first connection element in a through hole of a second connection element when said connection portion of said first connection element is pushed into said through hole of said second connection element;
(b) compressing, by said second connection element, a resilient element provided between a retainer and a bottom of a holding cavity formed in said connection portion of said first connection element, wherein said retainer is supported by said resilient element within said holding cavity, while said retainer is pushed toward said bottom of said holding cavity and positioned in said holding cavity, at an unlocked state of said accessory;
(c) enabling said connection portion of said first connection element passing through said through hole of said second connection element;
(d) pushing said retainer, by said resilient element, in an opposite direction away from said bottom of said holding cavity until a retaining portion of said retainer is positioned out of said holding cavity; and
(d) retaining and holding said first connection element at said second connection element by said retainer so as to lock said first connection element with said second connection element, at a locked state of said accessory.

20. The method, as recited in claim 19, further comprising the steps of:

(e) pushing said retainer into said holding cavity by said second connection element when said first connection element is detaching from said through hole of said second resilient element;
(f) compressing said resilient element until said retainer is positioned in said holding cavity, at an unlocked state of said accessory;
(g) enabling said connection portion of said first connection element passing through said through hole of said second connection element to separate said first connection element and said second connection element; and
(h) pushing said retainer, by said resilient element, in an opposite direction away from said bottom of said holding cavity until a retaining portion of said retainer is positioned out of said holding cavity, and thus said first connection element and said second connection element are unlocked.
Patent History
Publication number: 20190082799
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 18, 2017
Publication Date: Mar 21, 2019
Applicant: Hong Kong Bamboo Co., Ltd. (Kowloon)
Inventor: Billy Ho On Chan (Kowloon)
Application Number: 15/708,111
Classifications
International Classification: A44C 5/20 (20060101); A44B 17/00 (20060101); A44C 9/00 (20060101);